1983 Honda XL600R

Summary:

Fantastic!

Faults:

Replaced head gasket for minor oil leaks, & replaced cam for thin spots in surface hardening at the same time.

Replaced rear tire once a year, front tire every three years.

Replaced seat upholstery in 1998.

Replaced chain & sprockets (original) in 2005.

Replaced rear wheel bearings in 2006.

General Comments:

Despite all of the negative comments that you may hear about the bike's weight/size, I absolutely love the power, handling,& comfort. I am only about 155 pounds & far from an expert rider (& 44 years old), but I can slide out of a corner at high speeds & still feel very much in control. For long distance, high speed off road touring this bike is fantastic.

I have had virtually no problem getting parts at reasonable prices.

The bike definitely has a learning curve to starting it, but once you get to know it, starting is a breeze - again, note my weight.

I love the bike-what more can I say - I hope it never blows up.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 16th May, 2008

9th Aug 2008, 23:54

Hi,

You were saying you have to familiarize yourself on starting the bike. Do you have proper procedure? Some pointers would be great help...

Thanks

24th Sep 2008, 13:59

There is a trick to starting an XL600R; you have to slowly depress the kick starter until you hear a click. The bike has to be in neutral and the clutch depressed to hear this click in my experience. Now when you hear this click, it signifies that the piston is at top dead center for maximum compression, but once you hear it, if the bike is cold, hit the choke. If you're just restarting a warm bike... no choke and kick it like you mean it. This bike has a lot of compression so it takes a deliberate forceful kick, but once you've got the routine down it's elementary...

Oh yeah, and if you have the problem I have, write yourself a Post It, once the bike is warmed up, TURN OFF THE MAN CHOKE... I always forget and the bike stalls at the first stop sign I get to, then you run the risk of flooding it. I've done it, believe me you don't want this bike to flood, it's a nightmare to get restarted.

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1984 Honda XL600R

Summary:

If you can find one, pounce on it and don't let it go

Faults:

Nothing's gone wrong, oil changes, oil and air filter changes, keeps it running great...

General Comments:

This bike has amazing acceleration. The reliability has to be the high point of this bike. Starts first kick almost every single time. If you can find one, pounce on it and don't let it go.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 4th June, 2007

1985 Honda XL600R

Summary:

The best big bore dualie on the market. Period

Faults:

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

General Comments:

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.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 1st August, 2005