Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 22 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London,UK
Posts: 40
Buy Honda xr650r or xr650l

Me and a 2 other friends are busy planning a trip down africa.We decided on using the honda xr650.I would like to know the mane differences between the xr650l and xr650r.
I am also looking for the best place in the uk to buy these bikes.Looking for secondhand bikes and are willing to pay up to £1800 pounds and then kit them out.Would appreciate any info.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 22 Jul 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
You won't get an XR650R for anywhere near £1,800.

The R & L are very different bikes

R: Aluminium frame, watercooled engine, more of a competition bike although people have travelled on them. Not sure about servicing?

L: Steel tube frame, basically an XR600 fitted with the air cooled & e-start NX650 Dominator engine. Valve adjustment is via screw & locknut adjusters and generally easy to service.

I believe that very few parts, OEM or aftermarket, are interchangeable between the two models?
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 23 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
both are awesomely reliable, easy enough to service and can be made to handle very well fully laden, off road. neither is great on the road for hundreds of miles a day cos the seats are enduro-style.
having done 20-30,000km on each, its down to how much power you need. in a very real sense, if you think you need the power of the R, get the L cos the R will get you into trouble.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London,UK
Posts: 40
Thanks for all the information so far.Can any one help me with a a place on the internet or on some phone numbers who I can contact to buy the bikes.
Would appreciate any further tips and info for this trip.Where the best place is to look for equipment and what modifications to do on the bike.
Thanks
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
There's always at least one 650R in MCN every week and several of each every month in TBM.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
If you want to meet up in London one weekday evening (I go away at weekends), I can tell you what I did to my bikes and where I went. tanks, parts, servicing, routes ...

the relevance will clearly depend on where you want to go, how you want to ride and what you plan to carry.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 391
The XR650R is a full on off-road racer. You don't need all those high power revs. It is not designed for the road at all.

The 650L is a better bet. Have a look in the link
http://www.pm-04.com/index1.htmlThe XR650L

for how to set up an XR650L if money is not problem. Although I hope you have better luck than this guy did.

Have you thought about something smaller? Read through the postings on the Which Bike part of this site's bulletin board here:

http://tinyurl.com/bochs

I like many others who have gone long distance, believe that smaller is better. Especially for africa. In your position I would be looking at something in the 250 to 400cc range. A smaller bike would suit your budget too.

I am not sure it is clear what the abbreviations above mean. MCN means Motor Cycle News. It is a newspaper format biker weekly that you can pick up in most newsagents. TBM is Trail Bike Monthly, which comes in magazine format. You'll need to go to a bigger newsagent for that.

Can I raise another suggestion: buy a bike that has already travelled.

They are cheap. They have all the useful (expensive) kit already fitted. Overlanders are honest about the bike's faults. Biker travellers will not rip you off. You know that the bike has been mechanically well looked after - overlanders depend on their machines. Don't be too put off by high miles and scruffy looks - whatever you buy is going to look scruffy by the time you get back from africa.

There are bikes for sale on this site often. There is, for example, a guy who is practically giving away a Honda Transalp at present:

http://tinyurl.com/cujdz

Why not put up a posting explaining what you want and see what comes back?

Good luck.

Simon
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Jul 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London,UK
Posts: 40
Thanks for the invite rick but during the week I work near cambridge and only come into London over weekends depending on the weather.Would leave another message as soon as I am back in London during the week.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 6 Aug 2005
gwc gwc is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: London
Posts: 11

To Rich

I am one of the guys thats going with Mj, I posted you an email on a bike I am currently looking at. (to your hotmail as on overland solutions site)

Please respond as I would like to meet up with you

Cheers

Geo



[This message has been edited by gwc (edited 18 August 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 16 Aug 2005
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
http://www.pm-04.com/tech1.html

Sorry, pics are broken for the time being.
Hope this helps.
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 17 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 27
Hi,

There is an XR650L on e-bay as we speak with about 6k on.

------------------
Scoobie Doo
__________________
Scoobie Doo
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 17 Aug 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Derbyshire
Posts: 27
Hi,

Spotted another 650L at Carlton Motors in Whitby (01947 603 234). It's a 94 model American import with 9k on the clock at £1875 with a warranty.

I know it's a distance from you but if you went for it, its a good ride home to spot any faults.

If your looking specifically for L's and can't afford a new import, check Autotrader, MCN and E Bay websites daily.

You just missed a good looking X-LMF on E Bay.

Cheers,


------------------
Scoobie Doo
__________________
Scoobie Doo
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 13 Oct 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: London,UK
Posts: 40
Hi all.
Just whant to update my post.
Bought my honda xr650l a few weeks ago for 1350 with 20 000 ml on the clock,mot till next year september.She off 93 model and runs good.Have all ready fitted hand guards,inline fuel filter and a wind screen.Thanks for all your suggestions and help so far.
Happy riding in cold weather!
ps.Ricklees if your reading this please e-mail me.I am coming back to london till end of year and would like to meet up if you dont mind.

[This message has been edited by mjp.xrl (edited 13 October 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 21 Oct 2005
Oz Oz is offline
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Natimuk
Posts: 105
hi mate
seeing you decided on the xr650L you might want to know what i found out about the engine on my alaska to argentina trip. i was on a dommie but it is essentially the same engine. if you look at the honda tech section of HUBB where this is posted and go to page 2 there is a posting entitled "prepare your dommie better than i did". with a little bit of work you could avoid the potential problems i encountered with this engine. hope you have an excellent trip
oz
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 25 Oct 2005
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,654
Me and a friend are planning a 25k round trip of South America. Were using Xr650R's.

Its true the seats are awful but were getting them repacked and altered so should be fine, also we went for the more powerful R as were going to gear the bikes down for the road and the enter torque will pull much better with higher gearing, especially with luggage. The power wont get us into trouble. The alloy frame is much stronger too (although harder to repair) and water cooling is always a better option in Hot climates. The L uses the old dominator engine.Although basic and reliable, it has its own faults which can be found on this forum.

Also, the R has a kick start unlike the L's Electric. Id rather have the piece of mind to always be able to start the bike and not worry about battery condition. Clearing a flooded engine with an electric start will kill you battery in minutes...
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 15:59.