The venerable Honda XR650L made its debut approximately 30 years ago, and the dual-sport icon has been making friends and influencing riders ever since. The rugged and reliable XR boasts an impeccable racing pedigree, having earned countless wins and podiums in the desert in general, and Baja in particular. And yet the legendary model remains an affordable, user-friendly option for riders who want to inject a little off-road action into what might otherwise be an uninspired daily commute. Versatile, dependable and with plenty of performance on tap, each XR650L has the potential to continue delivering the dual-sport goods for years to come.
ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN
- Bulletproof 644cc SOHC four-stroke engine produces power and torque ideally suited for both on- and off-road riding.
- Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC) allows excellent combustion efficiency and high power output.
- 42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor offers crisp throttle response, excellent rideability and maximum power.
- Reliable electric starter system allows easy push-button starting.
- Gear-driven counterbalancer minimizes bothersome and tiring vibration.
- Free-flowing, 2-into-1 exhaust system with quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
- Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner and maintenance-free CD ignition with electronic advance keep you out of the shop and on the road.
- Dry-sump engine maximizes power by minimizing crankshaft windage and engine temperature.
- Durable five-speed transmission offers a gear for every on- or off-road situation.
- Heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch.
- Heavy-duty, low-maintenance #520 O-ring-sealed drive chain.
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION
- Honda Racing-inspired colors and graphics.
- Semi-double-cradle steel frame is lightweight, strong and offers precise handling manners.
- 43mm Showa cartridge fork features 16-position compression damping adjustability and superb off-road performance.
- Pro-Link® rear suspension.
- Lightweight, strong and durable aluminum box-section swingarm with quick-detach rear wheel.
- Front and rear disc brakes offer superb stopping power.
- Lightweight yet super-strong wheels.
- Frame-mounted passenger footrests for two-up riding capability.
- Aggressive, dual-purpose front and rear tires offer excellent performance both on- and off-road.
- 18-inch rear wheel for greater tire selection.
- Lightweight rims and hubs feature straight-pull spokes.
- Combination headlight/number plate and dual airflow shrouds direct cool air to the engine.
- Enduro-style headlight features high/low beams.
- Motocross-style seat is comfortable and allows maximum rider movement.
- Large, durable fenders keep debris off the rider.
- Lightweight tubular engine guard.
- Wide-section, folding, cleated foot pegs are comfortable and self-cleaning.
- Flex-mounted turn signals resist breakage.
- Compact speedometer features tripmeter/odometer, a neutral light as well as high-beam, turn-signal and side-stand indicators.
- High-quality controls include comfortable grips and brush guards.
