Still going strong after all these years, Honda USA announce the 2023 Honda XR650L, the legendary dual-sport and trail bike is still out there, still relevant and with a retail price of 6999, why wouldn’t you want one?

The Honda XR650L, “a truly legendary machine” say Honda and here’s the news, nothing has changed with this bike for 2023. That’s right, we bring you new model news where nothing has changed. We hear you crying “there’s nothing new about that!” but more’s the point with the XR650, who wants it to change anyway?

Thanks to a huge following globally for it’s robust and simple but solid build, the XR650L remains a relevant bike for dualsport and trail riding.

Honda proudly points at its Baja heritage, which they celebrated just before the end of 2022 with a celebration of Johnny Campbell’s Baja 1000 machines plus a special edition Honda CR250 two-stroke desert racer built by Slavens Racing (SLR).

Read those features and check the image galleries here:

Classic bike candy: Johnny Campbell’s Baja XR600/650R

Pro bike: Team SLR’s classic 2006 Honda CR250R Baja racer

The versatile XR650L opens up adventure travel and off-road riding for the masses and can be seen on single-track trails, dirt roads and any road in fact, even in the city where the coolest and the couriers still love the cred and bulletproof reliability it brings.

There’s no sign of it dropping off the new bike list just yet but the only major downer is the model is not officially available in all parts the world. The biggest market remains North America where we draw these specs and price from for the 2023 model. 

MSRP: $6,999

Colour: White

Available: Now

2022 Honda XR650L specifications:

ENGINE / DRIVETRAIN

644 cc SOHC four-stroke, dry sump

Radial, Four-Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC)

42.5mm constant-velocity (CV) carburettor

100 x 82mm bore and stroke

8.3:1 compression

Electric starter

Gear-driven counter-balancer 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 colorus 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

Aluminium 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