2001 Honda XR 650 Specs

"The biggest, baddest dirt bike on the planet," says DirtRodders.com about the Honda XR650R, referring to the bike's longstanding excellent performance in Baja desert racing. This versatile bike is one of two models in the Honda XR650 series. Honda's XR650L, its counterpart, is a street-legal dirt bike with a similar engine size.

  1. Honda XR650R

    • The 2001 Honda XR650R is a competition bike, made for off-road use. It sports a 649-cc, single overhead cam engine with 61 horsepower and 47.2 ft.-lb. of torque. This engine has a dry-sump design and is water-cooled. These features give the XR650R a high, 12-inch ground clearance and keep it running even in extremely hot desert conditions. DirtRodders.com states the XR650R has won every Baja 1000, Baja 500 and San Felipe 250 it entered.

    Honda XR650L

    • The 2001 Honda XR650L is a dual-sport bike, equipped for dirt biking and for legal street use. Riders talk about this bike's versatility. DirtRodders remarked, "it is a blast to cruise up the highway, then jump right onto a dirt trail and keep going." The XR650L is equipped with Honda's 644-cc engine. Its engine oil is stored in the frame for air-cooling, eliminating the need for radiators.

    XR650R vs. XR650L

    • The styling of both Hondas, the XR650R and XR650L are similar. The driver is seated at roughly the same height. The XR650L comes with electric start, and full street-legal lighting equipment. For those interested in road riding, the L is recommended, although it comes with less power.

      The XR650R is a competition dirt bike with kick-start, an alloy frame and suspension built for racing. The R can be modified for street-legal use, and may pass registration requirements in some U.S. states and abroad.