My problem with Enduro bikes is you not getting the best of both worlds in one bike.your getting a shitty dirt bike and a really shifty street bike.i don't create enough to list the reasons.If you know,you know.😮
I have an 83 XL 600 sitting in my shed that I bought new, I had to have a right hip replaced a year ago and the XL is what I blame it on for kicking it over for all those years😂
I picked up a 85 Yamaha TT600 for $200.00. It had no carb with it so I sourced one from ebay. It's a really nice running and looking bike. Only had 200 original miles on it. Those 80s bikes were built pretty solid.
@@stkyfngrszmooth It's in perfect shape now. They have a dual carb "DCIS" design that was a little hard to source on ebay but I eventually shelled out 300 or so for one. DIdn't even need to be adjusted. Other than that, the orig tires still had the nubs on them but were dry rotted so I replaced them. I've sold quite a few bikes after fixing them but plan to keep this one.
@@STEVE_M439 Don't sell that bike. Slap a proper set of late 80s YZ 46mm disk brake forks on the front with uprated springs and shims, and you'll have a desert weapon. Should never have sold mine.
note to all, if you ever have to do a rebuild on these bikes, never put the valves and cams in a old kfc bag and leave them close to the rubbish bin so your wife will think its rubbish and throw the bag out.
when i was in the hospital and thought i was gonna die i found your channel .it helped me more than i can say .sappy but true thanx .riding dirt bikes with friends is my best memory
Oh boy! This is so exciting to watch! I love the old Honda XL/XR big bore bikes. My first dirt bike was a 1984 XR500R, it was just beautiful. Rode it hard for 12 years with very few issues. These are not hard to start once running right -- the dual carbs can be fiddly, and watch the fuel crossover pipe for leaks. Also be sure to use a fuel filter between tank and carbs. It's a good idea to replace the carb bowl screws with hex head screws. Only downside to these bikes is being very heavy, but you get used to it with some seat time. Keep the great videos coming 👍
I rode one of these for years - one of the easiest bikes to start I ever owned that didn't have a pushbutton - IF you used the SYSTEM. When cold, kick it through 5 or 6 times with the choke on and the decompression lever pulled. Then, slowly push the kick lever until you feel the compression. Now, pull the decompressor and ease it over the top just past compression. Now kick with a will. Oh, and trash the sutomatic decompressor.
I got one when I was 16 about 10 years ago. Was told all it needed was a new spark plug. I followed you tube videos but never could get it started. Been in the barn ever since. Ima try to start it this weekend with your instructions. If I can get it to start it's going in market place
Dave, how would you recommend for when it's hot? I'm about to rebuild my carb again as the front plate is cracked, the bike starts easy when cold and if I immediately start it after it shuts down warm. But if I wait 3 minutes,or more I can't get it to start unless I bump it. I have the decompress from the kickstand also attached and working, but would that make a difference? The decompress from the handlebar opens 1 exhaust right? And the one from the kickstand is opening 1 intake? Or how does that work? It rides very well, I think it feels so hot all the time, but do you also have recommendations for the jets? What size would you recommend? I have a gpr exhaust end so I'm sure it's pretty open exhaust. Thank you, if you are inside the xl600 group I am admin for look for me. Torbjorn.
Got an old Yz490 . Its a real pig to start too. 20 kicks like this guy here th-cam.com/video/fjlcCoDKAPo/w-d-xo.html to get it started sometimes. Love kicking it over. A real mans bike. Im 6ft 5 so can gett my butt high off the seat and slam down hard when kicking it over. My hand aches too as im a guy that holds the clutch in when I start a dirtbike. Imagine stalling up a hill and having a hard time getting it restasted. Been there before.
Ahh, that is a good old leg-breaker that brings back fine memories. The thing could throw you over the handlebars or worse break your knee if you hold the handlebar to the right when you try to kick it and have the decompression wrong.😂😂
exactly...thats not high at all. I had a XT 600 with over 150K miles, engine never touched. it was starting to smoke a little on really high revs. but still. Those Honda, Yamaha old thumpers can go forever
After having to do so many rebuilds lately it's gotta be very satisfying to pick up a bike fairly cheap and be able to get it running again for $0. Thanks for your time today.
I just picked up exactly this same bike for my dad, but for $1000 here in Washington with 9k miles on it. We just did the initial test ride and did about 30 miles with absolutely NO issues! Honda's are amazing bikes, especially the 85-00 600s!
1976 held over, XL 250, when I was 14, the bike weighed 300 Lb's. I wanted the MT 250, 2 stroke, the dealer talked dad into the the 4 stroke XL, saying that I would end up spending my allowance on spark plugs with the MT.
that thing is movin!!! I have a 87 Honda XL600r and I need to rethread the cylinder head for the headbolt and ill be able to ride it again, this gives me motovation!!! great work @2vintage
I rode one of these (mine was an 83) from Barstow to Vegas 3 times and she never let me down. These are cast iron pigs, but dead reliable and way too fast for their suspension...I also had an 83 XR500R and it was just the same, only better with good suspension and less weight. I rode that one for 13 years - unbreakable.
Been watching for awhile. Can say your content is awesome and have been learning a lot. Appreciate the time you take in creating these videos. Can't imagine the time it takes. As a 58 yr old man, it warms my heart to see folks your age doing what you do. A philosophy I follow.. emphasize the actions to achieve a goal, rather than the goal itself. Keep doing and being you young man!
Those battery tenders show bad battery if the voltage is under 8v on a 12v battery, and they won't try to charge it. You need a 2amp or higher non smart battery charger to kinda jump start the battery. Once it gets past 8v or so a battery tender will do the rest of the charge. Batteries go bad so fast here in az that I deal with this a lot.
There is also the problem of acid stratification to deal with when a lead acid battery sits for long periods. Top off with water then shake/flip and shake some more.
I once owned one of these. Loved this wheele machine. I gotta say I’m a little jealous of how you can unload a bike from a tundra by simply stepping off the tail gate. 😂Keep up the good work and thank you for your vids 👍🏻
This is what im talking about! Getting some of the old stuff back into fighting shape. Theres a lot of old Suzuki 230, Yamaha moto 4 and Honda fourtrax out there that could use some love. Been thinking about snagging one but am torn between a 250 fourtrax and the 230 Suzuki. Suzuki has a vibe to it
I had the very first QuadSport 230, and to this day, it was my favorite machine I ever had. I remember getting all bundled up in the middle of winter just so I could go down to the barn and look at it and sit on it. I remember bombing through the snowmobile trails that were right next to the barn that went on forever in the middle of the night with the snow falling. I'm old now, but those are the memories I cherish the most. I was a very lucky kid.
@@bikeman1x11 I sold my Husaberg for 2 bikes and about 700usd in Cash. The bikes I got was a 1985 Honda xl600r and a 1998 Husqvarna te610. I sold the two bikes for a sum of about 8500usd. , making the husaberg in reality being sold for about 8200usd. Not bad huh? You can see them all on my red icon here. So it's a shame he just gave up on the husaberg when me and 12000 husaberg members were ready to help him and even asked to help him. Well.
I had a 95? XR650R and it was a beast to kick over if you didn't know the decompression procedure. You'll love that bike. They're just a little heavy for trail riding when you're my size.
I bought a 1983 xr500r (Dirt only) new in 1984 (leftover) but hats off to you, as you kicked it more in single continual run, than I ever did! One carb is for low end and other is mid thru open. I hope you tag it for around town.
You can tell that bike may have been ridden, but not abused. From the gas tank like new inside, to the valve caps hard to remove, this bike was very reliable, and tank drained every fall, or it would not be in that condition. I remember when these bikes were new, and the were very tough to start, but very tough to break. Good machine😊
I had that bike. I bought it new in 1984 leftover 83. I owned it in the winter at first. It was so hard to start but when you got it started, it was great
I owned both the XR350 R and a XL 600. They have good torque but the real fun happens when you hold both carbs open until it hits this upper power band that will spin the tire or lift the front end. Let her sing, you will be impressed.
The difference between you and most people is how many times you kicked that thing on initial start up.Most would have gave up..Good job bud must have felt great when she fired up,good for you..
I owned an '87 XL600R that I bought in 1990. I owned it up until 2007, and ride it until it just wouldn't run anymore. It was consuming oil, so the rings and valve seals were probably bad. The stator tuckered out on my final ride with it, and it was time to hang 'er up. I bought a brand new XR650L after that. The XL served me very well over the years. I ran Dunlop D606s on it, and rode it all over the northern Nevada desert. Starting it could be a pain, but I found the "sweet spot" while using the compression release. If a friend wanted to ride it, they could never start it. They'd flood it, and I'd have to start it for them. I had a Supertrapp exhaust on it and it sounded so sweet. I'd get complements on it. I can't say I miss it but I sure do have many a good memory on that bike
I had the 350cc version of that bike. It ran well...when it started. If you trailered it anywhere you'd have to tow it 1/2 mile to start it. When started it was fun!
Nice. Ever seen The Wraith 1986 with Charlie Sheen? Same bike he has in the movie. I have an 84 XR 500R. Had a similar low compression feel. I found the compression release was hanging.
I recently sold a '91 XR250R I got for $200. Might have been too much since it was just a roller with engine in a box. Got it running 4 months later. Got a '93 XR650L now and previous owner put a kickstarter on it. Pretty helpful cuz it kills crappy batteries fairly quickly with it's big bore kit and hotcam.
The secret starting technique is choke off, decomp in, 10 kicks to cycle it through, then release and cycle it up to tdc and then jump on the kick starter. Usually best results when on the side stand.
2V, I used start my 500 single Yamaha by rolling downhill on the compression release then let it go. It always started that way no matter what weather. However you win the Golden Horseshoe Award for that Honda buy!! Congrats!
I like the way you work. These are my favourite bikes to rebuild. I had a 1988 XR600R that was an absolute bomb. I had to sell it in 2016 when I moved to France. You've got me thinkin....
I don't think 14000 miles is "high" mileage, I have an 83 VT500C Shadow with over 33000 km (20505 miles) and it still runs strong and doesn't use or burn a drop of oil. Regular maintenance is the key, use the owners manual for service intervals and maintenance recommendations and your bike should last for a long time.
Exactly, just regular maintenance and some tlc every now and then will keep any well built engine running basically forever , on bikes you have to change pistons on the high rpm ones but that's about it
The jetting on this bike will be really lean from the factory so it could pass emissions testing. Check out JD jetting kits for this model to fix the lean jetting. Another great video!!!
I had an XR600 of about the same year right through the 90s. Should never have sold that girl. Crashed it and stalled it plenty, but once I knew the right technique I could start it with my hand! Such a mighty machine. I used to ride it up and down looong flights of concrete steps in the city, start off in 3rd gear in deep sand on the beach ... amazing for doing wheelies. A lot of things I'd never attempt on the CRF250 Rally I ride now (and still have a lot of fun). I don''t think I could manhandle the big XR off road any more even if I had it :-(
@BruceHoult stalled my old yz490 a few times on a hill. Beast to start at the best of times. Need to get your butt high off the seat and give it everything you got to get it fired up. Imagine having to do that up a hill. I just held the clutch in jumped as high as I could and slammed down hard with everything i had. Took a good 5 mins to get it re started. Not easy up a hill. Thankfully I'm 6ft 5.
Ah that brings back memories, had one new back in the day to commute in and out of London , that’s no mileage I sold mine on on 36,000 still running perfect
I bought a 1984 XL600 new in the spring of 1984. I could ride some long wheelies on it. It was heavy off road, but pretty nimble on the street. After a short road trip my hands would be kinda numb & tingling from the single cylinder vibrations. Great bike, good times and memories.
PLEASE open your garage door before starting any bike you are working on. I'm in southwestern Illinois and I feel like I am choking on the exhaust! 😂 love the videos!
The carb linkage is timed, the left carb is the "primary" and will be the only carb functioning till about half throttle. After that the right carb valve is lifted as a "secondary". That's why no idle jet in that second carb. pretty wild design. I owned an 83 xr500r.
I think pb blaster would be much better to free up those rings ! I have used it to free up the rings after pulling the piston out to change rings on rebuilds. And pb blaster seemed like the best thing to use.
Hey man, I would like to say that I love your videos. They are very good. You have picked up a lot of bikes with a lot of problems that have given you a lot of headaches but you found one that only needed a little work and marvel mystery oil magic, and you have a really nice bike. Congrats! Keep up the videos, my man… wish you well.
Hey mate. Absolutely love your videos and learn a lot from them. I am confident enough rebuilding top end but not confident on the bottom. Any chance you would do a video on an open case explaining all the gears and what they do? Thank you for the awesome videos.
Id go through it...amazing how many call it low mileage...these arent cars they are dual purpose thumprs Bet valves need adjusting at minimum. Never know what youll find til you start wrenching
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮Hay Joe I'm just up to you removing the carburettor The two ways is to remove the inlet manifold with the carburettor by removing the inlet manifold bolts and the manifold will slide out to the side or and pull the air box to the back near the rear whee Might be a bit late with this advice but I am up to you pulling the carb off the bike 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮l
Little tip for case caps ,get yourself a flat chisel and use an adjustable to nip the flat and spin it of ,apose to hitting the screwdriver in it save cracking a case , keep up the good work👌🏽
The "rfvc Motor" all models, have a factory shop manual A must have. Typically if the engine is not getting compression it is valve related. If the piston is junk. Its best to get a cylinder kit for the bike. you can use the 650 cylinder kit as well. Honda stopped making them in 2000. yet continued the 650 as a street bike long after
Those Honda 600 and 650 air cooled beasts are indestructible. All bikes should be that way.
Ya,most low performance motors tend to last unless you're murphy.
My problem with Enduro bikes is you not getting the best of both worlds in one bike.your getting a shitty dirt bike and a really shifty street bike.i don't create enough to list the reasons.If you know,you know.😮
@conservativerealist I agree the majority of them can't do both things well
@@conservativerealist I was speaking more to engine build quality and reliability not the bike overall.
I had two 600r and they are everything but NOT REALIBLE , they never run that great and all two engines blowed up somehow 😂
Watching him load the bike and getting in and out of the back of the pickup. Ahh, to be young and flexible again.
Watching him do that makes my butthole pucker up every time! One of these times I fear something is gonna tip!
Remember lifting many of those up on the tailgate to go riding on weekends. My back would snap just thinking about it now.
Right?!?! my body aches just watching him do that lol
It also helps that he's tall. I couldn't even imagine being able to do that
Ikr? I can't get out of my recliner without having to straighten up like an 80 year old looking like I'm moving in slow motion. 🤣
You have made me buy a broken dirtbike that i fixed thank you for very good videos
Same here! Working on a 1984 YZ125 now. It’s gonna be a blast.
I have several I’ve been working on a DS 80 KLT 110 PW 80 love it good times working on them
just got a 2008 kx100! not running since it sat for months
Man this guy can kick the devil out of hell. Holy schmidt 😅😅😅
Stomping Tom Conners over here 👈 😂🫡
I have an 83 XL 600 sitting in my shed that I bought new, I had to have a right hip replaced a year ago and the XL is what I blame it on for kicking it over for all those years😂
i pretty much sold my xr400 because of hip problems. i can kick just fine but i would get some pain a few days after riding hah
I picked up a 85 Yamaha TT600 for $200.00. It had no carb with it so I sourced one from ebay. It's a really nice running and looking bike. Only had 200 original miles on it. Those 80s bikes were built pretty solid.
Love that era. and they were durable as hell .Find a good one thats been cared for
Two hundred original miles? What kind of shape is it in? If it's decent, then you should have a very good payday coming your way.
@@stkyfngrszmooth It's in perfect shape now. They have a dual carb "DCIS" design that was a little hard to source on ebay but I eventually shelled out 300 or so for one. DIdn't even need to be adjusted. Other than that, the orig tires still had the nubs on them but were dry rotted so I replaced them. I've sold quite a few bikes after fixing them but plan to keep this one.
@@STEVE_M439 Don't sell that bike. Slap a proper set of late 80s YZ 46mm disk brake forks on the front with uprated springs and shims, and you'll have a desert weapon. Should never have sold mine.
Looks like a cypress hill concert in the garage 🤣 open the door before you start kickin bud, you don’t wanna breathe that exhaust 👍
😂. Seems like over the yrs he's built up a high tolerance.
I’m more concerned about the dog in the garage.
Hahahahhaha b real in the house
note to all, if you ever have to do a rebuild on these bikes, never put the valves and cams in a old kfc bag and leave them close to the rubbish bin so your wife will think its rubbish and throw the bag out.
Oh my god hahaha
Very good advice 😂
I feel your pain friend...
Made me wince 😮
So is the divorce finalized yet??????
when i was in the hospital and thought i was gonna die i found your channel .it helped me more than i can say .sappy but true thanx .riding dirt bikes with friends is my best memory
Oh boy! This is so exciting to watch! I love the old Honda XL/XR big bore bikes. My first dirt bike was a 1984 XR500R, it was just beautiful. Rode it hard for 12 years with very few issues. These are not hard to start once running right -- the dual carbs can be fiddly, and watch the fuel crossover pipe for leaks. Also be sure to use a fuel filter between tank and carbs. It's a good idea to replace the carb bowl screws with hex head screws.
Only downside to these bikes is being very heavy, but you get used to it with some seat time. Keep the great videos coming 👍
Take the air box out first then the carbs Joe.
That would've made the reinstalling of the carbs to a few minutes job.
He's young, he's learning. Got to start somewhere..
I said the same thing
Airbox is impossible to get out too, it's almost like they built the frame around the airbox on these things
I rode one of these for years - one of the easiest bikes to start I ever owned that didn't have a pushbutton - IF you used the SYSTEM. When cold, kick it through 5 or 6 times with the choke on and the decompression lever pulled. Then, slowly push the kick lever until you feel the compression. Now, pull the decompressor and ease it over the top just past compression. Now kick with a will. Oh, and trash the sutomatic decompressor.
I got one when I was 16 about 10 years ago. Was told all it needed was a new spark plug. I followed you tube videos but never could get it started. Been in the barn ever since. Ima try to start it this weekend with your instructions. If I can get it to start it's going in market place
Cant'
Dave, how would you recommend for when it's hot?
I'm about to rebuild my carb again as the front plate is cracked, the bike starts easy when cold and if I immediately start it after it shuts down warm. But if I wait 3 minutes,or more I can't get it to start unless I bump it.
I have the decompress from the kickstand also attached and working, but would that make a difference?
The decompress from the handlebar opens 1 exhaust right? And the one from the kickstand is opening 1 intake? Or how does that work?
It rides very well, I think it feels so hot all the time, but do you also have recommendations for the jets? What size would you recommend?
I have a gpr exhaust end so I'm sure it's pretty open exhaust.
Thank you, if you are inside the xl600 group I am admin for look for me. Torbjorn.
Yep
I have an 85 xr350 the smaller brother to your bike and it is bulletproof still runs great. I love these old flash red Hondas
the birth of the xr/ex 400 was from the xr350
I had one of these back in 1985, brand new. it was a mother to start on good days. had sweet spot you learned but still... what a beast..
Got an old Yz490 . Its a real pig to start too. 20 kicks like this guy here th-cam.com/video/fjlcCoDKAPo/w-d-xo.html to get it started sometimes. Love kicking it over. A real mans bike. Im 6ft 5 so can gett my butt high off the seat and slam down hard when kicking it over. My hand aches too as im a guy that holds the clutch in when I start a dirtbike. Imagine stalling up a hill and having a hard time getting it restasted. Been there before.
Like you said, it's a Honda. I love seeing you tear engines apart but every now and again I'm always happy for you when you get an easy one.
Ahh, that is a good old leg-breaker that brings back fine memories.
The thing could throw you over the handlebars or worse break your knee if you hold the handlebar to the right when you try to kick it and have the decompression wrong.😂😂
14000, high mileage. WTF? These are beasts that will break your leg trying to kick start. Great bike.
Yeah 14k on this bike is just broken in 😂
Thats a whole lot of time, shifting clutch action when you think about it.
exactly...thats not high at all. I had a XT 600 with over 150K miles, engine never touched. it was starting to smoke a little on really high revs. but still. Those Honda, Yamaha old thumpers can go forever
Joe,
That floor is looking more and more disgusting. Really not a good look on your videos. Just sayin.
@@bobber22 going to be getting epoxy put down instead soon
After having to do so many rebuilds lately it's gotta be very satisfying to pick up a bike fairly cheap and be able to get it running again for $0. Thanks for your time today.
Yeah definitely nice!
I just picked up exactly this same bike for my dad, but for $1000 here in Washington with 9k miles on it. We just did the initial test ride and did about 30 miles with absolutely NO issues! Honda's are amazing bikes, especially the 85-00 600s!
Another one ? 👍
@@SteveWashburn-qp7dv no, the same orange 85 that I've posted. I haven't done any videos on it yet for some reason, soon though!
That MX track you built is sick! There are so many jumps. That skid steer was a good purchase.
1976 held over, XL 250, when I was 14, the bike weighed 300 Lb's. I wanted the MT 250, 2 stroke, the dealer talked dad into the the 4 stroke XL, saying that I would end up spending my allowance on spark plugs with the MT.
@scotttaggart71 300lbs is a heavy 250.as long as you had fun though.
@@conservativerealist1976 dawg
36:46
PERSISTENCE PAYS OFF!
that was a lot of kicks
faith required, awesome man
need more Vinnie.
Good morning Joe!!! You will teach me something new today!!! Thank you!!!
that thing is movin!!! I have a 87 Honda XL600r and I need to rethread the cylinder head for the headbolt and ill be able to ride it again, this gives me motovation!!! great work @2vintage
I rode one of these (mine was an 83) from Barstow to Vegas 3 times and she never let me down. These are cast iron pigs, but dead reliable and way too fast for their suspension...I also had an 83 XR500R and it was just the same, only better with good suspension and less weight. I rode that one for 13 years - unbreakable.
@@daveallen8824 my hands and butt are numb just from reading this.
Been watching for awhile. Can say your content is awesome and have been learning a lot. Appreciate the time you take in creating these videos. Can't imagine the time it takes. As a 58 yr old man, it warms my heart to see folks your age doing what you do. A philosophy I follow.. emphasize the actions to achieve a goal, rather than the goal itself. Keep doing and being you young man!
Those battery tenders show bad battery if the voltage is under 8v on a 12v battery, and they won't try to charge it. You need a 2amp or higher non smart battery charger to kinda jump start the battery. Once it gets past 8v or so a battery tender will do the rest of the charge. Batteries go bad so fast here in az that I deal with this a lot.
Same here in Las Vegas this heat eats batteries for breakfast.
Nice tip, thanks!
There is also the problem of acid stratification to deal with when a lead acid battery sits for long periods. Top off with water then shake/flip and shake some more.
I once owned one of these. Loved this wheele machine. I gotta say I’m a little jealous of how you can unload a bike from a tundra by simply stepping off the tail gate. 😂Keep up the good work and thank you for your vids 👍🏻
I bought a brand new yamaha xt 500 in 1976 had the manual compression release..damn it was a leg breaker.
This is what im talking about! Getting some of the old stuff back into fighting shape. Theres a lot of old Suzuki 230, Yamaha moto 4 and Honda fourtrax out there that could use some love. Been thinking about snagging one but am torn between a 250 fourtrax and the 230 Suzuki. Suzuki has a vibe to it
Always preferred the Suzukis back then for some reason. MAybe riding position Idont know. Just felt better and were all reliable
I had the very first QuadSport 230, and to this day, it was my favorite machine I ever had. I remember getting all bundled up in the middle of winter just so I could go down to the barn and look at it and sit on it. I remember bombing through the snowmobile trails that were right next to the barn that went on forever in the middle of the night with the snow falling. I'm old now, but those are the memories I cherish the most. I was a very lucky kid.
14k isn't a lot miles really - depending on how they took care of it. Cool bike.
Not even close to high miles
Mine has 24k still runs..
@@ballzmckgee3167 Still running? wtf. I struggle watching and listening to yank nonsense
@johna6968 idk what that means at all, what was yank nonsense buddy?
Not bad for a 1985 Honda!!
Thanks for the video!!!
In the late 80's I had an XL 125 in the Dominican Republic.
“Seller couldn’t start bike” vintage said hold my beer🍺🍻
Did you see the Husaberg video? Frustrating as I'm tried helping him and he was so close but gave up.
its about the effort needed- bike sitting for years is worth selling rather than fighting to fix an old bike only worth a little
@@bikeman1x11 I sold my Husaberg for 2 bikes and about 700usd in Cash.
The bikes I got was a 1985 Honda xl600r and a 1998 Husqvarna te610.
I sold the two bikes for a sum of about 8500usd.
, making the husaberg in reality being sold for about 8200usd.
Not bad huh?
You can see them all on my red icon here.
So it's a shame he just gave up on the husaberg when me and 12000 husaberg members were ready to help him and even asked to help him.
Well.
I had a 95? XR650R and it was a beast to kick over if you didn't know the decompression procedure. You'll love that bike. They're just a little heavy for trail riding when you're my size.
No denying it’s a man’s bike but heavy is subjective.Open terrain aka baha not bad
I had a 86 XR500R a few of years back. This video brought me back!
80s Hondas are just built very well have a 84 big red three wheeler and it never fails me
Like he said, they are bullet proof. So reliable. Even if you neglect them, most of the time they just keep going.
I bought a 1983 xr500r (Dirt only) new in 1984 (leftover) but hats off to you, as you kicked it more in single continual run, than I ever did! One carb is for low end and other is mid thru open. I hope you tag it for around town.
You can tell that bike may have been ridden, but not abused. From the gas tank like new inside, to the valve caps hard to remove, this bike was very reliable, and tank drained every fall, or it would not be in that condition. I remember when these bikes were new, and the were very tough to start, but very tough to break. Good machine😊
Great video. Amazing patience. I couldn't stop laughing at the end with you thrashing the bike and doing speed runs. Fantastic! Subscribed.
Double carbs wasn't a bright idea either.
I had that bike. I bought it new in 1984 leftover 83. I owned it in the winter at first. It was so hard to start but when you got it started, it was great
I owned both the XR350 R and a XL 600. They have good torque but the real fun happens when you hold both carbs open until it hits this upper power band that will spin the tire or lift the front end. Let her sing, you will be impressed.
There was two different XR350R's. The '85 was dry sump, single carb, and more power. '83-'84 had same motor as '83-'85 XL350R, wet sump, dual carb.
I used to have one just like it. Mine was the carbs. That 2 carb set up kinda sucks
The difference between you and most people is how many times you kicked that thing on initial start up.Most would have gave up..Good job bud must have felt great when she fired up,good for you..
Lovely bike,a real bargain,over £3000 in UK,that XL had been very well looked after, great video
I owned an '87 XL600R that I bought in 1990. I owned it up until 2007, and ride it until it just wouldn't run anymore. It was consuming oil, so the rings and valve seals were probably bad. The stator tuckered out on my final ride with it, and it was time to hang 'er up. I bought a brand new XR650L after that. The XL served me very well over the years. I ran Dunlop D606s on it, and rode it all over the northern Nevada desert. Starting it could be a pain, but I found the "sweet spot" while using the compression release. If a friend wanted to ride it, they could never start it. They'd flood it, and I'd have to start it for them. I had a Supertrapp exhaust on it and it sounded so sweet. I'd get complements on it. I can't say I miss it but I sure do have many a good memory on that bike
I had the 350cc version of that bike. It ran well...when it started. If you trailered it anywhere you'd have to tow it 1/2 mile to start it. When started it was fun!
Doesn’t sound good.😅
I had the 83' XR350 sure did like that rig.
I'm now obsessed with your videos bro! Solid work man! Very high quality. Also, you are amazingly talented. Legend!
It's missing the factory skid plate that protects the engine cases from damage from pebbles and rocks.
Most of those bikes are missing those
Nice. Ever seen The Wraith 1986 with Charlie Sheen? Same bike he has in the movie. I have an 84 XR 500R. Had a similar low compression feel. I found the compression release was hanging.
Your meant to take the airbox out to remove the carbs.. doooh 😂😂😂
My buddy had the XR version of this. That thing had so much compression you could barely kick it over. Absolutely mean bike.
You flood it throttling the hell out of it
hmm thats funny, he got it running. beats your flooded theory to hell stfu goof.
Don't you think you should change the oil?
And he said it has low compression and he still drove it and will sell it as is lmao
I recently sold a '91 XR250R I got for $200. Might have been too much since it was just a roller with engine in a box. Got it running 4 months later. Got a '93 XR650L now and previous owner put a kickstarter on it. Pretty helpful cuz it kills crappy batteries fairly quickly with it's big bore kit and hotcam.
The secret starting technique is choke off, decomp in, 10 kicks to cycle it through, then release and cycle it up to tdc and then jump on the kick starter. Usually best results when on the side stand.
2V, I used start my 500 single Yamaha by rolling downhill on the compression release then let it go. It always started that way no matter what weather. However you win the Golden Horseshoe Award for that Honda buy!! Congrats!
I bet you felt them kicks 🦵 the next day for sure 😅
I like the way you work. These are my favourite bikes to rebuild. I had a 1988 XR600R that was an absolute bomb. I had to sell it in 2016 when I moved to France. You've got me thinkin....
I don't think 14000 miles is "high" mileage, I have an 83 VT500C Shadow with over 33000 km (20505 miles) and it still runs strong and doesn't use or burn a drop of oil. Regular maintenance is the key, use the owners manual for service intervals and maintenance recommendations and your bike should last for a long time.
Dirtbikes are built to be rebuilt far more often then a rode bike
It's high miles for a bike
This isn’t a 2stroke enduro. It’s an under stressed 4 stroke overhead cam. If looked after 14k miles is low mileage
@Psycrow11 it's high miles not even close to low miles.
Exactly, just regular maintenance and some tlc every now and then will keep any well built engine running basically forever , on bikes you have to change pistons on the high rpm ones but that's about it
First road bike I had was a 84 XL 185.Bought it new when I was 16.I rode that bike everywhere.Always loved those old XLs.
Love these bikes. I have a 600LM, best bike i ever had.
The jetting on this bike will be really lean from the factory so it could pass emissions testing. Check out JD jetting kits for this model to fix the lean jetting. Another great video!!!
I can’t imagine trying to hot start that thing after crashing on the side of a hill😱
I had an XR600 of about the same year right through the 90s. Should never have sold that girl. Crashed it and stalled it plenty, but once I knew the right technique I could start it with my hand! Such a mighty machine. I used to ride it up and down looong flights of concrete steps in the city, start off in 3rd gear in deep sand on the beach ... amazing for doing wheelies. A lot of things I'd never attempt on the CRF250 Rally I ride now (and still have a lot of fun). I don''t think I could manhandle the big XR off road any more even if I had it :-(
@BruceHoult stalled my old yz490 a few times on a hill. Beast to start at the best of times. Need to get your butt high off the seat and give it everything you got to get it fired up. Imagine having to do that up a hill. I just held the clutch in jumped as high as I could and slammed down hard with everything i had. Took a good 5 mins to get it re started. Not easy up a hill. Thankfully I'm 6ft 5.
It's fun having a hard time getting an old yz490 started after stalling it on a hill.
Great work... love it when a simple fix makes a world of difference! Nice job!
The first thing you do is adjust the values before any compression test
Ah that brings back memories, had one new back in the day to commute in and out of London , that’s no mileage I sold mine on on 36,000 still running perfect
That’s beautiful, 36k miles or kilometers?
Bruh 14k miles for 700 bucks IS A STEAL BRO
I bought a 1984 XL600 new in the spring of 1984. I could ride some long wheelies on it. It was heavy off road, but pretty nimble on the street. After a short road trip my hands would be kinda numb & tingling from the single cylinder vibrations. Great bike, good times and memories.
Biggest pain in the butt I ever owned. Valve adjustment very finicky
PLEASE open your garage door before starting any bike you are working on. I'm in southwestern Illinois and I feel like I am choking on the exhaust! 😂 love the videos!
hello from croatia
I love this old color combo. That sharp blue matched up with the trademark Honda orangish red is a real eye catcher.
I see you brain kicked in ,decided to open the doors
George geooddrones, I used to do the same thing with the door closed running a engine, for a couple minutes it's not going to hurt you.
The carb linkage is timed, the left carb is the "primary" and will be the only carb functioning till about half throttle. After that the right carb valve is lifted as a "secondary". That's why no idle jet in that second carb. pretty wild design. I owned an 83 xr500r.
I think pb blaster would be much better to free up those rings ! I have used it to free up the rings after pulling the piston out to change rings on rebuilds. And pb blaster seemed like the best thing to use.
your right leg is now bigger than your left leg lol
You can always tell the big bore Kickstart riders.....
They walk in circles😮
Lol
Hey man, I would like to say that I love your videos. They are very good. You have picked up a lot of bikes with a lot of problems that have given you a lot of headaches but you found one that only needed a little work and marvel mystery oil magic, and you have a really nice bike. Congrats! Keep up the videos, my man… wish you well.
Mileage nothing to a Honda. 💯✔️
Hey mate. Absolutely love your videos and learn a lot from them. I am confident enough rebuilding top end but not confident on the bottom. Any chance you would do a video on an open case explaining all the gears and what they do? Thank you for the awesome videos.
36:47 bike turned into a fog machine haha
Nice job man. This reminds me of the Honda XL in the movie The Wrath - except the bike in the movie is just a 350R. :)
Question for you guys ...do you trust the long term in that top end and stuck ring...I mean 14,000 miles..I am thinking new piston and rings minimum.
Id go through it...amazing how many call it low mileage...these arent cars they are dual purpose thumprs
Bet valves need adjusting at minimum. Never know what youll find til you start wrenching
Wow this takes me back! I had a 1987 XR600R that threw me around like a rag doll. Bullet proof machine. I miss that bike!
it smokes like a 2 stroke at first lol
On the left carb use a 1mm drillbit and open up the chokehole. Its called the choke mod. Makes the bike easy to start when you use the choke
Why would there not be a pilot jet and fuel air mixture screw in the other carb?
Second carb slide is setup to open at higher rpm,not required at idle
Fantastic I've recently brought a 1983 Xl500r which was stored for 15 years,I change the oils,fresh fuel & it started first kick
bike turned into a fog machine haha.
So much smoke, thought Joe and Vinny were going to sleep!
Get yourself a drag link socket for the little caps on the generator cover, they cost about £10 and saves butchering them with a screwdriver.
Keep this one: You seem to enjoy it + street legal. XR650L has the electric start. Seems pretty original with little work on it.
High mileage? My friends 2003 xr650l has 129,000 on it and still running strong!
You need a permanent hill of dirt to unload and load your projects , I’m waiting on you to get yourself damaged , an that wouldn’t be good
😮😮😮😮😮😮😮Hay Joe I'm just up to you removing the carburettor
The two ways is to remove the inlet manifold with the carburettor by removing the inlet manifold bolts and the manifold will slide out to the side or and pull the air box to the back near the rear whee
Might be a bit late with this advice but I am up to you pulling the carb off the bike 😮😮😮😮😮😮😮😮l
One day an orthopedic surgeon is going to look at that right knee and just say OMG, what did you do to this knee?
Good job! Was beginning to wonder if you could get that thing started for a bit. That marvel mystery oil is some amazing stuff.
joe that sounds like it has a blocked exhaust
Little tip for case caps ,get yourself a flat chisel and use an adjustable to nip the flat and spin it of ,apose to hitting the screwdriver in it save cracking a case , keep up the good work👌🏽
😊🎉
The "rfvc Motor" all models, have a factory shop manual A must have. Typically if the engine is not getting compression it is valve related. If the piston is junk. Its best to get a cylinder kit for the bike. you can use the 650 cylinder kit as well. Honda stopped making them in 2000. yet continued the 650 as a street bike long after