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
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!
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"?