Dirt Bikes

2023 Honda XR650L Technical Information

Features and specifications of Big Red’s big-bore dual sport motorcycle.

March 3, 2024

Even though it hasn’t changed much in its 30-plus years of existence, the Honda XR650L has gained a large and loyal following. It boasts a history of Baja racing success, and maintains simplicity in an age of electronically fuel-injected engines and digital everything. Big Red’s largest-displacement dual sport model is designed to handle everything from single-track trails to two-track dirt paths, fire roads, and paved surfaces. It’s quite a versatile motorcycle.

Scroll down to see photos of the XR650L with corresponding captions that detail some of its features and specifications, and empirical data gathered by Dirt Rider’s in-house Dynojet 250i rear-wheel dynamometer and automotive scales.

Honda’s XR650L is one of the least expensive big-bore single-cylinder dual sport motorcycles on the market at $6,999. Its MSRP hasn’t increased in five years.Jeff Allen

A carbureted air-cooled SOHC four-stroke 644cc single-cylinder engine keeps the XR650L going for miles on end.Jeff Allen

The XR650L sends 34.1 hp and 31.4 lb.-ft. of torque to its rear wheel on our in-house dyno.Jeff Allen

Fuel and air are sent into the engine via a Keihin 42.5mm diaphragm-type carburetor.Jeff Allen

This air injection control valve (AICV) is part of the exhaust emission control system, which consists of a secondary air supply that introduces filtered air into the exhaust gases in the exhaust port. According to Honda, fresh air is drawn into the exhaust port whenever there’s a negative pressure pulse in the exhaust system. This charge of fresh air promotes burning of unburned exhaust gases and changes a considerable amount of hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide into relatively harmless carbon dioxide and water vapor.Jeff Allen

Muffler is equipped with a spark arrestor, which can be removed for cleaning by taking out the two spark arrestor lid bolts near the end of the silencer.Jeff Allen

Fuel tank capacity is 2.8 gallons.Jeff Allen

The saying “Chrome won’t get you home” doesn’t apply to the XR650L, so long as you remove its gas cap and keep the tank topped up.Jeff Allen

Gearing is 15/45.Jeff Allen

Slowing and stopping the XR650L are a Nissin dual-piston front brake caliper paired with a 256mm disc and a Nissin single-piston rear caliper that bites onto a 220mm disc.Jeff Allen

Headlight bulb is a 12V-60/55W, while the taillight uses a 12V-27/8W.Jeff Allen

Stock mirrors do the job, but those wanting to upgrade to ones with more adjustment should look at Doubletake Mirror’s.Jeff Allen

All dual sports should come with hand guards, and the XR650L’s offer a generous amount of coverage to help keep riders’ paws out of harm's way and warm in chilly weather.Jeff Allen

The adventure begins here. Electric start button isn’t far from the rider’s thumb, and a modern-looking kill switch shuts the big thumper down.Jeff Allen

Keeping it simple. Situated on the left side of the handlebar are low- and high-beam headlight switches, turn signals, and a horn to let everyone know the boss is coming through.Jeff Allen

A mechanical speedometer and odometer let riders know how fast or slow they’re going, and how far they’ve gone. And yes, the XR650L can hit triple-digit speeds.Jeff Allen

The only difference between a 2023 and 2024 model is the fuel tank graphic. The latter has some blue and more red.Jeff Allen

On Dirt Rider’s automotive scales, the XR650L weighs 355 pounds wet. We measured seat height at 38.2 inches.Jeff Allen

2023 Honda XR650L Specs

MSRP:	$6,999
Engine:	SOHC, air-cooled single-cylinder; 4 valves/cyl.
Displacement:	644cc
Bore x Stroke:	100.0 x 82.0mm
Compression Ratio:	8.3:1
Transmission/Final Drive:	5-speed/chain
Dirt Rider Measured Horsepower:	34.1 hp @ 6,100 rpm
Dirt Rider Measured Torque:	31.4 lb.-ft. @ 5,300 rpm
Fuel System:	42.5mm diaphragm-type carburetor
Clutch:	Wet, multiplate; cable actuation
Frame:	Semi-double-cradle steel
Front Suspension:	Showa 43mm conventional fork, compression damping adjustable; 11.6 in. travel
Rear Suspension:	Showa shock, spring preload, compression damping and rebound damping adjustable; 11.0 in. travel
Front Brake:	2-piston caliper, 256mm disc
Rear Brake:	1-piston caliper, 220mm disc
Tires, Front/Rear:	3.00-21 / 4.60-18
Rake/Trail:	27.0°/4.0 in.
Wheelbase:	57.3 in.
Ground Clearance:	13.0 in.
Dirt Rider Measured Seat Height:	38.2 in.
Fuel Capacity:	2.8 gal.
Dirt Rider Measured Wet Weight:	355 lb.
Availability:	Now
Contact:	powersports.honda.com