XR600R vs XR650L vs XR650R motors

Terez · 03-04-2007, 12:29 PM

Hi all

I currently ride a 90 XR600R. It is stock, jetted well with an opened airbox.
I Ride it dual sport running 15/48 gears with Kenda Trackmasters.
I ride back roads/trails and some single track and off road stuff.
Not afraid of the weight or power thing!

I haven't the opportunity to ride a XR650L or a XR650R but am interested in upgrading for more power and better suspension modern features.

Is the XR650L significantly more powerful than my XR600R?
I know the XR650R will be, especially uncorked but how much more?

I would be looking for more hp for road and higher speed off road stuff.

I guess what I am looking for is whether the XR650L is a sufficient upgrade from my XR600R or should I pony up for a XR650R?
I would have to find a blue plated one as it is getting to be a bitch to plate off road bikes now.

All experience/opinions welcome please.

Jeff@TheQuadShop · 03-04-2007, 03:12 PM

The 650L has less power than the 600, it is a tamed down version. Personally I like the 600 motor better than the 650R motor for eastern type woods riding. The 650R shines more in the open stuff.

gaspipe · 03-04-2007, 04:34 PM

+1

I've had a couple XR600R's and although they weigh about the same as the XR650R, the XR600R was a happier ride for me in the woods. I've also had a couple XR650R's. The long-legged XR650R really loves speed and does it's best work gobbling up miles.

The XR650L is something of a milque-toast e-start machine derived from the XR600R. They're very nice dual sport bikes, but your current XR600 is more powerful and about 30lbs lighter than an XRL, with essentially the same suspension technology.

I wouldn't bother with an upgrade to the XR650R unless wide open spaces and speed is on your agenda. The XR600R is a formidable ride, and is as reliable as a stone axe.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TheQuadShop

The 650L has less power than the 600, it is a tamed down version. Personally I like the 600 motor better than the 650R motor for eastern type woods riding. The 650R shines more in the open stuff.

ddlewis · 03-04-2007, 07:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jeff@TheQuadShop

The 650L has less power than the 600, it is a tamed down version. Personally I like the 600 motor better than the 650R motor for eastern type woods riding. The 650R shines more in the open stuff.

Ditto that. I had a 91 XR600R for years, then "upgraded" to a 650R... Like you say - it was over the top for the woods.. Traded back down for an XR400. couldn't find another 600.

Unless you have to have the button, I'd stick w/ the good 'ol 600. I regret selling mine.

Sycamore · 03-09-2007, 08:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Terez

I currently ride a 90 XR600R. It is stock, jetted well with an opened airbox.
I Ride it dual sport running 15/48 gears with Kenda Trackmasters.
I ride back roads/trails and some single track and off road stuff.

A 17 year old XR, still working hard? That's a good ad for Honda reliability.

mtrhd101 · 03-09-2007, 08:42 AM

I rode an uncorked modded 650R for years, setup right it's all the motor you need in a dirt bike.. It will flat stomp the 600 and 650L even with the same mods..

Jeff@TheQuadShop · 03-09-2007, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mtrhd101

I rode an uncorked modded 650R for years, setup right it's all the motor you need in a dirt bike.. It will flat stomp the 600 and 650L even with the same mods..

Now that all depends on the rider and the terrain. Scott Summers can still turn faster laps on a XR600 than he can a XR650R or a CRF450X. I race my XR600 in eastern harescrambles and do very well in the vet A class. There is no way I could go as fast on a XR650R!

cascade · 03-09-2007, 05:26 PM

and am looking for one as a project bike.

Jeff@TheQuadShop · 03-09-2007, 05:35 PM

I have a spare frame and a parts motor...thats a start.

2dumbnotto · 03-09-2007, 07:18 PM

I have owned both xr650 and xr600. I currently have an 86 xr600 that is the greatest bike I have ever ridden. It doesn't have the torque the 650 had and I miss the brakes but thats about it. The 600 has a much more usable power curve. If you have a 90 year model I dont see you getting much benefit from an update. All that said both are great options.

mtrhd101 · 03-09-2007, 08:15 PM

I have dual sported the 400,600 and 650R.. The 650R is by far the most powerful machine, It also has the best off road suspension/ handling.. But it is not the best dual sport, that would have to be the 600..

BDR1 · 03-09-2007, 08:17 PM

I currently have a 650L with a ton of mods (bored, head, cams, un-corked, exhaust, carbed, open air box, geared, and about 30 LBs off the bike. It's pretty darn fast, a little too much at times in the woods.

Had a 600 years ago, this feels quicker, but that was years ago, so not an accurate comparison. If you bump the CR up on the L, it's a HUGE difference from stock.

Chief Gunner · 03-09-2007, 09:33 PM

All of them are more Reliable, "Modifiable" and much cheaper to do so than allot of the wannabe crap out there!

RIDE the "F" On!

GodSilla · 03-17-2007, 10:30 AM

Awesome bikes.

Here in Arse-Trailer (Australia to English speakers :-) ) the XR600 was the biggest selling bike in the country for a decade. Then the new generation of high-revving bikes came out, and most dirt bike riders went "baaa" and convinced themselves that they NEEDED one. Funnily enough, many of those folks now scour the used bike market hoping to pick up an XR600 or 400. Guess what? There aren't many for sale. There's a reason for that.
I have ridden the XR650R and it has gobs of power, but my 600 actually makes more bottom-end grunt and unless it's an open trail my 600 is not at any disadvantage, and actually gets better drive/traction in many circumstances. It is a real tractor.
I wouldn't piss on an XR650L if it was on fire. I know you poor buggers in the USA are stuck with them as you mostly can't get plated XR600's, what a bummer. Here in Oz the 600 is discontinued, but the XR650L was the replacement. Aussie riders look upon them with scorn and derision, and hate Honda for what they have done.
I have just personally spent more than the market value of my XR600 on a top-end rebuild, new full exhaust, oil cooler, upgraded stator and headlight, etc. (all the stuff Honda never fixed) and I have no regrets at all. I love my XR and hope to be buried with it.
In 11 years of hard use (with regular servicing) this bike has NEVER left me stranded. You will read many entries on this forum containing something along the lines of "I wish I'd never sold my XR600, looking for another one".
The XR600 is the best dirtbike ever made. Ever.

rmhrc628 · 03-17-2007, 04:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GodSilla

Awesome bikes.

In 11 years of hard use (with regular servicing) this bike has NEVER left me stranded. You will read many entries on this forum containing something along the lines of "I wish I'd never sold my XR600, looking for another one".
The XR600 is the best dirtbike ever made. Ever.

AMEN to all of that.

I love XR600s.

Here's my interpretation of wht Honda would have done if they released a 2007 model XR600R>

03-04-2007, 12:29 PM	#1
Terez ^OP Terez Joined: Aug 2006 Location: Ottawa Ontario Canada Oddometer: 34	XR600R vs XR650L vs XR650R motors Hi all I currently ride a 90 XR600R. It is stock, jetted well with an opened airbox. I Ride it dual sport running 15/48 gears with Kenda Trackmasters. I ride back roads/trails and some single track and off road stuff. Not afraid of the weight or power thing! I haven't the opportunity to ride a XR650L or a XR650R but am interested in upgrading for more power and better suspension modern features. Is the XR650L significantly more powerful than my XR600R? I know the XR650R will be, especially uncorked but how much more? I would be looking for more hp for road and higher speed off road stuff. I guess what I am looking for is whether the XR650L is a sufficient upgrade from my XR600R or should I pony up for a XR650R? I would have to find a blue plated one as it is getting to be a bitch to plate off road bikes now. All experience/opinions welcome please.

03-04-2007, 03:12 PM	#2
Jeff@TheQuadShop TAT survivor Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Crestwood, Kentucky Oddometer: 4,437	The 650L has less power than the 600, it is a tamed down version. Personally I like the 600 motor better than the 650R motor for eastern type woods riding. The 650R shines more in the open stuff. __________________ 1998 RMX 250 singletrack bike 96 XR600 adventure bike KY state Vet A offroad champion TAT and TWVT survivor

03-09-2007, 05:26 PM	#8
cascade Adventurer Joined: Dec 2006 Location: wnc Oddometer: 56	i'd love an XR600R and am looking for one as a project bike.

03-09-2007, 05:35 PM	#9
Jeff@TheQuadShop TAT survivor Joined: Nov 2004 Location: Crestwood, Kentucky Oddometer: 4,437	I have a spare frame and a parts motor...thats a start. __________________ 1998 RMX 250 singletrack bike 96 XR600 adventure bike KY state Vet A offroad champion TAT and TWVT survivor

03-09-2007, 07:18 PM	#10
2dumbnotto Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Mar 2006 Location: Redwood Valley Ca. Oddometer: 464	I have owned both xr650 and xr600. I currently have an 86 xr600 that is the greatest bike I have ever ridden. It doesn't have the torque the 650 had and I miss the brakes but thats about it. The 600 has a much more usable power curve. If you have a 90 year model I dont see you getting much benefit from an update. All that said both are great options. __________________ You're born completly free, give up half of it, and wave a flag about it.

03-09-2007, 08:42 AM	#6
mtrhd101 Garage Queen lover Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Texarkana Oddometer: 344	I rode an uncorked modded 650R for years, setup right it's all the motor you need in a dirt bike.. It will flat stomp the 600 and 650L even with the same mods..

03-09-2007, 08:15 PM	#11
mtrhd101 Garage Queen lover Joined: Feb 2007 Location: Texarkana Oddometer: 344	I have dual sported the 400,600 and 650R.. The 650R is by far the most powerful machine, It also has the best off road suspension/ handling.. But it is not the best dual sport, that would have to be the 600..

03-09-2007, 08:17 PM	#12
BDR1 YAMAHA Joined: Dec 2005 Location: GA Oddometer: 397	I currently have a 650L with a ton of mods (bored, head, cams, un-corked, exhaust, carbed, open air box, geared, and about 30 LBs off the bike. It's pretty darn fast, a little too much at times in the woods. Had a 600 years ago, this feels quicker, but that was years ago, so not an accurate comparison. If you bump the CR up on the L, it's a HUGE difference from stock.

03-09-2007, 09:33 PM	#13
Chief Gunner Studly Adventurer Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Southern California (East San Diego County) Oddometer: 715	Hondas Rule! XR600, XR650L, and XR650R All of them are more Reliable, "Modifiable" and much cheaper to do so than allot of the wannabe crap out there! RIDE the "F" On! __________________ I've gone Orange 2013 990 Adventure 2010 KTM 530 EXC

03-17-2007, 10:30 AM	#14
GodSilla I did that. Joined: Sep 2006 Location: The Promised Land Oddometer: 6,451	Stick with the 600. Here's why..... Awesome bikes. Here in Arse-Trailer (Australia to English speakers :-) ) the XR600 was the biggest selling bike in the country for a decade. Then the new generation of high-revving bikes came out, and most dirt bike riders went "baaa" and convinced themselves that they NEEDED one. Funnily enough, many of those folks now scour the used bike market hoping to pick up an XR600 or 400. Guess what? There aren't many for sale. There's a reason for that. I have ridden the XR650R and it has gobs of power, but my 600 actually makes more bottom-end grunt and unless it's an open trail my 600 is not at any disadvantage, and actually gets better drive/traction in many circumstances. It is a real tractor. I wouldn't piss on an XR650L if it was on fire. I know you poor buggers in the USA are stuck with them as you mostly can't get plated XR600's, what a bummer. Here in Oz the 600 is discontinued, but the XR650L was the replacement. Aussie riders look upon them with scorn and derision, and hate Honda for what they have done. I have just personally spent more than the market value of my XR600 on a top-end rebuild, new full exhaust, oil cooler, upgraded stator and headlight, etc. (all the stuff Honda never fixed) and I have no regrets at all. I love my XR and hope to be buried with it. In 11 years of hard use (with regular servicing) this bike has NEVER left me stranded. You will read many entries on this forum containing something along the lines of "I wish I'd never sold my XR600, looking for another one". The XR600 is the best dirtbike ever made. Ever.

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