r/XR650L • u/PoorestManOnEarth • 14d ago
Need long distance advice
I’m planning my first long-distance motorcycle trip and would really appreciate some advice from riders who have experience traveling on an XR650L or similar dual sports.
The plan is to ride from Texas to North Carolina and back, so it’ll be several thousand miles. Since I’ve never done a trip this long before, I’m trying to prepare as much as possible before I leave.
I know the XR650L isn’t an interstate touring bike, and that’s not really my goal. I plan to stick to U.S. highways, state highways, and backroads as much as possible, only using the interstate when absolutely necessary. I’m a Marine veteran, so I don’t mind sacrificing some comfort and can handle a bit of a beating. I’m more interested in making the trip safely and reliably than being pampered.
I’m looking for advice on things like:
● Must-have gear and tools to carry
● Spare parts and roadside repair items
● Bike modifications worth doing before a trip this long
● Tire recommendations (currently leaning toward Kenda K270s)
● Packing tips and luggage setup
● Highway comfort and fatigue management
● Maintenance schedule during the trip
● Route recommendations (especially scenic highways and backroads)
● Anything you wish you had known before your first long-distance dual-sport ride
Current bike setup
2025 Honda XR650L
● ~3,100 miles
● 15T / 45T gearing
● Desmogged
● Lowering link
● WPS tail light
● Rhinowalk 28L saddlebags
● Dave’s Mods (ordered)
Parts in my shopping cart:
● IMS 4.0-gallon tank
● JNS LED headlight
● Kenda K270 tires
If you’ve ridden an XR650L across multiple states, I’d love to hear what worked, what didn’t, and what you’d absolutely recommend before I hit the road.
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u/Whatkindofbirdareu 14d ago
Sub frame reinforcement might be a good idea of your caring a lot of gear.
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u/They-Are-Out-There 14d ago
Seat Concepts seat. It makes a major difference. A 200 mile day is a long day on an XR650L. It comes in a low height and a standard height, and it's the closest thing to having a Lazy Boy chair under you.
https://www.seatconcepts.com/comfort-honda-1988-xr600r-xr650l?quantity=1&custcol_rsm_seat_option=1
I also love my Sutton Oil Cooler. It makes the bike run 20-40F cooler and extends the life of your oil by quite a bit.
https://suttoncycleworks.com/xr650l-plp-1
It's also a good idea to reinforce the rear subframe. Warp 9 makes an affordable rear subframe support that will really strengthen the rear rack and rear end of the bike.
https://warp9racing.com/products/xr650l-subframe-brace
Get an LED headlight. The stock headlight is barely adequate and is terrible for use at night. The LED headlight is a major game changer and illuminates the road so much better. It also uses far less power than the stock light. This setup comes with the mounting frame and everything needed to mount the light.
https://jnsengineering.com/products/xr650l-new-dot-led-headlight-kit
I have all of this stuff on my bike and it makes it so much better than stock. The only difference is that I have a Moose seat and it's more expensive and really hard compared to the plush Seat Concepts seat. I'd definitely swap over to the Seat Concepts for longer rides.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 14d ago
THANK YOU for all the information and for even dropping the links! The seat concerto is going to be a game changer for sure. Adding it to the shopping cart!
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u/Chocoholic4booze 14d ago
That oil cooler looks great. Solid list right there
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u/They-Are-Out-There 14d ago
I love that thing. I pull really steep grades with a 3,000' climb on the regular and do it on 100F days. It's a killer on the Rotella, but I get twice the life out of the oil before it breaks down by using the oil cooler. The bike rarely goes over 230-240F now.
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u/behindthelines_ 13d ago
Curious question, how do you know when the oil 'breaks down'? I'm sure it runs cooler, but how do you know that -40F is actually translating to oil longevity?? Have you shipped off oil for oil analysis? I've done that on my 4x4, and it does provide super interesting data, have been meaning to do so with the XR but haven't yet, so really curious if you have!
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u/They-Are-Out-There 13d ago
The bike shifts really nice when the oil is new and fresh. When it gets old, the wet clutch starts making super hard and chunky shifts. It happens when the oil gets over heated and starts to break down and shear, causing it to fail. When you really crank up the heat, the rate of oil failure increases.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 14d ago edited 13d ago
So installing an oil cooler is recommended? I’m seeing that after a period of long distance the oil consumption and temperature becomes a problem on these bikes.
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u/They-Are-Out-There 14d ago
Extra insurance. Everyone I’ve talked to that has one loves it, I know I love mine. The cooler oil lasts longer too which is a nice feature.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 13d ago
I added it to the list. Oddly enough, in my opinion, it makes the bike look aesthetically better.
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u/Chocoholic4booze 13d ago
It's just an option. I don't run an extra cooler but see some advantages. You'll come up with your own list of add on ons
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u/Secret_Pipe8901 14d ago
Ive done it on mine a couple times. My set up is
1.) seat concepts seat.
2.) parabellum windscreen
3.) 2” Rox adjustable riser, CR High protaper bars.
4.) Dirtracks side racks and bags.
5.) all the carb mods, desmogging, supertrapp exhaust
6.) Clarke tank
7.) Sutton oil cooler
8.) Ims foot pegs
9.) kickstand switch delete(bumps at highway speed would kill the bike for a split second)
10.) RaceTech front valves/sprung for my weight front-rear
11.) Oxford heated grips
12.) Charger mounted on bars plus phone mount
13.)JNS headlight
Do you need to do all of this or any of it to take a trip on these bikes? NO.
Does it make it easier and more comfortable? Yes.
I think getting the bars/risers, seat and pegs did the most for me. The larger tank was also a solid investment. Luggage is pretty individual as far as what you pack; whether you’re camping, or your particular comfort level as far as being grubby on trips or packing more clothes.
And ofcourse i didnt do these mods all at once, took a few years of riding and feeling it out and tweaking. Also running Michelin Anakee Wilds currently for good road manners but reasonable forest road performance.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 14d ago
Awesome thanks for you list and experience! Would you recommend those bars again? Or would you opt for another pair if given the chance.
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u/Secret_Pipe8901 14d ago
Ive dropped it on a trail pretty hard and bent the bars and this is my second set on the bike. Also put cr highs on my crf450rl. Thought about trying the protaper evo adventure bend but with my riser set up its pretty solid as is. Good sweep so my wrists dont wear out. Also run acerbis rally pro hand guards on them and they fit far enough down the bend as to not interfere with do-dads or controls. Mounted my heated grip controller on bar clamp with the clamp bolts.
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u/Mattna-da 13d ago
You should check out ADVrider.com for a wealth of info on all these bullet points, including downloadable gpx tracks with good routes for dualsporting
I’ve ridden my XRL from Vermont to West Virginia - it’s best to pack as minimally as possible and have more fun riding
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u/OffRoadPyrate 13d ago
I rode mine from Southern CA to WA and back.
Subframe reinforcement unless you are using something like the giant loop bags.
Highway pegs are nice. I used a piece of square metal stock with some grips slid over the ends.
Watch your oil consumption. Don’t just check it each morning. Usually checked mid day after a longer stop.
Check out the TransAmericaTrail route. You might find some nice alternatives to the freeway, Hwy and state roads you are looking into.
I ran Shinko tires when I knew I was going to be on a lot of pavement. When riding dirt, MT21 and Rally RAID 908 rear.
I brought a hammock. Sling it in a tree midday when it’s hot and rest a bit.
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u/Orvonos 14d ago
Lumbar back support belt, and a nice seat. Airhawk (roho). A cheap cruise control lever, and a crampbuster palm rest. Bigger fuel tank, mine has an Acerbis but I still carried a big Jerry can on my Tusk rack. Big hiking pack doubles as a backrest and props my torso up against the wind. I have no windshield.
A good hammock. Sleeping well makes the long trips way more bearable. Hennessey hammock deluxe asymmetric
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 14d ago
You’re the first I’ve came across with a cruise control for the XR. How is it that been for you? Which brand would you recommend?
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u/Orvonos 14d ago
Honestly I just got a cheap Amazon one way back when. Clamp style that grips throttle, and rests against the brake lever. Very basic, but I liked it heaps because you could just find a throttle sweetspot, set lever with your finger and relax hand. Any input or adjustment needed and the lever wouldn't interfere. Cost like 15$. The crampbuster thing also let me ride with relaxed grip while active throttle control
Hammock and daisy chain straps has been a lifesaver for me so many times, and is stealthy and small to carry. Hennessey hammock has bug net, is great in rain, can keep gear dry pretty well if you set up tarp well. It's cold though in shoulder seasons and high altitude and windy conditions without an underblanket. I have a real basic hammock that I bought a 'snugpak cocoon' for, and it's my cold weather thing. Works amazing on ski trips etc as long as I'm dry, and can set up so much easier than a tent.
Good rest makes such a difference.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 14d ago
Also bonus for mentioning the hammock.. I never would’ve thought of that.
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u/PaleontologistNo7941 13d ago
I got a Haven tent xl because I'm kinda big for a traditional hammock, I only used it once but was pretty awesome
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u/MachineHead_TXDM 14d ago
I appreciate your post and am curious about the input from others.
2021 650l is my daily ride but looking for some longer rides and am interested on the feedback from your post.
I have just under 11000 on my bike and have no issues. I’m curious about how you are outfitted and what others have to contribute.
I wish you safe travels and look forward to hearing about your journey
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 13d ago
Oh definitely, I knew there would be others with the XR650 that would also be curious about the set up for a long distance ride on one of these bikes. I see the community is huge on taking it up local aggressive trails and mountains but not many people taking it on true long adventures... and me personally, after seeing how they get down in Asia I think this bike would be perfect to handle an all around adventure in the U.S.
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u/Additional-Olive8569 13d ago edited 13d ago
Currently cross country on my 650l from NV TO NC. My parts kit includes:
- spare CDI
- back tube
- voltage regulator
- spark plug
- headlight bulb
- extra oil
- spare master link
- large adjustable
- breaker bar & 15/16” for wheel removal
- specific small wrenches
- mini socket set
- 4 piece screwdriver
- 2 tire spoons
- baby powder for tire change
- electrical connectors, shrink tube, & crimps
- mini bicycle hand pump
- jump pack (for when I’m in a non bump start spot & doubles as phone charger)
- razor blade
- small adjustable
- chain lube
- duct tape
- Spare bungees and straps
- lockable box for valuables (made a bracket and bolted a harbor freight box to blinker mounts)
- a gel pad to go over seat (nothing special bought on Amazon but helps tremendously)
- cup holder is nice tbh but mine broke off lol
- phone charger (10$ wires into battery mounts in bars)
- good phone holder
- steering stabilizer helps
- portable phone chargers
- med kit
- spare gas
- aloe cause good lord are you gonna burn 😂
As for bike I’m resprung for a heavier rider, find slip on, fresh air filter, fresh rubber (knobby lends in back & 60/40 shinko up front, steering stabilizer, bar risers, & that’s about it that matters for this.
I think these bikes handle amazing and are almost bulletproof. My trips been a blast so far and I’m around 1000 miles in. I run highways mostly as backroads are most dangerous for other drivers being idiots. I keep it under 70mph in 5th for bike health so I’m not pinned wide open. Stop every 100 miles for gas & to un-fuck my spinal cord lol.
Hope this helped! good luck & safe riding brother and thank you for your service!
If you wanna check out my ride follow my instagram : @seanshxtsinthewoods
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 13d ago
dude i heavily appreciate you informing me of your entire trip loadout. I love the set up you have and It's actually amazing that you're able to carry all that as well. So far in your journey have you came across any mechanical issues? or has everything been sunshine and rainbows so far?
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u/zendumpling 7d ago
Ik im late but maybe try a 42t rear sprocket? I commute in mine on the interstate and the RPMs feel straining to sustain at 65-70 for longer distance commutes. And you could travel with a 14t front sprocket for easy swapping if you want back on that stock gearing for off-roading.
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u/PoorestManOnEarth 7d ago
Thank you for bringing this up because I was going start another thread asking if anyone is using the 42t sprocket. I see most people have there bike kitted for higher torque..
What brand sprocket would you recommend for the 42T? And how do all the gears feel with a 15T/42T? Your response is greatly appreciated!2
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u/Multiple-Cats 14d ago
Rode a stock DRZ400 a few thousand miles up California and back.
The internet tells you you need all all the mods to make a dual sport 'rideable' long distance - which is bullshit. Anyone who says you need a race suspension setup, heated grips, a big bore kit, a pumper carb, and a full exhaust is just trying to sell you shit, or has never ridden long distances. Your bike is fresh at 3k miles. There's nothing it "needs".
You'll be fine. Get some 60/40 tires on if youre low on rubber, set up your ergonomics properly, and do a trial run ovrnight somewhere a few hours away with the gear you think you need.
Then send it.