What Makes The Honda XR600 So Durable?
The Honda XR600 is a classic dual-sport bike that was manufactured from 1985 to 2000. It has a four-stroke, air-cooled, single-cylinder engine with a displacement of 591cc with 45 horsepower and 37 lb-ft of torque in a steel frame. The top speed can be close to 100 MPH, but most will top out at 80-85 MPH. The five-speed transmission has a manual clutch and an old-fashioned kick-start along with a chain final drive. The XR600 features a high ground clearance, long travel suspension, and a durable steel frame that make it suitable for trail riding and off-road adventures.
The bike also comes with a comfortable seat in a high riding position weighing just under 300 lbs. It is known for its reliability and versatility with a strong capability of cruising the highway or tackling the rough terrain off-road.
High-Quality Components
The reason many XR600s are still around over 30 years later and after twenty years after being pulled from the assembly line is that the high-quality Honda engine is made of a forged aluminum piston and a hardened steel camshaft. The cylinder head is made of lightweight aluminum alloy providing excellent heat dissipation and reducing overall weight. The engine block is cast from a high-strength aluminum alloy reducing the weight while maintaining reliability and durability.
Simple Design
Honda kept the XR600 engine relatively simple in design with a single overhead camshaft and four valves operated by a rocker arm. This simplicity helps to reduce the number of moving parts keeping the risk of mechanical failure to a minimum. The air-cooled motor eliminates the need for a complex liquid cooling system further reducing the overall weight.
The 36mm Keihin carburetor provides excellent throttle response and fuel efficiency for the XR600. It’s designed to weather a wide range of altitudes and temperatures making this reliable machine seemingly indestructible.
What Makes The Honda XR650L So Durable?
Honda introduced the XR650L in 1993 as an updated version of its big brother, the XR600 with several improvements and modifications that enhanced its durability, performance, and versatility.
The "L" in XR650L stands for "Legal," as the motorcycle is designed to be street-legal in the United States. This designation indicates that the XR650L meets certain requirements for on-road use such as having turn signals, mirrors, and a license plate holder.
Compared to its predecessor, the XR600R, the XR650L was designed to be a dual-sport bike with a street-legal status allowing riders to easily transition from off-road trails to public roads making it a popular choice for dual-sport enthusiasts who enjoy exploring both dirt hills and demanding highways.
More Power
The Honda XR650L amped up its ccs to 644. The XR650L also featured a more advanced suspension system with a long travel front fork and a Pro-Link rear suspension system providing more stability in rough terrain and making it more durable.
Simple Design
Simplicity of design has kept the XR650L in showrooms across the world today without any changes after thirty years of production. For instance, the bike's air filter is located in a protected, easily accessible area keeping it easy to clean and maintain. The traditional and incredibly reliable carburetor regulates gas to the engine simply with easy adjustability that can be done by hand.
By using straightforward components and systems, Honda has created a bike that is easy to maintain and repair focusing on rugged performance over flashy features.
What will break down on the XR600?
Kick-Start System
Some Honda XR fans note that the XR600’s kick-start ignition system is one of the things that they dislike the most. It takes up to thirty, even forty kicks for the motor to catch while sometimes locking up if the compression is off. This annoying attribute is because the timing of the kick shaft from the kick lever starts the bike up only when the piston is positioned just right.
Of course, this is hard on the lever, shaft, spring, ratchet gear, and idler gear which can fail if you’re mashing down on the lever over and over again. The XR650L has an electric starter option so that you can save on the wear and tear of those starting components.
Third Gear
Early-year XR600s have third-gear transmission issues. The teeth wear too quickly and when a gear’s teeth have worn down too much, the clutch slips and won’t engage.
Clutch
As with any dirt bike, heavy use or abuse can cause the clutch to wear out prematurely, leading to slipping or difficulty shifting.
Cams
The XR600's single overhead cam design can put stress on the valve train, particularly at higher RPMs. Over time, this can lead to wear on the cam and followers, which can cause the valves to fail.
Electrical System
Many Honda XR600 owners have reported issues in Honda forums with the bike's electrical system, particularly with the charging circuit. After several years, the stator or regulator/rectifier can fail, leading to a dead battery or other electrical issues.
What will break down on the XR 650L?
Starter Circuit
The starter circuit on the XR650L can be prone to failure especially as the years pile up and heavy use in inclement weather or rough terrain.
Cam Chain
The cam chain of Honda’s XR650L is known to stretch and wear out quickly causing timing issues and engine damage if not addressed.
Valves
The XR650L's valves may wear out prematurely due to the engine's high RPMs and aggressive use on off-road trails. This can lead to loss of compression, reduced power, and other issues.
How Do You Get the Most Miles out of the XR series by Honda?
Schedule Maintenance Fastidiously
Regularly scheduled maintenance according to the owner’s manual is critical for the longevity of both the XR600 and XR650L especially as they age. This includes both regular maintenance and more intensive internal maintenance that some hand over to their local mechanic. Here is the top ten list that should be scheduled and not neglected if you want to watch the odometer turn past 50k.
- Change the oil and oil filter regularly.
- Check and adjust valve clearance periodically.
- Clean or replace carburetors and air filters regularly.
- Replace spark plugs periodically.
- Check and adjust chain tension regularly.
- Inspect brakes and brake pads regularly.
- Check tire pressure and condition regularly.
- Lubricate cables and pivot points regularly.
- Check and replace coolant as needed (on XR650L).
- Check the battery and electrical system periodically.
Clean Regularly
Keeping the bike clean and preventing dirt, mud, grime, and debris from getting into the engine and other components is imperative. This meticulous cleaning is also necessary to prevent rust and corrosion.
Store Properly
When storing the XR600 or XR650L, it's important to keep it in a dry, cool place and use a breathable cover to prevent moisture and condensation buildup. If you're storing the bike for an extended period, it's a good idea to drain the fuel or use a fuel additive to prevent gumming up the engine.
Upgrade Components
Consider upgrading components like the cam chain tensioner, valve springs, and other wear-prone components with higher-quality aftermarket parts. This can help improve performance and prolong the life of the bike.
Ride it Safely, Slowly, and Properly
Or not. On second thought, if you don’t ride the Honda XR series aggressively and go on wild off-road adventures, you’re not doing it right. Yes, you’ll have a bike that lasts longer if you ride it like your Aunt Susie, but unless you’re putting it in a museum, you’ll be wasting its potential. These dirt bikes were made for fun, so don’t forget to have them. Don’t worry about the wear and tear from high revving in low gears; that’s why you bought it.
