1986 Honda XL600R from United States of America

Faults:

None really. Nothing has went completely wrong. We are cleaning, fixing and repairing as we go with the semi restoration. Only general maintenance required.

General Comments:

It's a blast to ride, even with my 300 pound butt. Can spin the rear tire through 3rd in gravel with knobby tires. It can also wheelie in 4th if you gas it and lean back right.

It's a little low in the back, but other than that, most parts are decently priced, but aftermarket is almost non existent.

Right now we are still working on it and have a rebuild kit waiting, but the front brake is too weak to stoppie as of now.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 18th January, 2018

27th Feb 2018, 04:17

I bought an XL600 new back in 1986. I put about 7,000 miles on it without any major problems except for the lack of rear suspension. I probably rode it more like a dirt bike than an Enduro. I shattered the air box jumping it. The plastic went in the motor and closed the spark plugs gap. I cleaned out the plastic and got it running again.

You're limited by the suspension in the dirt and it's not great on the highway at speeds over 75 or so. My buddy bought one the same year and still has his and it still runs fine.

I'd recommend getting a newer Honda XR650L You'll get a better suspension and 50cc more displacement. Also, you can find more aftermarket parts.

1986 Honda XL600R from United States of America

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!

1986 Honda XL600R from United States of America

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

1986 Honda XL600R from United Kingdom

Summary:

A great old thumper with bags of fun and it's easy to maintain

Faults:

None since overhaul.

General Comments:

I bought this motorcycle in a neglected condition and made an overhaul. Main problems were worn out brakes and chassis bearings.

I found all the parts from factors with the exception of the brake disc, which I obtained from David Silver at a reasonable price, together with a rather expensive master cylinder.

Hey, this bike is 20 years old and considering the abuse it must have suffered, it's still going strong and is a hoot to ride. It just goes to show how well this machine was built, that Honda parts are still available for it, and yes they are a little expensive, but I don't think I will be needing many.

Would you buy another motorcycle from this manufacturer? Yes

Review Date: 26th June, 2006

21st Aug 2006, 01:48

Thanks for the review. I am looking to restore a bike myself. Any tips would be really useful.

ellttkt@aol.com

15th Nov 2006, 04:43

Hi, I bought a 600, which was imported from Italy. After a long time off bikes, I have found it a very good bike; not too fast as it gets a bit hairy over 70mph, and very good on petrol - I get 70mpg and my daughter loves it too.

Kev from Nottingham.