I have owned both and like each of them. The XR650 weighs in at about 300lbs dry, LC4 at about 270lbs dry. Both are simalar in engine design. They are a low revving long stroke power output = tractor like predictable power. Unlike the 450's that are higher revving more 2 stroke like power delivery. Both are extremly reliable and will run forever if maintained properly. I still have my 1990 LC4 600 DXC and have only put rings in it once around 1998 and thousands of miles on Motor/drivetrain.
Your right, it does have its purpose. Its purpose is for old guys to putt around on. Notice team Honda only races the 450X now? Don't you think there is a reason for that? It's newer technology which usually translates into being "better." Trust me, ride a new 450, you will forget about the XR.
I think you should look again. Team Honda has been using the CRF450X in the Baja 500 and 1000. And what a surprise, they are still winning. KTM has a new baja bike out and Honda still beat it on a 450. Have you ridden a 450 and a 650?
team honda races the 450 in Baja because the don't sell the 650's any more. If they sold 650's they would still race them (I am pretty sure some 650's won baja several times when Honda was selling 450's). As far as old guys riding them slow, well I guess I am old and ride slow, but I only have to change my oil, adjust my valves, etc about once to the 450's 5 or 6 times. Its built like a tank conpared to the crfs and will outlast 2 crfs, but you are right, they are heavy.
Please don't misunderstand, I loved my 650. However, for my riding style and where I ride, my 450 is better for me. I did love the piece of mind knowing my 650 was bullet proof, however, I am having a lot more fun now on a lighter, more powerful bike.
@desertracer2 Lol. The 450 is not more powerful. I think the previous owner of your supposed 650 must have slapped R stickers on the L model and your dumb ass bought it.
Give me a break. My YZ450 with gearing will rip an XR650 apart. Trust me, I beat the hell out of my 650 for three years, its a good bike, but not a great bike. Also, its not the fastest, any 450 MX bike or 500 two stroke will leave it in the dust. So.....go sell stupid some where else!
I just sold my yz450 and kept my xr650r. You are comparing apples to oranges. The 650 is a great bike, but its not a motorcross bike. The yz is a great, but its not a bike that can do pretty good on a trail and then hit 100mph in a straight.
Those are the only brands I will buy! I have had to push too many Kawasaki's out of the desert! I traded in my XR650 for a new YZ450F. I love the bike!
Sweet. Gotta agree. Love my XR650, but a KTM 450EXC I rode for a while was excellent.
saabydo 1 year ago
how much weight will that bike carry like whats the maximum weight it can handle
dustina111p 2 years ago
I got an xr400 and im 6'1" 180lbs... it hauls my as like there's no1 on it! so i'd say 220+ for a 650
foxmann250 2 years ago
I fucking hate riding in sand..... You make it look so easy, it scares the shit out of me.
staphinfection 2 years ago
@staphinfection I love sand.
Th2EyA0rEa1MoN2gUs 10 months ago
I have owned both and like each of them. The XR650 weighs in at about 300lbs dry, LC4 at about 270lbs dry. Both are simalar in engine design. They are a low revving long stroke power output = tractor like predictable power. Unlike the 450's that are higher revving more 2 stroke like power delivery. Both are extremly reliable and will run forever if maintained properly. I still have my 1990 LC4 600 DXC and have only put rings in it once around 1998 and thousands of miles on Motor/drivetrain.
toolwerkz 3 years ago
XR650's kick ass! That guy should have made it to the top and over the back side and keep on going for more!
toolwerkz 4 years ago
Back side of Floyds is all rock.
BOOYAA
cargolax 3 years ago
Tell me that's not Sunfair? The dune behind the dry lake bed between JT and 29? Used to ride there all the time.
FenderTK421 4 years ago
nice
wandaliz15 4 years ago
The 650R will be running on it's original piston, cylinder, and bottom end, long after those other machines. It has it's purpose!
Big XR's rock!
zeeksgarage 4 years ago
Your right, it does have its purpose. Its purpose is for old guys to putt around on. Notice team Honda only races the 450X now? Don't you think there is a reason for that? It's newer technology which usually translates into being "better." Trust me, ride a new 450, you will forget about the XR.
desertracer2 4 years ago
Look what runs in Baja. It's not 450's.
zeeksgarage 4 years ago
I think you should look again. Team Honda has been using the CRF450X in the Baja 500 and 1000. And what a surprise, they are still winning. KTM has a new baja bike out and Honda still beat it on a 450. Have you ridden a 450 and a 650?
desertracer2 4 years ago
Yep, both!
Totally prefer the 650.
Totally a bullet proof package.
Plus my racing days started in the mid 70's with guys like Smith, Moates, Karsmakers, Destefano and the like.
zeeksgarage 4 years ago
team honda races the 450 in Baja because the don't sell the 650's any more. If they sold 650's they would still race them (I am pretty sure some 650's won baja several times when Honda was selling 450's). As far as old guys riding them slow, well I guess I am old and ride slow, but I only have to change my oil, adjust my valves, etc about once to the 450's 5 or 6 times. Its built like a tank conpared to the crfs and will outlast 2 crfs, but you are right, they are heavy.
southernaccent 4 years ago
Please don't misunderstand, I loved my 650. However, for my riding style and where I ride, my 450 is better for me. I did love the piece of mind knowing my 650 was bullet proof, however, I am having a lot more fun now on a lighter, more powerful bike.
desertracer2 4 years ago
@desertracer2 Lol. The 450 is not more powerful. I think the previous owner of your supposed 650 must have slapped R stickers on the L model and your dumb ass bought it.
meow6669 19 hours ago
you said an XR650 isn't good for anything under 80mph...maybe you should try shifting out of 2nd gear...you might make it go that fast!!
fochato 4 years ago
Give me a break. My YZ450 with gearing will rip an XR650 apart. Trust me, I beat the hell out of my 650 for three years, its a good bike, but not a great bike. Also, its not the fastest, any 450 MX bike or 500 two stroke will leave it in the dust. So.....go sell stupid some where else!
desertracer2 4 years ago
I just sold my yz450 and kept my xr650r. You are comparing apples to oranges. The 650 is a great bike, but its not a motorcross bike. The yz is a great, but its not a bike that can do pretty good on a trail and then hit 100mph in a straight.
southernaccent 4 years ago
The way my bike is geared (15/48), it runs great on the trails and I topped it out with a GPS at El Mirage at 101 mph. For me, its a superior bike.
desertracer2 4 years ago
Bloody good fun, we have huge dunes in the Sth west of Australia & me 'n my xr650 buddy thrash em regularly. have a look at our videos....
gasgasLex 4 years ago
I would love to ride there someday! Are you guys big Shane Watts fans?
desertracer2 4 years ago
If Shane Watts rides trailbikes or does the same stuff we do then of course we are!!!
ps who is shane watts?
gasgasLex 4 years ago
Those are the only brands I will buy! I have had to push too many Kawasaki's out of the desert! I traded in my XR650 for a new YZ450F. I love the bike!
desertracer2 4 years ago
i go four wheeling out there and do that with my truck all the time.... i have been meaning to bring my bike one of these times, looks fun
Jishory 4 years ago
is that at johnson valley?
Jishory 4 years ago
Yep!
desertracer2 4 years ago
Looks like JV...about 20 min off the lake bed right?
davegerber 4 years ago
20 min if your slow har har, yeah i think its to the north west
Jishory 4 years ago
ive got a 07 650l i love it u get the best of boath worlds
cnavedo 4 years ago
my 2007 XR650L is being assembled...should have it in two days or so. can't wait.
orlandofriend 5 years ago
the L model sucks dick air cooled and ways a shit load more
shatkicker101 4 years ago