Budget Friendly Bugout: Is the XR650L the Perfect Bike to be Prepared for the Worst Case Scenario?
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 3 окт 2024
- In this video we partner with Mike Glover's Fieldcraft Survival and Rocky Mountain ATV/MC build the perfect budget bugout bike and put it to the test in the Arizona dessert. With these parts and accessories, the bike will not only be more comfortable for longer trips, but protected it for when the bike goes down.
Mike Glover- IG @mike.a.glover @MikeGloverActual
Mike Hernandez - IG @mike.a.hernandez @Mike.A.Hernandez
Fieldcraft Survival- IG @fieldcraftsurvival @fieldcraftsurvival
Rocky Mountain ATV/MC @rmatvmc
Join this channel to get access to perks:
/ @backcountryadvmoto
Check out Rocky Mountain ATV/MC for the parts we added to this bike. All links below are Affiliate links and help the channel without any extra out of pocket to you. Thanks for the support!
Tires- www.rockymount...
Skid Plate- www.rockymount...
Top Rack & Sub Frame Brace- www.rockymount...
Battery- www.rockymount...
Carb DynoJet Kit- www.rockymount...
Lexx Pipe- www.rockymount...
Fuel Tank- www.rockymount...
Handle Bars- www.rockymount...
Hand Guards- www.rockymount...
Shifter- www.rockymount...
Foot Brake- www.rockymount...
Headlight- www.rockymount...
Trailtech Voyager Pro- www.rockymount...
USB Ports- www.rockymount...
Footpegs- www.rockymount...
Luggage: moskomoto.com/...
**Do you want to support this channel? **
Check out the Store - backcountryadv...
Become a Producer - backcountryadv...
SHOP Revzilla’s Top gear for your bike: imp.i104546.ne...
RPM- Membership - imp.i104546.ne...
Want to send us something?
Send to : 524 E Sherman Rd Coeur d Alene ID 83814
Instagram: / backcountryadvmoto
Facebook: / backcountryadvmoto
website- backcountryadv...
Music from epidimicsound.com
Links to some of my favorite gear:
Arclite ETHOS VLD Moto Sunglasses- amzn.to/38xwRDu
Cardo Packtalk Edge - cardosystems.re...
Nemo Sleeping Bag - motocampnerd.c...
Nemo Fillow - motocampnerd.c...
Camp Chair - amzn.to/32X8rCl
Sea to Summit Pillow - amzn.to/2TQZ7Mm
Sea to Summit stuff sack - amzn.to/2TKo9fN
Sea to Summit Cook Set - amzn.to/2uZF4CL
Sleeping Pad - motocampnerd.c...
Baja No Pinch Tire Tool - amzn.to/2PUezpH
Great Tire Inflator - imp.i104546.ne...
Light weight Tire Irons - imp.i104546.ne...
Super Light Titanium wrenches - imp.i104546.ne...
The legendary XR650L is always the right answer.
Depends on what area of the country you live in. In the North East it's thick woods and mud, and mud. A Yamaha TW200 or a much smaller conventional dirt bike would rule. Probably not need anything larger than a 350 four stroke in the north east as you'd be traveling on snow machine trails, ATV trails, wooded single tracks and secondary roads.
@@SHL-ge3wn TW’s are cool too! Love those fat tires!
I've ridden this bike for a long time and it was exceptional good. A solid bike for all terrains.
Don’t forget to change out the thin OEM countershaft sprocket with a wider type Fritzco sprocket. This is supposedly the “weakness” to the XR650L in that the OEM sprocket will eventually wear grooves into the countershaft. Not sure as to how often this actually happens but a $25 investment is worth it.
We actually did that, but I didn’t mention it in the video. Totally forgot to thanks for the heads up though. I will mention it in the next video.
It's actually not an issue at all if you apply moly grease to the splines like the owner's manual says, but for some reason that practice has been forgotten and so people are wearing out their countershafts. The Fritzco is insurance against that for sure, though!
I have replaced counter shafts on 200 and 250 Hondas.
@@aTuWitty Yeah moly grease is also used on splined machine shafts. Without it they will fail in a short amount of time.
@@backcountryadvmoto I'm curious what size sprocket you put on. You were hitting 80+ mph and find it hard even with a 15 tooth.
Muffler to make it quieter
Flat Black
Low gearing to carry more weight, and lower fuel usage at low speeds.
emp shielding
headlight mod. one for just enough light. And one mode for bright light.
A EDC holder
7:55 the amount of fiberglass that is coming out of that new exhaust is wild. Looks like sparkles in the air. Definitely shoulda done that first start with it outside.
Was really looking forward to this. One thing I didn’t notice you guys put on the bike but I highly recommend is a front fork brace. Makes a big handling difference
Thanks I’ll add that to the list
Scott Summers developed one for Honda while dominating the GNCC series for a few years. If you do not know of him look him up. Should be some vid's of him. Honda should still be paying him for how many of them he sold for the company. I have been an XR guy from way back the first year the XR75 that altered the course of my life from stick and ball sports to a lifetime of dirtbike riding and racing. I have a 250 air cooled 4 stroke with ele start, KTM suspension, going to have to look into this build. Thanks
P.S. Scott Summers used to sale the fork braces, Might look and see.
I love my 650L….its not as slick as my 400R but it’s plated and works pretty damn good off-road IMO….
Not sure why these classics don’t get more love but the simplicity can’t be denied…Nice build you guys did there..👍
They're not exciting and new, that's what all these influencers and big review channels make their money off of.
However it's clear that a lot of people love old school bikes like this. The DR650 is very popular, as well as the Tw200.
The KLX300, XT250 and the Crf300 haven't changed much at all from their previous variants (other than a small displacement change and EFI) and have been sold for quite a while too.
Maybe the seat height? Tallest bike I've ever sat on.
@@alm4132 A lot of the people I talk to would love an XR650, but the seat height turns them away. I think it's a mixture of seat height + not shiny and new.
If the 400r had a magic button it would basically be the perfect bike.
The XR has been around longer than 30 years I've got one in my shop that's 42 years old still runs and rides great.
The XR identifier has yes, but the 650l has been around for 30 years. 1993-2023. That’s why Honda releases the 30 year anniversary additions we used in this video.
Not the L version
Not 650l
I grew up on the XR 600 R. They’re *basically* the same. That thing never failed me. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
For the worst case scenario you should remove the cv type carburetor and replace it with a slide carb like on the xr600. Also a kickstarter should be added. Replacing the stock headlight with LED is not a good idea, because if the LED burns out you're stuck with nothing. Carrying a spare light bulb for a stock light is easyier. Less electronics and good to go. The subframe support system was a really good idea
Just out of curiosity, how many LEDs have you seen burnt out? I haven't seen any. I've seen plenty of regular bulbs that have failed though.
Solid ideas for sure, I think the only thing I'd do differently is run a Lectron carb or something similar
LED will still be going way after you starve
Halogen bulbs can break super easily, that's not a very good idea either lol.
if you really wanted to you could keep a spare/ 3 inch slim light bar for a backup. which would also still put off more light than a standard halogen bulb.
Then it's best to use the original headlight, but instead of using halogen bulbs, buy some LED bulbs for that headlight, so they can be changed easily, in case of burning out. The problem with the modern headlight used in the video is that it uses a built in LED, and in case of going bad, you have to replace the whole headlight. We're talking about a bike for the tough times. I'd add a spare CDI unit to the bike, and since it's a Honda XR650L, the small piston ring gap should be also adressed, same as putting on an aftermarket oil cooler.@@bluemorpho4941
I had a XR 650R Great bike but no electric start so down the road it went . Crash and kick got old real quick.. I just bought a 2019 Africa Twin.I been watching your videos for a year or more. Keep up the great reviews .. Around Bend Oregon out on 2 wheels
Looks great guys love my 93 owned since the mid 90's and never let me down! Tons done to it almost all you can do! Lots of vids on my channel.. heres an old pros tip though never ever drill aluminum bars it creates a weak spot and can very easily snap off. Cut the little locating tab off instead!
Nice, well thought out upgrades. Consider a Renthal rear sprocket, the stock steel is heavy. Swap the counter sprocket with a thicker one like fritzco, won't wear the countershaft like the stock one will. Carry a spare CDI, with bad solder joints they go out sometimes. Risers for the handlebars. XR's only has an oil temp gauge. The flat slide kits are expensive, but you could use a FCR off a CRF with a Noss Machine adapter. Looking forward to the next in the series.
For very little money you can build a bracket out of perforated garage opener railing and install it right under the headlight in between where those round reflectors are. That gives you the chance to put any rectangular 7” or bigger LED LIGHT for highway or off road riding. That rear tire will go bald soon, I personally recommend the Dunlop Trailmax mission, it’s a serious 50/50 tire and fits perfectly to this motorcycle. About the emissions air filters carburetors it’s all a dream because the motorcycle has only five speeds doesn’t matter what you do you never will be cruising like you do on your crotch rocket. It’s a good bike to have it in your collection. Thank you for this video 🤩👏🏻
Forgot to mention Amazon carries an on/off switch independent and directly to the battery, so no need to be cutting or stripping the original motorcycle cables. Just search LED light on/off switch comes with the positive and negative to the battery, on/off switch to the handle bar and positive and negative to the light. These lights are less than 40 watts and the battery will support it without need to change the stator. With that output in lumens you can go off road as fast as you desire, good luck 👍🏼
Looking forward to the rest of the build! I had a 95 XR 600 and loved it so much except the 2 foot long kick starter!!
Rode one of these from new in 94 until 2019. It was a great bike.
How many miles did you get on her
Thanks for this great, informative video fellas. I was researching adv bikes that aren't outrageously priced for my personal real-world prepper bug-out bike. I liked the KLR650, however after research I considered the DR650, but after seeing this video I feel this bike is much more appropriate for my personal opinions on what a real bug-out bike and it's capabilities should be. You guys hit the nail on the head with the upgrades...Reliability, Range, Safety. Thank you!
I paid $1800 for my xr650L. Ride it all the time. Was doing 85 on the highway the other day. Great offroad also. It also has a 5.8 gallon tank.
How is the pull from 65 to 85 mph
It was the XR600R 8 times in a row and 12 time's total Larry Rossler and Bruce Ogilve R.I.P. RIP in Peace Bruce 🙏
I'm totally digging your XR650 build, old school badass!
Great video, guys. I remember when these bikes were first introduced in the mid 80s, and its nice to see that they're still just as relevant now as they were back then. I would like to have seen the before and after weight comparison on this build.
I always said this bike is the perfect for a SHTF or EMP situation.
We’ve wrapped the CDI to make it EMP proof. Not much left to do to make it last the worst case senecio
Happy we think alike, would be nice to see a video of that, even as a short format RUclips Short, plenty of people would love an " EMP Proofing a Motorcycle video" too bad half of them on the market have transistors and PCB boards all over the place@@backcountryadvmoto
I have a bike I built with an 87 honda 250x engine it is very fuel efficient and the bike handles well on and off road. I have decided it is no longer the ideal machine for emergency situations because winter hit and u can't ride a bike in deep snow and definitely not ice on roads, for a chunk of the year I have no vehicle for that situation so I figure a 4 weeler might be better suted for me
Really good video. Great to see you out riding a core bike again and motocamping(which brought me to your channel in the first place). Always loved the Honda XR’s. Looking forward to gen 2 of the build.
This is one of the reasons I bought a 2023 also, solid bike. A great, simple platform for many different builds. A larger stator. A real build is swapping 2nd, 5th gear, 14t-48t drivetrain, change that spinnaker of a front fender for higher speeds, I run a trail tech vapor for rpm, and oil temp, head temp. I haven't decided on carb yet
Swapping 2nd and 5th for what? Clue me in?
great video, brings back memories of Trans Am Trail ride 22 years ago, keep up the great content in AZ
I had the 1989 XR600R until October of 2022 when I reluctantly sold my old girl. She never missed a beat and I rode sand , mud rock gardens and the Aussie bush. The bike was a little heavy at 125 KG or 275 lbs and if it fell on you was one heavy bench press but man that thing would just tractor. I ran 14/48 sprockets and it would just eat up the bush. Any prolonged Highway I swapped out the front sprocket 15T to drop the revs a bit bit without needing to change chain. I mainly trailered the bike to the Bush with all the tools and camp gear . Many a guy has taken a 600 around the world, across the Aussie desert and the testament to how good those engines and bikes were and still are. Honda's only real competitor to the Yamaha Teneré 700 but in a single cylinder.
Outstanding video guys! I'm going soon to get my new 650. Mickey 59 in NY
Fun vid. When I was looking for this type of bike to replace my KTM 790 with something more off road worthy I ended up getting the SWM Superdual 650 after a lot of research. It is 8K new, has a way more powerful water cooled engine, EFI, adjustable suspension, windshield, full crash bars, full engine protection, rear grab handles, super stout rear rack, center stand, auxiliary lights... ALL STOCK. If people would look outside the box some there are some really cool bike out there. I've been hammering it all over the western US the last 8 months, best 50/50 bike I've tried, and I have ridden a lot of bikes. The AJP PR7 is also VERY cool but not factory street legal.
Loving the content. Am I the only one who noticed the Surfire Siletto....then your kit. Alumni? IYKYK. Thank you. Purchased my XR650L March of 2023. Love it.
Excellent build guys! Cant wait to see more on this!
Thanks brother
I love the 5.8 gallon plastic tank. All ADV bikes should have a 5+ gallon tank. If you don't want the weight up high, you don't need to fill it all the way, and the added volume can be used to protect the rest of the bike in a fall and as fairings for the rider's legs. My baby GS has a pitiful 2.9 gallon tank so I'm forced to carry fuel which is dumber than dirt, and nobody makes an aftermarket tank for the G310GS, even though it's my only real complaint about that bike.
I’d agree in principle, but in recent years I’ve stated thinking about the problem in terms of range rather than capacity.. For my riding, I think 250 miles is the bare minimum for an adv bike; on a crf300l, that probably means about 4.5g. For a big 1250 GSA, it’s over 6. Bonus fact; the largest tank I’m aware of for the 300 is 3.5g. Boo, hiss. Yes, supplementary tanks solve that, but still. :)
This is great! Loving the classic bike build.
Excited to see what else you do with this. I have a 2015 XR that I've neglected for some time. Makes me want to go out and get it back up to snuff.
Husqvarna 701 front fender use that & xr250r Baja headlight this will give a new front look to bike
My local dealer has one on the floor. It's so tempting to grab it... even though I have a KLR and 501S in the garage.
This was therapeutic! I've owned just about every dirt bike under the sun, but I always have a special place in the corner of the shop for the pig, which is my second one! Accessorizing is almost as fun as the ride!
Always thought the TW would be a good fit.
Easy to wheel indoors for cover too.
I had the XR650R that I fully made street legal thanks to Rocky Mnt and XR's Only. That was a great bike and there is a video of me out there riding not to far from your location while my buddy was filming on his XR650L. We switched at one point so he could try the R out. All I will say is "2 completely different bikes" one not better than the other but just engineered for 2 different things. I wish I still had that bike but now that I'm older the electric start, plush suspension and air cooled engine don't sound bad. Though I will miss the power my R made and the way it would fly through the desert at 65-110 with ease!
I have a 2020 XRL that I bought new. I ride in sand washes that are strewn with rocks. Very challenging. The Honda is excellent in that stuff. I have not touched the suspension. I am 220 in street clothes. I am an older rider at 72 so I bought a smaller lighter dual sport for the more technical stuff. But it is no match in the deep sand for the Honda which is why I won't ever get rid of it.
The other thing is, that I checked the valve clearances at 600 miles and then again at a little over 3000 miles and they were still within factory spec! I do plan on adding a oil cooler. I debated doing that for a long time since I don't want another thing exposed that can get crush or damaged in a fall. But, I concluded that the benefits out weigh the risk. I have been using the Motoz rear tires with very good success. These bike tend to eat rear tires since there is no cush drive. I agree with your assessment that the Honda is still relevant and awesome after all these years.
Rackless systems keep the weight lower and forward. Thus it does not adversly impact handling as much. Strap it on tight and keep the heavy stuff low and center.
That's really an awesome build!!! A small windscreen and you could travel that bike anywhere you want to go and have a blast doing it. 😊😊😊
I have a 2017 that I bought new, I did pretty much all the mods you guys did, I recommend getting rid of the octopus emissions thing, that actually hurts the engine by causing backfires and overheating, it serves no purpose but keep Californian regulators happy. I also changed the carburetor for a Mikuni HSR pumper, if you do that, disconnect the pump and save yourself a lot of hours of unsuccessful jetting tests, with the pump connected it never runs right, with the pump disconnected it runs the way it should have from factory.
Replace front 650L sprocket with the one from the 650R. You guys should make a video of the Suzuki DR650 as well. Of the old thumpers the DR is my favorite.
Bigger fuel tank and the gear mod for gears 2 and 5. And being in Az maybe give an oil cooler a thought too.
how much bigger should they get?
This was a great video. I just sold a 2003 250 and now I want this 650 lol
I actually went to buy one of these one time and Honda thumbed their nose at my well established 790 credit score. I could have got my credit union to do it, but it kinda hacked me off at them. Bought a Suzuki dr650 from next door. I don’t doubt that Honda is a jam up machine. The dr650 is every bit as much bike with a cult like following and aftermarket support to match. Funny what happens when a manufacturer put out a solid machine, with a solid design,and sells it unchanged for 30 years. It is kind of a blank canvas when you get it, then you focus it to your needs and riding style as you modify it over the years. Since 2010 mine has morphed into an adventure bike with windshield, oversized fuel tank, carb re jet,exhaust, large panniers, top trunk, and more comfy seat. It has taken me back and forth to work, a few times through a disaster zone after a hurricane and a wicked flood faithfully for 20,000 miles and counting. Not a single issue, oil change and air filter service every 5000 miles after 500 mile break in service.adjusted the valves once. And swapped out several tires. I just got my harley back from a friend I sold it to, both kids about to be in school, so the mrs is showing intrest in learning to ride and getting her motorcycle endorsement. So the Ol trusty dr is about to morph into a supermoto. Lowering kit, supermoto aluminum mag rims that accept tubeless tires. To drop the seat height down to a level she can build confidence with as a new rider. Might even re jet the carb to factory settings and re install the factory exhaust to calm the power back down as it will do roll on wheelies in first and second as is if cranked on. Just enough power to get down the interstate, but extremly forgiving in stock form.
I hope you did Dave's mods for the carb when rejetting. The fork brace is a must for the XRL when you are riding offroad as someone mentioned.
If anyone wants a XR650L with 3K miles on it and all the sparkels, I have one for sale in NW Wyoming.
Below $3k?
@@solosix3991 The stock bike is worth $5K and I have over $2K in farkles, what do you think.
No one ever keeps these long. Too old of a design, no tach, no engine cooling, tank too small, too tall for 90% of people. People keep KLR’s for 30k miles.
I had mine 12 years and i love it for what it is
@@slalomkingspeak for yourself. I’ve had mine for over 3 1/2 years now and do hare scrambles with it all the time.
Any adventure bike that you plan on actually riding needs an oversized tank. Air cooled, I drop it, I don’t have to worry about breaking radiators. It’s tall, I’ll give you that, but if you’re 6’ tall you’re fine, 90% aren’t built for a 340lbs adventure bike anyways. No tach? You’re probably better off in a car if you can’t distinguish how to shift based on sound. It’s an old design, if it isn’t broke, don’t fix it.
Klr’s weigh what feels like a metric ton, I would hate to own something so heavy and so underpowered.
I hope you add a fork brace, It stabilizes the front end in the washy sand. Then a scotts above bar stabilizer allows you to get to the oil fill and takes away the rock dives on rocky two track!
I wish I had an XR 650L and go adventures like you guys did.
Good video. I had a XR600R in the 90s. I wish we could get the XR650L in Europe 😢
I've been a huge fan of this bike ever since I was a kid, watching all RUclips videos of it, unfortunately it's not available in Europe 😭
I bought a new 2022 XR650. And for a bike that only cost $99 a month I have way too much fun! In 6000 miles all I've had to do is 3 oil changes and adjust the valves once.
That's impressive for the bike, but you couldn't afford to buy it outright? It's cheaper than some pedal road bikes?
@@bbaz6729not everyone has 5-6k spare
@@bbaz6729 A lot of people still do credit even if they can afford the total down. If there is a credit option with a good rate why not? It's less out of pocket.
I love the project and the XR is a time tested platform and there's a reason they still make them. @Mike H - Did you black out your Rally? Looks sick! I'm a huge fan of both of you guys channels. I think you are missing the point in a few areas of having a reliable Bugout / SHTF bike. - - Why change to a Li battery? I don't think they are as reliable as standard Gel or stock batt. They don't like cold and I've seen too many problems with them that the weight savings isn't worth it IMO. Why put a loud pipe on a bugout bike? Draw's attention while the stock is nice and stealthy. The weight savings on a 650 pig is negligible. Stock Brake and shifters are also easy to bend back into shape after a fall vs the aluminum ones that can just snap. For reliability in SHTF I'd stay stock and carry spares. Bash plate isn't just for bottoming out. It protects the bottom from smaller rocks flying up especially in the desert conditions like you guys were in. I'd also get a spare CDI/ECU and put it in a faraday bag for the future. I'm a survival genera fan so these things stuck out to me.
Now lower it I did mine I am 6ft 4 and it still fits me great and makes it a entirely different bike . I live in Marana Az if you want to ride mine . Plus a couple other things have been done. Be safe RIDE ON
Infelizmente no Brasil não temos esta moto! A Nossa última fabricada foi a XR 250 que ficou até 2008 somente. Parabéns !!!
Phenomenal work
This is the unicorn! And it's old skool!! Nice bloody work.
I don’t know why everyone pulls apart the XR it’s a great bike for everything, it’s a 650 talk to some flat track racers they will tell you what to do to make it out run everything in its class if that’s what you want but if you want a great all around bike this is it and so reliable too
Interesting, similarly I converted my old XR628R into a Dual-Sport. It’s my one bike that has never let me down...
Nice adventure guys! Definitely a keeper and a bike perfect to build on ad develop to the perfect bugout bike.
Rock solid video kyle. Really enjoyed this build, and what a great camping spot too. It’s time to go ride and camp.. keep crushing it.
Bar none the greatest motor ever made as far as longevity and dependability goes, they never left me stranded in the woods in enduros or GNCC's. Im small and the XR250 fits me best.
This is the first video I’ve seen on your channel. Very impressed. Used to work for Honda motorcycles. Very familiar with the XR650L.
Honda suspension is good on that motorcycle. I personally used race tech suspension on mine.
What was the chest pouch you were wearing?
Also, what was the deal with the radio?
Look forward to future videos!
I have a 1994 XR250L and love it but I have reached my limits on it and am looking to upgrade to the 650L looks like a great bike.
650 would be a downgrade as far as Off-road capability.......250 is usually a full sprung Dirt Bike, better clearance, it will go Faster and better in single track and tighter stuff. 650 would be a heavy slug in tighter more nasty off-road terrain, don't care what anyone says.....if you want an upgrade, go 450cc.
Budget friendly is a relative thing. If you start off with a used one, maybe. But XR650Ls are currently selling new for $7k msrp plus dealer fees (delivery, assembly, etc.). Then you need to put about $1500-2000 worth of mods on it to get it dialed in right, you’re up over 10 grand and still have a 1990’s bike.
The XR650L is the fatter, slower brother to the XR600R. The XR650R is a totally different bike and Honda shouldn't have even referred to it as an XR. I love the XR650L and XR650R so much (I've owned the former and traveled the US and Canada on it and I currently own the R). The R is the king of Baja. The XR650L forks would explode before it reached 1000 miles of whoops, I'm sure.
Just a suggestion, with that weight on the rear, you are going to either want to weld a frame reinforcement or get the SW-Motech subframe braces. The frames are prone to cracking at the rear-most joint.
Totally agree about the 650 R. That bike was and is amazing. Wish they could’ve just added an electric start to that bike and called it good. As far as your second part of your comment. Maybe rewatch the video. I put a reinforcement on the rear subframe and talk about it extensively a couple times in the video 👍🏻
@@backcountryadvmoto that should be the bike that Honda would sell worldwide like cupcakes
The XR650L forks are essentially the same as the XR600R forks, just different spring rates, and the XR600R won the Baja from 1996-1998, and the XR650R won from 1999-2005. The XRL could do 1000 miles of whoops pretty easily. Not as nicely as a 600R or 650R, since it weighs a bit more, but it could do it.
Need to to de-smog that bike, makes a huge difference
The XR600R was the predecessor to the XR650R, both baja champions. The L is kind of a spin off of the older XR600R that is meant to be more of a cheap, reliable dual sport without any bells and whistles.
Quality video - excellent information. Who doesn't love wrenching on a brand new bike adding all those add-ons! Music reminded me of On any Sunday...lol. Let's see some more...
Glad you enjoyed it!
Very cool bike, I want it! Thanks for the content.
I just wanna point out that in terms of efficiency, a 650 is actually a huge bike. I'm 6' and 160 lbs. and I'm gettin around great on a Honda cb125, and doin over 100 miles per gallon (which would be super important in a bug-out bike..) so for me a 250 would be huge. I mean how often do you need to go 70 mph anyway, and in a bug-out situatio, think about it. just food for thought.. cool build tho , sick video
How often do you need to go 70? The damn speed limit is 75- 80 mph and even then everyone is going 5-10mph over the speed limit.
Sure you’re right, normally, but In a bug-out scenario? The interstate is gridlocked. You’ll be weaving traffic or on the shoulder or in the ditch.
Total cost if you were purchasing all that you up graded? Roughly. Nice to see you out and riding. Although no Moose yet. Yep it’s me. Ha Take care.
KLR 650 for the win. Since the early 80's
Re-jetting a carb can really wake a bike up. Did it to my Crf230f and it feels like a 250 now with the t6 pro circut exhaust. A 110 is what I used but for a 650 it would be probably 138 or even higher with a ballsy exhaust. It allready had some power but jetting and exhaust wakes a bike up.
Nice to see that skid plate design protects the left side cover. Ricochet’s does not.
I love this bike and build. I may add one to the garage one day.
You should!
I can move around road blocks. Side walks. Fences. Obstructions. Things cars cannot. Single track paths. And gasoline will be scarce. Having a small engine is key.
The BRP is a legend!
I have an XR150L, and think the 650's little brother might be even better in such a scenario where fuel could be scarce. 110 MPG and a 300 mile range on a tank might be important.
I had the last honda xr 650 r that came to Australia . What a beast of a bike it was . l made the mistake of selling it then honda made the decision to focus on CRF s for Australia . 😢
Like the video. Like all the options. All cool stuff. Bug out to me in this would be bug out to a moto camp trip in the woods. However, this is NOT a BUDGET bike build. Unless 2k+ is the budget.
Engine case covers are a must!!! Ask me how I know.
Draining your oil in the middle of no where and walking sucks!
Awesome build. I will stick to my DR650 for a "bug out" dual sport, the aftermarket I so much larger than the Honda. More parts means keeping it running longer.
Highly recommend the super thick front sprocket from Super Pinion, twice as thick as the Fritz
I did add the front sprocket. Just forget to mention it 👍🏻
Great upgrades with that slick LED light and boss 5.6 gallon tank? The guard looks beefy and the larger pegs will be nice, need do that on my GS.
Awesome that these are still so cheap and basic new, good
for Honda and Suzuki.
I've owned the 650L and it's a perfectly adequate machine but a KTM 690 Enduro R is an absolute overlanding weapon.
But honestly for bug out purposes, I'm sticking with a utility ATV.
Love these build videos, great job. DR650 is definitely a better bugout bike though, that XR carries so much weight up high, absolute handful. You need a donkey for the zombie apocalypse, not a giraffe.
They are both excellent motorcycles. The XR just has a little bit of an edge off-road. I’m 5’8 and don’t seem to really have much of a problem with the height. The bike was comfortable for me at least. But you really can’t go wrong with either one.
Maybe even a tw200 with one of those massive wide tail racks for loot… great mpg +carry supplemental fuel… and so short and light I’d say less a liability in case of hairy terrain/falls/picking up/injuries. I think smaller has big selling points in a real bug out regardless of inseam.
The XRL is miles ahead offroad. I have both a 2011 DR650 and a 1994 XR650L (as well as many DRZs, a 530 EXC, FE501S, XT225, etc) and the XRL absolutely smokes the DR650 in pretty much every way. The DR suspension is absolute trash and needs a TON of work to even come near the XRL.
If you're short, though, the DR is a better bike for you, you'll just need to do a lot more work to it. I'm 6'5 so the XRL is much better for me (and the DR is going up for sale soon because of it!)
@@aTuWitty I think the end of your comment says it all; you're 6'5". The average height of a male in the USA is 5'9". I'm 6' on the dot, and the XR was never as comfortable offroad with the exception being high speed whoops, sand, and relatively aggressive/fast riding without too much tight stuff. On the DR (which admittedly I've modified quite a bit, I enjoy that process), I'm so much more confident that I can get through worse stuff.
I would argue that for MOST people, a lightly modified DR will do MOST things better, with the single exception being high speed offroad.
@@GoodkatNW Your comment is likely true, based on my experience with new riders- most people just aren't very good. A new rider, tall or short, will be MUCH more capable on my XT225 than he will on my FE501S, despite the FE501S being a vastly better bike in nearly every aspect. However, once his skill develops a bit, the FE is markedly better.
There's a lot to be said for being able to put your feet down and walk the bike along, but at a certain point you're just hampering your own abilities by not learning to ride better. That's why I feel the XR is a superior platform- aside from it weighing less, having better brakes, having actual suspension instead of damper rod trash that you MUST upgrade in order to get any semblance of real suspension, having a better gearbox, having a better seat, etc, it's taller and has more ground clearance.
I don't doubt that you can make a DR nearly as good, or even better than a stock XR, but it'll take more work to get it there and it ultimately won't be as capable- and in the end, you can upgrade the XR as well. We're not talking huge margins at the top end, but stock for stock, the DR is objectively worse offroad. The only bike I've ever ridden with worse stock suspension than my DR is my XT225, and that's saying something.
Nice build, these bikes are work horses, or maybe a better description would be tractor. The down side for some is it's height, and maybe not the best highway bike due to it's five speed transmission. They are iconic, honestly they will take any place you want to go. The Moskomoto gear is a great addition. Thanks for sharing.
Thanks 👍
Another great video 🎉
I had one of these and rode in the summer heat in Florida - in the sand. It had an oversized tank just like what you have on it. I had an oil temp dip stick and got the oil temp up to 300. I would not suggest an oversized tank (which limits air flow across the cooling fins) with an air cooled bike in a hot climate. Air cooled engines need to breathe.
So true !!!
we love our 2021 and yes the stock fuel range sucks clark/ims4 gal is a 10 min bolt up (160 mile range) where the 5.8 accbess gives 220 ish on ours. there great for what they are turn the key and roll out. enjoy it and #livetoride
Nice video, boys!
fella in the green smashed his thumb pretty good
Yeah, that was months ago and it didn’t even really hurt. Was surprised to have it blister like that. It’s taking a long time for it to grow out
Love the air cooled xr, but it has nothing in common to the race bike xr650r which won baja.
Yep, the usual internet bulls#it, the 650R had virtually nothing in common with the L, maybe the wheels?
The second motorcycle is XT660R? 🤔
You need to do this but with the xr150!
Maybe a TW200? 😁
Good bike, great build, pleasant video. (even if you did repeat yourself) 😂
I like the Tusk footpegs. Are they "the best"? Who knows but I'm happy with them.
The "emissions stuff" consists of an EGR system and a crankcase ventilation oil vapor capture. Know what you're getting into and make good decisions. Following some guy's recipe on the internet (no matter how popular) can lead to regrets. Not just for you but for the bike's next owner. 😅
I don't get the "bugout" thing? Is that code for escaping the family to execute a precision camping trip?
Please bring up the inline filter in the fame. There may not be there now. Js
curious if you can link or talk about the radio your carrying in your backpack. Great video as usual, thank you
The radio is a Baofeng UV82HP a.co/d/8nGbFaF