Description
Click here for an VINData Motorcycle History Report on this 1987 Honda XL600R.
Launched in 1983, Honda’s XL600R was a hit with buyers much like the 500R before it. Sold for many years until finally being replaced by the long running 650L, the street-biased big thumper from Honda gave lots of riders a bike that not only could perform well both on and off the road but also had the looks of a motocrosser that many people desired.
Usually adorned in Honda red, this 1987 was an offering of the classic red, white, and blue scheme that has been a mainstay for many Honda models over the years. In addition to the tricolor paint, silver fork lowers, wheels, and swingarm rounded out the package along with an engine painted in red.
The XL600R featured a 589cc, 45 horsepower engine – Cycle World claimed they were able to hit 103 miles per hour with it. The XL shared many components with the off-road oriented XR bike, like the frame, brakes, Pro-Link rear suspension, Showa forks, skid plate, and more. The twin carbed RFVC radial valve air cooled engine could be difficult to start if you were not aware of the correct procedure, but it was bulletproof and easy to maintain.
A 5 speed transmission helped the bike during highway stints and the big XL could return over 45 mpg which made it a good commuter. A testament to Honda engineering is the fact that so many of these 1980’s era XLs are still on the road and in use today, clean ones are hard to find since many saw offroad duty, but Honda loyalists have managed to keep some very nice examples both in and out of collections over the years.
Manufactured in July of 1986 this example is VIN: JH2PD0308HK401446. The seller “Bought it from an acquaintance approximately 18 months ago who had it up on FB Marketplace for too long for me to pass on buying it.”
The odometer shows 3,217 miles. The seller has covered approximately 349 miles in 18 months of ownership. He states “I purchased this bike from the original owner, who is an acquaintance. It is in remarkable condition for its age and is great fun to ride. I get tons of thumbs up and discussions at almost every gas stop. It has always been pampered and was only mildly ridden off-pavement by the original owner. The reason he sold it was to buy a bike he could thrash in good conscience. I have only ridden it on the street, except for one brief excursion through the grassy parts of a local park. Recent back issues make it difficult for me to kickstart, and I wasn’t riding it much to begin with. If I had more room or fewer bikes, I would keep it just to look at and take out for an occasional spin, but this thing is too nice to not get more attention than I can give it right now.”
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, we also performed a hydro flush and refill, oil, and tire change, and replaced the decompression cable. The seller states “Did an oil change and chain maintenance when I bought it.” Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: New
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: NA, Air Cooled
Coolant Quality: NA
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5 % Moisture
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: OK
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: New, <1.5 % Moisture
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A Cable Clutch
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: OK
Headlight Low Beam: OK
Passing Light: NA
Parking Light: NA
Turn Signals: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light (Front Switch): OK
Brake Light (Rear Switch): OK
Plate Light: OK
Horn: OK
Kill Switch: OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: 50%
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: 80%
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 29/24
Tire Date Code Rear: 23/24
Tire % Remaining Front: 100% NEW
Tire % Remaining Rear: 100% NEW
Tire Press. Front: 28 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 33 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.5V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.8V
Running Condition: Runs well
Test Ride Completed: Yes
Test Ride Distance: 4 Miles, unit operates as designed
Notes:
• Stunning Condition
Modifications:
OEM Honda rear rack.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Dunlop D606F tires with date codes of 2924 and 3224.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a clean New Jersey title. Have any XL600R stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
