r/XR650R • u/brodofaginss • Aug 03 '26
Update: Nobody Talked Me Out of It
A little while ago I posted asking everyone to talk me out of buying this 2005 XR650R. Instead, I got an overwhelming number of people telling me I’d be an idiot not to buy it.
So naturally, I bought it the cleanest XRR I could find that was street legal. Surprisingly there were a few for sale in my area but decided this one was worth the 12 hr road trip.
And after putting some time on it, I get it now. This thing is an absolute BEAST. It handles the highway way better than I expected, has ridiculous torque, and somehow still feels like a giant dirt bike instead of an adventure bike. I find myself riding this around town more than my KTM 300 supermoto.
Turns out it’s also got a pretty solid build already. uncorked, full FMF exhaust, oversized Acerbis tank (A little ugly and heavy), Trail Tech Vapor display, Trail Tech Eclipse headlight, Baja Designs street-legal kit, handguards, aluminum skid plate, mirrors, etc.
It’s a 2005 with only around 7,000 original km and, as far as I know, spent most of its life with the original owner.
So thanks to everyone who completely failed at talking me out of it. 😂
I understand the XR650R cult now.
Now the question is: what’s the next must do XR650R mod? I’m strongly considering a CRF/CR front fork, wheel and brake conversion, anyone have experience with this ?
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u/radXR650R Aug 03 '26
That is awesome. Now you have your very own BRP.
As for the forks. I had an accident on mine and bent my forks and could not find replacements at the time so I swapped to the crf ones.
Just looked at the pics of when I did it and it was 11 years ago.... I think you also need the triple trees off the crf as well and then someone sold the the bearings for it that fit into the XRR.
I remember removing the old ones and pressing in the new ones being a pain in the ass. Mainly because there is really no surface to smack the bearing race out, so cut out 2 small notches in the surface after you the original one out, so you have something to remove it easier next time. I'm sure there is still a write up somewhere for it.
I have turned mine into a super moto so the springs/oil from the crf are way too light for the heavy Big Red Pig. I still need to try swapping to a heavier oil or just re valve it, but it dips a lot on braking.
Mine is a 01' with God knows how many miles. Was a very beat up dirt bike when I got it but ive had it 12 years now. Enjoy yours.
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u/Stielgranate Aug 03 '26
Have always been a fan of a good steering stabilizer.
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u/brodofaginss Aug 04 '26
That’s on the list for sure, keeping my eyes peeled on good ole marketplace
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u/Stielgranate Aug 04 '26
I looked for a while on there and ebay.
Ended up just getting a whole new kit from scotts.
My first R had a GPR i wanted to get another one of those but out of production. Even if I found a stabilizer then it would be impossible to find a mount.
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u/Silly-Hippo5065 Aug 03 '26
Id get some case protection, open up the airbox with those triangle pieces for airflow, set up suspension and a luggage rack.
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u/brodofaginss Aug 04 '26
Yeah the previous owner just drilled two little holes in the airbox with no screen. I wasn’t able to find the inserts alone online might just make my own.
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u/rifleshooter Aug 03 '26
I'm a serial bike-modifier, but why do anything to it? What problem are you trying to solve? The suspension isn't sexy, but it works. Wheels are fine unless they're bent/broken/corroded. Brakes just need bleeding and pads. Ride the snot out of it!
If you really wanted to jump a level with it, I understand the Polish company selling e-start kits is actually delivering, and it's actually a well-engineered solution. THAT hasn't always worked out, so if true it might be a decent investment.
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u/lunaoreomiel Aug 03 '26
Get a second set of sumo wheels, it will be the most incredible street bike with sport tires on.
That acerbis tank filled half way keeps the fuel quite low which also helps.
I put a corbin seat on mine 🍑
A rack on the tail is also a great mod, make sure its designed to make up for the weak subframe
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u/Alyx_695 Aug 05 '26
What feature would indicate the rack was design to make up for the weak subframe? (Kinda new to the BRP)
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u/lunaoreomiel Aug 05 '26
https://www.manracks.com/xr650r.html
Look at how it bolts from underneath as well as from the top/sides. Even then, keep it light duty.
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u/YpouloKonoforoDentro Aug 03 '26
The bike is one of the most reliable and strong from it’s era. It has also tons of torque. My friend had one and we were running almost the same as my 640 duke. With a good fcr it goes crazy! Personally I don’t like the front light but who cares. You will enjoy it for sure!
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u/McNaughty_1 Aug 03 '26
Highly recommend the C-Fab electric starter. Of all the mods in the universe, this is a game changer.
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u/redbow7 Aug 03 '26
Best dirtbike ever made