Source: Cycle World
The 2024 Honda XR650L ($6,999). (Honda/)Honda introduces new graphics on XR650L for 2024. An icon in the dual sport segment since 1993, the Honda XR650L has received few mechanical changes in its 31-year history. The 644cc SOHC air-cooled single-cylinder engine is known to be tried, true, and dependable like a hammer.In 2023, the 644cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine produced 34.05 hp and 31.42 lb.-ft. of torque on the <i>Cycle World</i> dyno. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)This big-bore (100mm bore and 82mm stroke) thumper is fed by a 43.2mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor and matched with a five-speed transmission. A gear-driven counterbalancer reduces vibration. On the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 2023 Honda XR650L produced 34.05 hp at 6,120 rpm and 31.42 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,320 rpm. With no changes other than the addition of a blue stripe on the gas tank (2.8 gallons), expect the 2024 model to produce similar power figures.Related: Honda XR650L – Best Used BikesSometimes less is more. The XR650L’s dash displays an analog speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, and a few indicator lights. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)Chassis components remain the same from the prior model years. The 2024 Honda XR650L maintains a 43mm telescopic Showa fork with compression damping adjustability and 11.6 inches of travel, a fully adjustable Pro-Link Showa shock with 11 inches of travel, and a semi-double-cradle steel frame. The brake system features a familiar dual-piston caliper with a 256mm disc up front, and a single-piston caliper with a 220mm disc at the rear. Full-size off-road wheels (21 front, 18 rear) provide a variety of tire options for all types of users.A dual-piston Nissin caliper pinches on a 256mm disc. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)For 2024, the Honda XR650L receives only a minor styling update: red and blue stripes on the tank replace red and black. Although this is not big news, it is good news. Another year of the XR continues the legacy of a dual sport with rich history. In an era of high-performance, technical electronics and water-cooling, the Honda XR650L provides simplicity that many riders appreciate and even prefer. Whether you are working in the garage or out on the trail, the air-cooled thumper’s analog engineering is easy to navigate.In motorcycling, it’s not always about what you’re on. It only matters that you’re out riding. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)
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The 2024 Honda XR650L ($6,999). (Honda/)
Honda introduces new graphics on XR650L for 2024. An icon in the dual sport segment since 1993, the Honda XR650L has received few mechanical changes in its 31-year history. The 644cc SOHC air-cooled single-cylinder engine is known to be tried, true, and dependable like a hammer.
In 2023, the 644cc air-cooled single-cylinder engine produced 34.05 hp and 31.42 lb.-ft. of torque on the <i>Cycle World</i> dyno. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)
This big-bore (100mm bore and 82mm stroke) thumper is fed by a 43.2mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor and matched with a five-speed transmission. A gear-driven counterbalancer reduces vibration. On the Cycle World Dynojet 250i dynamometer, the 2023 Honda XR650L produced 34.05 hp at 6,120 rpm and 31.42 lb.-ft. of torque at 5,320 rpm. With no changes other than the addition of a blue stripe on the gas tank (2.8 gallons), expect the 2024 model to produce similar power figures.
Related: Honda XR650L – Best Used Bikes
Sometimes less is more. The XR650L’s dash displays an analog speedometer, odometer, tripmeter, and a few indicator lights. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)
Chassis components remain the same from the prior model years. The 2024 Honda XR650L maintains a 43mm telescopic Showa fork with compression damping adjustability and 11.6 inches of travel, a fully adjustable Pro-Link Showa shock with 11 inches of travel, and a semi-double-cradle steel frame. The brake system features a familiar dual-piston caliper with a 256mm disc up front, and a single-piston caliper with a 220mm disc at the rear. Full-size off-road wheels (21 front, 18 rear) provide a variety of tire options for all types of users.
A dual-piston Nissin caliper pinches on a 256mm disc. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)
For 2024, the Honda XR650L receives only a minor styling update: red and blue stripes on the tank replace red and black. Although this is not big news, it is good news. Another year of the XR continues the legacy of a dual sport with rich history. In an era of high-performance, technical electronics and water-cooling, the Honda XR650L provides simplicity that many riders appreciate and even prefer. Whether you are working in the garage or out on the trail, the air-cooled thumper’s analog engineering is easy to navigate.
In motorcycling, it’s not always about what you’re on. It only matters that you’re out riding. (2023 model shown.) (Jeff Allen/)
