G'day from Queensland Australia

Hi All,

Had many xr600's over the years and am just about to purchase a 650. Have inspected 4-5 XR650R in my area and most have been in fair condition. However for the same price I have come across a mint XR650L. I know there is a fair bit of difference in these 2 models, but most of my riding is on road. My concern is that my local Honda mechanic said that the L engine is only half as good as the R engine. I am hoping he means that the L engine is good and the R is brilliant?

I am not racing it just looking for reliabilty. Any remarks on the L would be a big help.

Great site too.
Regards,
Lee

Hi your mechanic is correct the "L" is a good solid reliable bike with a very good following online and loads of users with help and advice, really depends what your after if you want a "L" then buy it.... if you want a "R" then keep looking for a decent bike. Cannot really compare the 2 bikes as they are so different.

Scorpion,

ignore Mauser please, because you can compare the two: L is for Ladies, R is for tostesteRone


If I had to ride to Cairo I'd get the L, but for more fun I prefer the R.
So, easy - what do you want?

G'day from QLD as well champ,what part ,i'm in Cairns.

Thanks boys.

Badcooky, in Townsville Mate.

Cheers

scorpionNQ wrote:Hi All,

Had many xr600's over the years and am just about to purchase a 650. Have inspected 4-5 XR650R in my area and most have been in fair condition. However for the same price I have come across a mint XR650L. I know there is a fair bit of difference in these 2 models, but most of my riding is on road. My concern is that my local Honda mechanic said that the L engine is only half as good as the R engine. I am hoping he means that the L engine is good and the R is brilliant?

I am not racing it just looking for reliabilty. Any remarks on the L would be a big help.

Great site too.
Regards,
Lee

Hi Lee

Ive got an '02 650R and my mate has an L....theyre a great bike. Nothing wrong with the L and will go pretty well everywhere. They are a bit heavier but enjoy the ride

Hey Sean,

Yeah that's what I am thinking. Probably going to go with the L as it is mint. May even get a cheap R down the track and play with it.
Cheers

How much time will you spend riding off road vs riding on pavement?

Yeh, mainly on the butumen.....eerrrr pavement. I think the L will be fine.

scorpionNQ wrote:Yeh, mainly on the butumen.....eerrrr pavement. I think the L will be fine.

If mainly pavement, I would get the L. Added bonus of the L is a comfy seat vs the R and the majic button.

Welcome to the Six Fifty forum!

Thanks for all of the replies. I have just scored the L. Will post a pic soon.
Cheers

Ive spent a bit of time on my mates L and its quite capable in the bush. Gear it 14/48 and put some DOT knobbies on it like the MT21 pirelli's. You be surprised