1983 Honda XL 600R *Sold £3,000*

Description

• Single cylinder ‘thumper‘
• 589cc engine, 45bhp
• MOT’d to February 2025
• High level exhaust
• Wire wheels

A true Honda classic. There’s a reason the XL 600R continues to have a hugely loyal following. Tough, purposeful, tried & tested. A torquey air-cooled single-cylinder engine, rugged steel frame, and long-travel suspension. Road-legal lighting makes it good for everyday riding.

In an age of techno-wizardry, the XL stands out as an uncomplicated bike that’s ready for any adventure you can throw its way.

If the XL 600R looks familiar it’s because Honda trusts these machines. Starting with the XR350 and XR500, the family grew into this four-stroke single XL 600R.

The XL 600R is in an easier state of tune, with lower compression ratio and bigger muffler, but by increasing displacement the 600 gets increased oomph up to 45bhp.

Honda designers prefer simplicity as a route to success. The XL 600 has just one balance shaft. A  full cradle frame and dry sump, which lower the engine with a 21-inch front wheel. Honda launched other new developments like the radial valve head and compound ‘twin’ carbs.

The biggest development is a decompression chamber. Survivors of big singles know all about kicking and being kicked by big singles. Once you get the sequence, according to our vendor, this one is straightforward to get going.

Dual piston single front brake caliper and Pro-Link rear suspension. Up front are 39mm Showa forks. The rear suspension has settings for rebound damping and a useful range of spring pre-load

The headlight has a halogen bulb, bright enough for night riding, just.

These are quick bikes. At 300lb the XL is lardy for a dirt bike. But 300lb is light for a 45bhp motorcycle.

The XL will keep up and outpace many period road twins. A quarter mile in 13 seconds is lively. Don’t try it today, but the XL was a 100-mph bike. Don’t try this at home kids! And it is good for 60mpg.

Our vendor has owned this since 2017 along with several other bikes, some of which are coming to market.

It is an Italian import. That speaks volumes to the condition you can see. It has been parked in the garage for three years. The first time it went for an MOT, it passed. In fact, that is the case for every MOT. Since 2014 Honda has covered about 1,200km. You’ll notice repair patches to the seat. Our vendor bought the Honda like this and hasn’t touched them. He has however carried out a service and fitted a lithium-ion battery for reliability

Our vendor has shared that:

“The bike was manufactured in 1983, but is registered as a 1993 model.

My assumption is, there was a mistake made on the Italian export paperwork (which I have copies of) stating the bike is a 1993. This model of XL600R (Red frame, white tank, black engine) was only manufactured in 1983. The mistake could have been rectified by the owner who registered it in the UK with the NOVA. However, it seems he just “went with it” and registered it on a ‘K’.”

Summary

A terrific, useable bike, ready to jump on and ride and reserved very sensibly.

These don’t come up that frequently. Do any research and you’ll quickly see the cult status they have. There is a reason for that. Whether it is some mild green-laning, real off-road adventures, or just a weekend away, it will do it all, including embarrassing much bigger modern bikes on tarmac. A universal bike that will make you grin from ear-to-ear.

Vehicle Location: Huntly, Aberdeenshire AB54 – it’s the responsibility of the winning bidder to make collection / transportation arrangements directly with the vendors.

Would like to arrange a viewing or have a question about this Honda XL 600R? Please contact us at team@evoke-classics.com and we will speak to the vendor on your behalf.

Guide Prices?

We’re different. But you know that. And we’re always honest. In a sector where no two classics are same, how does anyone put a ‘guide’.

Well, everyone knows the broad value of classic, let’s all be honest. So, we don’t need to tell you what you already know, do we.

The ‘market’ decides and the old cliché that ‘it’s worth what someone wants to pay’ is no less true. So why kid everyone!

But, because we are different, if it really does matter to you, that’s fine, we want you to be happy. Just drop us a line at team@evoke-classics.com and one of us will be delighted to get back to you, it’s what we do.

Tedious but it’s vital you read this, please.

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