2022 Honda XR650L Adventure Motorcycle Review Specs Price

The 2022 Honda XR650L Adventure Motorcycle has been around for a while, and it’s easy to take for granted that it’s a part of Honda’s range, but the tried-and-true dual-sport model has remained popular for a reason. Single-track trails, dirt roads, and backroads are all within reach on the XR650L’s capabilities, and it can also be used as a reliable mode of urban transit. Due to these traits and its historic Baja past, the 2022 model has attracted a dedicated fan base of riders who will be glad to learn that the bike has been given a cosmetic makeover.

No matter how rough the road or trail, everyone knows that you can always depend on a Honda XR650L. This motorcycle’s 644cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine, sturdy steel frame, and long-travel suspension exemplify its tried-and-true simplicity and reliability. Getting going is a breeze with the electric starter, and the same goes for restarting under challenging parts of the path. It meets all requirements for lawful operation on public streets and has enough space for a single occupant. The 2022 XR650L is still as hardy as an anvil, but it looks modern and fresh owing to a complete redesign of its visual aesthetic. The new tank designs pay homage to the Honda XR legacy of the 650, and the bike’s black wheels go with the black seat, tool bag, and fork gaiters. The XR650L has never looked better, whether you’re riding it for off-road explorations or as the world’s best post-apocalyptic commuter.

2022 Honda XR650L Adventure Motorcycle – Features and Specs

Design

There is little doubt that the XR650L favors the brown over the black, even though “adventure bike” and “dual sport” are sometimes used interchangeably. However, it includes standard illumination like turn signals, headlights, and taillights; the Endures suspension, body panels, and tires are all designed with off-roading in mind.

The front fender is set on a triple tree, which provides about a foot of suspension travel. The engine is shielded by cheek fairings, which also guide the cooling airflow, while the fly lines consist of a short fuel tank and a bench seat. This substantial suspension travel requires a seat height of 37 inches, which is in the nosebleed region for many riders.

To protect the muffler that is mounted in the middle of the vehicle, the subframe is enclosed by panels that extend down from the bench seat on each side. Despite Honda’s claims, this bike was made for the mud. I know I wouldn’t feel safe doing a turn on the street with those tires, but I guess you wouldn’t care about that if the bike served its original function. But it’s perfectly legal on the road and can get you to the trailhead.

Chassis

The XR650L is built on a tubular steel frame with a single downtube and twin cradles to save weight. A steering geometry of 4 inches of trail and 27 degrees of steering-head rake allows for some stability and maneuverability.

Showa supplies the suspension parts, which include a pair of 43 mm forks up front and a mono-shock in the rear. The forks and the Pro-Link rear shock have air-adjustable preload and 16-position compression damping, while the shock has spring preload and 20-position compression and rebound damping. The off-road feel is bolstered by the suspension travel, which measures 11.6 inches in the front and 11 inches in the rear.

That message is driven home even more complex by the laced wheels and single-disc brakes at both ends, with a dual-piston caliper biting the front disc and a single-piston caliper squeezing the rear disc. The front wheel is 21 inches in diameter, making it suitable for navigating rugged terrain, while the rear wheel is 18 inches in diameter. There’s no denying that street-knobbiest are helpful for traction on the hard, but you should treat them with due reverence, or you’ll end up in a lowrider sooner rather than later.

The 13 inches of ground clearance should eliminate any lingering doubts about how this vehicle is meant to be used. No mistake about it; this bike can handle the rough stuff.

Drivetrain

The vehicle is powered by an air-cooled thumper with a 100 mm bore and 82 mm stroke, giving us a total displacement of 644 ccs. With an average 8.3-to-1 compression ratio and a single overhead cam timing the four-valve head, low-octane fuel may be used without damaging the engine, and the engine’s lifespan is extended since the power pulses aren’t strong enough to knock the bearings out of the bottom end.

Carburetor aficionados, I have good news! The induction is controlled by a constant-velocity (42.5 mm) carburetor, and the power unit still gets 52 miles to the gallon while complying with CARB and EPA off-road pollution rules. The vehicle has a peak speed of roughly 105 mph and a power output of around 40 horsepower, far faster than you should travel on knobbiest.

The engine is connected to the five-speed manual gearbox by a standard clutch, and I’m not shocked to see that neither a slipper clutch nor traction control or any other electronic aids are included. A significant selling factor in my view, particularly for a bike that may see servicing far off the usual route, is the bike’s simplicity, which I find both refreshing and believe will make this ride simple for the lay mechanic to maintain.

2022 Honda XR650L Adventure Motorcycle – Price

In 2022, the XR650L will cost you $6,999 at its suggested retail price. Honda’s official catalog of add-ons doesn’t leave much room for exaggeration in this regard. Unfortunately, it seems that a cover is the only available add-on. No worries, however; the secondary market will always be there.

Honda XR650L vs Kawasaki KLR650

I was initially inclined to sketch the Kawasaki KLR 650 as a dual-sport. Still, I realized that the border between the two types of bikes varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Despite its name, this bike is best suited for the streets. The short fairing and windshield give it an adventure-bike appearance that makes it seem like more bike than it is. Therefore, I have to dismiss it despite our shared aesthetic preferences.

Honda XR650L vs Suzuki DR650S

The Suzuki DR650S comes to the rescue since it is a near-identical twin to the XR, sharing the same clamp-mount front mudguard and comparable fly lines throughout the rest of the bike. Both mills are 644 ccs in displacement, but Honda claims around 40 horsepower and Suzuki claims 46, a difference close enough to be noteworthy.

The DR has a lower seat height than the XR by more than two inches, at 34.8 inches; however, the trade-off is a lower ground clearance of just 10.4 inches. In case you were wondering, yes, carbohydrates power both mills. Suzuki triumphs at the register with a $6,499 price tag, although a little triumph at only a tad cheaper.

2022 Honda XR650L Adventure Motorcycle – Technical Specifications

Engine

Suspension

Brakes

Tires

Measurements

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