Archive for January, 2011
Choosing the Best Gear Ratio
0Everyone will have to choose the gearing on their XR650R that works best for them and their riding locations, conditions, and style. Here are the final gear ratios produced by each sprocket combination to help you decide what to try next.
Front Sprocket / Rear Sprocket | Gear Ratio
13/46 | 3.538:1
14/46 | 3.285:1
15/46 | 3.06:1
16/46 | 2.875:1
13/47 | 3.615:1
14/47 | 3.357:1
15/47 | 3.133:1 (popular for distance riding, lower RPMs/better mileage)
16/47 | 2.937:1
13/48 | 3.692:1
14/48 | 3.428:1 (Stock gearing)
15/48 | 3.2:1 (popular all around choice)
Rear Axle Nut is 27mm
0There are constant questions about the size of this nut. If you can’t break out a pair of calipers, well, here it is. It’s 27mm.
Replacing Stock Handguards on the XR650R
5Most people with an XR650R will at some point replace the stock handguards and put on something more robust, like bark busters. When this is done the bolts and rubbers which attach the stock handguards to the perches will be slightly too long. They will function fine as is, but some people will want to replace those parts with something slightly shorter so there is no play in the parts and they fit together as if it was designed that way originally. The following Honda Parts will allow you to do this job.
1. Brake Lever Bolt – part #90114-166-006
2. Brake Lever Boot – part #53176-ML3-791
3. Clutch Lever Bolt – part #90114-428-870
4. Clutch Lever Boot – part #53177-430-000
You’ll also need on nut for each bolt.
XR650R Decompression Mechanism
0The decompression mechanism on the XR650R is very simple. There is a half round shaft with a decreasing/increasing radius which rests under one of the exhaust rocker arms. When the lever on the handlebars is pulled the shaft rotates and pushes on the rocker arm thus opening the exhaust valve so the motor is easy to kick over and clear out if flooded.
Flow Aftermarket Exhaust for the XR650R
1There are dozens of exhausts available for the Honda XR650R. The Flow brand (re-branded) exhaust is one of the cheapest around. It gets mixed reviews from many people regarding it’s build quality and performance. The general consensus is that it should be avoided. But if it was dirt cheap I might be tempted to give it a try.