1986 Honda XL600R

Summary:

I won't sell this until I am to old to be able to kick start it!

Faults:

Only real problem it ever gave me was the stator dying out of nowhere.

General Comments:

Massive pain in the butt to start until you learn the steps for your bike. Once you learn your bike, it's a one kicker.

When you are kick starting it, the big cylinder will occasionally kick back. That usually ends in some minor pain.

Tons of power. I've lifted the front tire off the ground many times on accident before.

It's awesome offroad, you can go just as fast offroad as you can on.

There's also a monster difference on mpg, depending on how much you twist the throttle; once that second carb opens up, it's tearing through gas, but you can't stop twisting because that second carb kicking in is just too much fun.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 20th February, 2010

21st Oct 2016, 02:25

What do you mean "massive pain in the butt to start until you learn the steps for your bike. Once you learn your bike, it's a one kicker."

What are "the steps"?

14th Oct 2018, 12:18

These thumpers have a compression release on the left handlebar controls (easy to miss). If you don't use it when the engine is cold, it's very difficult (see Herculean effort) to kick the motor over; much like a big block Harley Davidson, you must ease the kicker slowly until a valve opens slightly, and with full choke, quickly and firmly finish the kick cycle! Usually it'll start right up, sometimes it will send you flying if it backfires, so be careful!

1985 Honda XL600R

Summary:

This is the most fun motorcycle I've ever owned!

Faults:

This motorcycle was purchased as a true "barn find". The original owner stated that he stopped riding it sometime in the 90's because it became harder and harder for him to start. I had a feeling that the fuel system was probably gumming up due to his infrequent riding.

I purchased it from him for $400 dollars. I performed a complete tune-up and set every adjustment to factory specs. Rebuilt both carbs using kits from Keyster Carbs. R&R'd the brakes and put a new battery in her. Total cost for repairs was approximately $225 dollars and total time working on her was about 50 hours.

The results were amazing. The Honda looks darn near new and starts and runs like a Honda should! I've ridden it @ 2700 miles since purchasing it and I have not had one issue with it. It is quite fast, very powerful and holds her own on California freeways! This motorcycle always puts a smile on my face!

General Comments:

If you always wanted to ride a dirt-bike on the street, go and buy yourself a Honda XL600!

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 9th March, 2008

1986 Honda XL600R

Summary:

A bulletproof dual-sport, good for trails

Faults:

It was very hard starting when hot, needed about 10 kicks. Replaced the stator, now starts reliably in 2-3 kicks. $140 from rickystator.com.

General Comments:

Plenty of power for the street and trails.

I lowered the forks 1.5 inches in the clamp; now it is more stable at high speed on the street.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 10th November, 2007

1984 Honda XL600R

Summary:

Every bike should handle riding over curbs and pedestrians this well

Faults:

Cams failed and ate through rocker arms due to the poor top-end lubrication common to these bikes.

Replaced the seat cover.

It was stolen and crashed.

General Comments:

I bored it, and now it does second gear wheelies.

Every bike should handle riding over curbs and pedestrians this well.

A must for getting over potholes successfully around Washington DC.

Wooden brakes, but they stop the bike.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 14th September, 2007

1983 Honda XL600R

Summary:

A good old thumper

Faults:

Carburetor rebuilt.

Ignition coil replaced.

Oil leaks.

Fork seals leak.

General Comments:

Great big old thumper.

Starts first kick once you know the proper procedure.

Great low end torque, really hard to bog the engine down.

Carb is jetted really lean from the factory.

Bike is heavy so its off-road ability is limited; definitely not for a novice.

Overall good, but parts are not cheap.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st July, 2007