L or R ??

[smashinz2002]

Roostnya,, why don't you try "roostin" a 650R? The 650L will stand no chance at all. I'm tellin' ya man, if you haven't ridden an uncorked 650R, you are just kidding yourself by thinking the "L" has any power, because it doesn't. Any early '90's DR350 could smoke a stock 650L easily.

Ride an uncorked 650R and you will want one. For comparison, the 650R uncorked is very similar to a CR500 but without the crazy 2-stroke "hit".

The "L" makes gentle, mushy torque, and it doesn't handle well. The "R" makes very abrupt, "trigger happy" power at the flick of the wrist. It feels absurdly overpowered at low rpm, and requires a delicate touch. Mid range pulls even harder, but smoother. Top end is lame, but still more pull than the "L".

?

[jstevens]

We have to admit we didn't really read what Craig

was asking for. I'm glad he's going with the SuperMotard "R". But smashinz2002 I can tell you've never even riden an "uncorked" L before. You said "you are just kidding yourself by thinking the "L" has any power, because it doesn't." I think your kidding yourself!

True it doesn't have as much power as the "R" But I have two guys that ride "R's" and are members of the forum Steve2000 and The Grimmer that can vouch that my "L" can hang with them. As a matter of fact they were slightly impressed with the bike. Again all things being equal, sure the "R" will win out, but when ever are ALL THINGS EVER EQUAL? Most of the time the difference is at the line, or in the tires, the terrain, or the skill set of the rider. Personally I'd reather have an "R" for the dirt and a freeking R1 for the street, but the "L" will have to do for now in both worlds!

?

[Rover31]

I have to reply to the comment that an early 90s DR could "smoke" an L.

My only comment Pleeeeeze give us all a break you must be joking.

I have riden both and do not agree ?

Travis

[TORTURECHAMBERS]

I have to reply to the comment that an early 90s DR could "smoke" an L.

My only comment Pleeeeeze give us all a break you must be joking.

I have riden both and do not agree ?

Travis

I agree with tdfox. I had a 94 DR tricked out and it cannot hold a candle to my XR650L. Not that it was a bad bike but power wise, no contest...

[qadsan]

Behold the XR650'L' in SM form.

[JR650]

I cant help but ask myself, WHY????

[scorch]

Ride an uncorked 650R and you will want one. For comparison, the 650R uncorked is very similar to a CR500 but without the crazy 2-stroke "hit".

I had a cr500, and I agree with the above statement. Actually its deceiving, the xr650r does have a crazy hit in 1-2 gear. But not as aggressive as the 2stroke. Given the 2, I like the xr650r better.. Much better.

I also Own a yamaha r1. And with supermoto wheels, the xr650r will outcorner it. But then again, supermotos can corner like crazy.

Get the R just for the fact it has a awesome new motor, and a awesome frame. And is water cooled ?

[irondude]

I am right there with Qadson- why would anyone waste that kind of money doing all of that to an L?

XR50--maybe. But a 650L? WHY??

The only logical explanation is that those pics are digitally re-touched photos of Motard'd R's..... ?

[Rover31]

Why do we do a lot of things mostly because we can!

I know why I bought my L. My life is busy I didn't want a bike that took a lot of work/maintenence, the price was way good, and these things are basicaly bullitproof. Sure I rather have a lot of other bikes (faster, better handling, lighter and for sure prettier) but his is what I have and enjoy.

The motard thing why do we do a lot of the insanely stupid things we do .

Enjoy life however you can!!! ?

Travis

[smashinz2002]

Hahaha. Yeah , I was just joking around man.. I've never ridden an "L" in any form.. Actually the YZ426 I used to have seemed quicker than the 650R I have now.. Of course it wouldn't go as fast topped out, but close. My old DR350 couldn't even hang with an RM125, so yeah I was kidding!

Honestly though, I think a dual sported 650R uncorked is a superior ride to the "L" in all areas of performance. Just my opinion, no offense to anyone, if you ride, it really doesn't matter! Just ride and enjoy! ?

L.L.

[MotoChris521]

Qadsan , yo da mannn!!!! :D ?

[Dual_Dog]

This question will go on for as long as Honda continues to produce both bikes. Each bike has a specific purpose and rider in mind.

You can make the XR street legal, and you can make the XRL much more dirt worthy. Either way you'll be spending time and money to convert one into the other. The water-cooled XR is more technologically advanced than the L, but the air-cooled L is bullet-proof. The XR is the undisputed king of Baja and the L is a scorcher on the paved twisties.

Add some big-ass knobs and an exhaust on the L and you can do some serious damage off-highway as well. No brainer here since the L has the old XR frame.

Choices, choices. I agree with the other poster's recommendations, one test ride is worth a thousand biased reviews.

[focallength]

Get the R, if you want it street legal for cali ( mine is ) PM me (I dont know if I can post the guys business here) I know someone who can do it for you. Its all legal, Ive never been stopped and my bike is hardly street legal but its got plates

[JackAttack]

&%$#@!????

Post is 3 years old.

[focallength]

My riding buddy has an L and as everyone else pointed out they are completely diffrent animals. That's not to say that the L (with a few mods) is a bad ride. It works well, but for pure dirt riding it does not even get close to the R. The HP on a L even with a pipe and a jet kit is only around 40. The HP on an R unplugged is around 53. Plus the L wieghs 50 pounds more than the R in stock form. You do the math. Everytime my friend laid his down he broke those damn wings on the front that direct air over the engine. My R with its water tanks is still slimmer and they don't break when you lay the bike down. Again nothing against the L, but if you want power and better abilities in the dirt the R is a clear winner.

for what its worth My R (96) is awesome on the street. I have some trail tires (really glorified street tires) I put on when I ride on the street. Trust me the R is suprisingly nimble. Sure I top out at about 90. But Ive surprised many street bikes on the twisties with my R. Plus its awesome off road this thing will handle anything I throw at it. Goat trails, open desert, rocks, sand, anything.

[focallength]

sorry didnt look at the date. Didnt mean to offend you.

[JackAttack]

sorry didnt look at the date. Didnt mean to offend you.

I'm offended that you think that would offend me.

[frankstr]

&%$#@!????

Post is 3 years old.

Talk about archives....LOL

Get the " R " you'll be Happy..IMO

[2000 xr650r]

Yeah if i ever get a chance to ride an R i will definently ride one. But the power still aint bad on my bike i can wheelie in first and second easily. Any one in southern pa own a 650R that i could test ride!!!! LoL

Get a R and wheelie in third with zero effort and 4th gear like this... http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k24/2000xr650r/?action=view&current=MVC-001W-1.flv...

As far as the CR500 and yz426f, i have freinds that have both. If you rode the three you would say cr500 is the fastest yz426f is second and the xr650r is third fastest. In reality is exactly oposite. It is very deciveing. The cr feels faster than it is because of the power hit. In a drag race 1st xr650r 2nd cr500 3rd yz426f. They are all super close. Its about a draw between the 426 and 500. We all stay even untill about 60mph when the 650r's tourqe kicks in and slowly pull away and when they top out i still have a solid 20 mph! I admit the 650 has a weak top end. Mostly beacase of the exhaust header and i assume the cams are made for great low and mid power. Heres the 426... http://s84.photobucket.com/albums/k24/2000xr650r/?action=view&current=MVC-001W.flv