XR650L or XR400 or XR250

[rboe]

Don't get me going on carbs. Pulled the carb off recently to clean out the low speed jet. Slightly gummed, otherwise, very clean. Running good now.

Several of my problems are exasperated by the extreme heat in Phoenix. And too much ethanol added to our gas.

For this sort of riding, torque is more important that horsepower. Alas, the 650 has gobs of it and I'm a torque junkie.

What has become very popular out here; the quads you sit in. If they weren't so expensive AND if I could find the room to to store one, I'd be all over one. After dropping the 650L for the sixth time on one ride - you would too.

If I won the lottery I'd convert the 650L to a leaning four wheeled monster. Some local here did the same (trying to sell kits) for a different brand. Looks like fun. Long suspension travel, leans, spins out, drifts - very cool.
Do you plan on riding on the interstate to get to your dirt riding areas or trailering? Can you hit the dirt from your place or are there roads you'll have to use?

First blush, 30" inseam would make me say the 650L is too much bike, but with your trials experience; not so much. Still, no doubt about it, she is tall. Over on TT, when asked about lowering links, most of the guys that bought them, went back to stock after a while. Just a data point. No opinion one way or the other; I've always been stock.

[Jeephoto_imp]

Thanks all, I really appreciate the responses. I'm leaning toward the 650L; I really want the e-start. Tall, yes; heavy, yes. I rode the KLR650 for many years and the only mod was to shave some foam from the seat. I'll let you know what I finally decide.

[rboe]

http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/14-xr600650/

When the ECU goes bad, typically you can rap it a few times on the way home and the bike will get you home. Buy a new one, cut open the old one and resolder the thing and keep as a good spare as the new one will go bad at some point.

Oil cooler! Your oil and the head will thank you.
http://suttoncycleworks.com/oilCooler.html

Keep an eye on the two oil lines at the base of the frame; they have short flexible sections that are easy to twist and kink unless you use two wrenches to reinstall - which newb mechanics seem to miss.

The 650R sprocket is a must if you do a lot of paved road riding. I'm beginning to think one should just do it anyway. Luckily it's a cheap fix.

Most everything else is personal taste and adjustments to your riding habits and what you want to do with the bike. Stock tires get a bit squirrely in the desert sand but seem to be plenty fine for the street.

Finally; this guy: http://phoenix.craigslist.org/nph/mcy/4870959388.html

I know the owner, the bike looks like it just came off the showroom floor, I've been told this is the longest he has ever kept a bike (7 months, seems longer). Seriously consider it.

[the_undecider_imp]

I have to play Devil's Advocate...why does it need to be all Honda. I get that they make great products. My wife and I both drive Honda automobiles. I have the CB and an old XL175. Even have a Honda mower.

When I was toying with the idea of a lighter bike than the CB, I really wanted to like the CB500X enough to get one and have all Hondas, too. In the end, the Suzuki V-strom 650 won out. They just feel right for an quasi - adventure bike. Unless you really love the 650L, you are doing yourself a disservice by not considering other brands that might be better options. Another KLR might be in order or a Suzuki DRZ400. Ignore the brand to some extent and get what you really want.

EDIT:

If you are considering plating up a dirt bike and you really do need it to be a Honda, I don't think anyone has suggested the CRF450X or 250X.

[Jeephoto_imp]

Undecider - I like your username. It fits me, too. I spent almost 5 years looking at everything before buying my CB1100.

I want to stay with an all Honda fleet. Kinda like I have all Nikon/Nikkor cameras & lenses and Klein & Craftsman tools. I like the consistency in how they work, handle and similarity in design. Any special tools or repair techniques can sometimes be shared with other Honda motorcycles.

My son has tried to talk me into a Yamaha WR250 or 450 and plating it. I've ridden both and they are fine bikes.

But, I have wanted a Honda XR650L for as long as I can remember, it's just so dang tall and I am so short. I wanted it when I went ahead and bought the KLR650; I bought the KLR because it was cheap.

I'm finding many XRLs in the $2000-3000 range which is what I am aiming for.

Something will come along and be the perfect bike for me.

[rboe]

Then you may as well go get one. Life is too short. Later; you can broaden your horizons.

It will be interesting to see what you get. Hope you post pics and all that. Like a fool I keep tossing money at mine.

Kinda reminds me of an old Sven and Ole joke; Ole goes up to the outhouse and finds Sven peering into the abyss, shaking his head and tossing in money.

Ole says "Sven! What the heck are you doing?!"

Sven responds, "I was pulling up me pants when I dropped a dime into the pit. I ain't going down there for just a dime!".

[rboe]

So Larry, did you pull the trigger yet?

[HikerToo_imp]

wish we had a place for a dual purpose motorcycle around here( Delaware, MD, PA) would be fun I think.
http://powersports.honda.com/2015/crf250l.aspx

[Inline4_imp]

wish we had a place for a dual purpose motorcycle around here( Delaware, MD, PA) would be fun I think.
http://powersports.honda.com/2015/crf250l.aspx

So Cool! I've read nothing but rave reviews about the CRF250L.
Pretty much the perfect combination of on road/off road, especially for a small displacement thumper.
Why the heck can't I just buy all the cool motorcycles in the world???

[Jeephoto_imp]

So Larry, did you pull the trigger yet?

No, not yet. However, I am giving serious thought to the CRF250L.