Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
How's the XR650L for long highway trips? How's the XR650L for long highway trips?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 25 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: somewhere in canada
Posts: 8
How's the XR650L for long highway trips?
hey, I'm trying to decide between the xr and a KLR and I like the weight and off road abilities I've heard about with the XR but I'm wondering what it's like for long trips. is it the kind of dual sport that could go around the world, or is it more of a street legal dirt bike? whats it like for riding all day on the highway with gear?
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 25 Jul 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
The XR is not a good bike for long highway trips unless you do lots of comfort modifications to it.

That's not to say it's not reliable or handles poorly, it's just more of a dirt bike than the KLR. The seat is less comfy, there's no windscreen, and there aren't a lot of accessories available for it to make it more road-worthy, whereas the KLR has a huge amount of aftermarket parts available for it.

I'd definitely go with the KLR if I was doing more road-oriented travelling, if for no other reason than there are much more accessories available for it.

[This message has been edited by wbagwell (edited 25 July 2003).]
__________________
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 26 Jul 2003
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Pariquera-Acu,SP,Brazil
Posts: 7
Zact:
I think if you put a 42 rear sprocket,it will run well in a long trip.Yesteryear,I made a trip of 3,000 Km,500 to 800 per day and I have no troubles,my trip was done in good paved roads and in dirt roads.Remember,It's an off-road machine.dont expect a comfort of a Harley in a paved road,but I feel it is very dependable bike.
About the Kawasaki,I live in a tropical country and this bike always boils the water,and have troubles in ignition,here they are considered the worse bike ever built.
good luck,good trip.
jair.
__________________
jair.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Aug 2003
tam tam is offline
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: manchester
Posts: 41
Zac,
I've just done 4'000 miles mostly on roads through Mexico, Belize and Guatemala on my XR650L. The main down side is just as wbagwell said, it will give you a sore arse for sure.
On the other hand all I did to mine for 3'500 miles was lube the chain now and again! However I would recomend changing the oil once in a while. Overall the reliability factor was first rate.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Aug 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2002
Location: London, UK
Posts: 635
oh, come on! a standard XRL seat is fine. try putting the 40+ litre Acerbis tank on and then making a seat to fit with the tank and mudguard ... the rack is more comfortable than the seat, but what an ace off-roader even fully laden. 138kmh (GPS rather than speedo) is my best on rough gravel. anyway, after a couple of weeks, your arse nerves die and even my saddle is fine - better than the harness I use for parachuting here in Swakopmund, Namibia.
KLR = better for the road, though.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 03:55.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top