1985 Honda XL600R Reviews

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!

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

I am the original owner of this 1985 Honda XL600r, I purchased it in Denver Colorado in 1985.

I love this bike! Yes the stator went out in Fresno once, and the head still leaks oil, and if you don't ride this bike regularly, it can be hard to start after a month or two. With all that said, this bike is light, fast and still looks great, although I did get rid of that ugly blue on the seat and shock towers! Replaced it with Black! Now the bike is Orange & Black. looks like a big Jack-O-Lanturn!

I own a Harley FXRS also, and this Honda holds its own off the line againest my EVO 1400cc Harley, at least for a block or so! And that Honda is light & nimble. Nothing stops this XL600. Not stairs, not parking lots and no Mountain Trail here in Colorado. I'm about to move to Corpus Christi Texas, and I plan to ride this bike on the beaches of North Padre Island within the next 3 weeks. I love this old bike!

If you can find one for sale, buy it!

It's a classic thumper. I don't think you could lose money on the purchase of one of these bikes. They're going up in value. This is the 55 Chevy of classic Dual Purpose MotorCycles!

Be careful, they love to go airborne! And they eat up rear tires like nothing else I've ever driven. And I've driven a few scooters in my day!

Primary ignition coil in the stator burned, resulting in very difficult hot starting for a long time until I found the problem.

Oil leaks start occurring from various spots on the engine.

Choke piston on left side carburetor broke.

A rocket on wheels.

Seat is a little uncomfortable for large persons; is also too small for two people.

Difficult to start even under the best conditions; stalls often at low idle particularly when cold.

Oil changes are cumbersome due to the dry sump design.

Exhaust pipe is prone to rust.

Air filter deteriorated with age.

Great overall. Will eat your lunch if you're not careful.

Cracked stator, carbs, rubber wheel dampeners, chain, valves.

Bike threw a chain, damaged the stator (slowly).

Exhaust valve burnt on me.

All-in all a very good bike; way ahead of its time.