2013 KTM 500 XC-W vs 2014 Honda XR 650L vs 2014 Honda XR 650L

Full specifications comparison • 3 motorcycles

Comparing 3 motorcycles
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
2014 Honda XR 650L 2014 Honda XR 650L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
43.6 hp / 32.1 kW @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
346.0 pounds
2014 Honda XR 650L 2014 Honda XR 650L

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
N/A
Top Speed
N/A
Weight
346.0 pounds
Full Specifications
General
Comments-Model ID: XR650L
Year2012 - 132013 - 14
Colours-Red
Make ModelKTM 500 XC-WHonda XR 650L
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-13.0 inches
Seat Height970 mm / 38.19 in940 mm / 37.0 in.
Wheelbase1482 mm / 58.3 in1,455 mm / 57.3 in.
Ground Clearance345 mm / 13.58 in330 mm / 13.0 in
Height-1,465 mm / 57.7 in.
Length-2,300 mm / 90.6 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight-147 kg / 324 lbs
Fuel Capacity8.5 L / 2.2 US gal / 1,9 Imp gal10.60 litres / 2.80 gallons
Oil Capacity-1.9 Litres
Wet Weight114 kg / 251 lbs158 kg / 348 lbs
Performance
Max Power-43.6 hp / 32.1 kW @ 6000 rpm
Max Torque-51.9 Nm / 5.3 kgf-m / 38.2 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio-0.3789 HP/kg
Engine
Fuel Control-SOHC
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
CO2-104.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 82.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 3.2 inches
Displacement510.4 cc / 31.1 cu-in644 cc / 39.35 cu-in
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinderFour stroke, single cylinder SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel System-Carburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Bore x Stroke95 x 72 mm100 x 82.6 mm
Compression Ratio11.9:18.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooledAir cooled
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards. California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption-4.52 litres/100 km (22.1 km/l or 52.04 mpg)
Fuel InductionKeihin MX FCR 3940 mm Diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Fuel Reserve-4.00 litres / 1.06 gallons
IgnitionContactless controlled fully electronic ignition with digital ignition adjustment, type KokusanSolid-state CD with electronic advance
Lubrication-Dry sump
StarterKick and electricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchMultidisc clutch in oil bath, hydraulically activatedHeavy duty multi-plate clutch
Final DriveChain 5/8 x 1/4"Chain
Final Drive Ratio13:50-
Gear Ratios-1st 2.66 2nd 1.64 3rd 1.25 4th 1.00 5th .84
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive-#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Primary Drive Ratios32:76-
Transmission / Drive6 Speed 5 Speed
Chassis
Frame TypeCentral double-cradle type 25CrMo4-
Suspension - FrontWP-USD ø 48 mm43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - RearWP PDS-FederbeinPro-link Showa® single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability
Rake-27.0°
Steering Head Angle63.5°-
Trail-102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front300 mm / 11.8 in295 mm / 11.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear335 mm / 13.1 in279 mm / 11.0 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-256 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-11.7 inches
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.1 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-296 mm
Brakes - FrontSingle 260 mm discDouble disc. Two-piston calipers.
Brakes - RearSingle 220 mm discSingle disc
Rims-Hollow-section triple-spoke cast aluminium
Tyres - Front90/90 - 213.00-21
Tyres - Rear120/90 - 184.60-18

Verdict

Winner on specs

2013 KTM 500 XC-W

The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W edges out the 2014 Honda XR 650L thanks to its liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

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 280 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2014 Honda XR 650L - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 940 mm vs 970 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.

2013 KTM 500 XC-W vs 2014 Honda XR 650L - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W and 2014 Honda XR 650L?
The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valves per cylinder, while the 2014 Honda XR 650L is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2013 KTM 500 XC-W or the 2014 Honda XR 650L?
The 2014 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 2013 KTM 500 XC-W or the 2014 Honda XR 650L?
Both are strong choices. The 2013 KTM 500 XC-W has the edge in liquid cooling and higher rear wheel travel, while the 2014 Honda XR 650L stands out for lower seat height. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.