WHAT IS IT?
Submitted by Greg Ingold
With a lineage stretching back to the 1970s, the Honda XR platform is a rock solid platform that has persisted with little change to this day. 1993 would see the introduction of the XR650L, a tamed down, street legal iteration of the beastly XR600R. Over the past 32 years, the 650L continues to be offered by Honda and is effectively the same bike as the 1993 albeit with occasional cosmetic updates. These remain an excellent, do it all bike with Model T simplicity, accessibility or affordability.
WHY THIS CAR HAS BEST ONE ON THE PLANET CHOPS
This example is perhaps one of the lowest mile examples of a first year XR650L, sporting just 6,100 miles from new. The original plastics and 1993 graphics remain in pristine condition and frame remains in excellent condition. Early XR650L’s are not hard to come by, but they’ve been ridden hard, put away wet and have been subjected to neglect due to their inexpensive nature. This one has received minor bolt on upgrades such as more comfortable handle bars, period correct, upgraded slip on muffler and taillight swap, however every original piece has been carefully packed away for fast conversion back to standard. You’d be hard pressed to find a first year 650L that has been babied to this extent or has had all its original parts saved.
This is an astonishingly nice 650L, I almost feel bad for the previous owners who seem to have had so little fun with a bike made for fun. It gets my vote.
It is awesome to see on in this condition. But it is a shame that it wasn’t enjoyed more. Most XR650s lead VERY active and well loved lives and have the battle scars to prove it. These bikes are a hoot for anything but LONG trips. That large single cylinder will eventually shake a couple of your fillings loose. The XR650 has been a staple in the dual sport world for decades. Urban Warrior, Fire Road Finder, Short Range Commuter, this bike really does do it all.
I really enjoy this bike, it turns heads with bike fans. Miles might be low, but it’s far from a garage queen. The 6,100 miles are about 1,000 more than when I bought it 2 years ago and it’ll continue to be ridden, although with the condition, I have no desire to take ‘er off road.