Honda XR series
The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world.
Some of the XR series came in two versions: R and L. The R version bikes were enduro machines designed for off-road competitive riding. They were fitted with knobby off-road tires and were not always street legal. The L version models were dual-sport trailbikes, fitted with lights, indicators, horn, and street legal tyres.
Small XR models
Small XR models include the XR50R, XR70R, XR75R, XR80R and XR100R. They are much smaller in size in comparison to the other bikes in the series, and are designed for children, smaller riders, as pit bikes, or for recreational fun. The child actor Edward Furlong who plays the young John Connor sits on a towed XR80 in the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, however his stunt double who was of legal age, needed to use the larger XR100 for his shots of physically riding the bike in the film, moreover, the audio tracks of the engines revving were taken from the more distinctive sounding 2-stroke Honda CR80 for dramatic reasons.[1]
The XR 50 is a small four-stroke 50 cc (3.1 cu in) child's entry level motorcycle, produced from 1969 until today. Originally it was called the Z-50, then Trail-50, the XR 50, CRF 50, and the mini dirt bike.
XR100R
The XR100R was first introduced with the R designation in 1985, four years after the XR100 was brought to market. A major difference between the two was a major rear suspension upgrade to a more race-like single coil-over design and a new swingarm over the traditional dual real coil-over systems on the XR100. This suspension system was known as the Pro-Link system on Hondas.
XR 125
The XR 125 was released in 2003. The 124 cc (7.6 cu in) engine generates 11.52 hp (8.59 kW) at 4,500&;rpm,[2] Only the 2010 XR125L has a kick starter. The XR 125 Shares the same engine as the Honda CG125 and produces a Max torque of 7 ft-lb, the top speed in real world conditions is between 55-60 mph with a fuel consumption of about 60mpg.
XR 200
The XR200, a development of the XL185 trail bike, was produced from 1980 until 1984. The XR200 had a modestly enlarged ohc 2-valve 6-speed air-cooled engine with kick-start only. Suspension was conventional, like the XL185s, but with better quality components and more travel. Although the XR200 power output was modest, the bike was small and light and it suited less experienced riders. Due to its lightness, easy handling and good ground clearance, the XR200 was competitive as a clubman's enduro machine. Drum brakes were fitted front and rear. Having neither battery nor electric start, the driving lights shone only when the engine was running.
XR 200R
The Honda XR 200R had the same 195 cc (11.9 cu in) engine of its predecessor, the XR200. This oversquare two-valve engine had a 10:1 compression ratio. A major advance over the XR200, the XR200R had Pro-Link rear suspension, and heavier duty frame and forks, and was a tougher enduro machine.
For the 1984-85 model years, the XR200 had a smaller version of the same 4 valve RFVC engine as the other XRs in the line up. The 200cc RFVC engine shared many parts with the 250cc RFVC engine. For the 1986 model year, Honda reverted to the 2 valve engine that had powered the XR200R before 1984 and variations of the 2 valve engine continued to power the XR200R until the model was dropped altogether.
Brazilian versions of the XR 200R were introduced in 1992 and remained on production until 2001 for the domestic market and at least until 2015 for export, always fitted with the 2-valve engine, electric start and front disc brake. At least in Australia, the Brazilian-made model was rebadged CTX200 and fitted with a "cheater sprocket" to get an overall lower gear ratio more suitable to the needs of agricultural operators and was not roadworthy as supplied. [3]
XR 230/250R
The XR250R was introduced pre 1981, and was originally equipped with a variation of the engine that had powered the XL250S since 1978. For 1983 the model was dropped from Honda's line-up, but came back in 1984 with a completely new engine dubbed the "Radial Four Valve Chamber" (RFVC) engine. The original 250 cc (15 cu in) RFVC engine had a bore and stroke of 75 mm × 56.5 mm (2.95 in × 2.22 in), but in 1986 this was changed to 73 mm × 59.5 mm (2.87 in × 2.34 in). 1986 also saw the adoption of a large, single carburetor rather than the dual progressively opening carburetors of the 84-85 models. In 1996 the engine of the XR 250R, the mainstay of the XR range, was updated and now produced 19 hp (14 kW) at 8100 rpm.[4] Changes included a new crankcase with better engine mounts (which incorporated the swingarm pivot) for a stiffer chassis, smaller exhaust valves to address a problem with cracking cylinder heads, and an improved automatic decompressor for easier starting. Although the XR250R was always quite heavy compared to its 2 stroke competition and both front and rear suspension were rather basic, it proved reliable and likable and was successful as an entry-level off-road machine. The XR250R was discontinued after 2004.
XR 250L
This street version of the XR250R was built to conform to USA Department of Transportation regulations for street legal motorcycles, but was sold worldwide. It had road legal lights and tires, a steel fuel tank, keyed ignition/steering lock, lower seat height and other minor changes. Some 40 lb (18 kg) heavier, it had reduced off-road ability. It shared the XR250R's RFVC 249 cc (15.2 cu in) engine, but with a different carburetor and 3 mm (0.12 in) smaller exhaust headers to meet emissions requirements. It was manufactured from 1991-2007.
There was a Brazilian equivalent named XR 250 Tornado made from 2001 to 2009 (until 2012 for export) for the local market and regional exports to other South American countries but also available in Mexico and Central America. Its engine was the same 4-valve DOHC air-cooled single fitted to the CBX 250 Twister/CBF 250, but the exhaust was dimensioned to improve low-end torque with the sacrifice of 1hp resulting in a 23hp rating.
XR 350R
The XR 350R was introduced for the 1983 model year and discontinued after the 1985 model year. The 1983 and 1984 models were wet sump engines with a bore and stroke of 84 mm × 61.3 mm (3.31 in × 2.41 in) and a displacement of 339 cc (20.7 cu in). The 1985 engine had a dry sump, a stroke of 63.8 mm and displacement of 353 cc (21.5 cu in). The wrist pin diameter was reduced from 21 mm to 19 mm and the dual progressive carburetors of the 83-84 models were replaced by a single large carburetor.
XR 400R
The XR 400R was introduced in 1996. It had a similar frame, plastics and suspension components as the XR 250R, and had a similar air-cooled engine with RFVC technology. The XR400 had more suspension travel and a longer wheelbase. XR 400s were heavily modified and raced. In 2004 Honda discontinued the XR400R.
XR 400M
The XR 400M was introduced in 2005, and whilst having a similar engine to the XR 400R, the exhaust diameter is smaller and has a slightly lower power output. It was sold as a factory motard, with road wheels and tyres, electric start, and updated faux radiator fairings.
XR 500 / XR 500R
Introduced in 1979, the twin-shock Honda XR 500 was the first "XR" model. The engine was a four-stroke, four-valve OHC, 497 cc (30.3 cu in) Pentroof engine. The bike had a conventional 18" rear wheel but an unusual 23" front wheel which was supposed to be better for riding over potholes and ruts. The 23" size proved unpopular and did not catch on as the wheel/tyre assembly was heavy, and there was little choice of replacement 23" tyres.
In 1981 Honda introduced 'Pro-Link’ models, with rising-rate single-shock rear suspension, a 17" rear wheel and a 21" front wheel. Unusual for a four-stroke with its typical intake and exhaust valves, the 1981 and 1982 XR-500 utilized a six-petal reed valve set-up between the carburetor and the intake valves. This was intended to provide better low-end performance while still allowing a large carburetor to be used. The 1982 XR 500RC was very similar to the 1981 RB apart from decal and trim changes.
The 1983 XR500R was thoroughly revised with a new dry-sump RFVC 5-speed engine which was lighter and more powerful than the older engine. Induction was by 2 carburetors, the first in use until 1/4 throttle, whereupon the second started to take effect. Power was 41hp @6000 rpm, torque was 4.7 Kg-m of at 5500 rpm, and dry weight was 266.7lbs. The frame was entirely revised, and suspension was updated with 43mm air-adjustable forks with 11" of suspension travel both front and rear. Wheels were 21" front and 17" rear. The fuel tank had a 12 litre capacity, the front brake was a single hydraulic disc, and the handlebars sported plastic ‘bark-buster’ hand protectors.
The 1984 XR500RE model was the last 500cc XR, being superseded in 1985 by the larger Honda XR 600RF.
XR 600R
The XR 600R was used in Baja races. It was introduced in 1985, and was updated in 1988 when the original dual progressively opening carburetors were replaced with a larger single carburetor. The 600 was updated again in 1992. The XR won many desert races in the hands of Johnny Campbell and GNCC races in the hands of Scott Summers. Its engine was very similar to the XR 400 and XR 250 engines, (though larger and heavier)
XR 650R
Introduced in 2000, the XR 650R was not just an update to the XR 600—it was a totally new bike. An all-new 649 cc (39.6 cu in), liquid-cooled, SOHC engine was mated to an aluminum box frame. At 280 lb (130 kg) dry, it weighed more than the XR600R which it replaced, but was built very strong and the engine was immensely powerful. Honda was obviously aiming squarely at the long range desert racing market with this bike. .[5] Team Honda and the XR650R posted many definitive Baja 1000 wins during its production cycle, and many other desert race wins with Scott Summers and Johnny Campbell at the helm. Cancelled for the 2008 production year, the 'Big Red Pig (BRP)' enjoys a loyal following among Honda fans today, and remains one of the most competitive, open class 4-stroke enduro motorcycles available.
XR 650L
The Honda XR650L is a street/trail bike that is more similar to the XR 600R than the XR 650R. It has a steel tube frame as opposed to an aluminum spar frame like in the XR 650R. It also has an air-cooled 644 cc (39.3 cu in) SOHC dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke engine similar except for an increased displacement to the XR 600R, unlike the totally redesigned XR 650R that has a liquid-cooled 649 cc (39.6 cu in) SOHC dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke engine. The 644 cc (39.3 cu in) engine first appeared in the NX650 Dominator in 1988 which makes it the longest produced RFVC engine made by Honda. With a headlight, taillight, turn signals, mirrors, smog system, revised exhaust system and a 2.8 gallon gas tank with 0.6 gal reserve, the 650L has a 349 lb (158 kg) wet weight.[6]
The Honda XR650L is one of the longest running unchanged production models in the history of motorcycling and is still available today exactly as the 1992 model specifications.
XRV650
The Honda XRV650 (produced from 1988 to 1989) was the second twin cylinder production trail bike by Honda, the first one being the Honda XLV750R produced from 1983 to 1986. It was the first twin cylinder model in the XR series and as such started the XRV series, but it was soon replaced by the Honda XRV750 in 1990. The 650cc model was built in Japan by Honda Racing Corporation and is arguably a better built bike than following versions of XRVs, which were standard production models. It came as both single and double headlight variations, and featured a slightly tuned 650cc engine similar to the Honda Transalp (XL600V and XL650V) and high specification chassis components, leading to its rather brief production run. With an aftermarket larger capacity tank and very few other modifications the bike was entered in the marathon class of the Paris Dakar Rally, revealing its surprisingly good off-road abilities - despite its 200 kg weight, hence it belongs firmly to the XR range. It is the most sought after model of the Africa Twin XRV range and is fast becoming a collector's item, especially in Europe.[7]
See also
- Honda CRF series
- Yamaha WRF series
- Suzuki DR-Z series
- Kawasaki KLX series
External links
References
- Hyperrealistic sounds Gary Rydstrom: In Terminator 2 Cameron's approach to sound was hyperrealistic.
- Honda Motorcycles Models
- Note: however CTX200 owners can apply for conditional registration which allows for a limited usage of public roads
- "2004 Suzuki RM-Z250 Comparison". Retrieved 31 December 2016.
- "Race Test: Honda XR650R." Dirt Bike Magazine. February, 2000. p. 40.
- "Performance Index '10" (PDF), Motorcycle Consumer News, Bowtie Magazines, 2010, archived from the original (PDF) on 2010-02-15, retrieved 2011-02-14
- "Einzeltest Fahrbericht Honda XRV 650 Africa Twin" motorradonline.de
