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2014 Honda XL650L

2014 Honda XL650L Review

2014 Honda XL650L on Totalmotorcycle.com

Wherever You Want, It’ll Take You There…

Few motorcycles offer truly broadband dual-sport performance, but the legendary XR650L is equally at home on the road and in the dirt. Whether your travels include dirt roads, single-track trails, highways or byways, the XR650L opens the door to riding adventure like few motorcycles ever have. With strong engine performance, comfortable ergonomics and long-travel suspension that easily handles two-up riding, the XR650L has garnered a loyal following that have traveled to many destinations thanks to the bike’s amazing versatility. For 2013, the much-beloved XR650L is ready to expand your riding horizons as well.

If you’re looking for one motorcycle that can do it all, Honda’s time-tested XR650L is that machine. Off-road it has the power, suspension and durability a dirt rider demands. On-road its light overall weight, electric starter and excellent fuel economy make it the perfect commuter, even for long trips.

Its bulletproof 644cc overhead cam engine produces huge torque and power. Air cooling keeps things simple and reduces maintenance chores. And the engine’s gear-driven counterbalancer reduces tiring vibrations.

Baja tough, the XR650L has the versatility to take you anywhere you want to go on a motorcycle without the hassle of having to trailer a dirtbike.

In the grueling world of off-road desert racing it takes more than speed to win, you have to make it to the finish line. No where is this more true than in the punishing Baja 1000, where competitors run their bikes virtually flat out for 24 hours across the most inhospitable terrain. Honda, with their incredible reputation for durability and reliability, have dominated the Baja 1000 for decades; winning more often than all the other manufacturers put together. The XR650L is based on the XR600R that was so successful in Baja, using essentially the same frame, suspension and motor. The air-cooled thumper engine increased in displacement by 50cc to compensate for the reduction in performance that came with meeting emissions regulations. The cartridge fork and Pro-Link rear suspension were re-calibrated for the addition of street legal hardware and the fuel tank was changed from plastic to steel. Other than these “adjustments”, the XR650L is for all intents and purposes the same bike. Of course the XR650L is completely functional on the street with full lighting and instrumentation, a comfortable seat and dual-purpose tires, but don’t be surprised if you find you spend more time in the dirt.

XR650L – Baja beckons.

 

2014 Honda XL650L Totalmotorcycle.com Key Features

Electric Start.

The XR650L’s push-button electric start means it’s easy to get going, even on cold mornings or if your bike’s been sitting all week. The proven design and components make it super reliable, too.

The 650 That Beat Baja.

Our 644cc single in the XR650L can handle off-road terrain, so it can certainly handle your daily commute. Powerful, compact, durable and time tested, you can’t beat it.

 

 

2014 Honda XL650L Totalmotorcycle.com Features and Benefits

Engine/Drivetrain

644 cc SOHC four-stroke engine produces strong low-end power and torque well suited to both on-road and off-road riding..
Radial Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC) allows excellent combustion efficiency while maintaining high power output..
42.5 mm constant-velocity carburetor offers crisp throttle response and excellent driveability..
Reliable electric starter system allows easy push-button starting..
Gear-driven counter-balancer minimizes vibration, reducing fatigue..
Free-flowing dual-header exhaust system with quiet spark arrester/muffler..
Maintenance-free automatic cam chain tensioner and solid-state CD ignition with electronic advance reduce maintenance time..
Dry-sump engine maximizes power by minimizing crankshaft windage and lowering engine temperature..
Durable five-speed transmission offers a gear for most conditions..
Heavy-duty multi-plate clutch..
Heavy-duty, low-maintenance #520 O-ring-sealed drive chain..

Chassis/Suspension

Semi-double-cradle steel frame is lightweight, strong and offers precise handling..
43 mm Showa cartridge fork features 16-position compression damping adjustability for superb off-road performance..
Pro-Link single-shock rear suspension system features a fully adjustable 46 mm Showa damper for exceptional rear wheel control both on and off road..
Lightweight, strong and durable aluminum box-section swingarm with quick-detach rear wheel..
Front and rear disc brakes offer strong, controllable stopping power..
Lightweight yet super-strong wheels..
Frame-mounted passenger footrests facilitate two-up riding..
Aggressive dual-purpose front and rear tires offer excellent performance both on- and off-road..
18-inch rear wheel for greater tire selection..
Lightweight rims and hubs feature straight-pull spokes.

Additional Features

Honda Racing-inspired colours and graphics..
Combination headlight/number plate and dual airflow shrouds direct cool air to the engine..
Enduro-style headlight features high/low beams..
Motocross-style seat is comfortable and allows maximum rider movement..
Large, durable fenders keep debris off the rider..
Lightweight tubular engine guard..
Rear-fender-mounted tool kit..
Wide-section folding, cleated footpegs are comfortable and self-cleaning..
High-output 12-volt electrical system..
Flex-mounted turn signals resist breakage..
Compact speedometer features tripmeter/ odometer, neutral light, as well as high beam, turn signal and sidestand indicators..
Easy-to-use choke allows easy cold-weather starts..
Push-to-cancel turn-signal switch..
High-quality controls include comfortable grips and brush guards..
Convenient helmet lock and tool kit are standard equipment..
1 year, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty.

 

 

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2014 Honda XL650L – Totalmotorcycle.com USA Specifications/Technical Details
US MSRP Price: $6,690 USD

Model: XR650L

Engine Type: 644cc air-cooled, dry-sump, single-cylinder four-stroke

Bore and Stroke: 100.0mm x 82.0mm

Compression ratio: 8.3:1

Valve Train: SOHC; four-valve RFVC

Induction: 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor

Ignition: CD with electronic advance

Transmission: Five-speed

Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T

Suspension
Front: 43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression damping adjustability; 11.6 inches travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, 20-position compression and 20-position rebound damping adjustability; 11.0 inches travel

Brakes
Front: Single disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear: Single disc

Tires
Front: 3.00-21
Rear: 4.60-18

Wheelbase: 57.3 inches

Rake (Caster angle): 27.0°

Trail: 102mm (4.0 inches)

Seat Height: 37.0 inches

Ground Clearance: 13.0 inches

Fuel Capacity: 2.8 gallons, including 0.6-gallon reserve

Fuel Economy Estimate**: 52 mpg

Color: Red

Curb Weight*: 346 pounds

*Includes all standard equipment, required fluids and full tank of fuel-ready to ride.

**Miles per gallon values are calculated estimates of fuel consumed during laboratory exhaust emissions tests specified by the EPA, not during on-road riding. Use for comparison purposes only. Your actual mileage will vary depending on how you ride and maintain your vehicle, weather, road conditions, tire pressure, cargo and accessories, rider and passenger weight, and other factors.

Meets current CARB and EPA standards.

California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.

 

 

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2014 Honda XL650L – Totalmotorcycle.com Canada Specifications/Technical Details
Canadian MSRP Price: TBA CDN

Engine Type
Air-cooled dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke

Displacement
644 cc

Bore & Stroke
100 mm x 82 mm

Compression Ratio
8.3:1

Valve Train
SOHC, RFVC 4 valves

Fuel Delivery
Single 42.5 mm CV carb

Transmission
Five-speed with manual clutch

Final Drive
#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T

Front Suspension
43 mm Showa cartridge fork with compression damping adjustment; 260 mm (10.2 in.) travel

Rear Suspension
Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload, compression and rebound damping adjustment; 280 mm (11 in.) travel

Tires
3.00 – 21 front; 4.60 – 18 rear

Brakes
Front 255 mm disc with dual-piston caliper; rear 220 mm disc with single-piston caliper

Ground Clearance
330 mm (13 in.)

Seat Height
940 mm (37 in.)

Wheelbase
1,455 mm (57.3 in.)

Curb Weight
158 kg (348 lb) including required fluids and full tank of gas – ready to ride

Fuel Capacity
10.5 litres, including 2.8-litre reserve

Colour
Fighting Red

Warranty
12 months, unlimited mileage, freely transferable warranty; extended coverage available with Honda Plus

 

 

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2014 Honda XL650L – Totalmotorcycle.com UK/European Specifications/Technical Details
European MSRP Price: £ GBP

Specifications to come

 

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2014 Honda XL650L – Totalmotorcycle.com Australia Specifications/Technical Details
Australian MSRP Price: $ AUD

Specifications to come

 

Specifications, features and prices to change by manufacturer without notice. All information correct as of posted date.