I have a 2014 Honda XL 200 (and 3 other bigger capacity bikes) but this little bike is my perfect trail bike! It's super-reliable, super-light, and light on gas, and just does everything (albeit slowly) out on the trails! Yes, there are many much better and faster bikes out there, but at 63 years old, I don't do the speed thing anymore, so this is just fine for me. Thanks for a great video, and warm greetings from South Africa!
@@roygumpel8415 nope, it's definitely an XL 200. The XR 200 has not been available in South Africa for many years now.........pity, as the XR's were great little bikes!
Very cool! I have a 1978 XL175 and I go full on moto-camping with it! I use the Tusk Excursion rackless system, which works well with a few modifications ( I do not use the attachment bracket that comes with it). I'll send you some pics if you are interested!
These 1980s honda reflex tlr 200 popped up for $2800 in my area colorado, while a 1970s honda xl 250 $1800. 1980s Yamaha big wheel $1000. While new trail master 250, dual sport is $1800. Torn what to get. I want a light weight emergency bike to get to town and easy to ride on off road.
You really can't go wrong with any of the big 4 Japanese dual sports. As long as they were taken care of it's all about personal preference. Just know that buying a 40+ year old bike you'd be best off going through and replacing all the wear parts such as fork oil, bushings, bearings etc to get the most life out of it.
I know I felt horrible :( I think he actually just ran into the side of the tire because he got right up and scurried off.. rang his bell pretty well though
Hey, great video. Exactly what I have been looking for, liked to see you tackle some hills on it. I have an opitunity to buy the paris dakar model. Little bit concerned it will be to under powered for the mountains, I have a XL500 back in the uk I ride, I love it, now in Spain, these are avaliable..... with that said the xl200 is roughly 42kg (92.5lbs) lighter than the xl500 .... I am really curious in owning such a small bike for future trips. Have you had luggage on the back with you? I believe the massive advantage is the weight of these xl200s.
The 200 is definitely lacking in the power department, at least if you plan on doing pavement. Even with tall gearing I'm pushing the motor at around 50mph. If you're mostly going to be doing gravel and dirt then the 200 is adequate though. The big advantage of the 200 is just how small and light it is, takes very little effort to pick it up and throw it around. Compared to my DR350SE the XL200R feels like a toy in terms of size and weight.
@mtnmotoadv Thanks. We have a DR350 in our trio, great bikes. Obviously, if we want more power, the bike naturally has to be bigger. I'm not so bugged about getting the most out of an engine on tarmac so long as it gets me there (eventually), I ride the xl500 at 50-55mph normally. Thinking about it, you see these guys with C90s rising the mountains, if they can do it a 200 should be an issue 😅
I'm 6' and don't feel cramped at all. The only thing is it has a lower seat height so easy to flat foot with bent knees but I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. Definitely a great learner bike to play around on
I have a 2014 Honda XL 200 (and 3 other bigger capacity bikes) but this little bike is my perfect trail bike! It's super-reliable, super-light, and light on gas, and just does everything (albeit slowly) out on the trails! Yes, there are many much better and faster bikes out there, but at 63 years old, I don't do the speed thing anymore, so this is just fine for me. Thanks for a great video, and warm greetings from South Africa!
you mean an XR 200?
@@roygumpel8415 nope, it's definitely an XL 200. The XR 200 has not been available in South Africa for many years now.........pity, as the XR's were great little bikes!
@@nevillecartwright7292I’d much rather have the XL bikes over here in the states than the xr bikes. The epa has to ruin everything though
Very cool! I have a 1978 XL175 and I go full on moto-camping with it! I use the Tusk Excursion rackless system, which works well with a few modifications ( I do not use the attachment bracket that comes with it). I'll send you some pics if you are interested!
just bought this exact bike and have been working on it, just can not wait. thank you.
Awesome bike! I have an '83 XL250R!
These 1980s honda reflex tlr 200 popped up for $2800 in my area colorado, while a 1970s honda xl 250 $1800. 1980s Yamaha big wheel $1000. While new trail master 250, dual sport is $1800.
Torn what to get. I want a light weight emergency bike to get to town and easy to ride on off road.
You really can't go wrong with any of the big 4 Japanese dual sports. As long as they were taken care of it's all about personal preference. Just know that buying a 40+ year old bike you'd be best off going through and replacing all the wear parts such as fork oil, bushings, bearings etc to get the most life out of it.
THIS LOOKS JUST LIKE MY HOME COUNTY, WHARE ART THOU?
a german dude on youtube does erious modern enduro on an old 185! it's amazing.
The poor squirrel!
I know I felt horrible :( I think he actually just ran into the side of the tire because he got right up and scurried off.. rang his bell pretty well though
Hey, great video. Exactly what I have been looking for, liked to see you tackle some hills on it. I have an opitunity to buy the paris dakar model. Little bit concerned it will be to under powered for the mountains, I have a XL500 back in the uk I ride, I love it, now in Spain, these are avaliable..... with that said the xl200 is roughly 42kg (92.5lbs) lighter than the xl500 .... I am really curious in owning such a small bike for future trips. Have you had luggage on the back with you? I believe the massive advantage is the weight of these xl200s.
The 200 is definitely lacking in the power department, at least if you plan on doing pavement. Even with tall gearing I'm pushing the motor at around 50mph. If you're mostly going to be doing gravel and dirt then the 200 is adequate though. The big advantage of the 200 is just how small and light it is, takes very little effort to pick it up and throw it around. Compared to my DR350SE the XL200R feels like a toy in terms of size and weight.
@mtnmotoadv Thanks. We have a DR350 in our trio, great bikes. Obviously, if we want more power, the bike naturally has to be bigger. I'm not so bugged about getting the most out of an engine on tarmac so long as it gets me there (eventually), I ride the xl500 at 50-55mph normally. Thinking about it, you see these guys with C90s rising the mountains, if they can do it a 200 should be an issue 😅
Where the trails at?
These are in Southern Oregon
How tall are you and don’t you feel cramped on it after a while. Looking at one for my 15 year old Honda loving kid.
I'm 6' and don't feel cramped at all. The only thing is it has a lower seat height so easy to flat foot with bent knees but I don't necessarily see that as a bad thing. Definitely a great learner bike to play around on
Where? I am looking at the same bike, but 1984, today. have to deal with its lack of paperwork though. NY makes it impossible.