XR650R's Fate and Replacement?

I hear over and over that the XR650R will be no more (although haven't seen the official word yet, but I'm sure some of you know the answer for sure). Assuming the XR650R goes the way of the dinos, any word on its replacement?

Yes, BMW makes a worthy successor to the XR650R

(Xchallenge)




Serious, at the moment it seems like the Japanese are sort of neglecting the 650cc offroad class entirely, which is a shame. With all the experience these companies have developed in the 450 class, you'd think they have enough experience to build a light powerfull (60hp) 650cc single.

I was at my local honda shop the other day and 1 of the partners/
owners was standing there so I asked him "izit true the 650r is gone in 08"
he stared at the floor and looked like he just got grounded from his mom.
I waited................he stared at his shoes.................I kept waiting........
....he cleared his throat....................................................................
I finally decided to break the silence " thats what I hear online anyway"

This seems very suspicious to me. These Honda guys are tricky.:huh
Somethings coming......I can feel it


Tony

And it only costs almost twice as much

Yes.
Fuel-injected RMZ450

FI, inverted forks and a bigger tank would be good places to start/improve. Heck, make it a 680 too Mr. Honda!

'fraid the die was cast when honda A straddled a crf450.

Is that true? Over here the Xchallenge is in the same leage as the KTM 640 Adv or the 625 SXC and the XR650R for example. Take for instance the prices in Italy (where the XR650R is still available with electric start even ).

XR650R: 8800,- Euros
Xchallenge: 8630,- Euros

Per Honda's latest MO, the XR 650R will be replaced by either a lighter and faster CBR 600 or a larger and more hulking VTX 1800. Honda seems to have walked away from useable motorcycles.

Wow. List price in the US for the XR650R is $6349 (which would correspond to $4619 Euros). Doesn't have electric start (I didn't know any of them did), but sheesh.

And it easy to find these bikes in near new condition on the used market for $3000-$3500.

R700R
Looks a bit like a red katoom 640 adventure. Self adjusting
hydraulic valves. 5 gallon tank. Factory GPS.
Auxillary fresh water tank skidplate(aluminum). 200 watt's of juice.
312 lbs The BRM.
Big Red Mammoth

Tony

Eh, the cruiser craze has the Japanese completely losing the script. Until that changes, I don't see much of a push for the bikes ADVers tend towards midweight dualsports or adventure tourers. Of course, they've got every conceivable market segment covered with their European and Aussie model lines, but as long as the market research says "Cruisers, Supersports, and streetfighters for the beginners," we're not going to get much else from them. The market says Americans want a bike that says "I'm a jackass with a tiny dick! Pay attention to me!" Large public companies tend not to argue with the market.

A couple of factory Honda guys in Baja confirmed to me the CRF600 with EFI. Question is, when will it show up?

And how often do you have to check the valves, change the oil, and replace the rings? On my 2000 XRR (org. owner), once every six months, every 1000 miles, never.

Ed Zachary. I feel the same way. I'll have my 650R until it can't be ridden no more.

Hey, it may be better here in that respect, but I wouldn't say it's great. We too suffer from a cruiser and road racer dominated market. The biggest advantage here is many dirt bikes are road legal from the factory, like XRR's, most 450's, 525's etc.
There WAS a better selection back when many cool models were made (various 1980's & early 1990's P-D replicas), so the second hand market is a bit more diverse, but as for new bikes, the japs just aren't making adventure bikes for anyone. (except for DR's & KLR's) So the whole world is in the same boat.

BTW XRR's haven't been imported into oz since 2006, but the dealers are well stocked and you can still get one new if you look hard enough.

I miss my XRR

spot on!!

Honda are disolving their heritage slowly but surely

A sub-frame and factory rack would be a nice additon too! (and can we have this one with greased bearings from the factory as well... no, no, sorry that is asking too much )

Well I've already invested enough into my XRR to make it a life long bike as well. This is the bike that I'll ride for decades (if I can still get spares...)

Me too. Nearing the end of my first year on an XRR, I know it's my bike for life.
Hopefully Honda realizes there are enough of them out there to keep the parts market going for decades.