Honda XR600R - Owner experiences please !

[*Touring Ted*]

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.

[anonymous1]

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

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

[*Touring Ted*]

Originally Posted by Drwnite

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.

[backofbeyond]

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.

[anonymous1]

Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*

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

[*Touring Ted*]

Already watching it. However, so is everyone else