Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Which Bike?
Honda XR600R - Owner experiences please ! Honda XR600R - Owner experiences please !
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Which Bike? Comments and Questions on what is the best bike for YOU, for YOUR trip. Note that we believe that ANY bike will do, so please remember that it's all down to PERSONAL OPINION. Technical Questions for all brands go in their own forum.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 Feb 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Honda XR600R - Owner experiences please !
Not really seen about anymore is it !!

I'm looking for a CHEAP bike around the £1000 quid mark.

I'm not a stranger to riding singles long distances but I don't know much about the XR600. I think I was too young when it was prolific.

Can anyone give me the lowdown on it ???

Would you ride one to Magadam etc ?

What's it like on the motorways etc.

I used to have an XR650R and even though it was a lot of fun, it was very uncomfortable over distance due to vibration.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 15 Feb 2013
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I used to have an XR650R and even though it was a lot of fun, it was very uncomfortable over distance due to vibration.

G'day Ted,

I recon you answered your own question! the only difference I see is it will be older, slower and possibly require more maintenance. Still the XR600 & 650, much like my HP2 Enduro, a lot of fun but very uncomfortable over distance.

Cheers Dave
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 15 Feb 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Drwnite View Post
G'day Ted,

I recon you answered your own question! the only difference I see is it will be older, slower and possibly require more maintenance. Still the XR600 & 650, much like my HP2 Enduro, a lot of fun but very uncomfortable over distance.

Cheers Dave
Well, with the XR600 being older and less powerful, I was hoping it might be less dedicated and more comfortable.

I'd love a XR650L but they're like hens teeth in the U.K.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 15 Feb 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
I've been running an XR600R for about twenty years now - the same bike - and it's still in the garage. Although I don't do many miles on it these days the fact it's still there says a lot. For road use it's a combination of good and bad points - like many trailies , but more polarised.

Contrast the good points - light weight, great suspension (although a bit on the soft side), reliable (mine has been), tractable, with the bad (IMHO) - kickstart only and can be temperamental to start when hot (ok when you know the technique), rudimentary direct electrics (no battery) and slightly suspect subframe (I had to make up a subframe for the subframe to get much luggage on mine).

I've done endless motorway miles and it's - ok. Balancer shaft cuts the vibes to much the same as any other 600 single I've ridden. Would I take one to Magadan? Yes, but... It's reliable enough and tough enough but the kickstart starting half way up my thigh drove me distraction in Africa. I ended up paying kids to push start me. Oh, and finally, with a bit of care I could get over 80mpg out of mine.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 16 Feb 2013
Registered User
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2012
Posts: 377
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Well, with the XR600 being older and less powerful, I was hoping it might be less dedicated and more comfortable. I'd love a XR650L but they're like hens teeth in the U.K.
G'day Ted,

I doubt if the XR600 would be any more comfortable and I agree, after having a bit of a look the XR650L is quite rare in your neck of the woods, however and as luck would have it, you may want to move quick on the following!

HONDA XR650L 1995 Motorcycle/Motorbike | eBay

Cheers Dave
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 17 Feb 2013
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Re: Honda XR600R - Owner experiences please !
Already watching it. However, so is everyone else
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
James Bond 007 Rides Honda CRF250R in Skyfall troyfromtexas The HUBB PUB 5 10 Nov 2012 03:47
Woman buys new Honda in Buenos Aires xfiltrate Women's Topics 4 15 Dec 2009 23:33

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27
Queensland is back! May 2-5
Ecuador June 13-15
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1
CanWest: July 10-13
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 02:10.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top