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2012 Honda XR 650L Overview
The 2012 Honda XR 650L is an enduro / off-road motorcycle built around 644 cc of displacement. Under the tank sits a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine running SOHC valve actuation, a compression ratio of 8.3:1. The bore and stroke measures 100 x 82 mm. 2012 Honda XR 650L delivers 43.6 hp @ 6000 rpm of peak power and 51.9 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. From a practical standpoint, the 2012 XR 650L tips the scales at 156.9 kg, carries a 10.6-litre fuel tank, offers a seat height of 940 mm and spans a 1,455 mm wheelbase. That's roughly 41.9 kg lighter than the average enduro / off-road motorcycle in our database. Scroll down for the complete 2012 Honda XR 650L spec sheet covering every technical detail from suspension travel to tyre sizes.
2012 XR 650L - Pros & Cons
Strengths
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⚡
Strong power output: 2012 Honda XR 650L makes 43.6 hp @ 6000 rpm with 51.9 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque - competitive figures for its class.
Considerations
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🔧
Carburetor fuelling: Carbureted engines need occasional jetting attention and can be reluctant in cold weather or at altitude compared to modern fuel-injected alternatives.
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Tall seat height: The 940 mm seat height will challenge shorter riders - tiptoeing at low speeds is something to factor into your decision.
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Modest fuel capacity: The 10.6-litre tank means more frequent fuel stops on longer rides, which is worth planning around on touring routes.
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⚙️
Chain final drive upkeep: Chain final drive needs regular cleaning, lubrication and tension checks to get full life out of the sprockets.
Wear Points & Servicing Notes
Heat management in traffic
XR 650L's air-cooled design means engine-bay temperatures build up more in stop-start traffic than on a liquid-cooled equivalent - a function of the cooling method itself, not a defect. Mesh riding gear and avoiding prolonged idling help in hot climates.
Carburetor maintenance
The XR 650L uses carburetion rather than fuel injection, which means jetting is altitude- and temperature-sensitive and benefits from a clean-and-rejet after extended storage or an exhaust change.
Valve clearance checks
SOHC valve actuation on the XR 650L means clearances should be checked at the manufacturer's specified interval - they can tighten as mileage accumulates, and a light top-end tick is usually the first sign.
Brake disc and pad wear
The Single 240 mm disc 2 piston caliper front brake gives strong, progressive stopping power. Disc thickness and pad depth are worth checking at every tyre change, since worn pads can score the disc surface.
Suspension condition on used examples
Up front, the XR 650L runs 43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability and Pro-link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability at the rear. On a used example, check fork seals for weeping oil and test the rear linkage for play - seals are a relatively cheap fix but useful when negotiating price.
Final drive maintenance
Final drive is by chain - expect to clean and lube it every few hundred kilometres and check tension regularly; a neglected chain wears the sprockets faster than the chain itself.
XR 650L - Buying & Maintenance Guide
What to check before buying
When inspecting a used 2012 Honda XR 650L, start with the basics: check the service book for oil change frequency, inspect the chain and sprockets for wear, and look for oil seepage around the engine casings and rocker covers. A cold start test is invaluable - a well-maintained XR 650L should fire up cleanly and settle to a smooth idle within a few seconds.
Oil and filter changes
Regular oil changes are the single most important maintenance task on any XR 650L. Stick to the manufacturer's interval - typically every 6,000 km or once a year, whichever comes first. Always use the correct viscosity grade as specified in the owner's manual.
Carburetor upkeep
Keep the carburetors clean and free of deposits. If the XR 650L has been stored, strip and clean the carb float bowls before attempting to start it. Pilot jets are the first to block and the last to be checked - always include them in any carb rebuild.
Valve clearance service
Check that valve clearances have been adjusted at the correct intervals on any used XR 650L. A bike with clearances out of spec doesn't always feel obviously wrong - but tight clearances accelerate valve seat wear. Ask for service documentation proving it's been done.
2012 Honda XR 650L - Frequently Asked Questions
What engine does the 2012 Honda XR 650L have?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L uses a Single cylinder, four-stroke engine with 644 cc of displacement. It is air cooled.
How much does the 2012 Honda XR 650L weigh?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L weighs 156.9 kg. This is the manufacturer's wet figure.
How much power does the 2012 Honda XR 650L make?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L produces 43.6 hp @ 6000 rpm of power and 51.9 Nm @ 5000 rpm of torque. These are peak figures.
What is the fuel tank capacity of the 2012 Honda XR 650L?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L has a 10.6-litre fuel tank. At around 5-6 litres per 100 km, that is roughly 176-211 km between stops.
Is the 2012 Honda XR 650L suitable for shorter riders?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L has a seat height of 940 mm. This is towards the tall end of the spectrum and will require most riders under 175 cm to tiptoe at stops.
What brakes does the 2012 Honda XR 650L have?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L uses Single 240 mm disc 2 piston caliper at the front and Single disc at the rear.
What tyre sizes does the 2012 Honda XR 650L use?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L runs 120/70-ZR17 front and 190/55-ZR17 rear tyres. A good selection of sport, touring and all-weather rubber is available in these sizes.
What gearbox does the 2012 Honda XR 650L have?
The 2012 Honda XR 650L is fitted with a 5 Speed transmission.
Honda XR 650L Spec Evolution
The Honda XR 650L was produced across 16 model years (1900-2023). The table below highlights the key specifications that changed across the production run - useful whether you are comparing years or tracking down a specific variant.
| Specification |
1900 |
1996 |
1998 |
2002 |
2004 |
2006 |
2008 |
2010 |
2012 |
2014 |
2016 |
2018 |
2020 |
2021 |
2022 |
2023 |
| Wet Weight |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
- |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
158 kg / 348 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs |
| Dry Weight |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324.1 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324.0 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
310 kg / 683.4 lbs |
147 kg / 324.1 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
147 kg / 324 lbs |
- |
- |
| Engine Type |
- |
- |
- |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
Single cylinder, four-stroke |
| Seat Height |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37 in |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
940 mm / 37.0 in. |
| Fuel Capacity |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
12.70 litres / 3.36 gallons |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.59 litres / 2.80 gallons |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.60 litres / 2.80 US gallons |
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal |
10.60 litres / 2.80 US gallons |
10.60 litres / 2.80 US gallons |
| Fuel Control |
- |
- |
- |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
SOHC |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
Single Overhead Cams (SOHC) |
| Displacement (ci) |
- |
- |
- |
39.30 cubic inches |
39.60 cubic inches |
39.30 cubic inches |
39.30 cubic inches |
39.30 cubic inches |
39.30 cubic inches |
- |
- |
- |
39.30 cubic inches |
- |
39.30 cubic inches |
39.30 cubic inches |
| Displacement (cc) |
- |
- |
- |
644.00 cc |
649.00 cc |
644.00 cc |
644.00 cc |
644.00 cc |
644.00 cc |
- |
- |
- |
644.0 cc |
- |
644.0 cc |
644.0 cc |
Key Specifications
Engine
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Power
43.6 hp / 32.1 kW @ 6000 rpm
Torque
51.9 Nm / 5.3 kgf-m / 38.2 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
Top Speed
Not published by manufacturer
Weight
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs
Fuel Capacity
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal
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Full 2012 Honda XR 650L Specifications
Comments
Model ID: TRX90X
Year
2011 - 2012
Colours
Red
Colours
Red
Make Model
Honda XR 650L
Warranty
One year transferable, unlimited mileage limited warranty
Warranty
One year. Unlimited milage. Transferable.
Ground Clearance (mm)
330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
13.0 inches
Ground Clearance (mm)
330 mm
Ground Clearance (in.)
13.0 inches
Seat Height
940 mm / 37.0 in.
Seat Height
940 mm / 37 in
Wheelbase
1,455 mm / 57.3 in.
Wheelbase
1455 mm / 57.3 in
Ground Clearance
330 mm / 13.0 in
Height
927 mm / 36.5 in.
Height
1,220 mm / 48.0 in.
Length
1,488 mm / 58.6 in.
Length
2,250 mm / 88.6 in.
Width
894 mm / 35.2 in.
Width
740 mm / 29.1 in.
Dry Weight
147 kg / 324 lbs
Dry Weight
310 kg / 683.4 lbs
Fuel Capacity
10.6 Litres / 2.8 US gal
Fuel Capacity
10.60 litres / 2.80 gallons
Oil Capacity
1.9 Litres
Wet Weight
158 kg / 348 lbs
Wet Weight
156.9 kg / 346.0 lbs
Displacement (cc)
644.00 cc
CO2
104.9 CO
Bore x Stroke (mm)
100.0 x 82.0 mm
Bore x Stroke (in,)
3.9 x 3.2 inches
Displacement (ci)
39.30 cubic inches
Engine Type
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Engine Type
Single cylinder, four-stroke
Fuel Control
SOHC
Displacement
644 cc / 39.35 cu-in
Engine Detail
Four stroke, single cylinder SOHC, 4 valve
Fuel System
Carburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Fuel System
Carburettor. 42.5mm diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Bore x Stroke
100 x 82.6 mm
Compression Ratio
8.3:1
Compression Ratio
8.3:1
Cooling System
Air cooled
Emissions
Meets current CARB and EPA standards. California version differs slightly due to emissions equipment.
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 Induction
40 mm Diaphragm-type CV carburetor
Ignition
Solid-state CDI
Ignition
Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Lubrication
Dry sump
Starter
Electric
Starter
Electric
Valve System
4
Clutch
Heavy duty multi-plate clutch
Clutch
Electronic Dual Clutch
Final Drive
Chain
Final Drive
#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Gear Ratios
1st 2.66 2nd 1.64 3rd 1.25 4th 1.00 5th .84
Gearbox
5-speed
Gearbox
5-speed
Primary Drive
#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Primary Drive
#520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Transmission / Drive
5 Speed
Suspension - Front
43mm air-adjustable leading-axle Showa cartridge fork with 16-position compression-damping adjustability
Suspension - Front
43 mm Showa forks, 16-way adjustable preload
Suspension - Rear
Pro-link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 20-position compression- and 20-position rebound-damping adjustability
Suspension - Rear
Pro-link Kayaba fully adjustable
Rake
27°
Rake
27.0°
Trail
102 mm / 4.0 in
Trail
102 mm / 4.0 in.
Wheel Travel - Front
294 mm / 11.6 in
Wheel Travel - Front
295 mm / 11.6 in.
Wheel Travel - Rear
280 mm / 11 in
Wheel Travel - Rear
130 mm / 5.1 in.
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 - Front
Single 240 mm disc 2 piston caliper
Brakes - Front
Double disc. Twin-piston caliper
Brakes - Rear
Single disc
Brakes - Rear
Single 240 mm disc 1 piston caliper
Rims
Die cast aluminium
Tyres - Front
120/70-ZR17
Tyres - Front
80/100-21
Tyres - Rear
190/55-ZR17
Tyres - Rear
110/100-18
Specifications are compiled from manufacturer documentation and cross-referenced
technical sources, and corrected on an ongoing basis.
Spot an error? Let us know.
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