Multi-Purpose Single

MULTI-PURPOSE SINGLE

Honda's answer to KTM's Duke is the SLR650, built in conjunction with the Japanese company's Spanish importer, Montesa. Although its XR650L-derived, air-cooled, sohc 644cc single-cylinder engine is firmly rooted in dirtbiking's past, the SIR's street-oriented styling is bold and purposeful. Witness the swoopy matte-black sidecovers, which double as heat shields. Chassis-wise, the rectangular-section steel backbone frame doubles as the dry-sump engine's oil reservoir. Long-travel suspension, Brembo brakes and semi-knobbed Pirelli tires complete the package. - - -A~cordingto Honda, the SLR, which isn't slated for sale stateside, is designed to appeal to urban street riders who don't desire a fully faired sportbike or a cruiser.