2012 Honda XR 650L vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2012 Honda XR 650L 2012 Honda XR 650L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
346.0 pounds
2013 KTM 500 XC-W 2013 KTM 500 XC-W

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
114 kg / 251 lbs
Full Specifications
General
Year-2012 - 13
ColoursRed-
Make Model-KTM 500 XC-W
WarrantyOne year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.-
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)330 mm-
Ground Clearance (in.)13.0 inches-
Seat Height940 mm / 37.0 in.970 mm / 38.19 in
Wheelbase1,455 mm / 57.3 in.1482 mm / 58.3 in
Ground Clearance-345 mm / 13.58 in
Height1,220 mm / 48.0 in.-
Length2,250 mm / 88.6 in.-
Width740 mm / 29.1 in.-
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight310 kg / 683.4 lbs-
Fuel Capacity10.60 litres / 2.80 gallons8.5 L / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal
Wet Weight156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs114 kg / 251 lbs
Performance
Max Torque129.00 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.2 ft.lbs) @ 8750 Revolutions-
Engine
Displacement (ci)39.30 cubic inches-
CO2104.9 CO-
Bore x Stroke (mm)100.0 x 82.0 mm-
Fuel ControlSOHC-
Engine TypeSingle cylinder, four-stroke-
Displacement (cc)644.00 cc-
Bore x Stroke (in,)3.9 x 3.2 inches-
Displacement-510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in
Engine Detail-Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder
Fuel SystemCarburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor-
Bore x Stroke-95 x 72 mm
Compression Ratio8.3:111.9:1
Cooling System-Liquid cooled
EmissionsMeets current CARB and EPA standards. California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.-
Engine LubricationDry sump-
Fuel Consumption4.52 litres/100 km (22.1 km/l or 52.04 mpg)-
Fuel Induction-Keihin MX FCR 39
IgnitionSolid-state CD with electronic advanceContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type Kokusan
StarterElectricKick and electric
Valve System4-
Drivetrain
ClutchElectronic Dual ClutchMultidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activated
Final DriveChainChain 5/8 x 1/4"
Final Drive Ratio-13:50
Gearbox5-speed-
Primary Drive#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T-
Primary Drive Ratios-32:76
Transmission / Drive-6 Speed
Chassis
Frame Type-Central double-cradle type 25CrMo4
Suspension - Front43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustabilityWP-USD ø 48 mm
Suspension - RearPro-link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustabilityWP PDS-Federbein
Rake27.0°-
Steering Head Angle-63.5°
Trail102 mm / 4.0 in.-
Wheel Travel - Front295 mm / 11.6 in.300 mm / 11.8 in
Wheel Travel - Rear130 mm / 5.1 in.335 mm / 13.1 in
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)12.6 inches-
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)320 mm-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)10.9 inches-
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)276 mm-
Brakes - FrontDouble disc. Twin-piston caliperSingle 260 mm disc
Brakes - RearSingle discSingle 220 mm disc
RimsDie cast aluminium-
Tyres - Front120/70-ZR1790/90 - 21
Tyres - Rear190/55-ZR17120/90 - 18

Verdict

Too close to call

The 2012 Honda XR 650L and the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W are evenly matched across the key measurable criteria. Your decision comes down to personal preference, riding style, and which brand's dealer network best suits your location.

Key Differences

2012 Honda XR 650L - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 940 mm vs 970 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.

2013 KTM 500 XC-W - Advantages

  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • More rear wheel travel: 335 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Honda XR 650L vs 2013 KTM 500 XC-W - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2012 Honda XR 650L and 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L uses Single cylinder, four-stroke, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W is powered by Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2012 Honda XR 650L or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L has the lower seat at 940 mm, making it more accessible. The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W sits higher at 970 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2012 Honda XR 650L or the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W?
Both are strong choices. The 2012 Honda XR 650L has the edge in lower seat height and dual front discs, while the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W stands out for liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.