The 2020 Honda XR650L: Honda’s Dual Sport Mainstay
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The XR650L returns for 2020 and continues to be an important part of Honda’s line-up. There aren’t any obvious changes to this versatile dual-sport machine, and that’s a good thing. The beautiful thing about this legendary motorcycle is the fact that it’s solid, reliable, and simple. It works excellently on- and off-road, with unparalleled reliability. That’s why Honda hasn’t changed up the recipe.
Powered by an fiercely reliable air-cooled 644cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine that produces 40 horsepower and 47.2 lb-ft of torque, the XR650L might not seem like the most exciting motorcycle on the roster but when it comes to off-road prowess, on-road fun, and simple mechanics, it’s a hard motorcycle to beat.
Equipped with 43mm Showa cartridge front suspension and a Pro-Link rear shock for increased off-road performance, the XR650L appears to be nothing more than a big dirt bike. But there’s so much more to it than that. Fitted with a practical electric starter, front and rear disc brakes, dual purpose tires, passenger foot-pegs, Enduro headlight, and minimalist but effective instrumentation, the Honda XR650L can hold its own on the roads too.
For 2020, the legendary Honda XR650L comes in the classic Honda Red color scheme, with updated graphics for the New Year.
On this page: we’ve curated specs, features, news, photos/videos, etc. so you can read up on the new Honda XR650L in one place.
Model Overview
General Info
- Price: $ 6,999
- Key Features:
- Electric starter
- LED lights
- Disc brakes front and rear
Key Specs
- Engine type: 644cc air-cooled, single-cylinder
- Power: 40 horsepower
- Wet weight: 346 lbs
- Seat height: 37 Inch
Key Competitors
- Kawasaki KLR650
2020 Honda XR650L Specifications
ENGINE |
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| Engine | 644cc air-cooled, dry-sump single-cylinder, four-stroke | |
| Power | 40 Horsepower | |
| Bore x Stroke | 100mm x 82mm | |
| Compression Ratio | 8.3:1 | |
| Fuel System | 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor | |
| Starter | Electric | |
| Lubrication | ||
DRIVETRAIN |
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| Clutch | Multiplate wet | |
| Transmission | 5-speed | |
| Final Drive | #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T | |
CHASSIS |
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| Suspension Front | 43mm air-adjustable axle Showa® cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability; 11.6-inches of travel | |
| Suspension Rear | Pro-Link® Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability; 11.0-inches of travel | |
| Brakes Front | Single disc with twin-piston caliper | |
| Brakes Rear | Single disc | |
| Tires Front | 3.00-21 | |
| Tires Rear | 4.60-18 | |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 10.59 L (2.8 US gal.) | |
| Color | Red | |
ELECTRICAL |
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| Ignition | Solid-state CD with electronic advance | |
| Spark Plugs | ||
| Headlight | LED | |
| Tail Light | LED | |
DIMENSIONS |
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| Overall Length | ||
| Overall Width | ||
| Overall Height | ||
| Wheelbase | 1455 (57.3 in.) | |
| Ground Clearance | 330 mm (13 in.) | |
| Seat Height | 939 mm (37 in.) | |
| Curb Weight | 156 kg (346 lb.) | |
WARRANTY |
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| Warranty | 12-month Transferable, unlimited-mileage limited warranty | |
| Extension | Extended coverage available with a HondaCare Protection Plan® | |
2020 Honda XR650L Features
FOUR-STROKE ENGINE
The XR650L’s four-stroke, single-cylinder engine offers good fuel efficiency and a wide powerband. In addition, its proven powerplant requires very little maintenance.
DISC BRAKES
Front- and rear-disc brakes provide superior stopping power. Both front and rear disc rotors are drilled for lightness and better wet-weather performance.
ELECTRIC STARTER
Adventure is just the push of a button away. The XR650L’s electric starter takes all the drama out of restarting off-road, or getting underway on a cold morning or after the bike’s been sitting all week.
STREET-LEGAL FEATURES
Fully equipped for the street—including turn signals, license-plate light, mirrors, speedometer and more. There’s even a grab strap and footpegs for a passenger.
PASSENGER READY
With a passenger grab strap, folding passenger pegs, a long MX-style seat and plenty of Honda power, the XR650L lets you carry a passenger with ease.
SEALED BATTERY
No maintenance hassles here, even in case of an off-road tip over. The sealed battery has plenty of cranking power for the electric starter, and is well protected from the vibrations of off-road riding.
DRY-SUMP LUBRICATION
The XR’s dry-sump design keeps the engine compact and eliminates the oil pan for superior ground clearance and damage resistance. With the engine oil in the frame, the frame itself acts like a giant oil cooler.
18-INCH REAR WHEEL
The 18-inch rear wheel gives you a better overall ride and more sidewall protection against flats, and still offers a wide choice of on- or off-road tires.
21-INCH FRONT WHEEL
The 21-inch front wheel gives you a wide choice of tire selection for different riding conditions.
LONG-TRAVEL FRONT SUSPENSION
With a full 11.6 inches of travel, the air-adjustable 43mm fork also offers 16-position compression damping adjustability, letting you fine-tune it to deal with the bumps of off-road riding.
PRO-LINK® REAR SUSPENSION
Honda’s Pro-Link® rear suspension system offers compliant and comfortable ride quality with a high level of wheel control. Initial rates are soft for supple action over small bumps and ripples, while increasingly stiffer rates resist bottoming and maintain rear-wheel control over rougher surfaces.
STEEL FRAME
The XR650L’s steel frame is designed to handle the intensity of off-road travel. Plus, the frame’s backbone doubles as the engine’s oil tank, saving weight and space.
What the f*** you talking about.
I’ve never had my 650 jump out of gear or have more neutrals than one neutral
My 650L doesn’t have but one neutral????
It shifts like butter. Never misses a gear’.
Maybe yours is broken?
Mine has 10000 miles.
Will run over a hundred for short sprints and is powerful enough for third gear wheelies.
What year are we in? Last I checked it is 2021. This article is for the new release of a 2020 model, granted nothing but bold new graphics and color combinations, get it together.
This article was published Dec 2019.