Press Information 2000

Transcription

1 Press Information 2000 XR650R XR650R E 1

2 Introduction Over the years, Honda s mighty XR series of off-road motorcycles have won both the trust and admiration of the world s off-road riders and a king s ransom of first place gold in enduro racing competitions the world over. With their ruggedly dependable 4-stroke power and trail-taming chassis and suspensions, all the big thumper models of the line have delivered a winning combination of aggressive performance and comfortably easy handling that appeals to casual fun bike owners and hard-driving racers alike. As the top model in the line for many years, the venerable, yet well-liked XR600R saw very little change in its design or construction over its last decade in production, and it was widely felt that the time had come to bring Honda s open-class enduro champion up to date with the latest technologies available and assure it retains a leading advantage in every arena in which it competes or performs. However, rather than simply (or perhaps not so simply) upgrading the performance of the XR600R with added-on features and technological enhancements, the XR development team set out to achieve unprecedented new levels of performance in the standard-bearer of the entire XR line by creating an all-new, larger displacement offroad motorcycle that incorporates Honda s latest advances in both engine and frame design. Now, for the year 2000, the remarkable new XR650R finally makes its debut as the newly crowned King of the Desert, with an all-new liquid-cooled engine and a high-tech single-backbone semi-double-cradle aluminium frame combining to deliver top performance and confident handling, while ensuring the biggest XR dominates off-road racing competitions and back country explorations the world over. XR650R E 2

3 Design Concept The XR650R s newly designed chassis and bodywork project a strong, muscular image with a human-fitting design that closely responds to the rider s every input. While maintaining its main design priorities of light weight and a slim, compact form, as well as a low seat height for greater appeal to a wider range of riders, this all-new aluminium-framed XR features rugged construction to match any rider s aggressive drive with solid reliability. Expertise honed in both enduro and motocross racing provided the base for a design that strives for easy, confident operation combined with total reliability. In pursuit of light weight and functional elegance, all parts were checked for strength and construction to ensure optimal quality. XR650R E 3

4 Colouring Concept Colouring Concept For its inaugural year, the new XR650R hits the trails in an aggressive, all-new Fighting Red colour scheme that contrasts fuel tank, seat, radiator shrouds, fenders, and knuckleguards with bright white sidecovers and number plate, black fork boots and muffler, and silver engine, frame and handlebars for an exciting look that ties Honda s entire off-road lineup together for the year 2000 in a bold statement of Honda strength and dependability. Graphics include large black Honda Wing Mark-based stripes stretching out over the sides of the radiator shrouds and fuel tank superimposed with large, boldly styled XR logotypes. The XR650R s displacement class appears boldly printed on the sides of its seat. Colour Fighting Red XR650R E 4

5 Engine All-New Liquid-Cooled 4-Stroke Engine As the most powerful engine ever developed for Honda s popular XR line of off-roaders, the new XR650R s all-new liquid-cooled 4-stroke powerplant displaces 649cm 3 for exceptional performance and a breathtaking lunge of hill-climbing torque. The biggest advance in the new XR s engine is the incorporation of a highly effective dual-radiator liquid-cooling system that extends the engine s performance and reliability while reducing its size and weight. Besides this new liquid-cooled configuration, the engine also features a highly compact camshaft-integrated decompression system for easy starting from any crankshaft position, and a gear-driven single-shaft balancer that effectively reduces primary vibration for a major contribution to reduced long-term rider fatigue. Also contributing to the engine s compact proportions is a new dry-sump lubrication system that uses the new all-aluminium frame as its external oil reservoir. XR650R E 5

6 Engine The XR s compact 40mm carburettor helps deliver a solid grunt of big-bore power while providing superb response. This combines with a lightweight and rugged stainless steel dual exhaust system that features a free-breathing cylindrical silencer to realise superior intake, exhaust and combustion efficiency, higher traction torque, and precise response. For reduced weight and enhanced cooling efficiency, the wall of the engine s aluminium cylinder is directly plated with high-durability NiCaSil to more quickly dissipate cylinder heat. To reduce internal resistance, the engine features a new design that isolates the generator s rotor from the engine s oil, thus realising freer revving performance, sharper response and quicker acceleration. A solid-state capacitor discharge ignition system provides a strong, reliable spark for quick and easy starts and reliable operation while offering long years of maintenancefree operation. Starting ease is also enhanced by the engine s automatic decompression system and a wider kickstart lever ratio that permits the engine to be started with a strong and easy kick that doesn t wear out the rider. XR650R E 6

7 Engine Newly Designed Liquid-Cooling System For the first time ever in a Honda XR, the new XR650R features the quiet, compact and reliable advantages of liquid cooling to ensure strong, fade-free power output and long-term reliability. Cooled by two lightweight and compact framemounted aluminium radiators, the system ensures stable engine temperatures for top performance under virtually all operating conditions while permitting a smaller and lighter engine design that allows it to be positioned in the frame for optimal handling. This highly efficient cooling system also eliminates the need for an external oil cooler. Dry-Sump Lubrication System The engine s dry-sump lubrication system eliminates the need for the large oil pan common to most wetsump singles, thus permitting a more compact and lightweight design. Oil is quickly and efficiently pumped out of the engine and into the large oil reservoir located behind the steering head and in the upper half of the front downtube of the XR s newly designed all-aluminium frame for a significant savings in size and weight. To reduce internal resistance, the engine features a new design that separates the transmission area from the crankshaft area to maintain optimal lubrication while keeping the crankshaft from contacting any oil that could cause windage resistance, thus ensuring strong power output under all riding conditions. It also isolates the generator s rotor from the engine s oil, thus realising freer revving performance, sharper response and quicker acceleration. XR650R E 7

8 Engine Automatic Decompression System for Easy Starts Kick-starting some big singles can be a real test of strength and endurance. To give the XR650R the light and easy kickstart operation normally associated with much smaller displacement machines, the engine features an automatic decompression system ingeniously integrated into its camshaft. This uniquely compact innovation works at all kickstart pedal and crankshaft positions, automatically opening the exhaust valves at low engine speeds to reduce compression during starts. As the camshaft s speed increases, centrifugal force causes the system to disable itself automatically. The decompression system s reduced kickstart load also offers the added benefit of permitting the kickstarter arm-to-crankshaft gear ratio to be set for a longer crankshaft throw when kicked over. Thus, one single kick is usually all that s necessary to start the XR650R s engine. For backup, an easy-operation manual compression release is also provided on the handlebars. XR650R E 8

9 Engine Light and Smooth Gearshift Feel The XR s rugged 5-speed transmission features an involute spline design that smoothes the sliding of its gears for a lighter, surer gearshift feel. A polished shift fork guide shaft further contributes to smooth shift fork operation, and a specially designed gearshift cam shape enhances shift feel with a light and sure touch. Rugged Stainless Steel Exhaust System with Canister-Style Silencer The XR650R s lightweight, rugged and corrosion-resistant stainless steel exhaust system was specially tuned to optimise exhaust flow for a further boost to the engine s excellent low-to-midrange power output while assuring linear throttle response and top performance. In addition to maximising the engine s torque output, the system s compact, canister-style steel silencer also helps reduce weight while keeping noise output to unobtrusive levels and contributing to the XR s look of quality and strength. (Photo: A-types) XR650R E 9

10 Engine Enhanced Maintenance Ease To ensure precise timing and trouble-free operation, the XR s engine also features a maintenancefree automatic camchain adjuster like that used in the XR400R and XR250R. The engine s transmission countershaft oil seal was designed to be replaced from the outside so that the crankcases need not be disassembled to change the seal. Small head-type crankcase cover bolts ease maintenance in muddy conditions, and a lightweight, detachable magnesium clutch cover greatly reduces the time and effort needed for clutch maintenance or plate replacement compared to earlier designs. Automatic camchain Adjuster XR650R E 10

11 Chassis Advanced New-Generation Aluminium Frame One of the most notable features of the new XR650R is certainly its innovative new, all-aluminium semi-double-cradle frame. Designed for superb strength and durability to withstand the rigors of off-road riding and racing, this all-new frame takes advantage of the dry-sump engine s compact dimensions to achieve an optimal balance of high rigidity, light weight and precise control. The frame s box-section main backbone tube features a uniquely curved convex profile on each of its outer faces to optimise its overall rigidity. To help realise a shorter wheelbase for swift, agile control, the swing arm s pivot point was incorporated into the rear engine mount, while the rear suspension s linkage layout was carefully calculated for optimal performance. (Photo: A-types) XR650R E 11

12 Chassis Frame-Integrated Oil Reservoir The XR650R s newly developed aluminium frame has also been specially designed to carry the dry-sump lubrication system s oil reservoir in a clean and simple system that utilises the hollow areas behind the frame s steering head and down its front downtube to hold 1.4 litres of oil. Besides being a lightweight, space-saving design feature, it also provides a significant contribution to cooling efficiency owing to its prominent exposure to the air rushing by. The oil level can be easily checked and topped by way of the dipstick conveniently positioned behind the steering head. Three-Point Bolt-On Seat Rail The XR650R s lightweight and rigid bolt-on aluminium seat rail matches the frame s overall balance of rigidity while leaving ample room for the large-volume aircleaner box located under its seat. Like Honda s CR-series motocrossers, the seat rail is attached to the frame with three bolts, and can be quickly and easily removed to ease rear suspension maintenance and other chores. (Photo: A-types) XR650R E 12

13 Chassis Rugged Cartridge-Type Front Suspension The XR650R s responsive front suspension features a pair of monstrous 46mm stanchion tubes for rock-solid rigidity to match its heavy-duty proportions and powerful performance. Their internal cartridge design ensures smooth, responsive performance and lighter weight, while their fully adjustable compression and rebound damping helps optimise rough road tracking and control by offering precise setting response to a wide range of riding conditions. The fork s stanchion tubes are also solidly gripped by forged aluminium triple-clamps mounted to the steering head with tapered roller bearings to ensure precise steering and long-lasting durability. A set of full-coverage fork gaiters also protect the stanchion tubes and fork seals from damage by mud, grit, thrown rocks and impacts. (Photo: A-type) XR650R E 13

14 Chassis Compliant Pro-Link Rear Suspension To absorb all the bumps and physical abuse that trail riding and enduro racing can throw at it, the XR650R s rugged Pro-Link rear suspension features an integrated remote reservoir damper like the ones used on Honda s dynamic CR-series motocrossers. Actuated by Honda s famous Delta Pro-Link linkage, the fully adjustable damper s large-diameter piston delivers smoothly progressive damping response while ensuring superior heat resistance to stand up to the gruelling stresses of enduro or hareand-hound racing. Providing a full 308mm of rear axle travel while contributing to the XR650R s remarkably low 935mm seat height, the massive yet lightweight tapered box-section aluminium swing arm shares its pivot point with the rear engine mount, and provides a superb balance of torsional rigidity, traction and control to match the XR650R s large proportions. Its tapered design optimises rigidity while providing a significant contribution to reduced unsprung weight. XR650R E 14

15 Chassis Wheels and Brakes The XR650R s strong yet lightweight aluminium rims mount rugged off-road tyres. The rims are laced to their compact hubs with Honda s proven, straight-pull Tangentially Located (TL) spokes, which offer more even distribution of stress through the entire length of the spoke, longer retention of spoke tension adjustment, and reduced unsprung weight owing to their much smaller hub dimensions. Braking duties are performed by a lightweight and rigid dual-piston front calliper that grips a large 240mm drilled rotor between sintered metal pads. At the rear, a compact single-piston calliper stops another drilled 240mm rotor. (Photo: A-types) XR650R E 15

16 Equipment Centralised Fuel Tank and Comfortable Seat The XR650R s big 10-litre fuel tank features a slim, low-slung design that closely hugs the top of the compact engine for more centralised mass and weight while contributing to its smooth, comfortable seat-over-tank design. Cleanly integrated with the XR s flush-mounted radiator shrouds, its slim proportions contribute to greater riding ease over the wide range of terrains the XR is designed to tackle. Its ergonomically designed seat features a broadly comfortable, low-fatigue shape and a remarkably easy reach to the ground that will certainly extend its appeal to a much wider range of riders with the comfortable riding position it affords. Built on a flat and rigid pan, the seat s high-density urethane padding offers long-term durability and excellent riding comfort, while its narrowed form and flush-surface seat-over-tank configuration combine to ensure smooth manoeuvrability and a lighter feel. To facilitate removal, the seat is attached to the seat rails at the sides while giving the impression of being an integral part of the rear fender. XR650R E 16

17 Equipment Large Fenders, Front Visor and Headlight Cowl The XR650R s wide, bright red enduro-type plastic fenders provide excellent protection against all the mud, dirt and muck that the tyres sling up when running and racing off the beaten path. Its flush-surface front visor and headlight case features a two-piece design surrounding the bright 35W/35W headlight, which gives ample illumination for nighttime vision. The XR s speedometer features a large, easy-to-turn mechanical trip meter that provides needed information at a glance. Rugged Protection To protect the underside of the engine s cases and other components against potentially damaging impacts, the XR650R features a widecoverage, skid pan constructed of high-impact resin to stand up to the abuse of off-road riding and racing. Rugged Step Brackets The XR650R s lost-wax-cast stainless steel brake-side step bracket is machined for light weight and rugged durability, while its cleated, wide-section folding foot pegs feature a self-cleaning design that doesn t retain the muck of off-road riding. The XR s lightweight forged aluminium kickstarter and brake pedal are also strong and easy-to-use, while the forged aluminium shift pedal features a folding tip design for greater long-term durability. (Photo: A-types) (Photo: A-types) XR650R E 17

18 Specifications Specifications XR650R (ED-type) Engine Liquid-cooled 4-stroke 4-valve OHC single Bore Stroke mm Displacement 649cm 3 Compression Ratio 10 : 1 Carburettor 40mm piston valve type Max. Power Output 61.2PS/6,750rpm (DIN) (45kW/6,750min -1 ) Max. Torque 6.5kg-m/5,500rpm (DIN) (64Nm/5,500min -1 ) Ignition Capacitor discharge (CDI) Starter Primary kick Transmission 5-speed Final Drive O -ring sealed chain Dimensions (L W H) 2, ,227mm Wheelbase 1,481mm Seat Height 935mm Ground Clearance 302mm Fuel Capacity 10 litres (including 2-litre reserve) Wheels Aluminium rim/tangentially Located (TL) spokes Tyres Front P Rear P Suspension Front 46mm air-assist leading-axle telescopic fork, 285mm axle travel Rear Pro-Link with adjustable compression/rebound damping, 308mm axle travel Brakes Front 240mm hydraulic disc with dual-piston calliper and sintered metal pads Rear 240mm hydraulic disc with single-piston calliper and sintered metal pads Dry Weight 122kg All specifications are provisional and subject to change without notice. XR650R E 18