looking to buy xr650r, advice please.
 

Hey, Im hoping to get an xr650r in the next few months, I was just wondering if you could tell me if there are any years or models that are better/worse? I heard that the bikes made befor 2002 had some troubles, is that right? Cheers for any help.

Hi there, yes from 2003 Honda sorted out some minor issues with the xr650r (As far as i can remember the biggest one was the clutch). I have had my 2004 XR650R a while now and cant fault it. Great all-round bike with bags of controllable power that keeps you smiling everytime you ride!

Check out The Pig Pen for a bit more info on it under the 'BRP Achilles' heading. Dont take it too literally though, as the XR650R is tried and tested to be a very reliable and high-spec bike.

Hope this helps

Lostsaffa

Yer, pre 2003 had clutch bush issues but it was something you could fix yourself with half a spanner orientated mind...

The most important thing about getting an XR650R is that you want a low mileage one with a service history or a well informed owner who knows to change the oil REGULARLY !

Loads of these get thrashed as supermotos and on greenlanes. They are very strong bikes with good engines but it still needs care..

it really is worth spending the extra cash for a nice example if you want it to be your a reliable long term travel buddy..

Id say check the subframe for breaks (its a weakpoint with luggage) and make sure its acually there as many are removed for weight.

Idealy you want one with the full road kit on.. Indicators for MOT etc.

They are great bikes but i really want to do serious road miles on one...

We have had 8 XR650r's between my group of mates used for everything from UK trail riding, European and Morocco trips, love them. Highest milage is 39,000.

3 or 4 of which have been 2002 or earlier models, nothing to worry about other than replacing the clutch bushing. Very little changed over the model life so i'd be more concerned over condition and how its been looked after rather than age

You can still get them brand new (old 2007 stock) in the USA - I keep seeing them in dealers - from California to Florida! You ought to be able to get one for under $5000 (that's USD) - one dealer in San Diego had a pair up for $4500+tax (7.5%) a piece... not quite the utter bargin they would have been this time last year, but still cheap enough to ship over if you really wanted a new one badly...?

xxx