xr650r

[mountainboy65]

Am looking at a 2002 XR650R as a trail/adventure bike. want to head off to explore McKenzie country and the Otago lakes area. Any views on this machine? Pros and cons, please.
Thanks a lot.

[clint640]

They're defintely a good bike, but firmly at the dirty end of the big single spectrum, so as a TRAIL/Adventure bike it'd be a good pick.

Pros: Big power, light weight (for a big thumper), proven reliable motor. Every part & accessory you can think of available from the US.

Cons: No electric start, small tank, alloy subframe not much good for carrying gear.

Have a look over on advrider.com in the thumpers forum, there's a big thread on XR650R based Adv bikes.

Cheers
Clint

[jim.cox]

They're a brilliant bike - utterly suited to your purpose

The only disadvantage is range - that fuel tank is pretty small. You can get an Acerbis for them that is about double the size. Not cheap but...

You might also want to think about a small fly screen if you are planning any long distance riding

On a more practical note, what state are the chains and sprockets? They get eaten and need regular replacement.

[twotyred]

Also a tall bike which can be an issue depending on your inseam...

[Sam I Am]

they rock... i love mine
yes small tank but ya can upgrade
yes kick start but it has never botherd me onec ya get the hang of it never a problem..

only other things no rear pegs ( i dont want a pilion ) but you can fit some

[mountainboy65]

Thanks a lot, lads. Really appreciate your thoughts and advice. I will post some good pics once I take the plunge and get the beast serviced and cleaned up. I will definitely import a larger tank from the States too. I need more than 10 litres!

[carver]

consider a DRZ400E

[centaurus]

I have recently (a month ago) purchased an XR650r and put already almost 2000km on it (most of it is street but at night and in the wet).

The bike is very light and balanced. my suspension has been extremely stiffened so riding on a bumpy road would be like going offroad on a normal xr650r. You have instant torque right off the idle and that in itself it the biggest thing with this bike. Because of this torque, it's not just easy to get our of any rut but it makes te bike absolutely fun, both offroad and on the road (if you are so inclined to use it on the road too).

Mine is a bit highly geared (wouldn't go offroad with this gearing) but pulls up to 140km/h and it gets there really quickly.

Kickstart - if the bike is tuned appropriately it's a breeze to start. I knew almost nothing about kickstarting 4 strokes before this bike and I still found it easy. Normally it starts 1st or second kick every time.

Tank is indeed too small. For adventure you need to upgrade to an aftermarket tank. Seat is decently confortable (I can ride on the pavement for 3-4 hours before getting sore). No weather protection at all (riding in the rain is a bitch). Some people put small screens on it - I don't know if it's worth it or not.

the DRZ400 is a dog compared to it - feels heavier and has LESS LESS power. The ktm 450 feels a bit lighter but doesn't feel that urgent (XR has much more torque down low) and is more viby, especially at high revs.

I bought mine as a second bike, for occasional commuting and for adventure riding in summer (after testing quite a few DRZs and some KTMs) and after almost 2000km on it I am convinced I have made the right decision.

[dino3310]

BRP fookin aye

[GPS MAN]

I had a "Big Red Pig" in the states that I rode for Dual Sport.. It was great off road.. But, on the road I longed for something more comfortable and less vibssssss.. I had a 7 gallon IMS tank for range.. I did the TransAm Trail in 2003 on my XR650R....really could not have had a better bike..

I never had a problem with the kick start...Mine always started on 1st or 2nd kick...provided I didn't tump over..UGH!!!

Good Luck on a Winner!

[slowpoke]

As soon as someone mentions "XR650" I think: expensive. Even 20 year old bikes go for stupid money. The numbers just don't add up.

[centaurus]

As soon as someone mentions "XR650" I think: expensive. Even 20 year old bikes go for stupid money. The numbers just don't add up.

It's for the same reason the CBr600's and CBR900's are expensive too - good and reliable bikes that last for ages. The people know these are sought after even when old so they don't depreciate.

[clint640]

As soon as someone mentions "XR650" I think: expensive. Even 20 year old bikes go for stupid money. The numbers just don't add up.

Thing is a 10yr old XR650R is still cutting edge tech when it comes to the big bore trailbike / lightweight adv bike niche. The only thing you can buy today that is comparable is the KTM690R & they're $17K.

Clint

[cooneyr]

Thing is a 10yr old XR650R is still cutting edge tech when it comes to the big bore trailbike / lightweight adv bike niche. The only thing you can buy today that is comparable is the KTM690R & they're $17K.

Clint

Aint that saying something about the supply side of the equation. Good on KTM (even if the price is a little steep) but shame on everybody else! Need to win lotto - 690R =

[Oscar]

Thing is a 10yr old XR650R is still cutting edge tech when it comes to the big bore trailbike / lightweight adv bike niche. The only thing you can buy today that is comparable is the KTM690R & they're $17K.

Clint

I've always been a big Honda fan (my trusty XR400 was one of the best bikes I ever owned), but I have to say that when I swapped my LC4 for an XR650R recently, it felt distinctly old tech.