1983 Honda XR200RD – $6,500

1983 Honda XR200R for sale

SELLER SAYS:  Original plastics, engine and gearbox fully rebuilt, Berlt cylinder head from UK with oversize valves, high-lift cam and roller bearings (original reconditioned cylinder head included) new tuned carby, rear shock serviced (revalved with Gold Valve and XR500 spring – original shock included), frame sand-blasted and checked, full aftermarket exhaust with oversized header (original exhaust included). Contact Greg on 0408 628 104 (Toowoomba, Queensland.).

EDITOR TERLICK SAYS: When I was young man with more dollars than brain cells, I bought a brand new Pro-link Honda XR500R. I loved it, I really did, but it was a stupid choice of bike. I was an experienced motocross rider transitioning to enduros, and figured the more horsepower, the better, right? Er, wrong. The big XR sure had plenty of power (way more than I needed), but it was also tall and heavy; two attributes that made it a handful in tough terrain. What I should have bought, was one of these. The XR200 evolved from the XL185 which was an unassuming little twin-shock trail bike, built for lightweight play and commuting duties. But a few enterprising souls beefed up their little XLs with some go-fast kit and better suspension, and discovered they were not just ok off road, they were brilliant. Honda responded quickly, and by 1983 the baby XR was a serious enduro mount, kitted out with proper enduro equipment but still with very low weight, a low seat height and a tough, willing, high-revving motor. This bike of Greg’s has some tasty upgrades – I especially like the sound of that cylinder head with over-size valves and bearings to support the camshaft. It is precisely the bike I should have bought back in the day. And frankly, if I were looking at returning to the bush and hitting the vintage enduro scene, it would be the bike I should still buy today.