HONDA

Honda is an engine manufacturing company founded by Soichiro Honda, a mechanic from Japan. After working for another engine manufacturing company, Honda came up with a new engine design, which he tried to sell to Toyota. Honda soon became an engine supplier to Toyota. After the second world war, Japan was a wreck and short on resources, so honda set out to create a simple affordable mode of transport. Honda attached one of his engines to a bicycle and not long after was producing motorcycles and cars around the world. Since the 1970’s, Honda has been the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, with manufacturing facilities across the planet. Honda, through a clever marketing campaign, managed to conquer the stereotype that all motorcycle riders were big scary thugs and convicts. In the nineteen sixties, more than a decade after the honda company was founded, honda began designing pickup trucks and automobiles as well. Though honda cars did well in Japan, they were not as successful in the united states at first. Part of the reason for this was that honda cars in Japan were very small, something that American consumers didn’t like. When Honda began producing slightly larger cars that were more affordable than American-made cars of the time, Honda managed to carve out its own place in the American car market. Today, honda is still a very popular in north America for both cars and motorcycles.

Honda Motorcycles

Though Honda makes cars, robots, planes, scooters, trucks, and all sorts of other things, it is best known for its motorcycles. Honda Racing is a company that develops and races honda motorcycles. Soichiro Honda was very involved in motorcycle racing himself. His honda motorcycles were known for their unique engine designs and sleek frames. Motorcycle racers really began to take notice of the honda racing motorcycles when honda’s motorcycles began winning motorcycle races. If you’ve ever played motorcycle racing video games, you’ve probably seen a few of the honda xr series motorcycles. Some motorcycle racers modify their motorcycles to make them faster or more powerful. Honda also has an amazing motocross team, with some of the best motocross drivers in the world. Today, there’s a lot of controversy and speculation about why the honda motorcycle company was so successful in the united states and how it managed to out compete British and American motorcycle makers. Some experts think that honda was so successful because they were in tune with the public’s interests and continuously altered their product according to consumers’ interests. Others think that Honda had a long-term strategy in place to beat down all other motorcycle manufacturers and take over the motorcycle market in the United States. The honda company says that their company just has excellent management and leadership and has simply managed to give consumers what they want. Whatever the case, honda is certainly doing something right. Today, motocross racing is a popular sport among people young and old. Luckily for motorcycle racing enthusiasts, honda make a lot of affordable off road motorcycles, such as its XR motorcycle series, which include the honda XR250, the honda XR400, the Honda XR600, and the Honda XR650.

Honda XR series

1980 XR200

XR250(Japan)

The Honda XR series motorcycle is a range of single cylinder four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan and assembled all over the world. This series of motorcycle is gradually being replaced with similar CRF series motorcycles. Some of the XR Series motorbikes came in two versions, R or L. Simply, the R version bikes were designed with off road in mind; they had very few creature comforts, and tended to come standard with knobby off-road tires fitted. The R version bikes, without modification, generally were not street legal. Conversely, the L version bikes were designed to be ridden predominantly on road, with appropriate lighting, tires and other features pertaining to road riding.

In its heyday, the XR series consisted of 10 models; however, currently only the XR 50,XR 80 and the baja-racer XR 650R and dual-sport XR 650L remain. The rest of the XR line has been transitioned into the CRF line.

The bikes that fall under this category are physically smaller than any of the other bikes in the series. They are predominantly designed for children, or as pit bikes, for recreational fun, nothing more. For an adult rider, they would not be comfortable for a ride of any length.Small XR models

XR 50R

The XR 50 is a small 4-stroke 50cc child's entry level motorcycle. produced from 1968 until today originally called the Trail 50, then Z-50, the XR 50, CRF 50, and now a street legal (mini motard) version called the XR 50. This model is currently not sold in the United States due to the CPSIA.

XR 70R

Engine:
Engine: 72cc, aiir cooled, single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, two-valve
Displacement: 72cc. Bore x Stroke: 47mm X 41.4mm. Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Carburetion: 13mm piston-valve. Ignition: CDI.
Dimensions:
Weight: 125.7 lbs. Ground Clearance: 6.5 in. Wheelbase: 41.5 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal., including 0.2 gal. Reserve
Seat Height: 25.5 in.
Drive Train:
Transmission: 3-speed with automatic clutch. Final Drive: #420 chain
Suspension:
Front: 27mm Telescopic fork, 3.9" of travel
Rear: Single shock, 3.7" of travel
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Brakes: Front: Drum. Rear: Drum
Tires: Front: 2.50 X 14. Rear: 3.00 X 12

XR 75R

Engine:
Engine: 75cc, air cooled, single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, two valve
Displacement: 75cc
Carburetion: 20mm Keihin
Dimensions:
Weight: Approx 140 pounds. Ground Clearance:: Information unavailable Wheelbase:: Information Unavailable
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal
Seat Height:: Information Unavailable
Drive Train:
Transmission: 5 speed Manual clutch. Final Drive: Chain
Suspension: Information Unavailable
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Brakes: Front: Drum. Rear: Drum.
Tires: Information Unavailable

XR 80R

Engine:
Engine: 79cc, air cooled, single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, two-valve
Displacement: 80cc. Bore x Stroke: 47.5mm X 45mm. Compression Ratio: 9.7:1
Carburetion: 18mm piston-valve. Ignition: CDI.
Dimensions:
Weight: 141.1 lbs. Ground Clearance: 8.3 in. Wheelbase: 47.0 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal., including 0.2 gal. Reserve
Seat Height: 28.5 in.
Drive Train:
Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: #420 chain, 14T/46T
Suspension:
Front: 27mm leading axle Showa fork, 5.0" of travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock, 4.3" of travel
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Brakes: Front: Drum. Rear: Drum
Tires: Front: 2.50 X 16. Rear: 3.60 X 14

XR 100R

Engine:
Engine: 99cc, air cooled, single cylinder, four stroke, SOHC, two-valve
Displacement: 99cc. Bore x Stroke: 53mm X 45mm. Compression Ratio: 9.4:1
Carburetion: 20mm piston-valve. Ignition: CDI.
Dimensions:
Weight: 149.9 lbs. Ground Clearance: 10.4 in. Wheelbase: 49.4 in.
Fuel Capacity: 1.6 gal., including 0.2 gal. Reserve
Seat Height: 30.3 in.
Drive Train:
Transmission: 5-speed. Final Drive: #428 chain, 14T/50T
Suspension:
Front: 27mm leading axle Showa fork, 5.0" of travel
Rear: Pro-Link single shock with spring pre-load adj., 4.7" of travel
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Brakes: Front: Drum. Rear: Drum
Tires: Front: 2.50-19. Rear: 3.00-16

XR 125L

A popular learner bike for many due to its highly forgiving handling, long-travel suspension for absorbing otherwise dangerous bumps, excellent fuel consumption (80-90mpg) and highly reliable four-stroke 124cc engine. While not a particularly powerful 125cc bike, generating 11.13 HP (8.1 kW) at 8500 RPM, and a top speed of around 65mph, the engine is generally regarded as being, with adequate maintenance, all but bullet-proof when it comes to reliability. The XR 125L doesn't feature a kick start, but its dependable electric start and ease with which this bike can be bump-started negates the need for one.

Tires on this bike are generally dual-sport as standard, being grippy enough for road riding, but having a deeper tread than usual to allow for a little off-road riding without submitting to the on-road handling problems associated with full off-road knobbly tires.

XR 200R

1993 Honda XR 200R

A very popular trail bike. The XR200 is considerably lighter than the XR250 thus making it handle much better. The soft suspension makes it very comfortable for long travel or rough terrain. The XR200 stoped production in 2002.

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General information

Model: Honda XR 200R
Year: 2002

Engine and Transmission

Displacement: 195.00 ccm (11.90 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder
Stroke: 4
Compression: 10.0:1
Bore x Stroke: 65.5 x 57.8 mm (2.6 x 2.3 inches)
Valves Per Cylinder: 2
Fuel Control: SOHC
Cooling system: Air
Gearbox: 6-speed

Transmission Type

Final Drive: Chain

Physical Measures

Dry Weight: 101.0 kg (222.7 pounds)
Seat Height: 851 mm (33.5 inches) If adjustable, lowest setting.
Ground Clearance: 277 mm (10.9 inches)
Wheelbase: 1,359 mm (53.5 inches)

Chassis and Dimensions

Front Suspension Travel: 208 mm (8.2 inches)
Rear Suspension Travel: 211 mm (8.3 inches)
Front Tire Dimensions: 80/100-21
Rear Tire Dimensions: 100/100-17
Front Brakes: Expanding brake
Rear Brakes: Expanding brake

Other Specifications

Fuel Capacity: 10.90 liters (2.88 gallons)
Reserve Fuel Capacity: 1.80 liters (0.48 gallons)

XR 250R

For many years, the XR 250R was the standard small-bore off-road four stroke. It had a 249 cc air-cooled motor with Honda's famous Radial Four Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC). In 1996, the bike was entirely updated. The updated engine put out a usable 19 hp (14 kW) at 8100 rpm. Though the bike was new, it kept the antiquated air-cooling and conventional suspension fork. The XR 250R was the king of entry level off road four strokes. It was simple, indestructible, and reliable. Modified XR 250's were even raced in the GNCC's by Scott Summers. This bike was discontinued in 2004, replaced by the more modern CRF 250X.

XR 250L

This is the road legal version of the xr250r. the primary differences being on road lighting (head, tail, brake, and turn indicators). It also received D.O.T. (road legal) tires, metal fuel tank, key ignition/ steering lock, and many other small changes to make it more suitable for road use, this usually at the expense of off road ability, and added weight, about 40 lbs. It also used a different carburetor and the exhaust headers were 3mm smaller than the R's to meet emissions requirements. It had a 249 cc air-cooled motor with Honda's famous Radial Four Valve Combustion Chamber (RFVC). In 1996, the bike entire was updated. The updated engine put out a usable 19 hp (14 kW) at 8100 rpm. Though the bike was new, it kept the antiquated air-cooling and conventional suspension fork. This bike was discontinued in 2004.

XR 350R

Introduced in 1983, Sold from 1983-1985

Specs

Model: Honda XR 350R
Engine:
Cooling: Air-cooling
Stoke: 4
Cylinder: Single cylinder SOHC, 4 valve
Capacity: 339ml. Bore x Stroke 84 x 61.3 mm.
Compression Ratio: 9.5;1
Induction: 2x 26mm Keihin
Ignition/Starting: CDI/electric
Max Power: 22.4 hp @ 7500 rpm.
Max Torque: 19ftlbs
Transmission/Drive: 6 Speed/chain
Suspension:
Front Suspension: 41mm Air adjustable forks, 280mm wheel travel.
Rear Suspension: Single gas shocks, fully adjustable , 290mm wheel travel.
Brakes/Wheels/Tires: Front Brakes: Single Disc
Rear Brakes: Drum
Front Tire: 90/90 -21
Rear Tire: 130/80 -17
Dimensions:
Dry-Weight: 121 kg
Fuel Capacity: 9 Liters

• Specs from 1984'

XR 400R

Introduced in 1996, the XR 400R was wildly popular. It was reasonably light (264 pounds) and made a pleasant 32 hp (24 kW) at 7600 rpm. It shared a frame, plastic and suspension components with the XR 250R, and had a similar air-cooled engine with RFVC technology. XR 400's were heavily modified and raced. In 1998, however, Yamaha eclipsed the XR 400R with its answer to the mid-size off-road four stroke: the WR 400F. The WRF was much more advanced in technology than the XR. In 2006, Honda replaced the XR 400 with the CRF 450X.

Specs

Engine: Air-cooled dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke, SOHC; four-valve RFVC
Displacement: 397cc. Bore x Stroke:: 85.0mm x 70.0mm
Compression Ratio: 9.3:1.
Fuel System: 36mm piston-valve
Ignition: Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Dimensions:
Weight: 257.0 lbs. Ground Clearance: 12.2 in. Wheelbase: 56.1 in.
Fuel Capacity: 2.5 gal. (including 0.4-gallon reserve) Seat Height: 36.6 in.
Drive Train:
Transmission: Five-speed. Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed chain; 15T/45T
Suspension:
Front: 43mm leading-axle Showa cartridge fork w/18-position compression and 12-position rebound-damping adj.; 11.0-in. travel
Rear: Pro-Link Showa single-shock with spring-preload, 16-position comp. and 16-
position rebound-damping adj.; 11.8-in. travel
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Brakes: Front: Single disc with twin-piston caliper. Rear: Single disc
Tires: Front: 80/100-21. Rear: 110/100-18

XR 500R

Early twin shock model. Followed by a monoshock four valve XR 500. In 1983 motor was upgraded to RFVC technology with full cradle frame to suit. This won the Baja race and was quickly revised to 600 cc (see XR 600R). -Produced from 1979 through 1985

Specs

Engine and Transmission:
Displacement: 500.00 ccm (30.51 cubic inches)
Engine type: Single cylinder. Stroke: 4
Power: 37.00 HP (27.5 kW))
Fuel system: Carburetor (dual)
Fuel control: OHC
Starter: Kick
Cooling system: Air
Chassis and dimensions: Frame type: Steel
Top speed: 150.0 km/h (100.7 mph)

 weight 238.33 lbs 

XR 600R

A 1993 Honda XR600R

The XR 600R was king of the Baja races. It was introduced in 1985, and was updated again in 1992. The XR won many desert races at the hands of Johnny Campbell and Scott Summers. Its air cooled engine was very similar to the XR 400 and XR 250 engines, with the same RFVC valve train. The XR 600 only made 38 hp (28 kW) at its peak (Kerker Dyno Dirt Rider Magazine Aug/1985, Kerker Dynos notoriously gave much lower HP readings than most other dyno's), but its torque was impressive @ 32 FT LBS. In 2000, Honda replaced this desert warrior with the XR 650R.

Early versions had a twin carburetor setup 85-87 later model (88 onwards) were designed to run on a single carburetor and coupled with a completely different bodywork styling took the XR to the next level. 85 and early 86 models were believed to suffer from 3rd gear problems when exposed to heavy use, this was addressed in later 86 and all 87 models. The late 86 model is regarded as the best to own from all the XR 600R models, it has the best color scheme, the best styling, 88 onwards were plain in comparison and lost the rugged appeal attained by its predecessor. The XR 600R make excellent super motocross conversions although difficult to achieve on the 85-86 due to the rear drum brake setup, this would require a bespoke back wheel to be fabricated as they are not commercially available for these models.

XR 650R

The XR 650R was not just an update to the XR 600--it was a totally new bike. An all-new 649cc, liquid cooled, SOHC engine was mated to an aluminum box frame. The large XR did carry substantial girth, however, at 280 pounds dry. The XR 650R is an incredible desert racer. It has won every professional desert race its entered. It remains one of the few stock dirt bikes that can touch 100 mph (160 km/h). The stock Australian geared bike can reach 180 km/h.

The 649cc SOHC motor of the XR pumps out an incredible amount of usable power. The stock unit turns 20.6 hp right off idle and maxes at 45.2 hp once the motor reached 6600 rpm. The power is spread evenly across the powerband without any major glitches or hiccups, although power does tail off well before it hits the 8400-rpm rev limiter. Many riders agree on the user-friendliness of the big 4-stroke and few are displeased with the performance of the engine.

2003 XR 650R Manufacturer Specs

Engine:
Engine Type 649cc liquid-cooled dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore and Stroke 100.0mm x 82.6mm
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Carburetion: Keihin 40mm piston-valve
Ignition: Solid-state CD with electronic advance
Drive Train:
Transmission Five-speed
Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed endless chain; 14T/48T
Suspension:
Front Suspension: 46mm leading-axle Kayaba cartridge fork with compression- and rebound-damping adjustability; 11.2-inch travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Kayaba single-shock with spring-preload, compression- and rebound-damping adjustability; 12.1-inch travel
Dimensions:
Rake: 27.8 degrees
Trail: 111.0mm (4.3 inches)
Wheelbase: 58.3 inches
Seat Height: 36.8 inches
Ground Clearance: 12.0 inches
Dry Weight: 277.0 pounds
Fuel Capacity: 2.6 gallons, including 0.5 gallon reserve
Brakes/Wheels/Tires:
Front Brake: Single 240mm disc with twin-piston caliper
Rear Brake: Single 240mm disc with single-piston caliper
Front Tire: 80/100-21
Rear Tire: 110/100-18

XR 650L

XR 650L

The XR 650L is a street/trail bike that is more similar to the XR 600R than the XR 650R. It has a steel tube frame as opposed to an aluminum spar frame like in the XR 650R. It also has an air-cooled 644 cc SOHC dry-sump single cylinder 4-stroke engine similar except for an increased displacement to the XR 600R, unlike the totally redesigned XR 650R that has a liquid-cooled 649cc SOHC dry-sump single cylinder 4-stroke engine. With a headlight, taillight, turn signals, mirrors, smog system, revised exhaust system and a 2.8 gallon gas tank with 0.6 gal reserve, the 650 L is a hefty 324 lb (dry weight).

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