Gary Hyer Posted September 29, 2019 Hi Folks, new to the world of thumpers and dual sports, so I would appreciate your wisdom. I've been riding for 10 years, but always on the street, and have wanted to get more into the adventure riding scene. Mostly the off-road piece which is why I am favoring dual-sport bikes. Anyway, I have been keeping an eye on the local classifieds for something with the right price and in the right condition, and a really nice 2015 XR650L popped up with 5k mikes that seems to have been garage kept and rarely been outside. It looks brand new. I really liked that it comes with an Acerbis tank and a set of aluminum Happy Trails cases, which will save me having to add luggage. I took it for a ride and it does vibrate a little more than I expected but I think I'm okay with that. I'm guessing this is par for the course with these bikes. My biggest concern is that the previous owned added a "Kouba" lowering link in the rear and dropped the forks somewhere between 1-2". I'm 6'1" but only have a 32" inseam so I didn't feel that it was too low, but I tend to be wary of modifications that previous owners made to bikes that I might end up having trouble with later on. Does anyone have any input on whether this should be cause for concern? Any other things I should be looking for? Thanks in advance! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
webmonstro My Ride Posted September 29, 2019 Dont see why . If you want you can just get normal dog bones and put the fork back to normal position . Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterthomsen Posted September 29, 2019 Sounds like a great bike. You might like having the 650 lowered slightly for off-road with 32” inseam. I recently picked up a stock xr650l. My inseam is closer to 34” and the bike feels pretty tall. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
brianhare My Ride Posted September 30, 2019 i had a kouba link on mine..it wasn`t a real bad thing,,,certainly didn`t hurt anything... But i re-installed the OE as i like having the full suspension off road,,and with a 32 inch inseam i have no issues with it..even with a taller rear tire.. B Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onoffroad Posted September 30, 2019 I am 6'4" and my bike is tall. Take off that sexy 80's moped bread box and drive it every day. Mine has the added dog bone I learned yesterday and the front is lowered about 1/2". When balanced, the seat is still 36"+ from the floor at the lowest point. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
USMCsilver My Rides (4) Posted September 30, 2019 I want some info on that little, blue basket! I NEED something like that! And, FWIW, I'm about 5'8 and my lowering link is a lifesaver. I'm tippy-toes in most cases. I may look into lowering the front just a hair. (Good luck with your decision. This is my 4th D/S, and by far the best!) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Hyer Posted September 30, 2019 I called and put in a deposit this morning. I was going to take off the blue basket but now I'm not so sure! $4400 out the door with tax and tags. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarthCruzn Posted September 30, 2019 Just now, Gary Hyer said: I called and put in a deposit this morning. I was going to take off the blue basket but now I'm not so sure! $4400 out the door with tax and tags. The lowering link is popular and works fine................. make sure the front fork bolts are torqued and your good to go Find a new XR650L and sit on it in the showroom........................ it is a tall bike most do lower it Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gary56 Posted September 30, 2019 I lowered mine with a kouba and dropped the front forks 2 inches. Everything is the same with handling, but it's just lower. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarthCruzn Posted September 30, 2019 This page has about 25% of what you can do with the XR........... Welcome to TT..................... and enjoy the XR650, it is a classic that has class every day........... 👍 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
PeteBehn Posted September 30, 2019 I am 6' with 32" inseam. I lowered mine with a Kouba link. I think it is a fine part that is very well made. I did not raise my front forks 2", only about 5/8" (I think). Getting the sag set right is important. I am still messing with mine. Small increments on the forks will change the handling quite a bit. I agree with torquing those bolts carefully. You definitely don't want to get them too tight. Seems like they are 10 ft. lbs. but double check that. I can flat foot mine, but could still use a little more lowering. When I get in tight areas in the woods, it's hard to back it up. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gary Hyer Posted September 30, 2019 Just brought her home! Pretty pumped. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
peterthomsen Posted September 30, 2019 Yes! Congrats. Mighty fine looking specimen you have there. Enjoy and stay safe. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Gary56 Posted October 1, 2019 Your next addition to the bike will probably be a good seat for extended riding. I have a seat concepts and it's really good. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarthCruzn Posted October 1, 2019 Get the "Helms" service manual and you good to go Change the oil and keep up with it.......................it will last a very long time Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
EarthCruzn Posted October 1, 2019 Where's the blue basket! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
onoffroad Posted October 2, 2019 I like the black engine. If weather turns bad, I may paint some parts black on mine to help in heat removal. It needs to be ridden, even without the basket. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
