Honda keeps on keeping on with one of off-road’s most iconic motorcycles, the XR650L – Enduro21 takes a quick look at the 2022 model complete with its curved front fender.

Yes, Honda still makes the iconic XR650L. Didn’t you realize? Not just a familiar part of Honda’s line-up for more than 30 years, the XR650 is the dual-sport, off-road benchmark adn it still has a curved front fender.

Honda has updated the XR650L rarely in three decades and the 2022 model year version follows the same pattern – if it ain’t broke don’t fix it right? – basically it has new colours.

But who cares frankly because this is one of the original trail bikes, a versatile dual-sport tool, a round the world adventure machine, cool city commuter and so much more. These bulletproof beauties have a very good record at the Dakar Rally and Baja races and rightly have a diehard following.

Good and bad news

The good news is the XR650L remains something of a bargain in the sky-rocketing new bike market with an MSRP of $6,999. The bad news is it is not available in every territory or country around the world – these details come to Enduro21 via Honda USA. If you know anyone in Honda Europe, give ‘em a kick would you?

2022 Honda XR650L specifications:

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

644 cc SOHC four-stroke, dry sump

Radial, Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC)

42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburetor

100 x 82mm bore and stroke

8.3:1 compression

Electric starter

Gear-driven counterbalancer minimizes vibration

2-into-1 exhaust system with quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler

Maintenance-free automatic cam-chain tensioner and CD ignition with electronic advance

Five-speed transmission

Heavy-duty, multi-plate clutch and 520 O-ring-sealed drive chain

CHASSIS / SUSPENSION

New, 2022 colors and graphics

Semi-double-cradle steel frame

27°/102mm rake and trail

57.3inch/1455mm wheelbase

43mm Showa cartridge fork with compression damping adjustability, Pro-Link rear suspension with compression and rebound adjustability

11.6in/294mm front + 11in/279mm front/rear suspension travel

Aluminum box-section swingarm

256mm front and 220mm rear disc brakes

Twin-piston front brake caliper/single piston rear

3.00-21 front/4.6-18 tyre sizes

37in/940mm seat height

13in/330mm ground clearance

2.8 gal/12.7litre fuel capacity

346lb/157kg curb weight (ready to ride)

Lightweight tubular engine guard

Wide-section, folding, cleated foot pegs, detachable pillion footpegs

Flex-mounted turn signals resist breakage

Compact speedometer features tripmeter/odometer, a neutral light as well as high-beam, turn-signal and side-stand indicators

Transferable one-year, unlimited-mileage limited warranty; extended coverage available with a Honda Protection Plan (USA models)

Meets current CARB and EPA standards

*California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment

More information: www.powersports.honda.com