Press Information 2000 XR650R

Press Information 2000
XR650R - 20001 - E
XR650R
1
XR650R
Introduction
Over the years, Honda’s mighty XR series of off-road motorcycles have won both
the trust and admiration of the world’s off-road riders and a king’s ransom of first
place gold in enduro racing competitions the world over. With their ruggedly
dependable 4-stroke power and trail-taming chassis and suspensions, all the big
‘thumper’ models of the line have delivered a winning combination of aggressive
performance and comfortably easy handling that appeals to casual fun bike
owners and hard-driving racers alike.
However, rather than simply
(or perhaps not so simply) upgrading the performance of the
XR600R with added-on features
and technological enhancements,
the XR development team set out to
achieve unprecedented new levels of
performance in the standard-bearer
of the entire XR line by creating an
all-new, larger displacement offroad motorcycle that incorporates
Honda’s latest advances in both
engine and frame design.
Now, for the year 2000, the remarkable new XR650R finally makes its
debut as the newly crowned ‘King
of the Desert,’ with an all-new liquid-cooled engine and a high-tech
single-backbone semi-double-cradle
aluminium frame combining to deliver top performance and confident
handling, while ensuring the biggest
XR dominates off-road racing
competitions and back country
explorations the world over.
XR650R - 20002 - E
As the top model in the line for many
years, the venerable, yet well-liked
XR600R saw very little change in
its design or construction over its
last decade in production, and it
was widely felt that the time had
come to bring Honda’s open-class
enduro champion up to date with
the latest technologies available and
assure it retains a leading advantage
in every arena in which it competes
or performs.
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XR650R
Design Concept
construction to match any rider’s
aggressive drive with solid reliability.
Expertise honed in both enduro and
motocross racing provided the base
for a design that strives for easy, confident operation combined with total
reliability. In pursuit of light weight
and functional elegance, all parts
were checked for strength and construction to ensure optimal quality.
XR650R - 20003 - E
The XR650R’s newly designed
chassis and bodywork project a
strong, muscular image with a
‘human-fitting’ design that closely
responds to the rider’s every input.
While maintaining its main design
priorities of light weight and a slim,
compact form, as well as a low seat
height for greater appeal to a wider
range of riders, this all-new aluminium-framed XR features rugged
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XR650R
Colouring Concept
entire off-road lineup together for
the year 2000 in a bold statement of
Honda strength and dependability.
Graphics include large black Honda
Wing Mark-based stripes stretching
out over the sides of the radiator
shrouds and fuel tank superimposed
with large, boldly styled XR logotypes. The XR650R’s displacement
class appears boldly printed on the
sides of its seat.
Colour
• Fighting Red
XR650R - 20004 - E
Colouring Concept
For its inaugural year, the new
XR650R hits the trails in an aggressive, all-new ‘Fighting Red’ colour
scheme that contrasts fuel tank,
seat, radiator shrouds, fenders, and
knuckleguards with bright white
sidecovers and number plate, black
fork boots and muffler, and silver
engine, frame and handlebars for
an exciting look that ties Honda’s
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XR650R
Engine
Besides this new liquid-cooled configuration, the engine also features a
highly compact camshaft-integrated
decompression system for easy starting from any crankshaft position,
and a gear-driven single-shaft
balancer that effectively reduces
primary vibration for a major
contribution to reduced long-term
rider fatigue. Also contributing to
the engine’s compact proportions is
a new dry-sump lubrication system
that uses the new all-aluminium
frame as its external oil reservoir.
XR650R - 20005 - E
All-New Liquid-Cooled 4-Stroke Engine
As the most powerful engine ever
developed for Honda’s popular
XR line of off-roaders, the new
XR650R’s all-new liquid-cooled
4-stroke powerplant displaces
649cm3 for exceptional performance and a breathtaking lunge
of hill-climbing torque. The biggest
advance in the new XR’s engine is
the incorporation of a highly effective dual-radiator liquid-cooling
system that extends the engine’s
performance and reliability while
reducing its size and weight.
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XR650R
Engine
For reduced weight and enhanced
cooling efficiency, the wall of the
engine’s aluminium cylinder is directly plated with high-durability
NiCaSil to more quickly dissipate
cylinder heat. To reduce internal
resistance, the engine features a
new design that isolates the generator’s rotor from the engine’s oil,
thus realising freer revving performance, sharper response and quicker acceleration.
A solid-state capacitor discharge
ignition system provides a strong,
reliable spark for quick and easy
starts and reliable operation while
offering long years of maintenancefree operation. Starting ease is also
enhanced by the engine’s automatic
decompression system and a wider
kickstart lever ratio that permits
the engine to be started with a
strong and easy kick that doesn’t
wear out the rider.
XR650R - 20006 - E
The XR’s compact 40mm carburettor helps deliver a solid grunt
of big-bore power while providing
superb response. This combines
with a lightweight and rugged
stainless steel dual exhaust system
that features a free-breathing cylindrical silencer to realise superior
intake, exhaust and combustion
efficiency, higher traction torque,
and precise response.
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XR650R
Engine
efficient cooling system also eliminates
the need for an external oil cooler.
Dry-Sump Lubrication System
The engine’s dry-sump lubrication
system eliminates the need for the
large oil pan common to most wetsump singles, thus permitting a more
compact and lightweight design.
Oil is quickly and efficiently pumped
out of the engine and into the large
oil reservoir located behind the steering head and in the upper half of the
front downtube of the XR’s newly
designed all-aluminium frame for a
significant savings in size and weight.
To reduce internal resistance, the
engine features a new design that
separates the transmission area from
the crankshaft area to maintain optimal lubrication while keeping the
crankshaft from contacting any oil
that could cause windage resistance,
thus ensuring strong power output
under all riding conditions. It also
isolates the generator’s rotor from
the engine’s oil, thus realising freer
revving performance, sharper
response and quicker acceleration.
XR650R - 20007 - E
Newly Designed Liquid-Cooling System
For the first time ever in a Honda
XR, the new XR650R features the
quiet, compact and reliable advantages of liquid cooling to ensure
strong, fade-free power output
and long-term reliability. Cooled by
two lightweight and compact framemounted aluminium radiators, the
system ensures stable engine temperatures for top performance under
virtually all operating conditions
while permitting a smaller and
lighter engine design that allows
it to be positioned in the frame
for optimal handling. This highly
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XR650R
Engine
As the camshaft’s speed increases,
centrifugal force causes the system
to disable itself automatically.
The decompression system’s reduced
kickstart load also offers the added
benefit of permitting the kickstarter
arm-to-crankshaft gear ratio to be
set for a longer crankshaft throw
when kicked over. Thus, one single
kick is usually all that’s necessary
to start the XR650R’s engine.
For backup, an easy-operation
manual compression release is
also provided on the handlebars.
XR650R - 20008 - E
Automatic Decompression System for
Easy Starts
Kick-starting some big singles
can be a real test of strength and
endurance. To give the XR650R
the light and easy kickstart operation normally associated with
much smaller displacement machines, the engine features an
automatic decompression system
ingeniously integrated into its
camshaft. This uniquely compact
innovation works at all kickstart
pedal and crankshaft positions,
automatically opening the exhaust
valves at low engine speeds to
reduce compression during starts.
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XR650R
Engine
Light and Smooth Gearshift Feel
The XR’s rugged 5-speed transmission features an involute spline design
that smoothes the sliding of its gears
for a lighter, surer gearshift feel.
A polished shift fork guide shaft
further contributes to smooth shift
fork operation, and a specially
designed gearshift cam shape
enhances shift feel with a light
and sure touch.
Rugged Stainless Steel Exhaust System
with Canister-Style Silencer
The XR650R’s lightweight, rugged
and corrosion-resistant stainless
steel exhaust system was specially
tuned to optimise exhaust flow
for a further boost to the engine’s
excellent low-to-midrange power
output while assuring linear throttle
response and top performance.
In addition to maximising the
engine’s torque output, the system’s
compact, canister-style steel silencer
also helps reduce weight while
keeping noise output to unobtrusive
levels and contributing to the XR’s
look of quality and strength.
XR650R - 20009 - E
(Photo: A-types)
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XR650R
Engine
Enhanced Maintenance Ease
To ensure precise timing and
trouble-free operation, the XR’s
engine also features a maintenancefree automatic camchain adjuster
like that used in the XR400R and
XR250R. The engine’s transmission
countershaft oil seal was designed
to be replaced from the outside so
that the crankcases need not be
disassembled to change the seal.
Small head-type crankcase cover
bolts ease maintenance in muddy
conditions, and a lightweight,
detachable magnesium clutch
cover greatly reduces the time
and effort needed for clutch
maintenance or plate replacement
compared to earlier designs.
XR650R - 200010 - E
Automatic camchain Adjuster
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XR650R
Chassis
Advanced New-Generation
Aluminium Frame
One of the most notable features
of the new XR650R is certainly
its innovative new, all-aluminium
semi-double-cradle frame.
Designed for superb strength and
durability to withstand the rigors
of off-road riding and racing, this
all-new frame takes advantage of
the dry-sump engine’s compact
dimensions to achieve an optimal
balance of high rigidity, light weight
and precise control. The frame’s
box-section main backbone tube
features a uniquely curved convex
profile on each of its outer faces
to optimise its overall rigidity.
To help realise a shorter wheelbase
for swift, agile control, the swing
arm’s pivot point was incorporated
into the rear engine mount, while
the rear suspension’s linkage layout was carefully calculated for
optimal performance.
XR650R - 200011 - E
(Photo: A-types)
11
XR650R
Chassis
Frame-Integrated Oil Reservoir
The XR650R’s newly developed
aluminium frame has also been
specially designed to carry the
dry-sump lubrication system’s oil
reservoir in a clean and simple
system that utilises the hollow
areas behind the frame’s steering
head and down its front downtube
to hold 1.4 litres of oil. Besides
being a lightweight, space-saving
design feature, it also provides a
significant contribution to cooling
efficiency owing to its prominent
exposure to the air rushing by.
The oil level can be easily checked
and topped by way of the dipstick
conveniently positioned behind the
steering head.
Three-Point Bolt-On Seat Rail
The XR650R’s lightweight and
rigid bolt-on aluminium seat rail
matches the frame’s overall balance
of rigidity while leaving ample
room for the large-volume aircleaner box located under its seat.
Like Honda’s CR-series motocrossers, the seat rail is attached to the
frame with three bolts, and can be
quickly and easily removed to ease
rear suspension maintenance and
other chores.
XR650R - 200012 - E
(Photo: A-types)
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XR650R
Chassis
Rugged Cartridge-Type Front Suspension
The XR650R’s responsive front suspension features a pair of monstrous
46mm stanchion tubes for rock-solid rigidity to match its heavy-duty
proportions and powerful performance. Their internal cartridge
design ensures smooth, responsive
performance and lighter weight,
while their fully adjustable compression and rebound damping helps
optimise rough road tracking and
control by offering precise setting
response to a wide range of riding
conditions. The fork’s stanchion
tubes are also solidly gripped by
forged aluminium triple-clamps
mounted to the steering head with
tapered roller bearings to ensure
precise steering and long-lasting
durability. A set of full-coverage
fork gaiters also protect the stanchion tubes and fork seals from
damage by mud, grit, thrown
rocks and impacts.
XR650R - 200013 - E
(Photo: A-type)
13
XR650R
Chassis
Providing a full 308mm of rear
axle travel while contributing to
the XR650R’s remarkably low
935mm seat height, the massive
yet lightweight tapered box-section
aluminium swing arm shares its pivot
point with the rear engine mount,
and provides a superb balance of
torsional rigidity, traction and
control to match the XR650R’s
large proportions. Its tapered design
optimises rigidity while providing a
significant contribution to reduced
unsprung weight.
XR650R - 200014 - E
Compliant Pro-Link Rear Suspension
To absorb all the bumps and physical
abuse that trail riding and enduro
racing can throw at it, the XR650R’s
rugged Pro-Link rear suspension features an integrated remote reservoir
damper like the ones used on Honda’s
dynamic CR-series motocrossers.
Actuated by Honda’s famous Delta
Pro-Link linkage, the fully adjustable
damper’s large-diameter piston delivers smoothly progressive damping
response while ensuring superior
heat resistance to stand up to the
gruelling stresses of enduro or hareand-hound racing.
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XR650R
Chassis
Wheels and Brakes
The XR650R’s strong yet lightweight aluminium rims mount
rugged off-road tyres. The rims
are laced to their compact hubs
with Honda’s proven, straight-pull
Tangentially Located (TL) spokes,
which offer more even distribution
of stress through the entire length
of the spoke, longer retention of
spoke tension adjustment, and re-
duced unsprung weight owing to
their much smaller hub dimensions.
Braking duties are performed by
a lightweight and rigid dual-piston
front calliper that grips a large
240mm drilled rotor between
sintered metal pads. At the rear,
a compact single-piston calliper
stops another drilled 240mm rotor.
XR650R - 200015 - E
(Photo: A-types)
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XR650R
Equipment
greater riding ease over the wide
range of terrains the XR is designed
to tackle.
Its ergonomically designed seat
features a broadly comfortable,
low-fatigue shape and a remarkably easy reach to the ground that
will certainly extend its appeal to
a much wider range of riders with
the comfortable riding position it
affords. Built on a flat and rigid
pan, the seat’s high-density urethane padding offers long-term
durability and excellent riding
comfort, while its narrowed form
and flush-surface seat-over-tank
configuration combine to ensure
smooth manoeuvrability and a
lighter feel. To facilitate removal,
the seat is attached to the seat
rails at the sides while giving the
impression of being an integral
part of the rear fender.
XR650R - 200016 - E
Centralised Fuel Tank and
Comfortable Seat
The XR650R’s big 10-litre fuel
tank features a slim, low-slung
design that closely hugs the top
of the compact engine for more
centralised mass and weight while
contributing to its smooth, comfortable seat-over-tank design.
Cleanly integrated with the XR’s
flush-mounted radiator shrouds,
its slim proportions contribute to
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XR650R
Equipment
Large Fenders, Front Visor and
Headlight Cowl
The XR650R’s wide, bright red
enduro-type plastic fenders provide
excellent protection against all the
mud, dirt and muck that the tyres
sling up when running and racing
off the beaten path. Its flush-surface front visor and headlight
case features a two-piece design
surrounding the bright 35W/35W
headlight, which gives ample illumination for nighttime vision.
The XR’s speedometer features
a large, easy-to-turn mechanical
trip meter that provides needed
information at a glance.
Rugged Protection
To protect the underside of the engine’s cases and other components
against potentially damaging impacts, the XR650R features a widecoverage, skid pan constructed of
high-impact resin to stand up to the
abuse of off-road riding and racing.
Rugged Step Brackets
The XR650R’s lost-wax-cast stainless steel brake-side step bracket is
machined for light weight and rugged durability, while its cleated,
wide-section folding foot pegs
feature a self-cleaning design that
doesn’t retain the muck of off-road
riding. The XR’s lightweight forged
aluminium kickstarter and brake
pedal are also strong and easy-to-use,
while the forged aluminium shift
pedal features a folding tip design
for greater long-term durability.
(Photo: A-types)
XR650R - 200017 - E
(Photo: A-types)
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XR650R
Specifications
Specifications
XR650R (ED-type)
Engine
Bore × Stroke
Displacement
Compression Ratio
Carburettor
Max. Power Output
Max. Torque
Ignition
Starter
Transmission
Final Drive
Dimensions
Wheelbase
Seat Height
Ground Clearance
Fuel Capacity
Wheels
Tyres
Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve OHC single
100 × 82.6mm
649cm3
10 : 1
40mm piston valve type
61.2PS/6,750rpm (DIN) (45kW/6,750min-1)
6.5kg-m/5,500rpm (DIN) (64Nm/5,500min-1)
Capacitor discharge (CDI)
Primary kick
5-speed
‘O’-ring sealed chain
2,178 × 843 × 1,227mm
1,481mm
935mm
302mm
10 litres (including 2-litre reserve)
Aluminium rim/Tangentially Located (TL) spokes
3.00–21 51P
4.50–18 70P
46mm air-assist leading-axle telescopic fork, 285mm axle travel
Pro-Link with adjustable compression/rebound damping,
308mm axle travel
240mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
240mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads
122kg
Suspension
Brakes
Dry Weight
(L×W×H)
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
Front
Rear
XR650R - 200018 - E
All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice.
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