Honda XR650L

I'm one of them. Sort of. There was that somewhat ugly experience with an over-modified XR350 that we don't talk about. Or a couple of really good runs on a 250 version, and a very scary punt or two on the 600.

Maybe I should explain where I'm coming from, which is not a hang the family jewels out in the breeze over the triples and damn the berms background. Don't mind a dusty fang, even on a hot day, but the expert dirt rider is probably the other bloke you were thinking of.

My current trail toy is a 1984 TT600, basically stock, and I'm pretty happy with it - thanks for asking - mostly because we have a good working arrangement. Which is: I know it's faster than me, but am happy to throw it at things trail because it usually gets there. Eventually. Even with something as big and ugly as its owner on it.

Good idea
Now the one thing that big fat bastards like myself get the shits with is stalling - usually at that crucial moment of balance where another nanosecond of grip would have got me over lip of the killer rut and avoided the unpleasant experience of lying under a motorcycle I just paid good money for. Or facing the very ugly thought of going back to the foot of the hill, catching your breath, kicking the sucker back into life, and having another go. Life is too short...

While Honda (and Cannondale and others) can't help poor technique, it can at least assist when it comes to being stuck in a situation where you absolutely can't kick a start lever. But you can thumb a starter. Enter the 650L.

The short version of the plot is it's a combo of a steel XR chassis (previous-gen to the current) with a Dominator powerplant.

On the trail
The Domi engine is a known quantity and it makes sense to use it in this environment - even if the tuning is softer than the pukka XR650. In the L guise, you get a basic but effective suspension package (tuned on the comfortable side of the spectrum), medium-speed steering, and a very tall seat height.

The latter is a bit spooky, even for big folk like me - until you get it rolling. Use a little faith, and it's surprisingly good. Completely predictable and forgiving. Brakes give plenty of feel, though short of competition-sharp.

We rode the XR in out-of-the-crate form. Which means it wasn't delivering full horses, had tall gearing, and trials-uni rubber. It was happy on mild trails in that guise, but you'd think twice about taking it anywhere gnarly. Plan B is to ride a more serious version soon.

A few observations so far: the 10.6lt tank is fine for day rides supported by a jerry can, but long-distance folk will want more; The electric leg is a fine thing, but runs limited battery power - we'd like to see a manual leg fitted for emergencies.

We'll let you know how things go with the more dirt-oriented version (knobbies, shorter gearing, unrestricted). In any case the ask is $9990.

Story: Guy Allen