07/04/16 09:48:23 31MY6750_001 This manual should be considered a permanent part of the motorcycle and should remain with the motorcycle when it is resold. This publication includes the latest production information available before printing. Honda Motor Co., Ltd. reserves the right to make changes at any time without notice and without incurring any obligation. No part of this publication may be reproduced without written permission. The vehicle pictured on the front cover may not match your vehicle. 2007 Honda Motor Co., Ltd. 07/04/16 09:48:26 31MY6750_002 2008 Honda XR650L OWNER’S MANUAL 07/04/16 09:48:32 31MY6750_003 Introduction Congratulations on choosing your Honda We also recommend that you read this motorcycle. owner’s manual before you ride. It’s full of facts, instructions, safety information, When you own a Honda, you’re part of a and helpful tips. To make it easy to use, worldwide family of satisfied customers the manual contains a detailed list of － people who appreciate Honda’s topics at the beginning of each section, reputation for building quality into every and both an in-depth table of contents and product. an index at the back of the book. Before riding, take time to get acquainted As you read this manual, you will find with your motorcycle and how it works. information that is preceded by a To protect your investment, we urge you symbol. This information is to take responsibility for keeping your intended to help you avoid damage to your motorcycle well maintained. Scheduled Honda, other property, or the environment. service is a must, of course. But it’s just as important to observe the break-in guidelines, and perform all pre-ride and other periodic checks detailed in this manual. Introduction 07/04/16 09:48:38 31MY6750_004 Introduction Read the Warranties Booklet (page201 ) You may also want to visit our website at thoroughly so you understand the www.honda.com. coverages that protect your new Honda and are aware of your rights and Happy riding! responsibilities. California Proposition 65 Warning If you have any questions, or if you ever WARNING: This product contains or need special service or repairs, remember emits chemicals known to the State of that your Honda dealer knows your California to cause cancer and birth motorcycle best and is dedicated to your defects or other reproductive harm. complete satisfaction. Please report any change of address or ownership to your Honda dealer so we will be able to contact you concerning important production information. Introduction 07/04/16 09:48:42 31MY6750_005 A Few Words About Safety Your safety, and the safety of others, is very important. And operating this motorcycle safely is an important responsibility. To help you make informed decisions about safety, we have provided operating procedures and other information on labels and in this manual. This information alerts you to potential hazards that could hurt you or others. Of course, it is not practical or possible to warn you about all hazards associated with operating or maintaining a motorcycle. You must use your own good judgment. You will find important safety information in a variety of forms, including: Safety Labels –– on the motorcycle. Safety Messages –– preceded by a safety alert symbol and one of three signal words: DANGER, WARNING,or CAUTION . These signal words mean: Safety Messages 07/04/16 09:48:48 31MY6750_006 A Few Words About Safety You WILL be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions. You CAN be KILLED or SERIOUSLY HURT if you don’t follow instructions. You CAN be HURT if you don’t follow instructions. Safety Headings –– such as Important Safety Reminders or Important Safety Precautions. Safety Section –– such as Motorcycle Safety. Instructions –– how to use this motorcycle correctly and safely. This entire manual is filled with important safety information –– please read it carefully. Safety Messages 07/04/16 09:48:56 31MY6750_007 Contents These pages give an overview of the Before Riding..................................... 25 contents of your owner’s manual. The first The importance of wearing a helmet page of each section lists the topics and other protective gear, how to make covered in that section. sure you and your motorcycle are ready to ride, and important information about Motorcycle Safety.............................. 1 loading. Important safety information you should know, plus a look at the safety- Basic Operation & Riding................ 39 related labels on your motorcycle. How to start and stop the engine, shift gears, and brake. Also, riding Instruments & Controls.................... 11 precautions and important information The location and function of indicators about riding with a passenger or cargo. and controls on your motorcycle and operating instructions for various controls and features. Contents 07/04/16 09:49:06 31MY6750_008 Contents Servicing Your Honda...................... 55 Technical Information...................... 175 Why your motorcycle needs regular ID numbers, technical specifications, maintenance, what you need to know and other technical facts. before servicing your Honda, an owner maintenance schedule, and instructions Consumer Information..................... 197 for specific maintenance and Information on warranties, emission adjustment items. controls, how to get Honda service manuals, and... Tips...................................................... 145 ‘‘Reporting Safety Defects’’........ 206 How to store and transport your motorcycle and how to be an Table of Contents.............................. 208 environmentally-responsible rider. Sequential listing of topics in this owner’s manual. Taking Care of the Unexpected....... 153 What to do if you have a flat tire, your Index.................................................... 212 engine won’t start, etc. Quick Reference Handy facts about fuel, engine oil, tire sizes, and air pressures. Contents 07/04/16 09:49:08 31MY6750_009 07/04/16 09:49:13 31MY6750_010 Motorcycle Safety This section presents some of the most Important Safety Information................ 2 important information and Accessories & Modifications................. 7 recommendations to help you ride your Safety Labels.......................................... 9 motorcycle safely. Please take a few moments to read these pages. This section also includes information about the location of safety labels on your motorcycle. Motorcycle Safety 1 07/04/16 09:49:17 31MY6750_011 Important Safety Information Your motorcycle can provide many years Always Wear a Helmet of service and pleasure－ if you take It’s a proven fact: helmets significantly responsibility for your own safety and reduce the number and severity of head understand the challenges you can meet injuries. So always wear an approved while riding. motorcycle helmet and make sure your passenger does the same. We also There is much that you can do to protect recommend that you wear eye protection, yourself when you ride. You’ll find many sturdy boots, gloves, and other protective helpful recommendations throughout this gear (page26 ). manual. The following are a few that we consider most important. 2 Motorcycle Safety 07/04/16 09:49:22 31MY6750_012 Important Safety Information Take Time to Learn & Practice Ask your dealer if there are off-road Even if you have ridden other motorcycles, riding groups in your area where you can take time to become familiar with how learn from experienced riders. Also be this motorcycle works and handles. sure to read Tips & Practice Guide f or the Practice in a safe area until you build your Of f -Highway Motorcyclist that came with skills and get accustomed to the your new motorcycle (USA only). motorcycle’s size and weight. Because many accidents involve inexperienced or untrained riders, we urge all riders to take a certified course approved by the Motorcycle Safety Foundation (MSF). See page29 . Developing off-road riding skills is a gradual step-by-step process. Start by practicing at low speeds in a safe area and slowly build your skills. See page29 . Motorcycle Safety 3 07/04/16 09:49:27 31MY6750_013 Important Safety Information Ride Defensively On-Road Make Yourself Easy to See On-Road The most frequent motorcycle collision Some drivers do not see motorcycles happens when a car turns left in front of a because they are not looking for them. To motorcycle. Another common situation is make yourself more visible, wear bright a car moving suddenly into your lane. reflective clothing, position yourself so other drivers can see you, signal before Always pay attention to other vehicles turning or changing lanes, and use your around you, and do not assume that other horn when it will help others notice you. drivers see you. Be prepared to stop quickly or make an evasive maneuver. For Be Alert for Off-Road Hazards other riding tips, see the booklet, You and The terrain can present a variety of Your Motorcycle: Riding Tips and challenges when you ride off-road. Practice Guide, which came with your Continually ‘‘read’’ the terrain for new motorcycle (USA only). unexpected turns, drop-offs, rocks, ruts and other hazards. Always keep your speed low enough to allow time to see and react to hazards. 4 Motorcycle Safety 07/04/16 09:49:31 31MY6750_014 Important Safety Information Ride within Your Limits Don’t Drink and Ride Pushing limits is another major cause of Alcohol and riding don’t mix. Even one motorcycle accidents. Never ride beyond drink can reduce your ability to respond to your personal abilities or faster than changing conditions, and your reaction conditions warrant. Remember that time gets worse with every additional alcohol, drugs, fatigue, and inattention can drink. So don’t drink and ride, and don’t significantly reduce your ability to make let your friends drink and ride either. good judgments and ride safely. Motorcycle Safety 5 07/04/16 09:49:34 31MY6750_015 Important Safety Information Keep Your Honda in Safe Condition It’s important to keep your motorcycle properly maintained and in safe riding condition. Having a breakdown can be difficult, especially if you are stranded off-road far from your base.