The Honda XR650L is more than just a motorcycle; it’s a testament to a philosophy of rugged simplicity and enduring design. For over three decades, this dual-sport icon has remained virtually unchanged, defying the industry’s relentless pursuit of new technology and disposable models. This steadfastness isn’t a sign of being left behind; it’s the very foundation of its appeal. The XR650L is a purpose-built machine, a blank canvas for adventure, and a reliable companion for those who value mechanical integrity over digital bells and whistles.
The Engine: A Heart of Stone
At the core of the XR650L’s legendary status is its air-cooled, 644cc SOHC single-cylinder engine. This isn’t a high-strung, high-performance powerplant, and that’s precisely the point. The engine’s design, featuring Honda’s Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC), prioritizes low-maintenance reliability and a broad, usable powerband. With a gear-driven counterbalancer, it manages to keep vibrations to a minimum, making longer rides more tolerable than one might expect from a large thumper.
The carburetor is a relic in an age of fuel injection, but it’s a key part of the bike’s character. While it can be finicky at altitude, its simplicity means it’s far easier for a home mechanic to diagnose and repair on the trail. The electric start is a welcome modern convenience, saving you from the kick-start ritual of its ancestors. The engine’s dry-sump lubrication system, where the oil is stored in the frame itself, not only improves ground clearance but also acts as a giant oil cooler, a brilliant bit of engineering that’s as simple as it is effective.
On-Road vs. Off-Road: A Compromise with Character
The XR650L is a true dual-sport, a master of none but a jack of all trades. On the pavement, its tall, commanding riding position and wide handlebars provide excellent visibility and leverage, allowing you to navigate city traffic with ease. The engine, with its abundant low-end torque, pulls smoothly from a stop and can easily hold its own at highway speeds. However, it’s not a sport-tourer. The 37-inch seat height is a challenge for shorter riders, and the narrow, motocross-style saddle can become a literal pain after a few hours in the saddle. The stock fuel tank, at a mere 2.8 gallons, limits its range, a fact that most serious adventurers address with an aftermarket tank.
Where the XR650L truly shines is when the pavement ends. Its off-road heritage is immediately apparent. The semi-double-cradle steel frame is tough and durable, built to withstand the abuse of dirt riding. The long-travel suspension, a 43mm Showa cartridge fork with 11.6 inches of travel up front and a fully adjustable Pro-Link Showa shock with 11 inches of travel in the rear, soaks up bumps and ruts with surprising grace. The 21-inch front and 18-inch rear wheels are the standard for off-road excellence, offering a wide variety of aggressive tire choices. The bike feels planted and predictable on fire roads and can tackle more technical single-track with a skilled rider at the helm. It’s not a lightweight enduro machine, and you’ll feel its 346-pound curb weight in tight, slow-speed situations or when you need to pick it up after a tip-over. But for a large dual-sport, it’s a surprisingly capable and confidence-inspiring machine.
The Community and Customization
One of the most compelling aspects of the XR650L is the aftermarket support and the vibrant community that surrounds it. Because the bike has been in production for so long without significant changes, the market is flooded with parts and modifications. You can transform the stock bike from a capable commuter to a long-distance adventure machine with a few key upgrades. Popular modifications include:
- Fuel Tanks: Larger fuel tanks from companies like Clarke or IMS are often the first upgrade, extending the bike’s limited range.
- Carburetor Upgrades: A simple jet kit or a full pumper carb upgrade can dramatically improve throttle response and power delivery.
- Suspension Enhancements: While the stock suspension is good, heavier riders or those who push the bike hard can benefit from upgraded fork springs and a custom-tuned rear shock.
- Ergonomics: Wider footpegs, a more comfortable seat (from brands like Seat Concepts), and aftermarket handlebars can make a world of difference for rider comfort.
- Exhaust Systems: A new slip-on muffler or a full exhaust system can shed weight and unlock a bit more horsepower.
This level of customization means that the XR650L can be whatever you want it to be, and there’s a wealth of knowledge and support from fellow riders on forums and social media.
The Final Verdict: A Living Legend
The Honda XR650L is a motorcycle from another era, and that’s precisely its greatest strength. In a market dominated by complex, liquid-cooled, fuel-injected bikes with a plethora of electronic aids, the XR650L stands out as a simple, reliable, and affordable machine. Its long-standing design means a proven track record of durability, and its massive aftermarket support allows for endless customization.
It’s not the fastest, lightest, or most technologically advanced dual-sport on the market. It’s a tall, heavy, and somewhat quirky bike that demands a certain level of commitment from its owner. But for the rider who wants a bulletproof, no-nonsense motorcycle that can handle the daily commute and weekend adventures with equal aplomb, the Honda XR650L is a timeless classic that continues to earn its legendary status, one dirty mile at a time.
Expanding on the initial review, let’s delve deeper into what makes the Honda XR650L such a compelling and enduring choice, exploring its long-term reliability, its place among its dual-sport peers, and the minor quirks that a potential owner should be aware of.
The Elephant in the Room: A Comparison with its Rivals
The dual-sport market has long been dominated by a “Big Three” of sorts: the Honda XR650L, the Kawasaki KLR650, and the Suzuki DR650S. Each of these bikes offers a similar premise—a large-displacement, single-cylinder engine in a chassis capable of both on- and off-road riding—but they execute this idea with distinct personalities.
- Honda XR650L (The Dirt-Bike DNA): The XR650L is widely considered the most off-road-oriented of the three. Its dirt-bike heritage is evident in its tall, nimble geometry, long-travel suspension, and 18-inch rear wheel (a standard for off-road tire selection). It’s the lightest of the trio (at around 346 lbs wet), which, while still heavy for technical single-track, makes a significant difference when navigating challenging terrain. The trade-off is a less comfortable ride on the pavement, with a notoriously tall and narrow seat and minimal wind protection.
- Kawasaki KLR650 (The Long-Distance Tourer): The KLR650, especially the pre-2022 models, has always been the opposite of the XR. It’s a heavy, comfortable, and road-focused machine with a massive fuel tank and a fairing for wind protection. While it can handle fire roads and light trails, its weight and road-biased suspension make it less suited for serious off-roading. The newer, fuel-injected KLR has brought a new level of refinement, but it maintains its core identity as a long-distance adventure bike.
- Suzuki DR650S (The Middle Ground): The Suzuki DR650S occupies the perfect middle ground between the XR and the KLR. It’s more capable off-road than the KLR but more comfortable on-road than the XR. It’s often praised for its smooth engine and can be easily lowered for shorter riders. The DR’s oil-cooling system provides a bit of an edge in some conditions, and its large aftermarket is nearly as robust as the XR’s.
For a rider who prioritizes off-road capability and is willing to accept some compromises for on-road comfort, the XR650L is the clear choice. It’s the bike that feels most at home when the asphalt ends, offering a raw and visceral riding experience that the others can’t quite match.
The Long Haul: Reliability and Common Quirks
The XR650L’s reputation for bulletproof reliability isn’t just a myth; it’s a direct result of its simple, robust design. However, “simple” doesn’t mean “maintenance-free.” To keep an XR running for years and even decades, an owner needs to be attentive to a few key areas.
- The “L” Stands for “Lean”: From the factory, the XR650L is jetted very lean to meet emissions standards. This can lead to a “cold-blooded” nature, making it difficult to start and sometimes prone to stalling when cold. “Dave’s Mods” or similar carburetor jetting modifications are a rite of passage for most XR650L owners, dramatically improving throttle response, power delivery, and cold-start behavior.
- The Subframe: While the main steel frame is tough, the rear subframe is a common weak point for riders who load the bike with heavy luggage. Reinforcing the subframe is a popular modification for those planning long-distance adventure rides or camping trips.
- The Countershaft Sprocket: The countershaft sprocket on the XR650L has a reputation for wearing prematurely, especially with a loose chain. Regular chain maintenance and keeping an eye on the spline are crucial to avoiding a costly repair.
- The CDI: The Capacitor Discharge Ignition (CDI) unit on older models has been known to be a point of failure, often due to vibration or heat. Many owners carry a spare CDI as a precaution on long trips, a testament to the bike’s otherwise dependable nature.
Despite these minor quirks, the XR650L’s long-term ownership experience is overwhelmingly positive. Many riders report their bikes lasting well over 50,000 miles, with some pushing past 70,000. The air-cooled engine is not only simple to work on but also highly tolerant of abuse, making it the perfect choice for the rider who values mechanical simplicity and the ability to perform trailside repairs.
The Ultimate Expression of Dual-Sport Freedom
In conclusion, the Honda XR650L’s continued existence is a quiet defiance of the modern motorcycle industry’s trends. It’s a bike that doesn’t try to be everything to everyone. Instead, it doubles down on what it does best: providing a straightforward, durable, and capable platform for exploration. Its tall seat and narrow ergonomics are a reflection of its purpose—a motorcycle built to stand up and ride in the dirt. Its simple air-cooled engine is an invitation to learn basic mechanics and become self-sufficient. For the rider who yearns for a machine that prioritizes the journey over the destination, a bike that is a tool for adventure rather than a showcase of technology, the Honda XR650L remains one of the most honest and rewarding motorcycles you can own.