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 7 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 602
XR600 vs XR650L

Hi

Just been thinking... surely if the XR650L is the perfect overlander, then the XR600 is not far short?

Whats the difference in the engines? Is the XR600's more highly stressed??

Cheers

Dan
__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 7 Apr 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Neither engine is stressed more than the other. The 650L is e/start (kickstart also?), the 600 is kickstart only. I assume that the 650L has the RFVC head (of no real benefit in the real world), the 600 does not.

Go for the 650L, preferably overland equipped, it's bound to be a newer bike & in better condition.

Surely there can't be much more info that you need to base your decision on? Have you checked out the Chris Scott site yet. re: Africa & the 650L prep?

Steve
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 7 Apr 2004
POB/London's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: London / IOW
Posts: 486
600Rs are more common and a lot cheaper in the UK. The 600 is also significantly lighter. I believe the cam is more extreme and the final drive ratios are different.

The 650L is proper road-legal (has a heavy duty proper stator and lights) and has the electric boot. Does indeed have the RFVC head.

650L is by far the better overlander, IMHO.
__________________
=-=-= ON THE EDGE! =-=-=
My XR650L Pan-Med Expedition Site!

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: San Francisco, USA
Posts: 222
The 600 has better suspension and makes much more power, but keep in mind that it's designed to be a racing bike, not a travel bike. By the time you add everything you need to make the 600 an overlander and weight it down, the extra performance it gives you will be irrelevant. The 650L is a better starting point.
__________________
Wright Bagwell
http://www.geocities.com/wwbagwell/
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 14 Jun 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: longmont, co, USA
Posts: 117
I rode 50,000 km of South America on a modified xr650l (see sopgear.com for setup) while my partners for 1/2 the trip were on XR600's. Maybe it's a grass is greener thing, but I think the 600 is the better bike, unless you are very adverse to kickstarting. The 600 is lighter, more powerful, and simpler (less to go wrong)

------------------
Back on the road again.

sopgear.com
__________________
Stuck at home...

sopgear.com
velocity-research.com
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 13:22.