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@@rippinmachines the 400 feels nostalgic to ride. It's everything you think a dirt bike should be. I've also owned modern 450s. The first one boiled over constantly, the second one flamed out all the time. I was no longer enjoying riding so thought I'd just buy a cheap xr400 for the odd occasion I wanted to ride, than I realised it wasn't that I no longer enjoyed riding it was I didn't enjoy modern dirt bikes and all the issues and costs associated.
@@Velcrochicken1 I’m into vintage stuff so I’m sure that’s a factor in why I enjoy it. Also grew up on an xr250. Either way, I don’t think of it as an old bike. I love the power delivery and the big comfy seat. Linear opposed to very abrupt power that comes on at higher rpm’s on newer 450s. Maybe I just like to ride like an old man.
Shutting down the whole XR lineup was a huge mistake. Especially, the smaller bikes which helped so many new riders gain confidence, and get into the sport. I like the XR400 and XR600. I also miss the 2 stroke CR lineup. You can't beat a CR500! That's why I own 3 😁
After almost 20yrs out of the saddle , i only recently got back into riding , to chase the kids around . And what did i buy …… a 2004 xr400 ! Absolutley love it 😁👍
I am chasing my boys around on their dirt bikes and I never owned a dirt bike before. Low and behold, I bought an XR 250 and XR400. So much fun, I just wish I started riding before age 54. Better late than never.
did much the same, used to ride and old Yamaha TT600 so comparatively much lighter and easy to start, plenty of power for what I do now and bulletproof enough to probably outlast me
I've owned many bikes the only one I'm keeping is the xr400r. Why don't Honda re release it, new suspension , e start etc...they are mad. People still like nice simple well built things.
Simple well built is why I bought one. I wanna ride not do maintenance or push my bike because I broke a radiator. I ride in East TN and there are LOTS of radiator eatin' rocks here.
You hit the nail on the head. Excellent video. I've often wondered what the hell they were thinking. I owned a 2002 XR400 and absolutely loved it. I sold it and bought a brand new 2005 CRF450X and even though the 450X was superior in design and had better suspension and electric start, I always regretted getting rid of the XR. It was simplistic and bulletproof. Fast forward to 2021, I bought a 2001 XR400, completely went over the whole bike and installed all the necessary dual sport mods. It's my go-to bike once again. I will never sell it.
I was in my riding hey day in the 90's. Honda's were the the shit. I still think that their reliability is second to none but the r&d remains to be desired. RIP honda dirt bikes.
I always knew that because of Honda's legendary reliability and quality reputation (I'd say the gold standard), all the other Japanese and even European manufacturers had to improve their reliability/quality just to stay within reach of the Honda standard. Nowadays they all are good, still have there little quirks which is to be expected. I personally have been riding Yamaha's ( for about the last 18 years) and are completely satisfied with there reliability as well, always got there and back.
Came back last week from a bike tour in Mongolia with XR400R. Was surprised and really appreciated that bike. Easy repairs, yes kicking could be a bit of a hassle sometimes. But all in all a fantastic offroad bike in those conditions. Met some Canadian riders on KTM's who wished they could find XR400R's back home.
HONDA AUSTRALIA TRIED TO RESCUE THE XR400... 😢 Glenn Hoffmann says Honda Australia’s management desperately tried to keep the xr 400 in production, as even in the face of modern water-cooled bikes they still sold well for rural areas for mustering. Honda Australia built a electric start XR400 simply using available Honda parts from other models. In Japan they said it would happen if 30,000 units could be sold annually. Australia ordered 4000, the UK 2000... and that was it. 24,000 units short! So it never happened.
@@pollepost i used to run Xrstuff in the UK and sell electric start kits , the same engine is used in the TRX400EX quad it has a longer crankshaft to bolt the e start bits onto it, you can do the same if you swap the crank from the quad onto your XR400 you need to build a battery box (rear fender) but its easy enough, Some the quads have reverse i always fancied having a XR400 with reverse but never got round to it
Its been said, "old XR's never die, they just get new owners." Had an '84 XR350 it was a great bike, good very useable power, especially the low end torque, i towed many bikes out of the desert with it. Only thing i didnt like was its 17" rear wheel, very limited on tire selection. Suspension was a little soft, thats just an XR. Reliable to its core!! Still kinda miss it.
Agree great trail bike!! I also had one(83mod) great power for off road and could handle short stints on the road easily. I really liked the xr350 86model,disk brake front end and a digital speedo!! 😀
I miss the old xrs the were build as just a dirt bike for riding local trails. Modern bikes feel like you are buying a super car they must be rebuild every ride it and many newer bikes feel like mx bikes so they only work well on the track. I just want a cheap dirt bike that works and can do the trails.
@@crosstrainingadventure that's almost depressing. Some local guys are getting into doing a dr250 gear box mod to their 350s. Really low 1-3 and really high 4-6 for highway or something like that. It makes em perfect I've heard
It’s the bike I’d be buying today if it was available in the US. Instead, DR650 is up next as a lighter ADV bike. Had a KTM 690. Don’t need/want 74 HP. XR650L is taller than I’m comfortable with
Same here, Adam. I bought a KTM 690 years ago but sold it after a few months and just got a DR650 instead. Actually too much power for my liking and not enough reliability.
I've ridden the 690 and 640 I agree more power than you need, and too stiff, not as forgiving. Not only that the plastic fairings tend to fall apart easy.
"The era of the mainstream high performance 4 stroke" ruined it all for those who DON'T have a factory team ready to strip and rebuild the motor after every ride..... Bring on the EFI and oil injected 2 strokes !! (Sorry Euro Greenies, but you brought this on yourselves...)
The Honda XR series are the best dirt bikes ever made. They encompass the beauty of the simplicity of the motorcycle. The XR100R is the best of them all.
Yea I was just on here talking about my XR but I have a 1992 DR 350 as well ....been riding this bike forever , added a new plastic kit to it ....it's looking good 👍!
We didn’t get a street legal version of the XR400 here in the USA. I almost bought an XR 400 back in ‘00 but instead bought a KDX200 instead which I still have. It’s funny how the bikes of that era are more desirable than current offerings for guys who just want good, reliable, well performing bikes. I have zero interest in any CRF R or X model. One quick look at the maintenance schedules has me pining for the older bikes.
Love my e-start XR400R, I an older rider (61) who got into off road riding about 5 years ago. But I had to put an estart set up from the TRX400/ EX400 ATV into it because when it was hot and Ai dumped it it would flood and take a savage amount of kicking to clear the flooding and get it started again…. Wasn’t fair to my riding buddies to have to sit around and watch that suffer fest two to three times per ride! LOL. Love my E-start XR400R!
I wish the factory estart xr was sold in the US. My buddy is selling his street legal 92 xr250 because he can't kick it over. My 97 xr250 is a breeze but also a totally different engine. Any resources for the xr400 electric start mod?
There are no bikes out there in todays age that replace any of the XR range. They were fantastic when they came out. Yes they outdated quick, but for their time they really came into their own.. Honda have dropped the ball. The crf450x was a flop in my eyes, high revving valve bending mess. The days of reliable, trouble free solid Japanese made bikes were done for Honda. They still don't have any redemption with road models either, only being the Africa Twin, but Honda is notorious for letting legacy only be war stories now days. If want to own, build or race a meticulous xr machine, it's probably too late. If you want to enjoy what is left, go out there and hop on. There is a huge cult following like myself who still collects and rides these to this day.
Miss my 02 xr250r, love my 00 650r. Really no need for 400 but if I didn't have mine I'd want one. My 13 drz has way more power than xr400 and elec but the chassis is nothing like a Honda, over weight, front heavy.
They stoped the 400R and the 650R because bikes and like everything else is meant to brack down if they don't brake down there not making money it's all about making money yes lay would sell well still today but not brake down enough to bring in the coin...sad really...I have a xr400r and a xr650r in my shed and the misses has a xr400r aswell and they are not going nowhere
I fell in love with the Honda brand the first time I rode my new CR250R back in the 90's. Lots of power and a plush suspension for trail riding, even though it was an MX bike. I can't for the life of me figure out why Honda gave away there off road domination. For 20+ years no manufacturer could touch the XR650R. And McGrath dominated the MX world on the CR250R. It's similar to the way the USA has given all manufacturing to China. WTF is going on? I still have two Honda Icons, '99 VFR800 and a '75 CB550SS.
There’s no need to make more XR400Rs - just pick one up with 500 hours on the top end and keep riding it. Probably has a big bore kit in it too. Keep the chain clean and fresh oil in it and they’ll last forever.
I am a very fortunate rider who works hard to have an 00' XR400, 98' XR600, 01' DRZ-E, 07' KTM 450 and a 07' KTM 525 EXC. When i get to choose which one to ride it is a toss up between the XR400 and 07' 450. Both simply put a grin on. My XR400 cause it is now e-start will likely be the last bike i own. Not really great at anything but good at everything.
Greetings from New Zealand. I have had both XR400r and DR350. The XR400r was good but I found it a bit nasty in steering with a sharp rake angle and short trail. I also found the five speed gearbox not versatile for all conditions. The DR350 steered better and the six speed box was magic and power delivery was tame but smooth. Brakes and suspension were similar. I am currently rebuilding 1996 DR350 as a special because I have most of one. I plan to keep it. Cheers.
as a kid i had an xr100 and always dreamed of one day owning an xr400, after owning a few other bike's i went on the hunt for an xr400 but found a 98 dr350 at about a quarter of the price, absolutely love it!!
the xr400 is all the dirt bike a boy could ask for, especially if the boy don't like conducting maintenance tasks. love the footage of the honda management meeting, i believe the guy with the mickey mouse shirt on is part of an engineer exchange program from kawasaki. cheers lads!
I owned an xr400 for a short time. Great in the bush but in my opinion had bad road manners. It needed a 6th gear. I preferred my tt350 as it was good in the dirt and could handle the Highway speeds better than the Honda. I did try different gearing combinations but I didn't find any good compromise
I have a 96 xr400. It's my 1st bike actually. I dual sport it. I love that thing. It's cushy has torque for days and just does whatever is asked of it. My only complaint is lack of electric start.
Honda XL200 AND Falcons came yo Honduras fron Brazil. I never liked the aspect of that Falcon. Police used to rinde them. Greetings fron central América
wierd the xr's were never updated and continued....xr400's are anvils, I went from a 98 400 to a DRZ400E for the ease of pb start...now on a WR250F. I n my head this is the evolution of the XR400!
Before I uncorked my 17 US FE 350, it was comparable to my XR 400 in power. Stock the XR has an electric powerband in comparison to the the FE. The XRs engine noise is about 1/20th of the clackaty KTM motor too.
Picked up another xr400 red model blowing smoke guys up Richmond top end kit 440 piston new valves seats no more smoke cleaned up header pipe air box opened up jets bit of bling chain and sprockets rotors Total spend 7 Kay love it fly's
I found a super clean XR 400 R 2003 year with 8000 miles for 3000 us. Garage kept. Upgraded pipe, tank carb, wiith original tank, arb, and original pipe,, extra set of rims. Do you think this would make a good first motorcycle for a 6 foot tall mature man? Thank you. Happy trails from Irvine California.
I too had an xr400 that I used for trail riding, enduros and dule sport rides. I rode the wheels off that thing. I realize that time and corporate strategy moves on. However if that bike was still available I would kept on buying them. I rode the DRZ400 and owned a KTM exc300 and they were clearly superior but the thing that made the XR so wonderful was the absence of things that could go wrong like a cooling system. If you were a racer that was trying to win your class it was time for a change. For a guy like me the XR400 was perfect.
Might disagree with you on the DRZ. Yes, water cooled and maybe a tad more power, but heavier (even the e model of which I owned 2) and felt a lot heavier with the higher cg. But, yes, they were the new kid in town and no mods necessary for DSing. Also owned a 400EXC and it was good as well but more mx required.
In Japan they were much better Models of XR with e starer and many updates , that never come to US or EU , anyway XR 250 Is much better trailbike for me.
I remember riding mates xr600 stump puller big heavy bike in the tight stuff but on the open big balls had exeptional front brake nice and strong some had the big fin heads for better cooling and mild cams and jetting for Thumper nats great machine
I have an 04 xr400. I still ride it for everything off road from aggressive enduro to slow rides with kids. MX track I use a water cooled kx250f but I often think in a pinch the XR could handle vet tracks good enough
Great video, here in europe the old XR400s are going for silly money now, the CRF450L could be good but costs way too much, I'm as bemused as you lot that Honda can't see what I think a LOT of people would just love to buy.... but hey, I'm getting on too, what do I know!
I was a Japanese who used to make motorcycles at Honda a little while ago, and now I'm making cars at Toyota.I think the Japanese government is stupid, but I think the most stupid thing is the European Union.Japan and Germany will suffer the most from the abolition of gasoline engines, and I think it's more important for the future of the planet and for the future of automobiles to see the potential of biomass and hydrogen energy instead of the abolition of gasoline engines The U.S., the U.K., and France shouldn't think of it as someone else's business. China's low-quality electric cars want to enter your country
well owning the 250 ,400 and 600 , and racing a 07 crf450 , i have moved on to KTM , 2 stroke and 4 , exc and adventure , would i buy Honda again ? . mmmm?? possibly not , fell off hondas more times than any other bike i have owned , been there done that moved on sort of thing .cheers for the good videos
Hey loser. just wanted to pop in and remind you I love you as a heterosexual fan and imaginary brother. Your videos are awesome as always. Look after yourself. I vicariously live through my dreams, experiences and memories via your videos. Love you lots matey. take care.
It is my opinion that Honda simply doesn't care what the market wants or needs, they have the attitude that they will build it and they will come. The new Transalp is a fine example. Non adjustable suspension? Really?
you can make your own cheaply, honda makes the engine for its four-tracks, and a Chinese firm also makes OEM copies, they fit in any Xl frame and the four-track engines are electric starters.
The XR was a sportsman's bike. Forgiving and easy to ride. Simple to maintain. Bulletproof reliability. If you pressure washed it the wheel bearings suffered. That was it. The KTM 400/450 was an expert's bike. Very light, fast and high spirited. Darn right tricky at times with sudden power and unexpected head-shake. On tricky, muddy or rocky trails in Derbyshire (England) I often found easy grip where my KTM mounted mates dug holes. Cough-stalling was a no-no though. The only way to re-start was to turn off the fuel and have a ciggy. Leccy start, upside down forks and a better rear shock and it would have been a perfect companion. KTMs were pretty fragile and fussy in comparison. Spares were eye-wateringly expensive too.
A few years back the Honda CEO admitted they had lost their mojo, John. But we've seen no signs of them trying to get it back... at least with offroad bikes.
Still have my XR650R. Riding it on snow and ice this time of year 👍 Why Honda did what they did is from a western perspective very strange. As you said, when other competitors introduced themselves it seems Honda just gave up. Thanks for the upload, thumbs u and subscribed!
I think even Honda have admitted, they lost their mojo. The problem is, they don’t seem to be willing to do something about it. I bought a CRF 450L hoping it would be like the XR250 I remembered from my youth, but it just wasn’t. Still a good bike, but not what I was after and I’m not the rider I was in my teens and early 20s. I now have a T700 and yes I am avoiding single track and I am conscious of the weight when things get tight, especially as I am older and not as fit as I should be. But I am enjoying exploring dirt roads. Sometimes the bike we want and the bike we actually need are not the same. Mind you, if they revived the XR 400 or 600 I would seriously consider it.
Been looking at upgrading my xl600v for better dirt performance for years now - still needs to be capable of long distance travel though (read durability, I don't care about comfort) I've been looking mainly at DR350, DR-Z400 (pretty much not available in Denmark) and XR400. Anyone tried multiple of then and have an opinion?
I've owned 3 DR350s off and on over the span of almost 30 years. Two were the street legal version and my most recent a 99 dirt model which for me was exactly what I wanted. My bike is super reliable easy to maintain and although a kicker..no electric start.. it's very easy to get started and much lighter than the street version even though I've made mine street legal. The suspension on the 98/99 street and 97/99 dirt is much better than earlier models as they have a conventional cartridge fork rather than the damper rod style which gives you alot more to work with. I did need to conver the stator and electrical system to DC to run my LED lights and turn signals but the way I have it set up I have everything I need without the need for a battery. All in all it's been a great bike and I love riding it bbot on and off road. I'm in Utah, in the US and have a great diversity of terrain to ride which is why I set this bike up as an ultralight ADV/dual sport but can strip the bags off in two minutes swap my front sprocket and I can go ride more gnarly terrain with no problem.
The 400 segment is one that Honda have toyed with for decades - I mean back to the 80s with their XR & XL 350. It is a necessary segment and domestically, there is a license limit at 400cc in Japan, so there is added incentive to develop engines in this class. These days, I see very few off-road motorcycles in Japan (albeit the TW200 has a cult modding and customisation following in Japan for the past 2 or more decades), but few have a hope straddling any off road bikes let alone an XR of any description. Honda needs to bring back the XL/NX range. The NV is lackluster and is not ok for more than a poorly maintained road.
Lotta good old iron out there. Not wonderful dirtbikes compared to anything even remotely modern but still quite serviceable and reliable for good dual sport or simple trail riding. Love my WR250F but still enjoy my old DR350.
This video popped up as I’m searching the web for parts for my old xr400 and They are getting tougher to find. If Honda put these back into production, and offer a dual sport version I would buy one today. Many of us want a simple, bullet proof , reliable motorcycle that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to buy and maintain. I personally won’t buy any of the high tech offerings now due to the cost mostly but also the simple fun factor of riding a motorcycle just isn’t there with the $12000 rockets imo. At least for me….my motocross days ended in the late 80s and I’m content with a slow bike I can ride fast vs a fast bike I can ride slow.
'a slow bike I can ride fast vs a fast bike I can ride slow.' Great philosophy. I know guys who used to race who now ride 125 two strokes so they can still hit that powerband but without killing themselves...
I had an XR 200, 250 and 400 of the three the XR250 was the best. I would still take an XR over the CRF 300 L fluff bike. Honda jumped the tracks when they discontinued the XR line of bikes.
Honda seems to be living off their brands legendary reliability and nothing else in there complete offroad line and street bike's. They are behind in all areas of research and development suspension, power, handling, comfort They are strictly sticking to older 4 stroke technology that's got legendary reliability not a altogether bad plan but sales have to be suffering with younger buyers.
I'm an Hondista, I have already an VFR vtec and a crz . Last year I m was looking for a XR400 to enjoy into some dirty road from my places.... very rare to find one cheap and near to home ... so I saw a DR350 nearest .... I went for it, cheaper than XR, same work , still reliable , bike was 58.000 km , now it's 60K and still great. I have to say that DR350 it's the best option in this category considering used price and easy availability (more consumption is incredible).
Best bike ever imo. I have an 02 that still starts within 3 kicks and I imagine it will still be running in another 10 years. Anyone else remember people doing the 400ex engine case swaps on their xr's to get the e-start? Why Honda? Why?
No more XR and no big bore sport quad to compete with the Raptor 660, DS650, and KFX700. Never made sense to me. Then they came out with the 700XX 🙄 Maybe the CRF250f will be the start of trail bikes coming back
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What year is yours? Is 2002 a good year?
Still riding an xr400, it's all I need. Sits for 6 months and starts after a couple kicks.
Same
Same. I’ve had more modern 450s and I still prefer the xr400 for the big seat and comfortable ride with loads of torque
@@rippinmachines the 400 feels nostalgic to ride. It's everything you think a dirt bike should be. I've also owned modern 450s. The first one boiled over constantly, the second one flamed out all the time. I was no longer enjoying riding so thought I'd just buy a cheap xr400 for the odd occasion I wanted to ride, than I realised it wasn't that I no longer enjoyed riding it was I didn't enjoy modern dirt bikes and all the issues and costs associated.
@@Velcrochicken1 I’m into vintage stuff so I’m sure that’s a factor in why I enjoy it. Also grew up on an xr250. Either way, I don’t think of it as an old bike. I love the power delivery and the big comfy seat. Linear opposed to very abrupt power that comes on at higher rpm’s on newer 450s. Maybe I just like to ride like an old man.
I picked one up 6 months back I love it on the trails but not so much on the highway haha
Shutting down the whole XR lineup was a huge mistake. Especially, the smaller bikes which helped so many new riders gain confidence, and get into the sport. I like the XR400 and XR600. I also miss the 2 stroke CR lineup. You can't beat a CR500! That's why I own 3 😁
After almost 20yrs out of the saddle , i only recently got back into riding , to chase the kids around . And what did i buy …… a 2004 xr400 ! Absolutley love it 😁👍
I did the same, the xr400r is perfect, enough power to keep a smile on your face, and not too big to man handle around.
I am chasing my boys around on their dirt bikes and I never owned a dirt bike before. Low and behold, I bought an XR 250 and XR400. So much fun, I just wish I started riding before age 54. Better late than never.
That’s great bro, hope you and the kids are still out there ripping together!
did much the same, used to ride and old Yamaha TT600 so comparatively much lighter and easy to start, plenty of power for what I do now and bulletproof enough to probably outlast me
Im an older rider, do you think this bike would be too much for me? I rode a ton when I was a kid, but its been years since Ive been out.
I've owned many bikes the only one I'm keeping is the xr400r. Why don't Honda re release it, new suspension , e start etc...they are mad. People still like nice simple well built things.
same here
Simple well built is why I bought one. I wanna ride not do maintenance or push my bike because I broke a radiator. I ride in East TN and there are LOTS of radiator eatin' rocks here.
You hit the nail on the head. Excellent video. I've often wondered what the hell they were thinking. I owned a 2002 XR400 and absolutely loved it. I sold it and bought a brand new 2005 CRF450X and even though the 450X was superior in design and had better suspension and electric start, I always regretted getting rid of the XR. It was simplistic and bulletproof. Fast forward to 2021, I bought a 2001 XR400, completely went over the whole bike and installed all the necessary dual sport mods. It's my go-to bike once again. I will never sell it.
Great to hear you found a good used XR400, Jim. I'm sure that one will be a keeper!
It's a shame. I'd rather have the XR400 than the DRZ, DR, or XR650L.
It’s the best of all worlds.
I'll keep riding XRs as long as there's parts to make 'em run (and it's not like they need too many).
💯%
I was in my riding hey day in the 90's. Honda's were the the shit. I still think that their reliability is second to none but the r&d remains to be desired. RIP honda dirt bikes.
Yep I had a 90's model 250 with the white plastics, cool looking bike never let me down
I always knew that because of Honda's legendary reliability and quality reputation (I'd say the gold standard), all the other Japanese and even European manufacturers had to improve their reliability/quality just to stay within reach of the Honda standard. Nowadays they all are good, still have there little quirks which is to be expected. I personally have been riding Yamaha's ( for about the last 18 years) and are completely satisfied with there reliability as well, always got there and back.
Came back last week from a bike tour in Mongolia with XR400R. Was surprised and really appreciated that bike. Easy repairs, yes kicking could be a bit of a hassle sometimes. But all in all a fantastic offroad bike in those conditions. Met some Canadian riders on KTM's who wished they could find XR400R's back home.
HONDA AUSTRALIA TRIED TO RESCUE THE XR400... 😢 Glenn Hoffmann says Honda Australia’s management desperately tried to keep the xr 400 in production, as even in the face of modern water-cooled bikes they still sold well for rural areas for mustering.
Honda Australia built a electric start XR400 simply using available Honda parts from other models. In Japan they said it would happen if 30,000 units could be sold annually.
Australia ordered 4000, the UK 2000... and that was it. 24,000 units short! So it never happened.
Is it possible to get some more information on this electric start for th XR400?
@@pollepost i used to run Xrstuff in the UK and sell electric start kits , the same engine is used in the TRX400EX quad it has a longer crankshaft to bolt the e start bits onto it, you can do the same if you swap the crank from the quad onto your XR400 you need to build a battery box (rear fender) but its easy enough, Some the quads have reverse i always fancied having a XR400 with reverse but never got round to it
I love my xr. It's no Austrian dirt weapon, but it puts a grin on my face. I still think it's Honda's best bike.
Just bought my 1st ever XR. A 2004/5 XR250R. Now looking at a 2004/5 XR400R that's mint 👌
Its been said, "old XR's never die, they just get new owners." Had an '84 XR350 it was a great bike, good very useable power, especially the low end torque, i towed many bikes out of the desert with it. Only thing i didnt like was its 17" rear wheel, very limited on tire selection. Suspension was a little soft, thats just an XR. Reliable to its core!! Still kinda miss it.
Agree great trail bike!! I also had one(83mod) great power for off road and could handle short stints on the road easily. I really liked the xr350 86model,disk brake front end and a digital speedo!! 😀
i have a xr 400r but it recently just caught on fire engine is still good so im going to build it back up
@@papigamer1390 hell yeah
I miss the old xrs the were build as just a dirt bike for riding local trails. Modern bikes feel like you are buying a super car they must be rebuild every ride it and many newer bikes feel like mx bikes so they only work well on the track. I just want a cheap dirt bike that works and can do the trails.
40+ years ridden all sorts of dirt bikes, XR600R and XR400R, still to this day, simple, bulletproof and best bikes ever made
It does seem like Honda is its own enemy on the dual sport bikes. Any videos on the dr350 another lost relic
Unfortunately not. I would have except a friend seized hers and never got it fixed, just sold it for parts.
@@crosstrainingadventure that's almost depressing. Some local guys are getting into doing a dr250 gear box mod to their 350s. Really low 1-3 and really high 4-6 for highway or something like that. It makes em perfect I've heard
It’s the bike I’d be buying today if it was available in the US. Instead, DR650 is up next as a lighter ADV bike. Had a KTM 690. Don’t need/want 74 HP.
XR650L is taller than I’m comfortable with
Same here, Adam. I bought a KTM 690 years ago but sold it after a few months and just got a DR650 instead. Actually too much power for my liking and not enough reliability.
I've ridden the 690 and 640 I agree more power than you need, and too stiff, not as forgiving. Not only that the plastic fairings tend to fall apart easy.
Loved the Honda boardroom meeting. That was hilarious !!! 😂
It was quite easy to sneak our camera in too....
"The era of the mainstream high performance 4 stroke" ruined it all for those who DON'T have a factory team ready to strip and rebuild the motor after every ride.....
Bring on the EFI and oil injected 2 strokes !! (Sorry Euro Greenies, but you brought this on yourselves...)
Yes!
The Honda XR series are the best dirt bikes ever made. They encompass the beauty of the simplicity of the motorcycle. The XR100R is the best of them all.
my younger brother had the XR100-killer: the Yamaha RT100 two stroke! THat bike was a lot of fun!
XR600
I think he meant 400
My old reliable in the 90s, was the Suzuki DR 350. Man what a bike it was!
Yea I was just on here talking about my XR but I have a 1992 DR 350 as well ....been riding this bike forever , added a new plastic kit to it ....it's looking good 👍!
I'm still riding a DR350 daily :D
@@michaelnutzel2226 your a beast! Awesome bike. It will last forever IMO
We didn’t get a street legal version of the XR400 here in the USA. I almost bought an XR 400 back in ‘00 but instead bought a KDX200 instead which I still have. It’s funny how the bikes of that era are more desirable than current offerings for guys who just want good, reliable, well performing bikes. I have zero interest in any CRF R or X model. One quick look at the maintenance schedules has me pining for the older bikes.
Likewise, I'm not into those constant oil changes. I'd love to see some of those enduro models actually detuned and a bigger oil capacity...
Love my e-start XR400R, I an older rider (61) who got into off road riding about 5 years ago. But I had to put an estart set up from the TRX400/ EX400 ATV into it because when it was hot and Ai dumped it it would flood and take a savage amount of kicking to clear the flooding and get it started again…. Wasn’t fair to my riding buddies to have to sit around and watch that suffer fest two to three times per ride! LOL. Love my E-start XR400R!
I wish the factory estart xr was sold in the US. My buddy is selling his street legal 92 xr250 because he can't kick it over. My 97 xr250 is a breeze but also a totally different engine.
Any resources for the xr400 electric start mod?
@@BeeWhere thumpertalk
There are no bikes out there in todays age that replace any of the XR range.
They were fantastic when they came out. Yes they outdated quick, but for their time they really came into their own..
Honda have dropped the ball. The crf450x was a flop in my eyes, high revving valve bending mess. The days of reliable, trouble free solid Japanese made bikes were done for Honda. They still don't have any redemption with road models either, only being the Africa Twin, but Honda is notorious for letting legacy only be war stories now days.
If want to own, build or race a meticulous xr machine, it's probably too late. If you want to enjoy what is left, go out there and hop on. There is a huge cult following like myself who still collects and rides these to this day.
I preferred the XL's, lower but still fairly competent off road. Tall bikes catch more wind when road riding.
Well said, Eddie. I can't really see Honda becoming a leader in the offroad segment again. 😢
South American countries seem to get some very interesting bikes. It can’t be all about emissions.
Miss my 02 xr250r, love my 00 650r. Really no need for 400 but if I didn't have mine I'd want one.
My 13 drz has way more power than xr400 and elec but the chassis is nothing like a Honda, over weight, front heavy.
They stoped the 400R and the 650R because bikes and like everything else is meant to brack down if they don't brake down there not making money it's all about making money yes lay would sell well still today but not brake down enough to bring in the coin...sad really...I have a xr400r and a xr650r in my shed and the misses has a xr400r aswell and they are not going nowhere
E-start XR400 motor in a modern chassis with modern suspension is my dream bike. Needs to keep the low XR seat height too.
Yeah, the new aged bikes with their super short maintenance intervals are just annoying. They are getting close with the KLX300R.
AJP PR4 with a big bore?
I fell in love with the Honda brand the first time I rode my new CR250R back in the 90's. Lots of power and a plush suspension for trail riding, even though it was an MX bike. I can't for the life of me figure out why Honda gave away there off road domination. For 20+ years no manufacturer could touch the XR650R. And McGrath dominated the MX world on the CR250R. It's similar to the way the USA has given all manufacturing to China. WTF is going on? I still have two Honda Icons, '99 VFR800 and a '75 CB550SS.
Even Honda's CEO says they've lost their mojo 😢
There’s no need to make more XR400Rs - just pick one up with 500 hours on the top end and keep riding it. Probably has a big bore kit in it too. Keep the chain clean and fresh oil in it and they’ll last forever.
I am a very fortunate rider who works hard to have an 00' XR400, 98' XR600, 01' DRZ-E, 07' KTM 450 and a 07' KTM 525 EXC. When i get to choose which one to ride it is a toss up between the XR400 and 07' 450. Both simply put a grin on. My XR400 cause it is now e-start will likely be the last bike i own. Not really great at anything but good at everything.
Cool, how did you get the e-start? Adapted from the TRX quad or did you manage to buy the short lived motard model?
@@crosstrainingadventure To retain the kickstarter i went with the TRX Quad crank. Wish the Motard was in the USA but unfortunately not.
Electric start modded mine.
One sweet bike.
Sweet bike , we didn't have a xr400 that was street legal from the factory in the USA
Love my 2002 xr400 street legal in California.
I have one right now it’s not tricky to start when it’s hot but there’s a certain method to the coldstart!
I have a dr350 (similar bike) and it's the best dual sport I've ever swung my leg over.
Greetings from New Zealand.
I have had both XR400r and DR350.
The XR400r was good but I found it a bit nasty in steering with a sharp rake angle and short trail. I also found the five speed gearbox not versatile for all conditions.
The DR350 steered better and the six speed box was magic and power delivery was tame but smooth.
Brakes and suspension were similar.
I am currently rebuilding 1996 DR350 as a special because I have most of one. I plan to keep it.
Cheers.
as a kid i had an xr100 and always dreamed of one day owning an xr400, after owning a few other bike's i went on the hunt for an xr400 but found a 98 dr350 at about a quarter of the price, absolutely love it!!
I have a XR 400 and still ride it alot , love this bike ...put oil n gas in it and goes never an issue . The XR 400 is legendary ! 👍...Cheers 🍺
Well said!
I ride mine at least twice a month for the past 2 years. Love this bike.
Same here
its not only honda. there is no other bike like the drz in the market and the drz hasnt been updated for decades...
the xr400 is all the dirt bike a boy could ask for, especially if the boy don't like conducting maintenance tasks. love the footage of the honda management meeting, i believe the guy with the mickey mouse shirt on is part of an engineer exchange program from kawasaki. cheers lads!
😁
I owned an xr400 for a short time. Great in the bush but in my opinion had bad road manners. It needed a 6th gear.
I preferred my tt350 as it was good in the dirt and could handle the Highway speeds better than the Honda.
I did try different gearing combinations but I didn't find any good compromise
I have a 96 xr400. It's my 1st bike actually. I dual sport it. I love that thing. It's cushy has torque for days and just does whatever is asked of it. My only complaint is lack of electric start.
eu tenho uma aqui no Brasil ano 1996, que adaptamos partida elétrica e esta funcionando perfeitamente.
Honda XL200 AND Falcons came yo Honduras fron Brazil.
I never liked the aspect of that Falcon. Police used to rinde them. Greetings fron central América
Love the old XR bikes. Still got a 250 from 1978 running well.
With the ENORMOUS front wheel 😂😂😂
I think its a dirt bike so KISS. Good old XR400
back in the day Motorcycle companies made bikes for the way people actually rode. Today they make and sell bikes for how people THINK they can ride
🤣 True!
Why Suzuki didn't update DRZ? In Europe, we can't buy anything, no XR, DR, DRZ... They left us expensive or nothing.
wierd the xr's were never updated and continued....xr400's are anvils, I went from a 98 400 to a DRZ400E for the ease of pb start...now on a WR250F. I n my head this is the evolution of the XR400!
A touch larger more powerful big brother to the crf250f, sign me up. Bring back xr350/400
Before I uncorked my 17 US FE 350, it was comparable to my XR 400 in power.
Stock the XR has an electric powerband in comparison to the the FE.
The XRs engine noise is about 1/20th of the clackaty KTM motor too.
If they released an e start version i would buy it tomorrow
Very easy for them to do the e-start. They did it with the TRX quad. And I think they worked it into the short lived XR400 motard model too.
Picked up another xr400 red model blowing smoke guys up Richmond top end kit 440 piston new valves seats no more smoke cleaned up header pipe air box opened up jets bit of bling chain and sprockets rotors Total spend 7 Kay love it fly's
I found a super clean XR 400 R 2003 year with 8000 miles for 3000 us. Garage kept. Upgraded pipe, tank carb, wiith original tank, arb, and original pipe,, extra set of rims. Do you think this would make a good first motorcycle for a 6 foot tall mature man? Thank you. Happy trails from Irvine California.
I had a 1996 model in 2005. Was a great bush bike, pretty heavy, but still fun. If they still made them, they would still sell.
I too had an xr400 that I used for trail riding, enduros and dule sport rides. I rode the wheels off that thing. I realize that time and corporate strategy moves on. However if that bike was still available I would kept on buying them. I rode the DRZ400 and owned a KTM exc300 and they were clearly superior but the thing that made the XR so wonderful was the absence of things that could go wrong like a cooling system. If you were a racer that was trying to win your class it was time for a change. For a guy like me the XR400 was perfect.
Might disagree with you on the DRZ. Yes, water cooled and maybe a tad more power, but heavier (even the e model of which I owned 2) and felt a lot heavier with the higher cg. But, yes, they were the new kid in town and no mods necessary for DSing. Also owned a 400EXC and it was good as well but more mx required.
400ex is reliable and great for trail riding. Not the best for jump while stock though. But yet again it wasn’t designed for atv mx racing
😄100% accountants took over. Or more likely their wives. Fun police around the world don't help either
In Japan they were much better Models of XR with e starer and many updates , that never come to US or EU , anyway XR 250 Is much better trailbike for me.
I remember riding mates xr600 stump puller big heavy bike in the tight stuff but on the open big balls had exeptional front brake nice and strong some had the big fin heads for better cooling and mild cams and jetting for Thumper nats great machine
Choke on turn up idle a bit couple of slow kicks get piston at TDC slow kick start down click then big kick through boom she fire's Up 😅
I have an 04 xr400. I still ride it for everything off road from aggressive enduro to slow rides with kids. MX track I use a water cooled kx250f but I often think in a pinch the XR could handle vet tracks good enough
Early 2000s the Golden age of motorcycles.
In my opinion the 400 doesn't really offer anything over the 600. They're both pigs, I'd rather have the one with more CC's.
Great video, here in europe the old XR400s are going for silly money now, the CRF450L could be good but costs way too much, I'm as bemused as you lot that Honda can't see what I think a LOT of people would just love to buy.... but hey, I'm getting on too, what do I know!
I think Honda get more excited about selling generators and lawn mowers nowadays. 😢
Yes, Honda should bring it back. The XR400 is the best dirt bike ever made, for various reasons
I was a Japanese who used to make motorcycles at Honda a little while ago, and now I'm making cars at Toyota.I think the Japanese government is stupid, but I think the most stupid thing is the European Union.Japan and Germany will suffer the most from the abolition of gasoline engines, and I think it's more important for the future of the planet and for the future of automobiles to see the potential of biomass and hydrogen energy instead of the abolition of gasoline engines
The U.S., the U.K., and France shouldn't think of it as someone else's business. China's low-quality electric cars want to enter your country
well owning the 250 ,400 and 600 , and racing a 07 crf450 , i have moved on to KTM , 2 stroke and 4 , exc and adventure , would i buy Honda again ? . mmmm?? possibly not , fell off hondas more times than any other bike i have owned , been there done that moved on sort of thing .cheers for the good videos
Honda makes some crazy weird decisions when it comes to motorcycles even with automobiles ! But that’s why we love them right 😩🏁
You have just brought my pain and regret back for selling mine
Same here
Hey loser. just wanted to pop in and remind you I love you as a heterosexual fan and imaginary brother. Your videos are awesome as always. Look after yourself. I vicariously live through my dreams, experiences and memories via your videos. Love you lots matey. take care.
Новым моделям Хонды, к сожалению, не хватает той простоты, надёжности и утилитарности, которыми обладал XR400
It is my opinion that Honda simply doesn't care what the market wants or needs, they have the attitude that they will build it and they will come. The new Transalp is a fine example. Non adjustable suspension? Really?
you can make your own cheaply, honda makes the engine for its four-tracks, and a Chinese firm also makes OEM copies, they fit in any Xl frame and the four-track engines are electric starters.
I passed my LAM's last year on a 98 XR400, bloody rippa of a bike.
The XR was a sportsman's bike. Forgiving and easy to ride. Simple to maintain. Bulletproof reliability. If you pressure washed it the wheel bearings suffered. That was it. The KTM 400/450 was an expert's bike. Very light, fast and high spirited. Darn right tricky at times with sudden power and unexpected head-shake. On tricky, muddy or rocky trails in Derbyshire (England) I often found easy grip where my KTM mounted mates dug holes. Cough-stalling was a no-no though. The only way to re-start was to turn off the fuel and have a ciggy. Leccy start, upside down forks and a better rear shock and it would have been a perfect companion. KTMs were pretty fragile and fussy in comparison. Spares were eye-wateringly expensive too.
I Missing my XR 600R. In Germany was it a very extraordinary Bike.
Just got a xr400m, going to put on 21/18s and see how it goes.....the electric start is nice
Should they bring back the old tried and true reliable, yes, yes they should.
Honda has gone down hill since the loss of Mr. Honda! Now it is just another corporation 😭
A few years back the Honda CEO admitted they had lost their mojo, John. But we've seen no signs of them trying to get it back... at least with offroad bikes.
Still have my XR650R. Riding it on snow and ice this time of year 👍
Why Honda did what they did is from a western perspective very strange. As you said, when other competitors introduced themselves it seems Honda just gave up. Thanks for the upload, thumbs u and subscribed!
I have a 2003 400. It has very low hours but I know it fires up on a kick or 2. I can ride it all day and then some.
I think even Honda have admitted, they lost their mojo. The problem is, they don’t seem to be willing to do something about it. I bought a CRF 450L hoping it would be like the XR250 I remembered from my youth, but it just wasn’t. Still a good bike, but not what I was after and I’m not the rider I was in my teens and early 20s. I now have a T700 and yes I am avoiding single track and I am conscious of the weight when things get tight, especially as I am older and not as fit as I should be. But I am enjoying exploring dirt roads. Sometimes the bike we want and the bike we actually need are not the same. Mind you, if they revived the XR 400 or 600 I would seriously consider it.
A very good point, Chris.... Sometimes the bike we want and the bike we actually need are not the same
You didn't even mention the klx300 r its selling like crazy
Been looking at upgrading my xl600v for better dirt performance for years now - still needs to be capable of long distance travel though (read durability, I don't care about comfort)
I've been looking mainly at DR350, DR-Z400 (pretty much not available in Denmark) and XR400.
Anyone tried multiple of then and have an opinion?
I've owned 3 DR350s off and on over the span of almost 30 years. Two were the street legal version and my most recent a 99 dirt model which for me was exactly what I wanted. My bike is super reliable easy to maintain and although a kicker..no electric start.. it's very easy to get started and much lighter than the street version even though I've made mine street legal. The suspension on the 98/99 street and 97/99 dirt is much better than earlier models as they have a conventional cartridge fork rather than the damper rod style which gives you alot more to work with. I did need to conver the stator and electrical system to DC to run my LED lights and turn signals but the way I have it set up I have everything I need without the need for a battery. All in all it's been a great bike and I love riding it bbot on and off road. I'm in Utah, in the US and have a great diversity of terrain to ride which is why I set this bike up as an ultralight ADV/dual sport but can strip the bags off in two minutes swap my front sprocket and I can go ride more gnarly terrain with no problem.
If honda came out with the xr400r the way it was from 96-04 id buy a pair on the spot.
YES! Even though I also have a 2021 GASGAS EC 300 I love to ride the XR. Different experience and sometimes superior, for me.
They should have never left it,,,best dize best bike inxtead of the 650
The 400 segment is one that Honda have toyed with for decades - I mean back to the 80s with their XR & XL 350. It is a necessary segment and domestically, there is a license limit at 400cc in Japan, so there is added incentive to develop engines in this class.
These days, I see very few off-road motorcycles in Japan (albeit the TW200 has a cult modding and customisation following in Japan for the past 2 or more decades), but few have a hope straddling any off road bikes let alone an XR of any description.
Honda needs to bring back the XL/NX range. The NV is lackluster and is not ok for more than a poorly maintained road.
It would be great to see those return, Mark! I grew up on Hondas.... QA50, XR75, XL100, XL125, XL175.
Lotta good old iron out there. Not wonderful dirtbikes compared to anything even remotely modern but still quite serviceable and reliable for good dual sport or simple trail riding. Love my WR250F but still enjoy my old DR350.
This video popped up as I’m searching the web for parts for my old xr400 and They are getting tougher to find. If Honda put these back into production, and offer a dual sport version I would buy one today. Many of us want a simple, bullet proof , reliable motorcycle that doesn’t cost an arm and a leg to buy and maintain. I personally won’t buy any of the high tech offerings now due to the cost mostly but also the simple fun factor of riding a motorcycle just isn’t there with the $12000 rockets imo. At least for me….my motocross days ended in the late 80s and I’m content with a slow bike I can ride fast vs a fast bike I can ride slow.
'a slow bike I can ride fast vs a fast bike I can ride slow.' Great philosophy. I know guys who used to race who now ride 125 two strokes so they can still hit that powerband but without killing themselves...
I had an XR 200, 250 and 400 of the three the XR250 was the best. I would still take an XR over the CRF 300 L fluff bike.
Honda jumped the tracks when they discontinued the XR line of bikes.
What year of the 250 ? With that much XR experience, would you consider that specific year/model the ‘Best’ of the lot ? Is there a ‘Holy Grail’ ?
@@StansE250 2001 XR250R.
Honda seems to be living off their brands legendary reliability and nothing else in there complete offroad line and street bike's. They are behind in all areas of research and development suspension, power, handling, comfort They are strictly sticking to older 4 stroke technology that's got legendary reliability not a altogether bad plan but sales have to be suffering with younger buyers.
I had the 1st year XR-350. Fun bike, heavy & if you dropped it you were exhausted before you got it running again.
I'm an Hondista, I have already an VFR vtec and a crz .
Last year I m was looking for a XR400 to enjoy into some dirty road from my places.... very rare to find one cheap and near to home ... so I saw a DR350 nearest .... I went for it, cheaper than XR, same work , still reliable , bike was 58.000 km , now it's 60K and still great.
I have to say that DR350 it's the best option in this category considering used price and easy availability (more consumption is incredible).
I love my XR250R 2000..PERFECT BIKE
XR400R ist the best offroad Bike of all times ! I drive them in southern spain and nobody can follow.
I owned a 1996 for 10 years. Finally gave it up for a 2 stroke for the trails.
I’m pretty sure the CRF mostly replaced the XR
I have an xr250 and my dad has an xr400 both great bikes
Best bike ever imo. I have an 02 that still starts within 3 kicks and I imagine it will still be running in another 10 years. Anyone else remember people doing the 400ex engine case swaps on their xr's to get the e-start? Why Honda? Why?
No more XR and no big bore sport quad to compete with the Raptor 660, DS650, and KFX700. Never made sense to me. Then they came out with the 700XX 🙄 Maybe the CRF250f will be the start of trail bikes coming back
We can only hope...