Country of Origin

[soulmachine_imp]

I've owned many Honda's since 1970 and I think my Thailand built CRF250L is every bit up to Honda standards. My switches are exactly like my DLXs minus the flash to pass. It's a fantastic little bike, especially after some suspension and gearing upgrades. Can't wait for Honda to do a bigger version to replace the ancient XR650L.

I don't have a DLX, but I can tell you the L components were not of the same build quality that other Honda models had at the time the L's came out. The Harley dealer I worked at also carried Honda, at the time. I had plenty of opportunities to not only compare by looking, but also in practice, as well.

Time will time if they stand up to test of time, compared to the genuine 'Made in Japan' parts.

H E double hockey sticks (since the actual word hell, might be offensive, to who knows who), have you seen the switch gear Harley is now using? It looks and feels cheaper than the L's. So maybe we both lucked out!

As for an updated version of the XR650L, don't hold your breath. Seriously. Though I REALLY hope I'm wrong about that!

[kmoney_imp]

My CBF was built in Atessa, Italy.

I think, the idea of producing in countries, where many consumers reside, is also, to overcome import restrictions and foreign trade deficit. At least, that are the reasons, why German car manufacturers produce in USA and Brasilia.

It is. Google "Chicken Tax" and it will explain why so many imports trucks and SUVS (Toyota Tundra, Mercedes ML, BMW X, etc...) are made in America.

[Riko_imp]

I've owned many Honda's since 1970 and I think my Thailand built CRF250L is every bit up to Honda standards. My switches are exactly like my DLXs minus the flash to pass. It's a fantastic little bike, especially after some suspension and gearing upgrades. Can't wait for Honda to do a bigger version to replace the ancient XR650L.

I don't have a DLX, but I can tell you the L components were not of the same build quality that other Honda models had at the time the L's came out. The Harley dealer I worked at also carried Honda, at the time. I had plenty of opportunities to not only compare by looking, but also in practice, as well.

Time will time if they stand up to test of time, compared to the genuine 'Made in Japan' parts.

H E double hockey sticks (since the actual word hell, might be offensive, to who knows who), have you seen the switch gear Harley is now using? It looks and feels cheaper than the L's. So maybe we both lucked out!

As for an updated version of the XR650L, don't hold your breath. Seriously. Though I REALLY hope I'm wrong about that!

I don't have a DLX, but I can tell you the L components were not of the same build quality that other Honda models had at the time the L's came out. The Harley dealer I worked at also carried Honda, at the time. I had plenty of opportunities to not only compare by looking, but also in practice, as well.

Time will time if they stand up to test of time, compared to the genuine 'Made in Japan' parts.

H E double hockey sticks (since the actual word hell, might be offensive, to who knows who), have you seen the switch gear Harley is now using? It looks and feels cheaper than the L's. So maybe we both lucked out!

As for an updated version of the XR650L, don't hold your breath. Seriously. Though I REALLY hope I'm wrong about that!
I wouldn't fixate to much on the whole 'is it really made in Japan or not' thing.

Made in Germany, for example, is perceived as being quality and durability.
However I've heard about Audi interior trims being compromised simply by being exposed by the sun during a long duration.
And lets face it Audi has one of the nicest looking interiors.

So its not because it looks good it is good.
I'd rather have the hard cheap looking plastic interior so to speak instead of the high end looking interior.

Talking about switch gears, the BMW K1600 wich has been in production since 2011, is infamous for having switch gears that suck!
Youtube and Google search show the failures even leading to a complete stall of the engine while riding on the highway.