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XR400, NX650, XR600, XR650R, or XR650L?
Hi
I'm in the UK and looking to go around Africa for around 18 months on a bike. I'm pretty sure I want a Honda of some description or another. I know this is a sweeping Question, but out of the five aforementioned models, which would you take? I'm looking to go through countries like Congo and Sudan, so I'll need something with good off-road capabilities, although I'm not going to be thrashing it at full whack through the bush or anything. The XR650R sounds good, although I don't like the idea of a liquid cooled bike. I like the idea of the XR400, although the smaller engine would probably mean I'd be thrashing it more than one of the bigger bikes, plus it's water cooled. I've not heard much of the XR650L - would this maybe be the perfect solution? The NX650 sounds good, although it's not as powerful as the XR650R, right? And I really don't know much about the XR600; should I consider it? I've got about £3000 max to spend. I would be really grateful for any advice - I'm buying the bike specifically for this trip. Cheers Dan |
XR600: long in the tooth but still a good bike. Aircooled, kickstart only. Early models may have had a drum rear brake?
XR400: Scaled down version of the above. I think that many aftermarket XR600 parts can be persuaded to fit the 400 also. 250 version also available, latest models fitted with e/start. NX650 Dominator: primarily a road bike, low front mudguard, twin heavy silencers, brittle plastic, 13ltr tank, may be slightly larger on some later models? All are e/start although early models came with a kickstart also. Been around since about 1989. XR650L: Basically an upgraded XR600 fitted with the NX650 engine, inc. the e/start. Don't know if they retained the kickstart though? Pick of the bunch? Only available as a Grey Import but not that hard to find, sometimes advertised on this site for sale. AS mentioned in a reply to a previous posting of yours, check out Chris Scott's site re: Africa & XR650L. XR650R: Aluminium framed, water cooled, kickstart only semi-competition bike. Shares few, if any, parts (aftermarket or otherwise)with the air cooled models mentioned above. Aftermarket parts are available, big tanks etc, as they've been entered in the Paris Dakar in the last couple of years. Most recent & powerful of the lot. Make good road bikes from all accounts. Not particularly light despite the aluminium frame. The only way for you to understand the differences & to decide what's best for you is to find a dealer who stocks as many of the above as possible. Steve |
Hi
Thanks for your info. I'm torn between the XR650R and the NX650. I'm looking to spend about £3000 and I think I'd be lucky to find a low mileage XR650L for that price. That would be the ideal choice. The XR650R sounds great, but the water cooling, more highly strung engine, weaker chassis(?), and lack of available pannier racks all make it less suitable than the NX650 for a long on & off road trip through Africa and the Middle East. The NX650 sounds adequate for the task - I'm not planning to do any serious off-roading. A low mileage Dominator sounds like the best choice, unless of course I find an XR650L. Cheers Dan |
Forget the XR650R - it's NOT an overland bike at all.
Forget the NX650 - it's a road bike. Go for the XR650L - basically a proper off road NX650. Simple, reliable & easy to work on. For £3,000 to £3,500 you could buy one that's had overland type work done to it. You need to remember that if you buy any STOCK bike, you'll need to spend a fair bit equipping it. Big tanks don't come cheap! Was there not a recent reply to one of your posts offering an already prepped 650L for sale? If you've missed it, it's worth your time looking again. Steve |
Hi Steve, thanks for you continued help.. I tried that link for an 650L but it was just some pictures. I'd have reservations on buying a bike with such high mileage though - I don't want to rebore the thing in deepest Africa. Would the Dominator really not handle some off road? In the mid 90's it was hailed as one of the best on and off road bikes around, why has this changed?
I've found a nice KTM explorer near me with welded pannier racks and aluminium boxes, but I'd have grave concerns taking one of these items to Africa. I've heard all sorts of horror stories on broken con rods, fuel pumps.. the list goes on. Can you think of any non-Honda bike which are up to the job? I can't find a 650L for much less than 4k without mod's. Cheers Dan |
I've a NX650 and taken it to Singapore from the UK. Had about 36000 miles on it when I left and has about 49000 on it now and I'm planning another big trip for it. I think if I were bikeless and I was going to ride through some serious excuses for roads in the mud I would go for a XR650L. If not then Dommie is good and cheap to start with. Depends on how much real offroading you will do. Note I said 'If I were bikeless'... in other words I would have any issues taking my Dommie off anywhere. Seemed to be ok bouncing around in the sand in Pakistan and boggy fields in Norfolk http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif
One other thing I would say is that if I was going into some muddy places I would change that front mud guard. Mine became jammed in Cambodia and locked the front wheel up.. nearly fell off. Ended up taking the thing off.. could ride along ok but got very messy http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif ps. can buy Acerbis tanks for Dommie's. Get's your tank to 23 litres.. WELL WORTH it! [This message has been edited by Spud (edited 01 April 2004).] |
Was just about to mention the front mudguard when I realised Spud had already done so.
I'd also ditch the two silencers on the NX650, replacing them with a quiet-ish aftermarket pipe in ally or stainless & losing a few kg in the process. They're mild steel as standard & tend to rust out. Laser do a Pro-Duro tailpipe that's quite good. You may also want to upgrade the fork internals & possibly re-valve/rebuild/replace the rear shock, depending on the roads you intend travelling & the weight carried. I'd go for a bigger tank. You'll probably have to ditch the front fairing at best & maybe the headlight at worst. You may be able to get an XR600 aftermarket tank to fit with a bit of persuasion? After that, it's racks & panniers. I'm not sure if the subframe needs strengthening ob the Dommie but I don't think it's built as an off road overland bike? Other options include XT/TT600, KLR650 & the DR650. Once again though, you'll be faced with a range of models, each with their own pro's & cons. Steve |
as you note, the link was just some piccies. as for re-bores, that's already in hand. having heard of oil starvation problems and not wanting to sell a pup - I take pride in my bikes! - I stripped the top-end and checked the bore. it was still in tolerance, but I decided to get it re-bored anyhow. all the parts are now back and I'll be re-assembling the engine on Easter sunday/monday. you're welcome to come take a look while its in pieces if you can get to Bristol.
as the other posts indicate, its really not so old and anyway its just been fully checked. plus it has a kick-start just in case you ever need it. it'll work out a lot cheaper and easier than starting from scratch! the boxes cost 500, the rack 500, the large tank for a dommie would be 200, exhaust 200, GPS 200 ... |
Hi
So what sort of price would you be asking for that bike? How big is that tank?? Has it ever had any major emergency repair work done? I'm a fair way from Bristol, but it's not an impossible distance... I can't make it at that Easter weekend unfortunately. Cheers Dan |
NB - Acerbis tank (23 litres) fits as a direct replacement to the original tank. No need to ditch anything http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/wink.gif I think I paid 186 pounds for a brand new one.
if you want to see what a Dommie looks like with the 23 litre tank you can see 'Satisfied Customers' on Ernie's website: http://www.overland-solutions.com There's a few in there under 'Honda' then 'Dominator' -it's Dave Broughton No2 (No1 was my first trip where I used a normal standard tank) [This message has been edited by Spud (edited 02 April 2004).] |
One other thing about the Acerbis tank, if you wanna make it bigger, fill it up with hot water and blow hard into the petrol cap - but make sure the tank is on the bike frame.
You can get another good 5 litres capacity by doing this, but dont go overboard. But then again you can build/develop crash bars that can carry fuel cans - another cheap alternative (if you are going to get crash bars for your travel, which I think is an only option). And the dommie does have a really poor front mud guard, and if you are going to ride serious mud its not hard to get an aftermarket front mud guard. For my riding, I try and avoid thick mud, always causes me grief. Normal mud does not give me too much grief, but I found that you gotta make sure you keep the speed up. But I think that this is the cause for all mud riding. And you do not need to strengthing the Dommies sub frame for travel, you can rest the panniers on the rear foot pegs. I know of no off the shelf pannier rack system, so as far as I know you need to get a pannier rack made up - this is what I have done on my dommie, works great guns. Any queries on further set up, email me...photos to be on my web site soon www.loston.com |
I'm about to reply to an ad for a '94 650L. Would this be worth getting? It's quoted as being 'low mileage' whatever that turns out to be.
Also, Rich are you selling a bike? I did'nt quite understand from your posts... if you are, I'd be interested in how much you want for it.. Cheers Dan |
"I'm about to reply to an ad for a '94 650L. Would this be worth getting? It's quoted as being 'low mileage' whatever that turns out to be."
Post the rest of the ad details. Is it a standard bike or overland prepared? If standard & planning to prep it for an overland trip, bear in mind the costs of those parts. I'd be conservative & assume that you'll have to buy new & that any savings made on used parts are a bonus. Steve |
Right you are:
XR650L HONDA - 1994 L reg. Electric start & key ignition. top class dualsport bike in standard trim - white tank with red and blue logos, white plastics, red logo'd seat and factory fitted rear pegs. Excellent condition, low miles, quiet and reliable motor. long MOT, blue brushgaurds and fork gaitors, enduro tyres. very nice, clean bike always well maintained. serviced and ready to go. £1950 ovno - Lancs area. Phone or text 077 890 31 860 for more details/email address. No timewasters please. Would the '94 model take the same pannier racks etc as a '01 model? I figure it's a good buy if the mileage really is low (i.e. under 10k miles??) Cheers Dan |
Right you are:
XR650L HONDA - 1994 L reg. Electric start & key ignition. top class dualsport bike in standard trim - white tank with red and blue logos, white plastics, red logo'd seat and factory fitted rear pegs. Excellent condition, low miles, quiet and reliable motor. long MOT, blue brushgaurds and fork gaitors, enduro tyres. very nice, clean bike always well maintained. serviced and ready to go. £1950 ovno - Lancs area. Phone or text 077 890 31 860 for more details/email address. No timewasters please. Would the '94 model take the same pannier racks etc as a '01 model? I figure it's a good buy if the mileage really is low (i.e. under 10k miles??) Cheers Dan |
The XR650L hasn't changed at all since 1993, apart from graphics.
The mileage might not be genuine anyway. Only way is to listen to the motor and check the running gear. They don't get a lot cheaper than that. They are also on the rare side in the UK, although there has been a slow but steady flow for a few years. A caring green-laner for an owner is no bad thing. Make sure it's cold when you arrive. You want to hear a cold start. Any top or bottom-endy noises should clear as soon as it's warm. Might also want a rebuild before a long trip anyway. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif |
did you get my email, Daniel?
there's a lot to be done to prep any bike and unless you want both the fun and the aggro, you'd do better to buy a prepped one. I enjoy the challenge, but it took months and a lot of testing to get the suspension geometry, spring rates and damping right. I also set up Mark Crook's and he keeps raving about the handling where others have ended up with horrible results eg too stiff and too little damping at the front. also, you're unlikely to get any more 45 litre tanks which means you either have to fabricate or make do with 23 litre main and cans in the luggage. A bog-stock bike for £2k is no bargain compared with a fully prepped bike for £4k. |
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Hi there
I've been doing some serious thinking, and I reckon that a motorbike just isn't the way to go... I'm looking for the best way of getting thru Africa.. I never said this but I'm a pure traveller, not a biker and it suddenly struck me that for £3k I could either prep some old nail of a bike and have it break down in Nigeria or similar or buy a Landcruiser and forget all my worries of what I can and can't take along. I'd probably spend about the same amount on fuel considering it'll burn diesel rather than petrol, and when it comes to breakdown the landcruiser would be less problematic in terms of local knowledge and spare parts. I've been in the things from Bolivia to Pakistan and I love them. I went in a 1960's model in Egypt and the thing still went thru soft sand. My only worry is it being more nick-able, plus it doesn't have that same sense of freedom that a motorbike would. But on the other hand it won't hurt when all the goats / dogs / children come running under the wheels. I'm still not convinved though... I take it you want £4k for the bike then, Rich.. I didn't get your email - sorry. My address is zeus underscore xy at hotmail.com Cheers Dan [This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 10 April 2004).] [This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 11 April 2004).] |
that looks like the email address I got from your profile. by the way, it might be best to write it "zeus" at "hotmail" so spam bots can't pick it up and hit your account. in the email, I told you more about the bike and included (but optional accessories) and suggested you make me a sensible offer if you feel £4k is too much.
there's no "right" way to travel. bus, foot, bike, car ... they all have merits and drawbacks. its not for me to persuade you of one or another and I know I'd like to do a 4WD trip, but I'll leave it a few years till I need the creature comforts if you/anyone else wants to talk more about the XRL, feel free to email me: rich_rtw at hotmail.com good luck |
Rich -
Email me an html page about your bike and I'll host it and give you the address to distribute at your will, which could be something like: www.PM-04.com/Rich.html If you want any pics etc up, send those too. Not sure if this will be useful, but hey, I have the space and it's a nice fast server... PS > By the way people, I've seen the bike in question, and it's a goody. PPS > I would never want to travel on anything but a bike. Just couldn't take the barriers that imposes. |
Hi
Thanks for the tip Rich.. I personally think the best way to travel is without doubt on the buses with the local people. BUT it's always frustrating to have a perfect beach or cool glacier or lonely waterfall out of reach because buses don't go there and the local taxi driver charges a fare twice the value of his vehicle to get there... But like I said, I'm not swayed yet either way... I'm looking into what I might need to prep a landcruiser and what it would cost. You're bike looks fantastic and I've no doubt it'll be up to the job, it just seems almost cheating to buy a fully prepped bike, although I could take it apart and put it back on to get an idea of how it all fits together etc. Cheers Dan [This message has been edited by danielsprague (edited 11 April 2004).] |
Dan,
I know almost nothing about bikes. I started my trip with no know-how what so ever. From California to Ecuador I have dropped, crashed, abused, neglected and executed just about every other bike crime known to man. My XR650L has been absolute gold. I can't say enough about it. I havenever taken a motorcycle trip before but this has been, without doubt, the greatest journey I have ever been on. It's all down to the endurance and reliability of the bike. It has forgiven me all my abuses and given me time to find my feet with it. Obviously the choice is up to you but I just had to put a word in for the bike. Good luck. Trys. |
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It's no different to asking for the advice of people on this site - learning from others mistakes, avoiding those time & money wasting mistakes that can set your journey back. If you decide to go the 4X4 route, you should repeat the process you've just undergone here in determining what bike's correct for you. Try looking at the relevant threads on this site. The whole idea of these sites is to be able ask questions & gain knowledge quickly & easily, thus benefitting from the experiences of others. Steve [This message has been edited by Steve Pickford (edited 13 April 2004).] |
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