XR650L for a BIG rider plus passenger

[Skyclad]

Greetings,

I have always had a thing for the XR650, even though I have not owned one. I am in the market for a new bike though and wanted to get a bit of information to see if it would fit my needs.

I am a large person, 6'3" and a bit over 300 pounds. I need to know what sort of power the XR650L makes. I know the power is not great stock, but what sort of numbers would I be looking at after some good mods.

Also, I am going to often be carrying a passenger. This is actually the bigger concern for me, as the passenger will be my 8yo son. I need a bike that will give him the comfort to be able to sit for awhile without the squirm factor setting in.

The other bike on my current short list is the Buell Ulysses. Yeah, I know they are radically different rides. The Buell offers everything that I am looking for, including outstanding comfort for both the rider and passenger.

I do intend to put some serious miles on whatever I get. When I am riding solo, 18-20 hours a day is not unheard of. Is the XR650L comfortable enough for that kind of riding?

I appreciate any input you have. Please just give me the straight up. I know you all love your pigs, and I can understand that. I just want to make sure that I would have that same kind of love if I get one.

[martinfan30]

stock HP is i beleive around 32 hp. with the usual mods, pipe, jetting you are35-36 MAYBE. i am 6'5" 230 and do 100-150 miles a day on adventure rides(just me and 40 pounds in my wolfman bags). no prob. on these trips, no real discomfort. just to cruise around with you and your son around town... no prob. just wouldnt do that for long rides. definately think about a stiffer rear spring for that. otherwise the pig makes a great sport/touring/adventure/offroad bike. dont let the KLR boys mislead you!LOL!

[Skyclad]

stock HP is i beleive around 32 hp. with the usual mods, pipe, jetting you are35-36 MAYBE.

Well, I was hoping for a bit more than that

dont let the KLR boys mislead you!LOL!

No worries on that part. The KLR was never really on my list.

[Bibleman]

Hi Skyclad. Keep in mind the weight capacity of the "L" is 328 lbs.

[frankiewhipit]

Hey there, I think with the Dave mods & a slip on muffler the XL makes decent power (being 6'2" @310lbs.) it pulls me pretty good. As far as the long ride with a passenger I dont think it's that comfortable. On the road, just riding it as transportation (no squid riding) I'm only good for about 2 - 3 hrs. on that seat,

off road when your really not sitting it's not so bad. When my son is with me (also 8) the street time becomes less, he says he's fine back there but always moving to get comfortable. I guess thats why I never sold my road bike

[goblin127]

As much as I like the XRL I think you have way better choises you could make given your list of needs. How about a V Strom?

[Beyond The Pale]

I do intend to put some serious miles on whatever I get. When I am riding solo, 18-20 hours a day is not unheard of. Is the XR650L comfortable enough for that kind of riding?

Wow, that's hardcore on any bike. I can't even do that in a car! If you can do that on a 650L you get the ironbutt/robot award. There is a lot of vibration and while the seat is a couch by dirt bike standards, it's not so good by touring bike standards.

After the low cost mods the power is good enough. You can cruise at 80 with 40-45 hp (I think). The top end hp isn't that much, but there is a lot of low end torque. The suspension will need some larger springs. As mentioned the stock passenger max is only about 330 lbs. Stiffer springs will help some, but a big limiting factor is the strength of the subframe. On the dirt it is known to bend. Perhaps not a big issue on the road.

[squatpuke]

Hi...I'm 6'2" and a naked 260...280+ geared up...

I don't have any issues with power...my '07 stock engine L supplies all I seem to need....

I have young kids who usually ride in front on the trails...although my oldest daughter (7) is gettin' too big for that...I took off my passenger pegs as I am not sure I will let them ride on back.

I just put in my first 40+ mile trek (usually just 11 mile commutes) and I must say IMHO, the L was not REAL comfy...but adequate. My hands were tingly and my crotch felt "good"...hehe. Can't imagine doing a 100-150 miles...sheesh. At least I'm "done" having kids...so no worries on my swimmers.

[Denn10]

my post is gone LOL anyways im almost 290 and i have daves mods and a WB slip on and it will pull wheelies with stock gearing from a stop. Its not a ktm 525 but dont worry i think youll be ok with the power they have. Enjoy it

[Skyclad]

Thanks for the honest feedback. The things that you said are pretty much the things that I was worried about in getting one. I guess that I will just have to accept that I am not going to be able to get the off-road capability that I would like without giving up the on-road capability that I need. I will have to wait until I can afford two bikes to get the XR, but it will happen.

[Frank ZX]

I'm 160 soaking wet,I have to dance in the shower to get wet lol.I ride my XRL atleast 70 miles per day.Sometimes I stand on the pegs a second to get blood back in the ole glutes.It's the best bike I ever had.Go ahead and get one!

[cantregister]

Thanks for the honest feedback. The things that you said are pretty much the things that I was worried about in getting one. I guess that I will just have to accept that I am not going to be able to get the off-road capability that I would like without giving up the on-road capability that I need. I will have to wait until I can afford two bikes to get the XR, but it will happen.

I happen to own both bikes you are looking at and have been known to put in some long days.

Buy the Uly

[janner]

I am 180 and 6 feet tall.....I do several 90 mile round trips a week on my stock 650, mostly back roads at 60 and 70, and some dirt roads, avoiding the Interstate...at this distance I am reasonably comfortable........

Longest day trip was about 260 miles......on and off road.......By the time I arrived home I was getting pretty uncomfortable in the saddle department..so I think I have found my personal daily distance on this bike, and would not want to repeat that on back to back days!!

I have never taken a passenger on the back of this bike, and I would not want to.

[desert4seat]

I have never taken a passenger on the back of this bike, and I would not want to.

Oh man, you don’t know what yer missing!!!!

2-up on the L is a blast!

Here we are (my girl and I) at altitude (Eastern Sierra / Mammoth Lakes / June Lake) with all our fishing gear, riding gear, and lots of beer!

We did about 100 miles that day ( 25% street), mostly sandy nasty stuff and lots of single track!

The bike did GREAT – as usual!

We were extremely comfortable all day (I weigh 220, and she’s around 130)

But most importantly…We had a blast!

…But the fish got away!

lets see you do this on any other DS...

Just another reason why this is the BEST dual sport bike you can buy! HANDS DOWN! ?

[wheelnut46]

2 things I like a lot. Riding and fishing. I have not successfully integrated the two because I cant stop riding long enough to fish.

[bork]

Oh man, you don’t know what yer missing!!!!

2-up on the L is a blast!

Here we are (my girl and I) at altitude (Eastern Sierra / Mammoth Lakes / June Lake) with all our fishing gear, riding gear, and lots of beer!

We did about 100 miles that day ( 25% street), mostly sandy nasty stuff and lots of single track!

The bike did GREAT – as usual!

We were extremely comfortable all day (I weigh 220, and she’s around 130)

But most importantly…We had a blast!

…But the fish got away!

lets see you do this on any other DS...

Just another reason why this is the BEST dual sport bike you can buy! HANDS DOWN! ?

Wow ! That's great! Good pics. Is that a gas mask she wears when sitting in back? hehehe

[martinfan30]

fishing, riding, chick, beer, no way can it be better than that!!!!

where is that, looks familiar to me.

[desert4seat]

fishing, riding, chick, beer, no way can it be better than that!!!!

where is that, looks familiar to me.

yeah, no kidding...it really cant get much better....except for a full stringer.

the pics were taken in the Mammoth lakes area, and the June Lake area (and places in between).

[martinfan30]

been through the june lake loop on our xrl's. camped and fished there too. didnt catch many fish, but did catch a buzz!!!