So, I've been a lurker for a while. Envying other inmates, enjoying pics and ride reports. I've been riding since I got my first minitrail 50 when I was 6, and I've owned a ton of bikes since then, all shapes and sizes. Early in 2014, after realizing my road bikes were gathering dust and my old beater dual sport became my bike of choice I had an epiphany. ... "If I can't ride it on dirt, I don't need it!" After many sleepless nights studying, trying to decide what bike would be the best bike for me I came to a conclusion.... XR650L??? Yup. I know it sounds crazy. The guys at Stillwater Honda clearly though I was out of my mind, trading a 2011 z1000 for a new xr650l. Maybe I am. Maybe I'm 40 and know what I want. So I said goodbye. .. And hello... Simplicity at it's finest.
I had the same realization a few years ago: I just don't care much about street bikes. I tolerate pavement to get to the dirt. XR-L is a DS great bike, it was my first DS and I still have it. A bit too heavy on the technical/tight stuff, but amazingly capable and plenty fast on trails where you can keep your momentum up. Picking it up is definitely no fun, though. Enjoy!
Glad to know I'm not the only one. I love a twisty blacktop as much as anyone, but they are pretty rare in my part of the country. Dirt roads are much more enjoyable, and blown out sand roads keep you on your toes. After a few mods and 2000 miles of mostly dirt roads, the xr has been everything I hoped for.
Me too. I didn't waste any time destroying the classic look of this one, but I did get some pretty good shots of it when it was new.