In 1988 I rode an all black XR 250R in the US Army Spec Ops to ride off the tailgate of a C-130 onto an enemy runway for airport seizure operations. We rode in teams of 2. The best part was training. Riding our XR's all over the back woods and trails of our base in Washington state. It was a fun job when you are 19 years old. We rode the wheels off those bikes and they showed up the next day asking for more.
Wish we had xrs when I was with marsoc... we used crf250s they are close but I currently rife a xr250r... something about the xrs hold a soft spot in my heart.
@@shelbyhoughton7247 My CRF230 makes 25% more torque down-low than my 2002 XR250R, Won't run hot, and the Frame is invincible after 15 years of jumping at MX tracks. Both motors are stock with the exception of being uncorked. The XR weighs 272lbs stock, the 230F 248lbs stock. Honda completed the journey of the XR's with CRF230.
Excellent report, it’s nice to see someone present the facts in unbiased way, and with the understanding that not every bike has to be a hair on fire screamer to be a great machine.
XR's, TT's, IT's, PE's, and KDX's were all road legal here in New Zealand in the 80s, so were full knobbly tyres :-) I used to see young guys ride to enduro's on their bikes, ride in the event and ride home, covered in mud and crap :-)
I had a 1981 xr200R . I abused that thing for years, jumping it 4-5 feet in the air all day , hardly ever changed the oil (I was a kid) , never adjusted the valves or the cam chain, the thing ran like a clock
Same here, mine was a '85 XR200R. Had it for years and did virtually no maintenance at all. Sold it to a friends younger brother and bought a XR600R from another friend. Loved both bikes.
In between my 90 CR500 and 92 KX500 I had an 82 XR200- Fun little bike! Notice the video playing in this era was a 200, notice how many times he pops the front end up💡they don't make a lot of power, but that light front end made up for it on the trail!
I had an 86' punched it out to a 300, camed it port and polished it. Put a bigger flat slide carb, Had the original Moose Racing in Colorado do the motor. Added supertrap with as many discs you could put on it. Powder coated the frame blue. Added a white Acerbes tank changed the number plates to blue. Finised off with White Power upside down forks and a White Power shock. It was really one of a kind bike. The bike had probably 50,000 miles on it by the time i sold it. 90%; all Colorado off road miles. Wore the engine caese out and later had to repalce the the lower motor from and 94' after blowing 3rd gear out.. And main bearings would fall out cases after tear down. Thank you for the video, brought back a lot of memories.
I've got the 98 .. absolutely love it , not many bikes with fully adjustable rear suspension from the factory, still smashes newer bikes on the trails ,great engine to work on... You just don't have to.
I sold Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasakis 1982 through 1986. I got to ride most of the dirt bikes we sold. The XRs were always fun to ride with the XR200R the most capable in New England woods where it could, if flogged, keep up with the standard bearer of the class, the Kawasaki KDX175. I owned a 1979 XL250S as a playbike while I rode an IT200L for serious speed. I would like to point out that while the 23" front wheel did limit tire choices, it never caused any odd or unpleasant handling. I rode my XL250S very hard and was heavy at that time. It was great in tight woods and would only get funky if you mounted knobbies and rode fast in a straight line on power lines and such where the frame would now flex very noticeably. The stock trials universal tires allowed mores sliding so the frame was less taxed. Overall, the line of 4-stoke playbikes Honda built was never excelled for performance in the woods or for reliability by other manufacturers. Again, your work here is very accurate and detailed. Thank you for your efforts.
IT175 was a yamaha I was in the retail motorcycle business from 1982 to when I retired in 2008 I sold the following XLs 185 250 350 500 600 XRs 80 200 200(rfvc) 250 350 500 600 400 The only way you could kill them was to launch it off a huge cliff or never change the oil ever Also sold these Yamaha Honda Ducati BMW Kawasaki Suzuki KTM CanAm Polaris Triumph more that I can't remember. I retired from selling MCs for 30 years It was great
Wow how I miss the XR’s. You just brought back a lot of memories from the 80 & 90. I’ve a lot of the XRs 83 200, 84 200, XL84 200, 85 350, 94 600 all new ones and one used one 83 500. Thanks for sharing my friend.
My 93 is still a rollin chassis and the original seat cover has no tears...engine needs went through from a dip 8n a mud hole hottern hell....never needed a lighter cause runnin like I did the header would glow and easily light a cig...I still dream of owning a 650L...rode a klx650 in the hills and never got past 2nd gear...we bought 2 xr80s,250,and cr125 from 91 to 94...the feelin that morning dad took me to get my cr....priceless. ..and my best friend was just so happened to be at the shop gettin parts for his 79 xl350..aka the coalburner all black...but I just went from an 80 to a 2 stroke 125 and the seat height was gnarly...your channel takes me back
Thanks for the excellent review! I recently bought a 96 xr250r because of the reliability and parts availability. Also, it is easy to access the carb and the valves for service. Everything you said about the suspension being too soft and the frame too weak is true. It is really interesting to see what it looked like when it was new.
David Cisco I have a mint street legal one with a lighting kit it’s mint came with two sets of wheels a set of excels sold those for almost $800.00 bike literally cost me a couple hundred Bucks!
The gearbox on my ‘81 XR-250 had a better ratio spread than my 84 XR-350 for what terrain I rode COLORADO. Also my 250 had a higher compression ratio than 350 , which I found much better at above 8000’ elevation riding . ! Great vid !
I got mine new in 2004. Years ago I did the 280 big bore kit with cam, rod etc. I got no problem keeping up with my friends on their 450's on the trails. Such a comfortable bike to ride you can get right up on the tank smashing thru the single track I will never sell this bike. Green sticker registration for life in CA. Love it
We had an1983 XR200r, it was an awesome machine, first "performance" bike I ever rode, and what I learned about engines on. It was unburstable, and when it wore out, it was Honda easy to fix. Loved it.
Thanks for the video, that was excellent! My first was a late 70s XL250. Next was an 85 XL350R (yes, an R designation on the XL). Great power on that one. Eventually sold to a friend when I picked up an 87 XR250, then later a 2000 XR400 (plated). I still ride the 400 often, unfortunately the the 250 sits for most of the summer. Can't stomach the thought of parting with it.
I just love this channel. I can’t get enough! Just so into it. It’s on the big screen in the living room! I really appreciate all the effort you put into it.
One of the most loved bikes here in Costa Rica, really reliable and good for our topography. So common around here, I worked at a shop that sells parts and services for XR's only.
I just bought a Honda XR 250 L 1993 model. Good conditions for 1000 EUR. My first dual sport. I am really happy! Now I own a Vespa PX 150 2011 and the XR. Thank you for the historical overview.
Great information and good video! The Honda XR250 aka Tornado is still being made in Argentina. Untill 2014 it was assambled in Brasil. I have a 2009 model with 66000km. Great motercicle, un caño! I use it 60 road, 40 dirt road. Greetings from Misiones, Argentina.
Good stuff. These pics brought back to some early days. I was brought up on an XL 3 times bigger than what I should of been on being only 10 to 12 years old. Fast forward 30 years I’m riding a 2016 450r and mr kid is on a 150. But needless to say you brought back some good memories. Thanks.
Thank you for such an informational video!! It is so cool to see someone put the time and work into creating such a great XR250R video! I have been riding XR250R's for over 30 years and still love to ride it often. Makes me laugh that they were never really considered a race bike, I was racing a 2002 XR250R in the RMEC in Colorado in the Senior B class for 2002-2008 and I was able to collect a number of trophies on it. Boy that was pissing people off! Ha ha. I have newer bikes now that I do ride most of the times but still love riding the XR. I will argue with anybody about the turning, braking, and just handling of XR's. I had a 2007 CRF250X that had a frame that felt more solid but in drag race the XR would stay right on it. Thanks again!!!!
Hey i just wanna say thank you for the amazing Honda content. I know it’s a lot of work what you do. And I appreciate your hard work and research to give us content! Subscribed!
So cool to see the CR 125 Elsinore...my dad bought me one when I was 12 and boy was it an awesome bike that I rode for 3 years...funny now at 56 years old it seems like yesterday....
Hi, more less a similar history in my case, was my mother, she gave me a XR 250 and a CR 125 among others. Thank you mum! . I have that days for ever in my mind. :-)
I loved this video. My first new bike was a 1986 XR 200. I always wanted one of these. I love your videos on the motorcross bikes from the 80s and 90s.
had an 82 XR250R did a few easy mods and the bike was a killer in the narley wet forest and for winter drift bashing , it didn't have the HP or the acceleration that others did but it had bucket loads of tree stump pulling torque and a clutch that you just couldn't kill , it was , in short , a fantastic play bike !
For trail work in the rugged mountains of Idaho, the XR Hondas still set a standard to this day. Not for speed or raw power, or lightweight, or perfect handling, but for torque, tractability and unbeatable durability.
This was outstanding. Best I've come across. I had an 84 XL350. Lots of fun, bulletproof (as long as you didn't expect it to do what my CR did!). Other than that, I rode that in the hills and all over the sands of Cali for years. Wished I had the XR - always a bit jealous. :)
Man thanks for making this one. I started out with a 1985 XR 100. So the XR line always had a special place in my heart. I think the 96 and 97 were my favorite years for the 250 and the 400 especially. Still to this day I would love to score a XR 400. The ones I’ve seen are still very expensive and it’s hard to find that unicorn out there that hasn’t been abused. With that being said, I still hope to add one to my stable that I can completely rebuild and add some modern hardware. Thanks for these videos. If you haven’t already please do a video like this on the XR 400, 600-650. I think that would be a great video. A lot of guys still ride the 650 L. I know they used to race these in Baja also so it would be cool to learn some of that history. Plus you’ve got to talk about Scott Summers!
i have and regularly ride a 1983 XR350R with stage 2 top end from WebCams. this bike is a beast. The little red pig tears through the Mojave desert like a champ.
@@deborahchesser7375 its like riding a lazy boy in pretty much any terrain you put it in (a little heavy on serious technical trails), but with torque like a Tesla. The only complaint I've ever had with this bike is the top end clatter. I've tried many ways,but it's always there.
I have 2 83XR350Rs I bought them as a pair.One had the Drain plug broken out.(Not good).Can you still find parts for these?My 85 XL350R was almost impossible to find parts for
@@cota2472000 It's been getting extremely hard to find parts form. I have been able to pull some parts and pieces from XR500s. I have been down to the point of calling Graeme pause in the Midwest to check their back barn to see if there might be an old Honda in there.
Great channel , you have an amazing collection of mags and brochures , lots of good info too, you put it all together speaking in great detail and enthusiasm, I hope that your channel grows , you deserve a very popular channel, Im not sure people are aware of it, i wasn't until today, and spent alot of the day watch you videos, keep up the great channel, your friend from the north,
The best machine I had was the XR 250R 1982. I regret to not have it with me now. The most thing that I liked was the design of the front, very high. Greetings from Chile.
That was a cool vid about the xr history. Thumbs up! Fyi, they continue the xr250L in 2003 in black with upside down fork and and tank panels. They are still running here in cambodia and are very popular. They are fully road legal. We are still using them for our tours as they are absolutely bullet proof and easy to maintain!
Our local Honda dealer road a XL and was on the cover of Cycle News back when it was a actual news paper, his name was Ralph Griffin I had a copy back I the 70’s, the racing world still have a family int the racing world, Jake Lewis is doing good in road racing thanks for listning
I loved knowing where the history of the bike I ride today began. My motorcycle is an NX 350 Sahara, made in Brazil 1997, I always found it strange that in the Brazilian market this type of engine model was not so easily available, but thanks to your story I managed to understand everything.
Incredible review. It's really hard to beat Honda styling. I can't decide which one is the best looking though. The orange and blue is hard to beat but the 86 always cought my eye too and the 89 is right up there with them, idk. I never had an XR as I preferred to be on a CR but I had a couple of XL...R's for street use which were very enjoyable to own. I love these review's. Thanks
I was in 8th grade when my uncle traded for a 1987 XL250. I begged him to sell it to me on time, and he did. I worked every weekend for a year and paid it off. To this day it was the most fun I've ever had on two wheels. Had a Kawasaki KDX 200 after that and it was a blast too, but that Honda was a true beast. Ended up trading both bikes for a Volkswagen van a few years later when I got my license and have been looking for a good one to replace it with ever since
I just sold my ‘85 XR200R that I’ve owned since new. It was a great trail bike. I grew up riding it in the woods in PA. I’m getting back into trail riding with my daughter and decided I needed a newer bike. I found a new leftover ‘17 CRF250X that I’m having shipped in. I hope it’s as reliable as my old XR was. Great video by the way. Subscribed to your channel.
I like the twin carb set up .. It's Progressive.. the left carb opened about 1/3 before the right carb started to open .. Also had automatic compression release tied to the kick starter a very cool feature..
Wow this is great stuff. Very professional and accurate. You sir are very talented and your general love of dirtbikes really show in your work. I know that this review took ALOT of time. Thanks for sharing!
I’ve wanted an XR since the 80s. Finally got around to it! XR 400. ‘97 just want an all round trail/ dirt road toy! Mine is all black except for the stock seat . Great video!!
These XR's where big and heavy bikes at the time. My friend rode the 89' XR 500, in our 2 stroke riding group. And ya, the XR went everywhere the 2 stroke's did.
great video, great history, love the XR 's all... was a Suzuki guy, DR250....got spanked by friends on XR200's .....bought an 87 XR250.... did the 280 Muzzy kit.... now it runs decent. Also worked at a Honda dealership ....people would ask ( any model Honda 250, any yr ) "how's run?" we would have to say and to be honest "like a Honda 250" ....but the most fun and success i had was on an 1986 XR200 with Powroll 220 kit and CR 125 wheels, disc brakes forks and swing arm. For Eastern woods riding horsepower and coolant would sometimes work against you. Did very well in B 4 stroke class and fair in A 4 stroke class for a bit but now at this point in time the 4 stroke class was growing with "exotics" like thee Husaberg .....also I plan on buying the new CRF250F ....awesome offering FI, E start, air cooling ...p.s. had a CRF250X "hows it run?" "like a Honda 250" oh : / I will say great in NJ sand whoops and stuff ( MX frame ) but never got comfortable in Pennsylvania rocks. thanks
Love both the ‘89 and ‘90 versions. If the ‘89 had the rear disc brake like the ‘90 model did then I’d be drooling. Awesome video, thanks for putting this together.
I have the 86 xr250 r. My uncle bought it brand new in 1986 , and gifted it to me a little bit back. Very low hours. I don't ride it often, but I sure enjoy staring at it in the garage !
I’ve ridden xrs all my life on the farm. 200, 250’s, 400’s Absolutely indestructible. Reliable, fun and utilitarian. Best all around bike ever in my opinion.
I had a 1999 xr250R for 21 years… getting older.. so I sold her and got a BAJA 250 with the MAGIC BUTTON(e-starter) got a good mechanic to transfer lots for stuffs from the previous 250r to my current Baja 250. Especially engine works!!
Just finished pressure washing the 96 250 and realized how much I still love the thing, I opened up yt to check the news and this video came up.. coincidence? I think not 😜
Great video! I really miss the xr’s they were great bikes. Not everyone wants a mx bike with a headlight (crf250x) thats not comfortable on the trails like the old xr’s were.
I have to disagree there, the XR was taller and had great suspension, 6 speed tranny, head and taillights, and a completely different engine. The crf250 is a learner bike with mellow suspension and a mellow sohc 2 valve engine. It is a learner bike all day.
@acuraintegrar5 fair enough. Just read up on it. Agreed. I've never had one. Just picked up my 1st XR this week, hence watching this video. A neat 2004/05 XR250R (Aus spec) for clients & friends to ride. It's nothing like a CRE500R, new & old Huskys or TM 2t & 4t bikes I'm used to. 👍🇦🇺
Im working on a mint 1981 XR 250 R atm. The 81, 82 and 85 were the best looking XR250R's made imo. The modern stuff though technically better just look weird. Great vid bro, thanks!!!!
you tell it like it is i like this i have had a lot of fun on the xrs myself and all i have to say is well said that brought back a lot of memories thanks
Excelente información, la disfruté mucho. Soy de Chile. Me acabo de comprar una XR250R del 2001 y luego de algunos arreglos de motor la estoy comenzando a disfrutar. Es una motocicleta muy recomendable para toda edad.
Drilled brake rotors allow mud and debris on the rotor to get pushed into to holes allowing the pad to grab more rotor instead of being lubricated by the wetness and debris. It gives a more consistent feel and performance in changing riding conditions from wet and dry, muddy or dusty, or tall grass that gets fetched up in that area. A dry sump engine also adds a performance benefit as well as additional cooling. The crankshaft in a dry sump isn’t sitting in the crankcase oil allowing for better throttle response at lower rpm ranges. From ‘96 until the end of the production run the XR400 and 650 were built for one thing in mind. To go as fast as possible in a straight line while absorbing all types of obstacles from soft sand at speed, to large shrubs, chops, logs, water, and anything else in between. The Baja 1000 is where the XR line excelled above all other machines. They dominated that race for at least a decade even beating all other classes in that race, from quads to purposely built race trucks. Honda offered a factory stroke kit for the 400 that included a new connecting rod, cam, timing chain, and valves that increased the displacement to 440cc’s. A nice bit of kit for that machine. The XR650R did 105 mph straight out of the crate and could do up to 115 with modifications to the carburetor and exhaust. That’s unbelievably fast for off road performance. I don’t believe you talked about the 650 or what these bikes true purpose was other than a fun machine. But Johhny Campbell and Steve Hengeveld we’re untouchable at the Baja 1000, consistently crushing all competition on Honda XR 400’s and XR650’s. I also forgot to mention Honda made a 500 model before the 400 and 650 model years.
I ride a 2028 Husky TE300 but I have a 2003 XR250 (owned several XRs since 1982) stashed away, in near perfect condition. It has a 280 kit, billet pegs and billet rear brake lever, improved handlebars, better headlight, etc. It looks so good I hate to get it dirty.
Around 18:00, I totally agree with your handling assessment. It was awful on the mx track, and if you didn't hit the landing at just the right angle, you were then flexing the frame as a form of suspension. But on really rough, slow trails it was king. I recall going up a 4wd trail that was just boulders the size of bowling balls. I managed to stay on my bike, and plod through in first gear, while my friends on two strokes had to push their bikes. Later, we switched bikes and he said "Man, this thing rides like my couch!"
Out of all of my motorcycles, the one that I had the most fun on was a late 70's XL125 around the Estes Park Colorado area. We lived in Glen Haven. Having an XR250 would have been even better!!
I purchased mine brand new in 1988, first time out had intermittent trouble getting it kick started and even after continual trips to the dealership I was plagued by that one problem until I sold it 2 yrs later. My 2nd dirt bike I bought in 2010 drove it from the East coast to the West coast (Trans America Trail) 5,500 mi. with out a hick up on a 2009 Yamaha WR 250R. All great fun:)
Thanks for your video, 15:45 took me back to 1984 and my XR250RE 👍 I read every magazine article and test and couldn't wait to buy one. I still remember the brochure you show in the vision, 17:25, loved that bike ❤️💛💙 You're certainly right about the overheating, I burned my ankle through leather boots in an Enduro late in 84 during hot event 🙂
That was a very in-depth and informative report. I live in Australia, and there are multiple differences between the USA, and Australian models, right across the entire XR range. Very interesting. You have earned my subscription mate, nice work 👍 👏 👌
Very good and informative video, indeed. Funny fact, here in Germany Honda sold the XR250 models of 79-84 as XL250S (dual shock 79-81) and XL250R (MD03, single shock 82-84). The later model with the radial valve design was also called the XL250R but with Honda internal code MD11.
I have a 91 XR250. It's the only bike I own and it's more then enough for me. I learned to ride a bike on it and I like the fact I can go anywhere with it. No Road no problem. And its so simple I can do all work on it which is important to me as I am on a very tight budget. I bought my XR for €750 so I guess I got a off road bike setup quite cheap
Love these videos I had a 1975 MR 175 as my first bike in 1993 while everyone else was riding the awesome looking red white and blue XRs I hated my bike at the time but would love to have it now. I have a MR 50 sitting in my shop needing restored now and a near mint 1979 XL 500s along with some more bikes we ride . Once again I love these vids
I had a 81 xr200 when I was 12 yrs old, dad told me if I could start it I could ride it and I did. Just got finished working on a 1980 xr250 for a customer and it got me reminiscing
In 1988 I rode an all black XR 250R in the US Army Spec Ops to ride off the tailgate of a C-130 onto an enemy runway for airport seizure operations. We rode in teams of 2. The best part was training. Riding our XR's all over the back woods and trails of our base in Washington state. It was a fun job when you are 19 years old. We rode the wheels off those bikes and they showed up the next day asking for more.
That is the most badass experience I’ve heard in a minute.
Wish we had xrs when I was with marsoc... we used crf250s they are close but I currently rife a xr250r... something about the xrs hold a soft spot in my heart.
bro litteraly got everyone's dream job, getting taught to ride an old Honda like a badass
@@shelbyhoughton7247
My CRF230 makes 25% more torque down-low than my 2002 XR250R, Won't run hot, and the Frame is invincible after 15 years of jumping at MX tracks.
Both motors are stock with the exception of being uncorked. The XR weighs 272lbs stock, the 230F 248lbs stock. Honda completed the journey of the XR's with CRF230.
@@shockadellickinvincible?
These are the type of in depth reviews that I crave
Excellent report, it’s nice to see someone present the facts in unbiased way, and with the understanding that not every bike has to be a hair on fire screamer to be a great machine.
The XR200 was very reliable. I saw a guy win an enduro with only a supertrapp exhaust on a 1982 XR200R. You really do a great job with your videos!!
XR's, TT's, IT's, PE's, and KDX's were all road legal here in New Zealand in the 80s, so were full knobbly tyres :-) I used to see young guys ride to enduro's on their bikes, ride in the event and ride home, covered in mud and crap :-)
I had a 1981 xr200R . I abused that thing for years, jumping it 4-5 feet in the air all day , hardly ever changed the oil (I was a kid) , never adjusted the valves or the cam chain, the thing ran like a clock
Same here, mine was a '85 XR200R. Had it for years and did virtually no maintenance at all. Sold it to a friends younger brother and bought a XR600R from another friend. Loved both bikes.
In between my 90 CR500 and 92 KX500 I had an 82 XR200- Fun little bike! Notice the video playing in this era was a 200, notice how many times he pops the front end up💡they don't make a lot of power, but that light front end made up for it on the trail!
That's what Honda name means.
Lol. Years at a time no oil change. I did Clean the carb once.
I had an 86' punched it out to a 300, camed it port and polished it. Put a bigger flat slide carb, Had the original Moose Racing in Colorado do the motor. Added supertrap with as many discs you could put on it. Powder coated the frame blue. Added a white Acerbes tank changed the number plates to blue. Finised off with White Power upside down forks and a White Power shock. It was really one of a kind bike. The bike had probably 50,000 miles on it by the time i sold it. 90%; all Colorado off road miles. Wore the engine caese out and later had to repalce the the lower motor from and 94' after blowing 3rd gear out.. And main bearings would fall out cases after tear down. Thank you for the video, brought back a lot of memories.
i drop the disks here in the east and it really lets the torque flow
I've got the 98 .. absolutely love it , not many bikes with fully adjustable rear suspension from the factory, still smashes newer bikes on the trails ,great engine to work on... You just don't have to.
A fed spokeswoman f
Agreed honda the best
I have owned many of these throughout the years... I can still recall each new cosmetic revision when they came out. Good times.
I sold Honda, Yamaha, and Kawasakis 1982 through 1986. I got to ride most of the dirt bikes we sold. The XRs were always fun to ride with the XR200R the most capable in New England woods where it could, if flogged, keep up with the standard bearer of the class, the Kawasaki KDX175. I owned a 1979 XL250S as a playbike while I rode an IT200L for serious speed. I would like to point out that while the 23" front wheel did limit tire choices, it never caused any odd or unpleasant handling. I rode my XL250S very hard and was heavy at that time. It was great in tight woods and would only get funky if you mounted knobbies and rode fast in a straight line on power lines and such where the frame would now flex very noticeably. The stock trials universal tires allowed mores sliding so the frame was less taxed. Overall, the line of 4-stoke playbikes Honda built was never excelled for performance in the woods or for reliability by other manufacturers. Again, your work here is very accurate and detailed. Thank you for your efforts.
IT175 was a yamaha
I was in the retail motorcycle business from 1982 to when I retired in 2008
I sold the following
XLs 185 250 350 500 600
XRs 80 200 200(rfvc) 250 350 500 600 400 The only way you could kill them was to launch it off a huge cliff or never change the oil ever
Also sold these Yamaha Honda Ducati BMW Kawasaki Suzuki KTM CanAm Polaris Triumph more that I can't remember.
I retired from selling MCs for 30 years
It was great
Wow how I miss the XR’s. You just brought back a lot of memories from the 80 & 90. I’ve a lot of the XRs 83 200, 84 200, XL84 200, 85 350, 94 600 all new ones and one used one 83 500.
Thanks for sharing my friend.
My 93 is still a rollin chassis and the original seat cover has no tears...engine needs went through from a dip 8n a mud hole hottern hell....never needed a lighter cause runnin like I did the header would glow and easily light a cig...I still dream of owning a 650L...rode a klx650 in the hills and never got past 2nd gear...we bought 2 xr80s,250,and cr125 from 91 to 94...the feelin that morning dad took me to get my cr....priceless. ..and my best friend was just so happened to be at the shop gettin parts for his 79 xl350..aka the coalburner all black...but I just went from an 80 to a 2 stroke 125 and the seat height was gnarly...your channel takes me back
Thanks for the excellent review! I recently bought a 96 xr250r because of the reliability and parts availability. Also, it is easy to access the carb and the valves for service. Everything you said about the suspension being too soft and the frame too weak is true. It is really interesting to see what it looked like when it was new.
Had the XR’s and XL 250 and would love to find one of them again
Bikes for having fun wraps it up perfectly, great clip!
I still have my 2004 XR400R that I bought new in 2005 as a discounted dealer left over.
David Cisco I have a mint street legal one with a lighting kit it’s mint came with two sets of wheels a set of excels sold those for almost $800.00 bike literally cost me a couple hundred
Bucks!
And you've been 😁 everyday since.
Hang on to it....
The gearbox on my ‘81 XR-250 had a better ratio spread than my 84 XR-350 for what terrain I rode COLORADO. Also my 250 had a higher compression ratio than 350 , which I found much better at above 8000’ elevation riding . !
Great vid !
Thank you for this. It is beyond appreciated. You have really done a service for a lot of people.
I got mine new in 2004. Years ago I did the 280 big bore kit with cam, rod etc. I got no problem keeping up with my friends on their 450's on the trails. Such a comfortable bike to ride you can get right up on the tank smashing thru the single track I will never sell this bike. Green sticker registration for life in CA. Love it
Awesome job on the history of these xrs. I still have my 83 500r and still love it. Keep up the great work please!
We had an1983 XR200r, it was an awesome machine, first "performance" bike I ever rode, and what I learned about engines on. It was unburstable, and when it wore out, it was Honda easy to fix. Loved it.
Thanks for the video, that was excellent!
My first was a late 70s XL250. Next was an 85 XL350R (yes, an R designation on the XL). Great power on that one. Eventually sold to a friend when I picked up an 87 XR250, then later a 2000 XR400 (plated). I still ride the 400 often, unfortunately the the 250 sits for most of the summer. Can't stomach the thought of parting with it.
I just love this channel. I can’t get enough! Just so into it. It’s on the big screen in the living room! I really appreciate all the effort you put into it.
One of the most loved bikes here in Costa Rica, really reliable and good for our topography. So common around here, I worked at a shop that sells parts and services for XR's only.
I just bought a Honda XR 250 L 1993 model. Good conditions for 1000 EUR. My first dual sport. I am really happy! Now I own a Vespa PX 150 2011 and the XR. Thank you for the historical overview.
Great information and good video! The Honda XR250 aka Tornado is still being made in Argentina. Untill 2014 it was assambled in Brasil. I have a 2009 model with 66000km. Great motercicle, un caño! I use it 60 road, 40 dirt road. Greetings from Misiones, Argentina.
De que parte de Misiones? Tengo parientes allá
La tornado no tiene nada de xr. No digo que sea mala. Pero ni se asoma a la xr purasangre
Good stuff. These pics brought back to some early days. I was brought up on an XL 3 times bigger than what I should of been on being only 10 to 12 years old. Fast forward 30 years I’m riding a 2016 450r and mr kid is on a 150. But needless to say you brought back some good memories.
Thanks.
Thank you for such an informational video!! It is so cool to see someone put the time and work into creating such a great XR250R video! I have been riding XR250R's for over 30 years and still love to ride it often. Makes me laugh that they were never really considered a race bike, I was racing a 2002 XR250R in the RMEC in Colorado in the Senior B class for 2002-2008 and I was able to collect a number of trophies on it. Boy that was pissing people off! Ha ha. I have newer bikes now that I do ride most of the times but still love riding the XR. I will argue with anybody about the turning, braking, and just handling of XR's. I had a 2007 CRF250X that had a frame that felt more solid but in drag race the XR would stay right on it. Thanks again!!!!
Hey i just wanna say thank you for the amazing Honda content. I know it’s a lot of work what you do. And I appreciate your hard work and research to give us content! Subscribed!
So cool to see the CR 125 Elsinore...my dad bought me one when I was 12 and boy was it an awesome bike that I rode for 3 years...funny now at 56 years old it seems like yesterday....
Hi, more less a similar history in my case, was my mother, she gave me a XR 250 and a CR 125 among others. Thank you mum! . I have that days for ever in my mind. :-)
I loved this video. My first new bike was a 1986 XR 200. I always wanted one of these. I love your videos on the motorcross bikes from the 80s and 90s.
XR250R RULES!!!!
Indestructible bike. That's why there are so many videos and more to come in the future. I own a 2001 model. RIP IT!!!!
Good report on the XR's love these bikes had quite a few of them throughout the years. Very dependable.
had an 82 XR250R did a few easy mods and the bike was a killer in the narley wet forest and for winter drift bashing , it didn't have the HP or the acceleration that others did but it had bucket loads of tree stump pulling torque and a clutch that you just couldn't kill , it was , in short , a fantastic play bike !
For trail work in the rugged mountains of Idaho, the XR Hondas still set a standard to this day. Not for speed or raw power, or lightweight, or perfect handling, but for torque, tractability and unbeatable durability.
This was outstanding. Best I've come across. I had an 84 XL350. Lots of fun, bulletproof (as long as you didn't expect it to do what my CR did!). Other than that, I rode that in the hills and all over the sands of Cali for years. Wished I had the XR - always a bit jealous. :)
Man thanks for making this one. I started out with a 1985 XR 100. So the XR line always had a special place in my heart. I think the 96 and 97 were my favorite years for the 250 and the 400 especially. Still to this day I would love to score a XR 400. The ones I’ve seen are still very expensive and it’s hard to find that unicorn out there that hasn’t been abused. With that being said, I still hope to add one to my stable that I can completely rebuild and add some modern hardware. Thanks for these videos.
If you haven’t already please do a video like this on the XR 400, 600-650. I think that would be a great video. A lot of guys still ride the 650 L. I know they used to race these in Baja also so it would be cool to learn some of that history. Plus you’ve got to talk about Scott Summers!
Love the old XRs
i have and regularly ride a 1983 XR350R with stage 2 top end from WebCams. this bike is a beast. The little red pig tears through the Mojave desert like a champ.
I’ve always wanted an XR 350, I always rode IT Yamaha’s but that 350 really looked like a great woods bike
@@deborahchesser7375 its like riding a lazy boy in pretty much any terrain you put it in (a little heavy on serious technical trails), but with torque like a Tesla. The only complaint I've ever had with this bike is the top end clatter. I've tried many ways,but it's always there.
I have 2 83XR350Rs
I bought them as a pair.One had the Drain plug broken out.(Not good).Can you still find parts for these?My 85 XL350R was almost impossible to find parts for
@@cota2472000 It's been getting extremely hard to find parts form. I have been able to pull some parts and pieces from XR500s. I have been down to the point of calling Graeme pause in the Midwest to check their back barn to see if there might be an old Honda in there.
@@cota2472000 I bought the crf450 to not beat up ol red sho much
Great video, really enjoyed the year-by-year breakdown. Definitely educational.
Nice trip down memory lane . I loved both my 81 and 85 models.
I really enjoy your historical account of the Honda XRs.... Thank you...!!
I love these videos!! After a long day at work I watch these at the table and reminisce 👍
I had a 2003 XR 400r, sold it about 12-13 years ago. Best bike I ever owned,aside from my VFR.
Great channel , you have an amazing collection of mags and brochures , lots of good info too, you put it all together speaking in great detail and enthusiasm, I hope that your channel grows , you deserve a very popular channel, Im not sure people are aware of it, i wasn't until today, and spent alot of the day watch you videos, keep up the great channel, your friend from the north,
Thank you
The best machine I had was the XR 250R 1982. I regret to not have it with me now. The most thing that I liked was the design of the front, very high. Greetings from Chile.
That was a cool vid about the xr history. Thumbs up! Fyi, they continue the xr250L in 2003 in black with upside down fork and and tank panels. They are still running here in cambodia and are very popular. They are fully road legal. We are still using them for our tours as they are absolutely bullet proof and easy to maintain!
Our local Honda dealer road a XL and was on the cover of Cycle News back when it was a actual news paper, his name was Ralph Griffin I had a copy back I the 70’s, the racing world still have a family int the racing world, Jake Lewis is doing good in road racing thanks for listning
I loved knowing where the history of the bike I ride today began.
My motorcycle is an NX 350 Sahara, made in Brazil 1997, I always found it strange that in the Brazilian market this type of engine model was not so easily available, but thanks to your story I managed to understand everything.
Incredible review. It's really hard to beat Honda styling. I can't decide which one is the best looking though. The orange and blue is hard to beat but the 86 always cought my eye too and the 89 is right up there with them, idk. I never had an XR as I preferred to be on a CR but I had a couple of XL...R's for street use which were very enjoyable to own. I love these review's. Thanks
Excellent review of the history of the xr250 ! Great work 👍
I was in 8th grade when my uncle traded for a 1987 XL250. I begged him to sell it to me on time, and he did. I worked every weekend for a year and paid it off. To this day it was the most fun I've ever had on two wheels. Had a Kawasaki KDX 200 after that and it was a blast too, but that Honda was a true beast. Ended up trading both bikes for a Volkswagen van a few years later when I got my license and have been looking for a good one to replace it with ever since
I had an '85 xr100 the first bike I bought with my own money in 1994. I loved the colors scheme. I love the new retro throwback 1985 year
awesome, just the kind of content I love to listen to while at work
I just sold my ‘85 XR200R that I’ve owned since new. It was a great trail bike. I grew up riding it in the woods in PA. I’m getting back into trail riding with my daughter and decided I needed a newer bike. I found a new leftover ‘17 CRF250X that I’m having shipped in. I hope it’s as reliable as my old XR was.
Great video by the way. Subscribed to your channel.
I like the twin carb set up .. It's Progressive.. the left carb opened about 1/3 before the right carb started to open .. Also had automatic compression release tied to the kick starter a very cool feature..
What a sorrow and great video this is! Thank you very much.
Man! what a great video! i was looking info to buy this model, and I found out everything I needed.
Wow this is great stuff. Very professional and accurate. You sir are very talented and your general love of dirtbikes really show in your work. I know that this review took ALOT of time. Thanks for sharing!
I learned to ride on a 86 XR80.. Great bike..
I learned on an ‘83 XR80
Got an 89 xr250 that’s been sitting for years. Gonna get that up and running ASAP!
I’ve wanted an XR since the 80s. Finally got around to it! XR 400. ‘97 just want an all round trail/ dirt road toy! Mine is all black except for the stock seat . Great video!!
These XR's where big and heavy bikes at the time. My friend rode the 89' XR 500, in our 2 stroke riding group. And ya, the XR went everywhere the 2 stroke's did.
great video, great history, love the XR 's all... was a Suzuki guy, DR250....got spanked by friends on XR200's .....bought an 87 XR250.... did the 280 Muzzy kit.... now it runs decent. Also worked at a Honda dealership ....people would ask ( any model Honda 250, any yr ) "how's run?" we would have to say and to be honest "like a Honda 250" ....but the most fun and success i had was on an 1986 XR200 with Powroll 220 kit and CR 125 wheels, disc brakes forks and swing arm. For Eastern woods riding horsepower and coolant would sometimes work against you. Did very well in B 4 stroke class and fair in A 4 stroke class for a bit but now at this point in time the 4 stroke class was growing with "exotics" like thee Husaberg .....also I plan on buying the new CRF250F ....awesome offering FI, E start, air cooling ...p.s. had a CRF250X "hows it run?" "like a Honda 250" oh : / I will say great in NJ sand whoops and stuff ( MX frame ) but never got comfortable in Pennsylvania rocks. thanks
Love both the ‘89 and ‘90 versions. If the ‘89 had the rear disc brake like the ‘90 model did then I’d be drooling. Awesome video, thanks for putting this together.
Great segment, I could not agree with you more on all of these XRs. Thank you.
I like the 17 inch tires out back on the 80's XR's, it just looks cool. 350 of that era is the snitzle.
I have the 86 xr250 r. My uncle bought it brand new in 1986 , and gifted it to me a little bit back. Very low hours. I don't ride it often, but I sure enjoy staring at it in the garage !
want to sell?
@@elijahbrown7692 i get asked that all the time . But no thanks. Going to keep it
I own a 1984 XR250r and the 85 XR250r
I LOVE these bikes!
Legendary and nostalgic
Now that I'm older I like these bikes a lot more. But when I was younger no friggin way. It had to be two stroke back then, or nothing.
Right. Exactly. If it wasn’t a MX bike it was nothing.
Used to be the choice of old dudes who preferred single track trails and lower speeds. Now I'm one of those dudes.@ #xrsrule
@@teamflanneloutdoors5631 same here, I had to quit mixing gas n oil, that stuff will get you hurt lol
My IT would eat XR’s easily but now days, I’d love to have an XR350.
Deborah chesser IT 175-200’s are great bikes as well👍🏻 SO many bikes- so little time (and money🤑).
Nicely detailed review of the beautiful XR, thank you! Longing for the 80's!!!
You and me both!
Tony as usual you put out excellent videos on grear old bikes whether or not they were good or bad . Thanks again !
I’ve ridden xrs all my life on the farm. 200, 250’s, 400’s Absolutely indestructible. Reliable, fun and utilitarian. Best all around bike ever in my opinion.
I had a 1999 xr250R for 21 years… getting older.. so I sold her and got a BAJA 250 with the MAGIC BUTTON(e-starter) got a good mechanic to transfer lots for stuffs from the previous 250r to my current Baja 250. Especially engine works!!
Just finished pressure washing the 96 250 and realized how much I still love the thing, I opened up yt to check the news and this video came up.. coincidence? I think not 😜
86' and 90' Red White and Blue are my favorites😎
Very good work. Interesting, light and fun too watch. Thank you!
Excellent Review..THANKS!!!!! I got a 2000 XR250R..LOVE IT❤.. for me, the Best Dirt bike EVER MADE.....HONDA XR250R 96-04
Outstanding post, Thank You for Sharing!
I still have my XR400, i ride it every weekend off-road, soft enduro . great bike !!
I've always wanted to pick up one of them
Great video! I really miss the xr’s they were great bikes. Not everyone wants a mx bike with a headlight (crf250x) thats not comfortable on the trails like the old xr’s were.
CR250F is basically the modern XR250R
I have to disagree there, the XR was taller and had great suspension, 6 speed tranny, head and taillights, and a completely different engine. The crf250 is a learner bike with mellow suspension and a mellow sohc 2 valve engine. It is a learner bike all day.
@acuraintegrar5 fair enough. Just read up on it. Agreed.
I've never had one. Just picked up my 1st XR this week, hence watching this video. A neat 2004/05 XR250R (Aus spec) for clients & friends to ride. It's nothing like a CRE500R, new & old Huskys or TM 2t & 4t bikes I'm used to. 👍🇦🇺
My first ever bike was a 1993 250. Loved it to bits.
Im working on a mint 1981 XR 250 R atm. The 81, 82 and 85 were the best looking XR250R's made imo. The modern stuff though technically better just look weird. Great vid bro, thanks!!!!
you tell it like it is i like this i have had a lot of fun on the xrs myself and all i have to say is well said that brought back a lot of memories thanks
Excelente información, la disfruté mucho. Soy de Chile. Me acabo de comprar una XR250R del 2001 y luego de algunos arreglos de motor la estoy comenzando a disfrutar. Es una motocicleta muy recomendable para toda edad.
Drilled brake rotors allow mud and debris on the rotor to get pushed into to holes allowing the pad to grab more rotor instead of being lubricated by the wetness and debris. It gives a more consistent feel and performance in changing riding conditions from wet and dry, muddy or dusty, or tall grass that gets fetched up in that area.
A dry sump engine also adds a performance benefit as well as additional cooling. The crankshaft in a dry sump isn’t sitting in the crankcase oil allowing for better throttle response at lower rpm ranges.
From ‘96 until the end of the production run the XR400 and 650 were built for one thing in mind. To go as fast as possible in a straight line while absorbing all types of obstacles from soft sand at speed, to large shrubs, chops, logs, water, and anything else in between. The Baja 1000 is where the XR line excelled above all other machines. They dominated that race for at least a decade even beating all other classes in that race, from quads to purposely built race trucks.
Honda offered a factory stroke kit for the 400 that included a new connecting rod, cam, timing chain, and valves that increased the displacement to 440cc’s. A nice bit of kit for that machine. The XR650R did 105 mph straight out of the crate and could do up to 115 with modifications to the carburetor and exhaust. That’s unbelievably fast for off road performance.
I don’t believe you talked about the 650 or what these bikes true purpose was other than a fun machine. But Johhny Campbell and Steve Hengeveld we’re untouchable at the Baja 1000, consistently crushing all competition on Honda XR 400’s and XR650’s.
I also forgot to mention Honda made a 500 model before the 400 and 650 model years.
95” CR looked awesome dude 😮
I ride a 2028 Husky TE300 but I have a 2003 XR250 (owned several XRs since 1982) stashed away, in near perfect condition. It has a 280 kit, billet pegs and billet rear brake lever, improved handlebars, better headlight, etc.
It looks so good I hate to get it dirty.
Around 18:00, I totally agree with your handling assessment. It was awful on the mx track, and if you didn't hit the landing at just the right angle, you were then flexing the frame as a form of suspension. But on really rough, slow trails it was king. I recall going up a 4wd trail that was just boulders the size of bowling balls. I managed to stay on my bike, and plod through in first gear, while my friends on two strokes had to push their bikes. Later, we switched bikes and he said "Man, this thing rides like my couch!"
Out of all of my motorcycles, the one that I had the most fun on was a late 70's XL125 around the Estes Park Colorado area. We lived in Glen Haven. Having an XR250 would have been even better!!
I purchased mine brand new in 1988, first time out had intermittent trouble getting it kick started and even after continual trips to the dealership I was plagued by that one problem until I sold it 2 yrs later. My 2nd dirt bike I bought in 2010 drove it from the East coast to the West coast (Trans America Trail) 5,500 mi. with out a hick up on a 2009 Yamaha WR 250R. All great fun:)
I just bought a 04 XR 250 ha ha yesterday, yet to ride one, have had the XR 500 and a XR 200, I loved the 200
Thanks for your video, 15:45 took me back to 1984 and my XR250RE 👍
I read every magazine article and test and couldn't wait to buy one.
I still remember the brochure you show in the vision, 17:25, loved that bike ❤️💛💙
You're certainly right about the overheating, I burned my ankle through leather boots in an Enduro late in 84 during hot event 🙂
That was a very in-depth and informative report. I live in Australia, and there are multiple differences between the USA, and Australian models, right across the entire XR range. Very interesting. You have earned my subscription mate, nice work 👍 👏 👌
Very good and informative video, indeed. Funny fact, here in Germany Honda sold the XR250 models of 79-84 as XL250S (dual shock 79-81) and XL250R (MD03, single shock 82-84). The later model with the radial valve design was also called the XL250R but with Honda internal code MD11.
I have a 91 XR250. It's the only bike I own and it's more then enough for me. I learned to ride a bike on it and I like the fact I can go anywhere with it. No Road no problem. And its so simple I can do all work on it which is important to me as I am on a very tight budget. I bought my XR for €750 so I guess I got a off road bike setup quite cheap
Great vid!, in South América Honda still fabricate a kind of xr, it calls Honda tornado 250cc, very reliable machine y a lot of fun to ride.
Great review. The 83 thru 85's looked best.
Love these videos I had a 1975 MR 175 as my first bike in 1993 while everyone else was riding the awesome looking red white and blue XRs I hated my bike at the time but would love to have it now. I have a MR 50 sitting in my shop needing restored now and a near mint 1979 XL 500s along with some more bikes we ride . Once again I love these vids
I had a 81 xr200 when I was 12 yrs old, dad told me if I could start it I could ride it and I did. Just got finished working on a 1980 xr250 for a customer and it got me reminiscing
12:42 lol that's it! That's the exact bike I had
I had the 86 250R it was my first vehicle I drove it all year long and I live in Connecticut