2006 Honda XR650R Motorcycle reviews

It is the best! Nothing goes faster. Not a 625sxc or 525exc. Uncork it! Stock is plugged up. Very hard to start, as heavy as it is it should have a button. If Honda allowed test rides most would buy unless they had to kick it started 1st. Then it would be a tough sale @ 1/2 price. Honda needs to step up and make this a dual sport now the 450R and 450X has taken the racing duties. Electric start and dual sport, I would buy one today! Show less

Like the other review said, the bike needs a few mods from the start. However, do a little research and do it right. Search for uncorking the 650 on the internet. You can buy the parts from Honda. The bike sold in North America is very restricted. It makes 43 horsepower, overheats easily and is a pain to start. With a new spark arrestor, and intake spacer on the carb, removing two pieces from the airbox and rejetting, you get a 27% increase in power. It runs much cooler, and starts like a dream. You can do this for a little of nothing or have your dealer do it, and in my opinion, it makes the bike not only more fun, it gets easier to ride because of how it puts the power down. They don't call it the king of baja for nothing. I think it's the best value in a dirtbike, period. Show less

This bike is awesome. If you are not sure about buying it or buying another one, read this. There are a few modifications to make and ALL of the problems related on forums and reviews sites will be gone. It has an average power of 45Hp to 47Hp stock. If you trash the exhaust and change it for an aftermarket one, you will get nearly 4 more Hps, lose 10 pounds on the bike, stop boil-overing, get an incredibly good fuel consumption (mine got from 55 miles to 95 with stock tank!!! TRUE!!!). Trash the handlebar because it is garbage and get a FatBar. Trash the air filter and drill holes on the side-panel to get more air flow and add a little foam to prevent mud getting on the filter (more air out, more air in!). Jetting must now be around 185. Again, 1Hp to 2Hp gain and the engine won't stall anymore at extremely low speeds (did it even stall once?). that's all! It is not too much! Now you get a powerful 649cc thumper which accelerates has as much as a 450 and goes a bit faster without having to change oil every ride and worrying about engine failure. I know it is like 20 pounds heavier than a 450 Enduro but yet very maneuverable and competitive in the trees. Hey boy I am 130 pounds and never fell down, never had any problem because of the weight, can get it in a truck without problems... I guess people are scared for nothing. Only 2 hardcore rides are needed to get used to the heavy feeling. The kick-start lights-up the engine in one shot IF YOU KNOW HOW TO DO IT RIGHT... This is not an XR600r! I changed the light for a baja one to ride at night because the stock unit is cheap but don't mind it will get you back anytime after sunset. The only TRUE problem with the bike is... 2 hard rides = 1 rear tire! But that's due to the power! I can wheelie on all of 5 gears and during 30 long seconds. User-friendly, big power but perfectly linear. Get in sand, mud, tight trails, gravel roads if you want, it will get over everything with ease. And if you don't brake with the engine, it will not be drinking drops of oil after 1 year. Brakes are superb but I tried an oversized one on another XR and I think this is money well spent! Long life to this thumper and trash modern 4strokes. Reliability FIRST. Show less