XR650L 2008
This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain
with the motorcycle when it is resold.
This publication includes the latest production information available before printing. Honda
Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without
incurring any obligation.
The vehicle pictured on the front cover may not match your vehicle.
No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission.
2007 Honda Motor Co., Ltd.
2008
Honda XR650L
OWNER’S MANUAL
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Introduction
Introduction
Congratulations on choosing your Honda
motorcycle.
When you own a Honda, you’re part of a
worldwide family of satisfied customers
people who appreciate Honda’s
reputation for building quality into every
product.
Before riding, take time to get acquainted
with your motorcycle and how it works.
To protect your investment, we urge you
to take responsibility for keeping your
motorcycle well maintained. Scheduled
service is a must, of course. But it’s just as
important to observe the break-in
guidelines, and perform all pre-ride and
other periodic checks detailed in this
manual.
We also recommend that you read this
owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full
of facts, instructions, safety information,
and helpful tips. To make it easy to use,
the manual contains a detailed list of
topics at the beginning of each section,
and both an in-depth table of contents and
an index at the back of the book.
As you read this manual, you will find
information that is preceded by a
symbol. This information is
intended to help you avoid damage to your
Honda, other property, or the environment.
Introduction
Introduction
WARNING:
Read the Warranties Booklet (page )
thoroughly so you understand the
coverages that protect your new Honda
and are aware of your rights and
responsibilities.
If you have any questions, or if you ever
need special service or repairs, remember
that your Honda dealer knows your
motorcycle best and is dedicated to your
complete satisfaction.
Please report any change of address or
ownership to your Honda dealer so we
will be able to contact you concerning
important production information.
You may also want to visit our website at
www.honda.com.
Happy riding!
California Proposition 65 Warning
This product contains or
emits chemicals known to the State of
California to cause cancer and birth
defects or other reproductive harm.
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A Few Words About Safety
Safety Messages
Safety Labels
Safety Messages
DANGER, WARNING, CAUTION
Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this motorcycle safely
is an important responsibility.
To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures
and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential
hazards that could hurt you or others.
Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with
operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good judgment.
You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including:
–– on the motorcycle.
–– preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words:
or .
These signal words mean:
You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you
don’t follow instructions.
You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t
follow instructions.
You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions.
A Few Words About Safety
Safety Messages
Safety Headings
Safety Section
Instructions
–– such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions.
–– such as Motorcycle Safety.
–– how to use this motorcycle correctly and safely.
This entire manual is filled with important safety information –– please read it carefully.
Contents
Contents
..............................Motorcycle Safety .
....................Instruments & Controls .
.....................................Before Riding .
................Basic Operation & Riding .
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11
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These pages give an overview of the
contents of your owner’s manual. The first
page of each section lists the topics
covered in that section.
The importance of wearing a helmet
and other protective gear, how to make
sure you and your motorcycle are ready
to ride, and important information about
loading.
Important safety information you
should know, plus a look at the safety-
related labels on your motorcycle.
How to start and stop the engine, shift
gears, and brake. Also, riding
precautions and important information
about riding with a passenger or cargo.The location and function of indicators
and controls on your motorcycle and
operating instructions for various
controls and features.
Contents
Contents
Quick Reference
.......Taking Care of the Unexpected .
......................Technical Information .
.....................Consumer Information .
..............................Table of Contents .
....................................................Index .
........‘‘Reporting Safety Defects’’ .
......................Servicing Your Honda .
......................................................Tips .
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153
175
197
206
208
212
Why your motorcycle needs regular
maintenance, what you need to know
before servicing your Honda, an owner
maintenance schedule, and instructions
for specific maintenance and
adjustment items.
How to store and transport your
motorcycle and how to be an
environmentally-responsible rider.
What to do if you have a flat tire, your
engine won’t start, etc.
ID numbers, technical specifications,
and other technical facts.
Sequential listing of topics in this
owner’s manual.
Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, tire
sizes, and air pressures.
Information on warranties, emission
controls, how to get Honda service
manuals, and...
1
Motorcycle Safety
Motorcycle Saf ety
This section presents some of the most
important information and
recommendations to help you ride your
motorcycle safely. Please take a few
moments to read these pages. This section
also includes information about the
location of safety labels on your
motorcycle.
................Important Safety Information .
.................Accessories & Modifications .
..........................................Safety Labels .
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7
9
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2
Important Safety Information
Motorcycle Saf ety
Always Wear a HelmetYour motorcycle can provide many years
of service and pleasure if you take
responsibility for your own safety and
understand the challenges you can meet
while riding.
There is much that you can do to protect
yourself when you ride. You’ll find many
helpful recommendations throughout this
manual. The following are a few that we
consider most important.
It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly
reduce the number and severity of head
injuries. So always wear an approved
motorcycle helmet and make sure your
passenger does the same. We also
recommend that you wear eye protection,
sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective
gear (page ).26
3
Important Safety Information
Motorcycle Saf ety
Take Time to Learn & Practice
Tips & Practice Guide f or the
Of f -Highway Motorcyclist
Even if you have ridden other motorcycles,
take time to become familiar with how
this motorcycle works and handles.
Practice in a safe area until you build your
skills and get accustomed to the
motorcycle’s size and weight.
Because many accidents involve
inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge
all riders to take a certified course
approved by the Motorcycle Safety
Foundation (MSF). See page .
Developing off-road riding skills is a
gradual step-by-step process. Start by
practicing at low speeds in a safe area and
slowly build your skills. See page .
Ask your dealer if there are off-road
riding groups in your area where you can
learn from experienced riders. Also be
sure to read
that came with
your new motorcycle (USA only).
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4
Important Safety Information
Motorcycle Saf ety
Ride Defensively On-Road Make Yourself Easy to See On-Road
Be Alert for Off-Road Hazards
You and
Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips and
Practice Guide,
The most frequent motorcycle collision
happens when a car turns left in front of a
motorcycle. Another common situation is
a car moving suddenly into your lane.
Always pay attention to other vehicles
around you, and do not assume that other
drivers see you. Be prepared to stop
quickly or make an evasive maneuver. For
other riding tips, see the booklet,
which came with your
new motorcycle (USA only).
Some drivers do not see motorcycles
because they are not looking for them. To
make yourself more visible, wear bright
reflective clothing, position yourself so
other drivers can see you, signal before
turning or changing lanes, and use your
horn when it will help others notice you.
The terrain can present a variety of
challenges when you ride off-road.
Continually ‘‘read’’ the terrain for
unexpected turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts
and other hazards.
Always keep your speed low enough to
allow time to see and react to hazards.
5
Ride within Your Limits Don’t Drink and Ride
Important Safety Information
Motorcycle Saf ety
Pushing limits is another major cause of
motorcycle accidents. Never ride beyond
your personal abilities or faster than
conditions warrant. Remember that
alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can
significantly reduce your ability to make
good judgments and ride safely.
Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one
drink can reduce your ability to respond to
changing conditions, and your reaction
time gets worse with every additional
drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t
let your friends drink and ride either.
6
Important Safety Information
Motorcycle Saf ety
Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition
It’s important to keep your motorcycle
properly maintained and in safe riding
condition. Having a breakdown can be
difficult, especially if you are stranded
off-road far from your base. To help avoid
problems, inspect your motorcycle before
every ride and perform all recommended
maintenance. Never exceed load limits
(page ), and do not modify your
motorcycle (page ) or install accessories
that would make your motorcycle unsafe
(page ).
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8
7
Improper accessories or
modifications can cause a crash in
which you can be seriously hurt or
killed.
Follow all instructions in this
owner’s manual regarding
accessories and modifications.
7
Accessories
Accessories & Modifications
Motorcycle Saf ety
Modifying your motorcycle or using non-
Honda accessories can make your
motorcycle unsafe. Before you consider
making any modifications or adding an
accessory, be sure to read the following
information.
We strongly recommend that you use only
Honda Genuine Accessories that have
been specifically designed and tested for
your motorcycle. Because Honda cannot
test all other accessories, you must be
personally responsible for proper selection,
installation, and use of non-Honda
accessories.
Check with your Honda dealer for
assistance and always follow these
guidelines:
Make sure the accessory does not
obscure any lights, reduce ground
clearance and lean angle, limit
suspension travel or steering travel, alter
your riding position, or interfere with
operating any controls. (cont’d)
8
Modifications
Accessories & Modifications
Motorcycle Saf ety
We strongly advise you not to remove any
original equipment or modify your
motorcycle in any way that would change
its design or operation. Such changes
could seriously impair your motorcycle’s
handling, stability, and braking, making it
unsafe to ride.
Do not install any fairing or windscreen
unless it was designed and tested by
Honda for your motorcycle. Some
fairings or windscreens, even smaller
ones, can cause unstable handling of
your motorcycle. This is especially true
if the fairing or windscreen is poorly
designed or improperly mounted.
Do not add any electrical equipment
that will exceed the motorcycle’s
electrical system capacity (page ).
A blown fuse can cause a loss of lights
or engine power (page ).
Do not pull a trailer or sidecar with your
motorcycle. This motorcycle was not
designed for these attachments, and
their use can seriously impair your
motorcycle’s handling.
We also advise you not to make any
modifications or remove any equipment
(such as the USDA qualified spark arrester
or emission control system components)
that would make your motorcycle illegal
in your area.
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9
Safety Labels
Motorcycle Saf ety
Safety labels on your motorcycle either warn you of potential hazards that could cause
serious injury or they provide important safety information. Read these labels carefully and
don’t remove them.
If a label comes off or becomes hard to read, contact your Honda dealer for a replacement.
10
Safety Labels
Motorcycle Saf ety
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Instruments & Controls
Instruments & Controls
This section shows the location of all
gauges, indicators, and controls you would
normally use before or while riding your
motorcycle.
The items listed on this page are described
in this section. Instructions for other
components are presented in other sections
of this manual where they will be most
useful.
................................................Indicators .
..........................................Fuel Valve .
...................................Ignition Switch .
.........................................Start Button .
............................Engine Stop Switch .
.................Headlight Dimmer Switch .
.............................Turn Signal Switch .
........................................Horn Button .
...........Operation Component Locations .
................................Controls & Features .
.......................................Choke Lever .
........................Tripmeter Reset Knob .
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24
24
turn signal switch
horn button start button
headlight
dimmer switch
clutch lever
ignition switchchoke lever
front brake
lever
throttle grip
engine stop switch
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Instruments & Controls
Operation Component Locations
rear brake pedal
13
Instruments & Controls
Operation Component Locations
helmet holder
fuel valve
storage bag
shift lever
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Instruments & Controls
Operation Component Locations
(1) (2) (5) (7)
(8)
(4)(3) (6)
15
Instruments & Controls
Indicators
The indicators on your motorcycle keep
you informed, alert you to possible
problems, and make your riding safer and
more enjoyable. Refer to the indicators
frequently. Their functions are described
on the following pages.
USA: Odometer & tripmeter read in miles.
Canada: Odometer & tripmeter read in
kilometers.
(1) speedometer
(2) odometer
(3) gear range indicator
(4) turn signal indicator
(5) high beam indicator
(6) neutral indicator
(7) side stand indicator
(8) tripmeter
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Instruments & Controls
Indicators
Lamp Check
When applicable, the high beam, neutral,
and side stand indicators come on when
you turn the ignition switch ON and
remain on until you select the low beam,
shift out of neutral, or raise the side stand.
If one of these indicators does not come
on when it should, have your Honda dealer
check for burned-out bulbs or other
problems.
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Instruments & Controls
Indicators
speedometer
turn signal indicator
(amber)
Flashes when either turn signal operates.
Shows proper speed range for each gear.gear range indicator
odometer
Shows riding speed in miles (USA) or kilometers
(Canada) per hour.
Shows the total miles (USA) or kilometers (Canada)
ridden.
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2
3
4
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Instruments & Controls
Indicators
high beam indicator
(blue)
Lights when the headlight is on high beam.
neutral indicator (green)
side stand indicator
(amber)
Lights when the side stand is put down to indicate
that the side stand ignition cut-off system (page )
is activated.
Lights when the transmission is in neutral.
tripmeter
5
6
7
8 Shows the number of miles (USA) or kilometers
(Canada) ridden since you last reset the meter. To
zero (0) the tripmeter, turn the tripmeter reset knob
(page ).
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24
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(1) fuel valve
(1)
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Fuel Valve
Instruments & Controls
Controls & Features
RES for extra fuel to get to a gas station
for refueling.
The three-way fuel valve is used to control
the flow of fuel from the fuel tank to the
carburetors.
For complete information about fueling
your motorcycle, see page .
ON normal position for riding.
OFF for parking, storing, or
transportation.
The manual fuel valve ( ) is located on
the left side under the fuel tank.
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79
LEFT FRONT
(1) choke lever
(1)
(A) fully on
(B) halfway position
(C) fully off
((AA))
((BB))
((CC))
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Choke Lever
Controls & Features
Instruments & Controls
The choke lever ( ) may be used when
starting the engine. See page .42
1
ON
OFF
Electrical circuits on.
No electrical
circuits function.
No electrical circuits
function. Locks the
steering head.
LOCK
(steering
lock)
(1)
FRONT
(1) ignition switch
LOCK ON
OFF
Key Position Function
21
Ignition Switch
Controls & Features
Instruments & Controls
The ignition switch ( ) is used for starting
and stopping the engine (page ) and to
lock the steering for theft prevention (page
). Insert the key and turn it to the right
for the ON position. Push down on the key
andturnittothelefttotheLOCK
(steering lock) position.
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