2011 Yamaha XT660R vs 2012 Honda XR 650L

Full specifications comparison • 2 motorcycles

Comparing 2 motorcycles
2011 Yamaha XT660R 2011 Yamaha XT660R

Enduro / Off-Road

Engine
Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve
Power
33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm
Top Speed
164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph
Weight
181 kg / 421 lbs
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
Full Specifications
General
Year2011-
Colours-Red
Make ModelYamaha XT660R-
Warranty-One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Dimensions
Ground Clearance (mm)-330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)-13.0 inches
Seat Height865mm / 34.1 in940 mm / 37.0 in.
Wheelbase 1505 mm / 59.3 in1,455 mm / 57.3 in.
Ground Clearance 210 mm / 8.3 in-
Height1230 mm / 48.4 in1,220 mm / 48.0 in.
Length2240 mm / 88.1 in2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width845 mm / 33.2 in740 mm / 29.1 in.
Weights & Capacities
Dry Weight172 kg / 379.2 lbs310 kg / 683.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity15 Litres / 3.3 US gal10.60 litres / 2.80 gallons
Oil Capacity2.9 Litres / 0.19 quarts-
Wet Weight181 kg / 421 lbs156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs
Performance
Top Speed164.7 km/h / 102.3 mph-
Max Power33.8 kW / 48 hp @ 6000 rpm-
Max Torque58.4 Nm / 5.7 kgf-m @ 5250 rpm129.00 Nm (13.2 kgf-m or 95.2 ft.lbs) @ 8750 Revolutions
Standing Start ¼ Mile14.2 sec-
Engine
Engine Type-Single cylinder, four-stroke
Displacement (cc)-644.00 cc
Displacement (ci)-39.30 cubic inches
Bore x Stroke (in,)-3.9 x 3.2 inches
Fuel Control-SOHC
CO2-104.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)-100.0 x 82.0 mm
Displacement659 cc/ 40.2 cu-in-
Engine DetailFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve-
Fuel System-Carburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Bore x Stroke100 x 84 mm-
Compression Ratio10.0: 18.3:1
Cooling SystemLiquid cooled-
Emissions-Meets current CARB and EPA standards. California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
Engine Lubrication-Dry sump
Fuel Consumption23 km/lit4.52 litres/100 km (22.1 km/l or 52.04 mpg)
Fuel InductionFuel injection, 44 mm throttle body-
IgnitionTCI Solid-state CD with electronic advance
LubricationDry sump-
StarterElectricElectric
Valve System-4
Drivetrain
ClutchWet, multiple-disc coil springElectronic Dual Clutch
Final DriveChainChain
Gearbox-5-speed
Primary Drive-#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Transmission / Drive5 Speed -
Chassis
Frame TypeSteel tubular diamond frame with dual tank rails-
Suspension - Front43 mm Telescopic forks,43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - RearOscillating arm standard Monocross. 200mm wheel travelPro-link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability
Rake27.0°27.0°
Trail107 mm / 4.2 in102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front225 mm / 8.8 in295 mm / 11.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear200 mm / 7.9 in130 mm / 5.1 in.
Wheels & Brakes
Brakes - Rear Diameter (mm)-276 mm
Brakes - Front Diameter (in.)-12.6 inches
Brakes - Front Diameter (mm)-320 mm
Brakes - Rear Diameter (in.)-10.9 inches
Brakes - FrontSingle 298mm disc 2 piston caliperDouble disc. Twin-piston caliper
Brakes - RearSingle 245mm disc 1 piston caliperSingle disc
Rims-Die cast aluminium
Tyres - Front90/90- 21120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Rear130/80-17190/55-ZR17

Verdict

Winner on specs

2011 Yamaha XT660R

The 2011 Yamaha XT660R edges out the 2012 Honda XR 650L thanks to its lower seat height, liquid cooling, fuel injection and higher rear wheel travel. Specifications are one part of the picture - dealer support, parts availability, and intended use all matter too.

Key Differences

2011 Yamaha XT660R - Advantages

  • Lower seat height: 865mm vs 940 mm - accessible to a wider range of rider heights.
  • Liquid cooling: Consistent engine temperature in stop-start traffic and hot climates.
  • Fuel injection: Precise fuelling, better cold-start reliability, and lower maintenance requirements.
  • More rear wheel travel: 200 mm vs 130 mm - absorbs bigger hits and rough terrain better.

2012 Honda XR 650L - Advantages

  • Dual front discs: Greater stopping power and better heat management under hard braking.
  • More ground clearance: 330 mm vs 210 mm - better clearance over rocks and obstacles.
  • More front wheel travel: 295 mm vs 225 mm - greater compliance over rough surfaces.

2011 Yamaha XT660R vs 2012 Honda XR 650L - FAQs

What are the engine differences between the 2011 Yamaha XT660R and 2012 Honda XR 650L?
The 2011 Yamaha XT660R uses Four stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve, while the 2012 Honda XR 650L is powered by Single cylinder, four-stroke.
Which bike is better for shorter riders, the 2011 Yamaha XT660R or the 2012 Honda XR 650L?
The 2011 Yamaha XT660R has the lower seat at 865mm, making it more accessible. The 2012 Honda XR 650L sits higher at 940 mm. A seat height below 800 mm suits most riders; above 820 mm shorter riders may need to tiptoe.
Which should I buy, the 2011 Yamaha XT660R or the 2012 Honda XR 650L?
Both are strong choices. The 2011 Yamaha XT660R has the edge in lower seat height and liquid cooling, while the 2012 Honda XR 650L stands out for dual front discs and greater ground clearance. Visit dealers, arrange test rides, and factor in local parts and service costs - these often matter as much as the spec sheet.