XRV650 to XR600, would you?

[fridge]

Just been to look at an XR6 locally, looks like an honest bike and I'm very tempted but... I'd really have to sell the XRV. The XR would be great for mucking about and would be a better desert bike perhaps (assuming I ever get back to the desert); but the XRV feels like something special, not to be let go of lightly.

Anyone had both and care to twist my arm either way?

Cheers
David

[Kjell Lindberg]

I have an XRV650, and have tried my friends XR600R and XR650R.

I too sometimes play with the idea of switching to a XR600 or even better a XR650L (if I could find one)

The XRV650 is really a streetbike with a possibility to do some offroading, while the XR600R is a true dirtbike, that can do some streetriding, (IMHO).

If you are addicted to sand, would not a XR400 be even better?

I too find the XRV650 to be a special bike, there are a lot of better bikes out there, but the old HRC,,,

,,,colored bike do have a lot of charm and character.

Why not build a lightweight XRV650 "Sand special" using XR parts?

[africajim]

Horses for courses in my eyes mate. I've owned niether but ridden both, owned five XRV750's though, RD04 and RD07's, currently on a VA9 Vara.
All depends on how much time you spend on the road or offroad? Desert? Well, if you plan getting there in a transit van the XR's a must, but a true adventure is to ride the bike to the desert!
I love the XR for fun, can't beat the rush! But my choice would be the bike with a bit of weather protection that I could use in any weather and a bit of character.

Ok, I'm biased, but you did ask!

[Daz Max]

Yep I would.
(but then again I'm a bit biased too!)

[spain]

I would...and i am half way there as i sold my a.t last May and am on the look-out for an XR400/600.I took the a.t to Morocco twice and to be honest it was bloody hard work.Getting there on it was ok but wrestling with it in the sand was too much for me.I had tried a couple of singles out there and they were way easier off-road.I live in Spain and have a pick-up truck so the xr400/600 will go on the back of that down to Morocco when time and finances allow.The XRV's are great bikes...i've had two...but for proper off-roading the light weight bikes are much easier to play with.

[StumpyFingers]

If you intend to do a lot of off roading then the XR series of bikes are Ideal the XRV are a compromise to allow for mixed surface riding with Iron roads being the primary surface.

[africajim]

A lot of this is the changing times, a decade ago normal people didn't have the finance to own a truck and an offroad bike that they could transport to the desert to play! Hell, some folk couldn't afford a car and a bike far less a bike for every occasion!
I couldn't afford a road bike and an offroad bike due to finances, two insurances, road taxes, MOT's, just not doable ten yrs ago so the @T was the answer to all my dreams.
Now we all have more disposable finances and insurance companies are doing multi bike policies again so it's changed days! A Blade for blasting in the country roads and an XR for the offroad bits.
I don't have space so need one bike to cover all my needs, the Vara's a big lady but does everything I want. Obviously I don't go playing in quarries or beaches any more but that's just the way it goes! I can cover tar as quick as any Blade and dirt tracks are a breeze for camping and fishing trips in the hills. Horses for courses

[fridge]

Thanks guys, you all put it very well and I have to admit that, for me, riding to the desert is part of the adventure. Picked up the XRV from the menders yesterday and was reminded of why I love it.

Agreed, it is a compromise, but I guess it's partly about your expectation. I fell off in Morocco mostly because I thought I was on my mountain bike not a 200kg Transalp. Nevertheless we got to some amazing spots and I'm not even sure if I want to be bombing along the tracks like the various KTMs we met.

The bike really deserves some tlc but whenever I see it parked up I think it still looks great; like it just got back from Dakar. So it stays... for now!

Cheers

[Kjell Lindberg]

Ah,,, the old RD03 really got to you just like mine done to me.

Have You posted some pictures of it on the forum before?

If not, would you be so kind?

//Kjell

[fridge]

Ah,,, the old RD03 really got to you just like mine done to me.

Have You posted some pictures of it on the forum before?

If not, would you be so kind?

//Kjell

I'm a bit ashamed of the lack of care I've been giving it but I'll post some pics when I get the chance.

Cheers