The History of Honda's XR500R and XR600R from 1979-2000
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- čas přidán 24. 11. 2019
- This is my look back at the history of Honda's iconic four-stroke racers the XR500, XR500R, and XR600R. From its introduction in 1979 through its retirement in 2000, the big-bore XR remained one of the most potent four-stroke racers available. Over its twenty-year run, the XR500R and XR600R captured wins in the desert out west and the woods back east with riders like Johnny Campbell, Scott Summers and Bruce Ogilvie at the controls.
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I own a 1982 XR500R which is totally not restored. I've just started it on the forth kick, got my helmet on and off we went.
It's such a buzz to ride a machine which is 42 years old, and its a pleasure to be on top of.
I'm 59 and I think I'll keep doing this until I can't start it!
Today wasn't that day.
XR600R is one of the finest motorcycles Honda ever built. I’ve had the pleasure of owning about 5 of them over the years. Still have my 1996 600r. Won several races on a 20+ year old bike against modern technology is pretty impressive.
Would love to drive that beast 600 cc as well sir in Philippines we only Have XR250 and XLR250
TT350/600 Yamaha had a better motor. XR600 haD valve train issues and Yamaha did not.
@@anthonynicholich9654 Agreed - roller bearings and much better lubrication
@@anthonynicholich9654 Never had any issues my any of my XR top ends. I even put a high comp piston, and cam in my '86 600. Had about 20 others in my group of riding buddies and never heard of these issues.
Had a 94 put a 50 tooth rear sprocket on it and it was awesome I hit a deer at top speed in a corner broke 7 ribs on left side and left shoulder blade in half cut my spleen got me a airplane flight to the city. So when I woke up In hospital was told hitting the deer saved my life I had stage three cancer and had no idea I was so strong healthy perfect blood work still I was 26 almost 27. Beat it came back 5 years later beat it again… awesome bike though crazy it was fine besides a bent peg and I that deer was at a sprint when I hit it broadside didn’t hurt forks wheel nothing 😂
I've owned all but the 100, 185, and 400. Excellent video. My favorite XR of all time is the XR75.
Hannah and Bailey. And this is my son, Chuck. I could be 100 years old and seeing an XR75 would still perk me up.
Love re-living the late 80’s and 90’s off road bikes. Thankyou
That’s the bikes I still ride today. Maybe become collectible someday?
I like my XR650R, but I love my XR600R.
The XR600R is also one BEAST of a Bike!Honda has made so many Iconic Motorcycles. Thank you Honda! Please keep making more. Cheers
Looking for one of these because its what my grandpa tore up the desert and the woods with. I remember every new person that rode with him was warned not to try to keep up. With me as a kid on the bike, riding casually for him, he had and uncle of mine go off the side of a hill because he didnt take the warning and tried to keep up. Sent the bike into a damn tree so my grandpa walked down the hill and rode it back up.
The rider makes the BRP what it is, one hell of a bike.
My neighbor growing up had a 1987 XL600R then a 1990 XR600. I was 13 in 1990 racing CR80's but when he let me ride the 600 I fell in love with the torque. For me it was the wheelie master back then. 85 & 89 were the best looking to me.
I have a 98 XR600R and a 05 650l the 600 is a LOT lighter then the 650 big difference. 2 of the best bikes I've ever had. Ill never get rid of them. There family. XRs 4 life!!
Go Big Red!!
Wow, great video! I really enjoyed watching it and seeing the pictures of the bikes through the years. Thanks for taking the time to post it and share it with us XR lovers.
The XRs were all fantastic machines, not a bad one among them. Perfect weekend exploration bike.
I had a 1981 xr500r love it rode it to work every day
Had a new 92’ XR 600, loved it.
I think I still have the mid 80' brochures tucked away somewhere and gto them out to look at occasionally over the years...84' and 85' were my favorite XR's as far as looks go...Thanks for the video!
Definitely not a ballet dancer, but you won’t find a tougher bike. If you can handle it,it’ll get you there. I wish I had an 85’ XR350R, what a beauty.
Finally... Been waiting for the big xrs.... Thanks for the video. Love the history
I still have my 2000 XR600R that I bought new. It has 300 miles on it from riding around our property. It's never been raced. It's just for putting around, and the occasion wheelie.
I bought an 87 XR600R from original owner. The “Patriot missile”!! Low hour, had been covered in his garage since 1996. They just don’t build anything like this anymore. Magnesium side covers and rear brake hub. Grease zerks on 3 points of the swingarm and linkage. Dual carbs. You can’t really screw the linkage up between them unless you are a total meathead. The bike is so well built, will do 100 mph with stock gearing, and will outlive me.
Also I’ve never had an issue starting hot or cold. Always clear the cylinder with 8-10 kicks with the decomp lever pulled in, get right on TDC and kick hard. Once hot, it’s one kick all day long.
Also. Rebuilt 83 xr350r basket case. Still have that bike & enjoy riding still. Im an old timer now but still having fun. G.S.458
Very well done. Being a 70s kid I grew up with the xr's. And had a beat 76 xr75 as a kid.......then switched to the atc 350x and 200x. The 350x still holds a special place in my heart.
Reed valves on a 4stroke! Very interesting. Thanks for making the model history videos, I'm really digging them.
I had it on my old 82's 250 and 6 speeds too, but I heard that when overheating the engine swallows the valves and you can consider how heavy is the damage after that !! so some guys had to replace them with solid carbon matter. But I agree, XRs are really desirable bikes, I had 2 of them with the 600cc engine and 1 250 vintage 82's with the first pro-link and still drum brake at it front end, and I wanna say that it's my favourite, until I will ride the mystic 500cc... You have to ride one Mendomox ;-))
I had an 84 XR500R, loved it and it did run really warm, wore a pad in my right boot to keep it from cooking my ankle. replaced that with an 85 XR350R, which i loved. Later got a 93 XR600R, my son has it now, and i have a 2003 XR650L. There is just something about an XR that is the most comfortable bike for me. You forgot to mention the Al Baker connection of the 83 XR redesign, when he was a true baja legend
Just got my 650L recommissioned into riding mode again after a lengthy rebuild . 657cc and pretty much paired down in weight with the right mods. Sunday's ride put some big smiles on my face
The XR350R was the sweet spot for 1980's XR's. With minimal work I did really well in Northern California enduros on mine. It's a shame they gave up so soon.
I really enjoyed this, thanks for your efforts. I grew up through this Era, out in the west. I still have a 1983 XL600R, I love it.
Low headlight position is much better.. for illuminating the high arching front fender.. which is an excellent feature.. if blocking half of your lumins and casting a giant shadow in your path are paramounts. But boy does it make the number plate sit higher!
Really great video! Made me miss my recently sold 93 XR600R even more tho... Made a bad decision switching to a TE450 I think. Old man in me was thinking an e-start sounded really nice. Love you content man! Thanks for what you do 🤍
I own a 93 XRL I bought a few years ago. Thanks for the history lesson!
Great job Tony! I am a big fan of the XR's. The one I remember fondly is my 81 XR200. It seemed like the lightest, most flickable four stroke I've had. I still have an 85 XL600R and a 96 XR80R which I will never get rid of. I agree with your style choices. Thanks for the great memories.
Just bought a 85 xl600r and it's a damn beast! 3,000 original miles. Starts first or second kick every time.
My buddy has an 87’ Red white n blue with gold rims he’s holding for me, now I’m pumped
Gonna be my warm weather run about
Had a xr 500 1984. Aviation fuel mix half and halfgas. Stiffed up suspention,K&N air filter & mugen pipe made all the difference( night&day) for performance. Raced it at Firebird Speedway moto-x track, 2 motos 20min plus one lap. Open ameture won both motos came back 2 weeks & backed it up winning both motos again. Broke third gear at canyon moto x track a mounth later. Dumped timing chain &bent valves. Had problems with frame tearing apart near swingarm mount.liked the bike but did not hold up under aggresive riding i put it thru. Only bike in class with a headlight burning lol. G. S. 458
I have been waiting for this, thanks you so much! Love your videos:-)
Pjaek Danmark I’m glad you enjoy them.
I still have my XR600RK 89 and in Aus we had indicators and a slightly different tail light. But graphics the same.
Great bike in deed.
Really interesting to see the whole history.
Thanks for your recap.
This is an awesome channel!
I had an 89 xr600 for 9 years. It was my all time favorite dirt bike.
Great stuff, appreciate ya brother!!
Very well done and informative!!!
Owned a 1979 XR500, the first model year of the XR500, the one with the twin shocks and 23" front wheel.
I bought it for a reasonable price back around 1990 for general play riding, and, of course, by then it was well obsolete.
I like big thumpers, though.
Who doesn't?
It was easy to live with as starting was good and it did not cough and stall often.
It had good power and torque right off idle, and it just got stronger as it revved.
The chassis and handling was where it showed its age.
The shorter, twin-shock rear suspension and small-diameter, shorter-travel forks combined with 1970s ergonomics constantly reminded me I was riding a 1979 model dirt bike, but once I got to the riding spot and put together an impromptu MX track, I forgot all about that and just enjoyed the bike for the thumper that it was.
Cornering was not 100% confidence-inspiring, and I believe the strange 23" front wheel had at least something to do with it, not only because of the larger diameter but the cheap Cheng Shin tire was all I could find for it.
The bike felt much more secure with a berm or rut to hold the front wheel in place and not wash out.
I eventually installed a pair of Works Performance shocks and that was an improvement in rear suspension performance.
All-in-all, my experience with my 1979 XR500 was a good one, and for the money was a decent bike and worth the time.
Very informative. I've had many XR600s and still have one.
Great video. Thanks Tony. My son and I are rebuilding a 1985 Kawasaki kx 125.
I had the 500xr with the red valve system and it acted like a turbo charger, scary as all hell to ride!!
Wowowooo !! thanx a lot mate for the retro.This my favourite bike since a friend lent me his 500 XRR, a 85's I think with the best XR's scheme for me: all rred signal/blue seat and yellow plates !! But the previous prototype built by Al Baker based on XL with a supertrapp exhaust, fox dual shocks mounted or Ohlins (I'm not sure) mounted on CJ swingarm, CJ frame and a bigger fork is my really grail.
I had 2 of the 600cc and a 250 82's with the first pro-link and double cams on the hub, great machines for escaping in wild landscape... I miss them and thanx again for remind us about those absolute gems on 2 wheels !
Great video, I had the first XR500 early 79. Thanks for posting.
Great video....many good memories :)
Wow!! You have so much cool information in this video. I may watch it a couple times. It seems like you really did some research here, no fluff. Good stuff, thanks
This makes me want a 83. Thanks
Another great XR video
Hey huge thanks for doing this kind of video with the concise insights. I’m getting the itch again but needed a serious rehash after being out of the “know” for …. er… decades. This was exactly what I was looking for! Thank you.
Glad it was helpful!
Awesome vid. I picked up a '84 xl600r here in San Mateo, CA. Absolutely love it! Still rips.
Impressive review of Honda enduro history. Thanks!
Great video and very informative, thanks for sharing! Back in 1996 I bought a 1986 Honda XR600R that was bored out, had an aftermarket piston that was 10:1 compression, was rejetted and had a Supertrap exhaust... I loved it! It was extremely fast and a blast to ride! If I'm not mistaken stock gearing was 14/48, my bike was 15/48 so it really hauled! At the time I lived in Tucson Arizona so I did a lot of desert riding! I also took it to Rocky Point in Mexico quite a few times and rode the beaches and the sand dune... So much fun!
Sounds like a blast. I have a 650R that's not stock, so I can relate. Cheers.
@@thepassionofthegoose5472 Then you can definitely relate, they are big, heavy bikes but they have a ton of power and are a blast to ride! I called my 86 XR600R "Clementine". LOL! Being someone that rides a thumper I thought you might enjoy this video, I sure did! I always wondered what my bike would've ran at the drag strip, I wish I would have taken it! Make sure you watch all of his runs, I think it goes quicker each time. Cheers, brother!
czcams.com/video/ll8RO2czuu4/video.html
Woow Mr Tony, you bring so much information year by year! Impressive!
I try
Nicely done!
Thanks for the information
Thanks for the info brother, I started out on a 81 xr500 & I loved it. I now ride a 2021 xr650L. She's a beast & I love it. Wanting to try & incorporate so of the older style graphics on her. Keep up the great work on these old girls
Great film. I owned in 1986 an XR600 riding the sand in Holland. Very beautiful and fast bike. Even now it's is a beautiful machine!
You do a great job with your vids Tony, keep it coming and stay focused! We who are about the same age as you also love the same bikes as you - the 80s bikes that existed during our early teens. Love the seat-tank-design during that era! But, now that you've told us the story about Honda XR you have to learn us the story behind the Yamaha TT, TT E and TTR 600. That would be great! And I also would like you to do a video about the Yamaha IT (Thats right - I´m glad to be a Yamaha nerd!).
I had one. I did hill climbs in Montana. There was no other bike that could keep up with me. It had low end grunt like a tractor.
I sold it in 1989..
Now, I have a XR 650L with...40 horsepower. Love it.
Love XRs! I've had probably 20 or so bikes in my life. XRs were my favorite. On Christmas of '81 when I was 11 I got a new '82 XR80. few years later got a hand me down '80 XR200. Over last 10 years I've an XR250L and XR650L. All great bikes.
Great review
The suspension on a bike that had standed at snow during winter time for 20 years was yeah, quite unrepairable. We got it for 50€. The engine was in good condition anyway, no issues of anykind (1979xl).
Few years back we made scrambler from that. Could have fixed it, but that is what we did. Used the Husqvarna 125cc front end and rear swing + shock.
The front was kind a shitty to get on that frame, but worked perfectly after welding and gutting and repearing and finding right kind of bearings. The rear breaks were hardest to fit to the original frame. We shortened it and but a 6v battery + what was needed to get it ok for road use too.
Nice project, but still wish we could have kept it all original.
It became a 500cc scrambler that was stolen the first night out after finishing it chained to lamp post. Some one just took the wires from ignition lock we added and drove away. Luckily we found the guy 10 hours later after posting it to multiple facebook motocross and motorcycle websites. Some bloke got to ride the "first" 150km with it on drugs and without helmet, but luckily didn't break anything else than the ignition lock. I was ready to beat him with baseball bat but the cops came before that luckily. Thank god the bike still lives and is in family. 1 year project with 2 cousins from Finland :)
Thanks from the video 😊
The 1982 XR500R picture with a sticker on the headlight is my bike and restored from a wreck about 10 years ago.
Hey my man- incredible detailed and put together history video here- you r very talented. I envy your collection of bikes😁 Thanks for making these videos you do AWESOME- better than the shiiit on television!
That was great mate I've owned many xrs still do luv the things thanks for sharing there story ride safe cheers
Glad you enjoyed it
My first thumper was a 1984 xr500r, great desert bike........wish i still had it
I raced the 1988 600 it was great it gave me fourth open jr in the state of oregon
I own a 1989 xr600r mount.
You really do the best videos......just top class, Mike.
Wow, thanks!
AWESOME JOB!!! SO cool you did this Tony! Thank you SO much! BIG fan of the 85 color ... just loved it! I had a 1985 xl600r it was not that reliable. I feel the XT600 is the best of these enduros that motor is really solid and I have one today. I had the 84 xr500.. it was not that great... I also have a 1989 xr250r now with a 280kit... now that bike is really fun!! I will even pick it over my KTM 500EXC just because. I still have a 1982 xr200r great bike... I also have a 1980 xl185s... smiles there as that is my first bike. thanks again for this... awesome information!!
Eric Sacco I’m trying to find an XR350, they are rare as hens teeth around here. I’m going to dual sport it.
Those KTM 500's are a ton of fun!
Loved your history lesson on the Honda XR's....I started as a young teen on a XR75, then in 1978 with a new Honda XL250s, 23" front wheel on this as well, followed by a new XR500 R in 1982, which I still have, and rode, motor untouched, till 2018 when she died ...now will give her the loving rebuild she deserves. And finally a 2002 XR650L . Unfortunately Honda stopped selling this model in Australia back in 2008 hence the second hand 650L . I found the XR500R the better handling, lighter and just more fun bike although road wise gearing did not suit. The 650L is much better for road use but looses out in the dirt...still gets the job done but not as nippy as the 500.
A well researched and concise video on your part....well done.
13:35
the most beautiful XR model of all....I`m still in love with it :)
Great review..
Love your videos and channel. I'm a die hard Honda ATC guy, but love dirt bikes especially Honda. At 46 I'm thinking of getting an old dual sport bike next year.
Great video forsure love my xr650l
Machine gun proof mule. Thank you for the video you are really good at this and love the old bikes and i am 42.
Awesome video. You really do have a vault of knowledge. I'm the proud original owner of a 1986 XR 600. It's still running strong.
Great bike
Still rolling on my 83 xr500r. Torque out of the single is awesome. Heavy though. Thank you for putting this up! Btw, I'm pretty sure some of the motorcycles in Street Hawk were modified XRs.
Totally Awesome Job there!! Watched and re watched, now its time to Ride> Cheers, fantastic Channel
Much appreciated!
It’s very easy to sit and criticize technology that spans over thirty years or so but these bikes were still great for the time they were being made, and were still fun bikes to ride!
They’re still fun to ride to this day.. I’ve owned lots of XR’s and my 600’s were always my favorites.
Enjoyed this. Love to see the old XRs in action. I had to laugh that so few changes happened between years... bold new graphics aside! Speaking of bikes that never changed, maybe go ahead do a vid of the the XR650R cause she's a machine to love dearly and is full of surprises. The Big Red Pig is a real black sheep in Honda's history... different in so many ways (aluminum frame, water-cooled, total engine re-design), yet untouched for her entire lifespan and not modernized to keep up with her times (1999-2007). Now she's having a min-resurgence it seems, with prices rising on forums as guys are going back for a simpler, muscle-car trophy-truck racer in the world of sensor-dependent, over-powered, twitchy, high-strung technoeuroscrap... Love my XRR
i have an 87 with the duel carb and man its great. Ive had the bike for over 15 years and it starts 2nd kick cold and starts first kick hot. The throttle response down low is really good compared to the new xrs ive ridden.
Great video. Well done. I would love to see an XL500/600 historical. Thanks again.
great narration....watched till the end....
Thanks
This video popped up on my CZcams feed. Great video. I have a 1981 XR500R I've been tinkering on. Pretty decent condition but sorting out a chopped wiring harness courtesy of the previous owner. I need to find someone in central Maine to help me get this classic running again
Excellent as always Tony!!! Xr400r next I hope 🤞🏽
Muy completo y bueno. Saludos desde Costa Rica. Pura vida.
great info ! big hi from india, proud owner of 2002 XR650L .cheers.
I have a 650R that I adore, but my heart wants an 80's XR600R for the way-cool factor alone. Stunning looking bikes.
I've always wanted one. I bought one improbably shouldn't have and have sunk a looot I to it! It does sound like a spitfire tho so there's that! 😂
Good video Tony
Had no prior knowledge of this bike, but it looks like something I would love to own!
I forgot, I gave you a thumbs up. I don't know how someone can downvote this video.
Thank you
Cage drivers (automobile owners)
This channel was awesome thanks for taking so much time to post these videos and going through the details of each bike!
Is awesome not was
Love watching these video's about the history of motorcycle... I would really appreciate a video of the history of the KLR650....
Noted!
I switched from a KTM 500 2 stroke to an 85 XR350R, first 4 stroke. Single carb, had the XR's only performance cam and exhaust. My kids were riding then and my KTM kept over heating when I took them riding. Wanted to race again and the wife said race what you have. Entered the next Hare Scrambles in the 4 stroke class!
Great review of this classic.still ride my 1995 out as much as I can here in the uk …👌
@The Motocross Vault thanks for bike recomendations could you maybe do a review on the 1996-1999 Yamaha Yz 125, what changed through those years and how where the bike's revieved when they came out, top qauilty video as allways.
I love my 83 xl600r duel carbs. I drive it all the time, put easily 10k miles on it last summer( don't have a working speedo because i have supermoto wheels on it) it always start and has awesome power. I don't get a bog, I removed the snorkel, airbox screen and shimmed the primary(left)carb needle jet up one .5mm shim. I clean and check the carbs every winter.
Yes the duel carbs do require more maintenance but they do perform great.
And again you hit the nail on the head with this video Brother. Love to go riding with you some day ,but i' sure you to far away,but great video Mr. Blazer
I loved the 23' front tire, owned a 79 xr500r in 79 and made it street legal. I own a 07 XRR now and love it too! I forgot .. had the first year PoLink also.
My first XR was an '82 500R, then an '83 500R (probably my most favorite), then an '86 600R. Great bikes! As reliable as a rock. Perfect machine for a teenager who could ride the hills in CA, right out of the garage! Sure, they were flexi flyers when you pushed them, but they would run all day long, all year long with little to no maintenance. I found the '82 to be the most difficult to start when hot. The others were easy if one knew the "system". My brother's first was a '79 500. Terrible handling pig (really, they are all pigs compared to what I have now).
Again, thanks for the ride down memory lane. I enjoyed the video until you started talking about the later generation 600s. Certainly not your fault as their wasn't really anything new on them (Bold New Graphics), and I had lost interest in XRs at that time. I do appreciate the depth of detail you bring, that you have the perspective of having ridden the bikes of that era, and what features may have been significant, or not.
Thanks Tony for posting this!!! I asked for it a couple weeks ago and I got it!!! Awesome. Thank you. I had a 87 600R and it was so fun to ride. My dad and I made it street legal. I Had it tricked out with after market parts. Should of never gotten rid of that one.
I also have an ' 87 xr 600.
Greetings from Germany
@@easyrider8887 Sweet!!! Send us a picture!!!
@@bsqerlyracing yeah, sure
@@easyrider8887 My bad...lol
Thanks for the schooling!!
i had the 84 xr 500r loved it