Just bought XR650L - Would like Mod Ideas

[slawrence]

Hello,

I just purchased a 2006 XR650L today. I've read about improving power with a dynojet kit, performance air box and pipe. My question is what jet numbers should Ibe using? 158? 160? I live in the lower mainland and typically ride in Squamish area.

Local recommendations would be appreciated. Thanks.:f:

 

[dirtdoug]

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Do a google search on "Daves Mods" which is a jetting alteration which vastly improves throttle response. Check out http://www.4strokes.com/tech/honda/for more ideas. Deep six the smog junk. Desnorkel the airbox. The gas tank is small so a larger Clarke or IMS is a good idea. Only downside is that your fuel mileage suffers and the bike is hard on gas already.

Get a 14 tooth sprocket (PM me I have a brand new one I'd trade for a new stock 15 tooth) to drop the gearing some and "improve" the gap between first and second. Bark busters of course.

As for a pipe I've never seen one that was acceptably quiet enough for me. The stock can is very heavy but quiet. The bike is heavy and saving 10lbs on the pipe doesn't make a real difference. Depends on how much you like your neighbors:tup: I'm skeptical about the value of pipes anyways. For a 5% power increase you'll spend how much? Save your money and buy tires and gas.

 

[dirtdoug]

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One other quick mod. Drop the fork 1/2" to 3/4" in the front triple tree clamp. Quickens up the steering setup (stock feels like a chopper!) and brings the bike down to earth a little.

 

[baxter650]

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Unless you are going to get a muffler go moderate with your jetting (160main jet max)or you will just waste gas. I have desmoged, opened the air box, put on a Big Gun muffler, drilled the slider in the carb, andshimed the needle. I am running a 58 pilot & a 165 main. There are 2 small plates on the bottom of your stock muffler held on with 10mm bolts, you can remove them to gain a slight increase if you re jet. In my opinionyour firstmod should be to de smog, it will run cooler.

 

[slawrence]

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Well it's taken me 9 months but I finally completed the stage one mods on my XRL. Drilled the carb and replaced the main jet with the 160 (stock = 152). Uni filter. De-snorkle air box and XR Only exhaust pipe.

The power difference is definately noticable. Unfortunately the competition pipe is loud. Sounds cool on the trail but not so cool in residential areas. The extra power has required me to go from a 45T to a 48T rear cog. I found that 1st was already short and that on technical (rocky) trails that 2nd was a little too tall. Maybe I'm just a wuss? The mods have really met my performance expectations.

I did notice that my engine oil temp has gone from 220 to 245. I recommend it for anyone who is looking to get more out of their XR650L.

 

[baxter650]

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If you are doingmuch trail riding or if you find the forks flexy like i did, invest in a fork brace. I put one on a few years ago and it made a world of difference, well worth the money. Superbrace

Vince

 

[joker650]

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I did notice that my engine oil temp has gone from 220 to 245. I recommend it for anyone who is looking to get more out of their XR650L.

Any idea why the running temp went up, are ya "Just Given'r" more?



When I re-jetted my DR650 and opened the pipe a little I noticed it ran a little cooler on the tight stuff. Maybe it's running a little lean?

 

[tomcycle]

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Skip the power mods till later

Get into a good set of tires, single best thing you can do for any bike.

Then some good protective gear. No use in having a ride that goes like hell but you cant ride it because of a stupid injury:shoot:

Then jump into the suspension, if you increase the power first you will find yourself in all sort of trouble with a weak suspension. Besides you will be able to go faster with the same amount of power with a good suspension system

Then purchase a good seat, because if you dont take care of your butt....who will:mad2:

Now that you have a comfortable, good handling, reliable machine. Start messing with the engine.

TT:ss:

 

[baxter650]

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Tom: it's a Honda not a DRZ, it already comes with a REAL seat.

 

[Guest]

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dirtdoug wrote:

Do a google search on "Daves Mods" which is a jetting alteration which vastly improves throttle response. Check out http://www.4strokes.com/tech/honda/for more ideas. Deep six the smog junk. Desnorkel the airbox. The gas tank is small so a larger Clarke or IMS is a good idea. Only downside is that your fuel mileage suffers and the bike is hard on gas already.

Get a 14 tooth sprocket (PM me I have a brand new one I'd trade for a new stock 15 tooth) to drop the gearing some and "improve" the gap between first and second. Bark busters of course.

As for a pipe I've never seen one that was acceptably quiet enough for me. The stock can is very heavy but quiet. The bike is heavy and saving 10lbs on the pipe doesn't make a real difference. Depends on how much you like your neighbors:tup: I'm skeptical about the value of pipes anyways. For a 5% power increase you'll spend how much? Save your money and buy tires and gas.

What he said....Dave's mods are better than any kit you can buy, and are essential to making the big XL run as good as it can.

Best mod you can do by far IMO. :hb: