Honda XR200 Review: Is It Still A Good Dirt Bike Today?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Are you a beginner but need an electric start? Check out my video on the CRF230F (the newer version of the XR200) here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/pYuWc6yrjp2Hr6M

[@wild_goose_0285]

Im just wondering where did you get that front ferring? Does it run on a battery or have you modified it to run on the engine somehow?

[@arthurbretas2003]

Here we had the XR200 from the mid 90s till 2003, they only came as road legal bikes, and have electric start. I myself have one from 2000, absolutely love it

[@MathMindUniverse]

​@@wild_goose_0285❤a❤

[@richardredecker1004]

I live in Africa/ Namibia. I have 3 of those . 82 & 83 models. All of them in a very good condition. Best bike that has ever been built. Indestructible.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Awesome, thanks for sharing, Richard! It's cool to see that my videos reach you down there :D

[@batrolsai4443]

The xr200 is a monster, here in the Philippines mountains are rough and muddy even other dirt bikes get stuck, but the xr 200 is just different

[@MotocrossHideout]

I believe it :) Thanks for watching!

[@batrolsai4443]

@@MotocrossHideout great content man

[@MotocrossHideout]

I appreciate that!

[@Matt-kt9nm]

It's one of the best bikes ever made.

[@jdthirteen]

What a great bike, the XR line. My first dirt bike was a 1982 XR200R, had it for almost 10 years, I just sold it not more than 2 years ago. From there I went to a 2008 crf230f. Rode it for a season and quickly realized I wanted something bigger. I just finished my 3rd season on my 2001 XR250R!! Honda makes some great low maintenance, air cooled trail bikes! I have a trx300ex sport quad, basically the same engine as my old xr200 was. Also bullet proof! Now sadly, the XR is for sale. But only because I purchased a 2015 yamaha yz250fx. What an awesome bike yamaha has here, quite the upgrade and I love it!

[@MotocrossHideout]

Nice! I still have mine, but wouldn't mind owning a YZ250FX for high speed trails.

[@Twitchieandsons]

I found alot of people will trash this bike with the understanding of what it was designed for. It's not a performance bike like I hear people complaining about. Their the type of bike that you can go out a ride trails, put in ya shed for a few months, pull it out and ride again. Their a tractorble work horse, very very forgiving. They won't try and buck you off because of silly mistake. My old man bought one brand new in 1996, he let people learn to ride on it and it was given and absolutely flogging yet it still starts and rides. No major work beside your standard maintenance and wear and tear parts likes chains and sprockets and tyres. It's starting to get tired now so a full strip down will be on the card after the new year, possibly a full Resto to Bering her back to her former glory. But For 27 year old bike you can not complain. Long live the xrs! Great video too mate!

[@MotocrossHideout]

Totally agree - thanks for watching!

[@tmbvd3]

I started on a TTR230. Loved that bike. Definitely more fun to drive a “slow” bike fast then a fast bike slow. TTR got stolen and I replaced it with an xr400 and then a kx450. The 450 is nutty fast and only belongs on a track. Between those 3 bikes, the ttr was my favorite.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Thanks for sharing, Tom! Sorry your TTR got stolen - that really sucks... Yep, 99.9% of us don't need a 450.

[@michaelwhite8493]

Electric start is fine. I personally prefer simplicity and if given the option for one or the other and not both, id take the kickstart. Especially on a small displacement bike like the 200

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yep, it's personal preference. It definitely saves 5-10 lbs without an electric start.

[@chico280]

I have an 87 model in great shape. I put gold valves in the front forks and now the front matches the rear in performance. The absolute most fun I've ever had on a dirtbike! No need for electric start. Easy to start. I moved down to this bike from a yz400-450f. Does great in singe track. Just a blast.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Sweet! Funny you moved "down"... They're awesome bikes and getting harder to find in good shape.

[@joshuacampbell9990]

I will forever say the XR200 was/is the best all around trail bike ever. You hit the nail on the head that it’s light enough to throw around, has decent power for its size, and VERY easy to maintain/work on. I’ve had several through the years and I agree the 86-91 models are the best to find. I once shoehorned a 200 engine in a CR80 frame and that bike was a hoot! Should have kept that monstrosity. I also agree slow bikes are a lot more fun to ride fast than a fast bike. I’ve had everything from XR400s to CRF400s, CR250s, CR500s, KX250, KDX220, KXF250, 380EXE and a bunch more I care not to list and I would catch myself riding a lowly small bore 4-stroke when I just wanted to have fun. Fast bikes are fun too but if you’re going through tight technical terrain, those smaller bikes inspire a lot more confidence and are easier to control. I once took a small bore conglomeration (modified XR80 frame, XL75 bottom end, XR100 head, huge rear sprocket, and a few other mods) to a hair scramble where everyone laughed at me. I proceeded to take first looser (second) in the motorcycle class. It was great times. Now I’m old and just don’t heal like I did before lol. All that said, I’m back in the market for another XR200 and will pass my Honda 300 to my kids.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Ha, thanks for sharing, Joshua! All that makes sense to me :) I've always wanted to have a modified 200 in a CR80 chassis just for play riding or messing with the big bikes in the woods.

[@joshuacampbell9990]

If you ever do the XR200 engine to CR80 frame swap, make sure to get the engine as close to center of gravity as you can. It took me a little trial and error at the time to get it right. But I was also 15-16 years old trying to figure out how to weld and fabricate back in the dark ages of the late nineties when internet was dial up and videos could take hours to download.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Haha, roger that!

[@ng1400]

Thanks for your info, you covered everything I needed to know before buying.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Glad it was helpful! Are you upgrading from a CRF125F?

[@jessegil5101]

I bought this bike 3 years ago used running just to learn to shift gears on a motorcycle. I'll never get rid of it

[@MotocrossHideout]

Awesome - we still have ours after 10+ years!

[@floridaman6643]

Just picked up an xr200 1982 and it’s basically mint besides the chain being old as hell and needed a carb clean. DEEEEEEP carb clean but it start right up and was able to rip it through the neighborhood. About to buy a Indonesian pro circuit exhaust for 200$ for it so I can get the deep tone.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Sweet! Technology hasn't changed much since then other than EFI and E-start!

[@tombrowne4624]

I call mine a mountain goat cause you can point it at any hill and it will always get you to the top

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yup, good enough for 99% of riding! Thanks for watching, Tom!

[@claudhenrysmoot7957]

Electric start is overrated, especially if you don’t have a kick backup. The 200 is what it is, a trail bike. It’s not a DS, it’s not an enduro.

[@MotocrossHideout]

I get your point, Claud, but does your car have a backup crank start? My main trail bike doesn't have kickstart for backup and I haven't missed it yet. Maybe I'm just lazy...

[@benbradshawjr2856]

Its a good beginner bike.i find folks revvin them way too high..its like a tractor only revs so high till the power drops off..i rebuilt a 01 model and guy calls me 3 months later it wont run..(mind you he has an 03 husky 250 2 stroke) think hes thinkin both bikes rev as high..so now i gotta put new valves,timing chain and sprockets again.this time im gonna try n find a rev limiter cdi..

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yeah, they fall flat just past 8k. Sounds like he needs to learn how to shift and keep it in the right gear, or just stick to the 2 stroke... Thanks for watching, Ben!

[@BretCruver-cz7vh]

Hey! I was thinking of buying one of these and was wondering how tall you are? I’m 6’2 and was wondering if I should get a bigger bike instead

[@MotocrossHideout]

I'm 5'6". You could fit on one, but the XR250 would be better since it's slightly larger :)

[@saveyou1983]

I am a xr honda rider..this is the bike best for me..its good in ah highway in trailway

[@MotocrossHideout]

Good choice, thanks for watching!

[@wild_goose_0285]

Im just wondering where did you get that front ferring? Does it run on a battery or have you modified it to run on the engine somehow?

[@MotocrossHideout]

The headlight? I think it was just a cheap one on eBay I found. I believe I had to get a regulator/rectifier and then I used the pink/yellow power wires from the stator to wire it up. You'll have to look up a wiring schematic for the bike. Thanks for watching!

[@kianschmeling3893]

Hi I have a Honda XLR 250R witch has a Kist arter but some how this Honda XLR 250R has a lot of pawer it has about 28 horse pawer!

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yep, the 250 has noticeably more top-end HP due to being a dual cam with 4-valves that flows better at high RPM.

[@sheldensimmons3831]

Xr200 is the best were I lack the being tall in 5’5 it’s great for me have a 83

[@mxaexm]

Would this bike be good for 5’11” , 200lbs beginner adult? If not, what would you recommend?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yes, especially if you're on a budget. The suspension will be on the soft side, but most bikes are made for 150-180 lb riders. Depending on your budget, the CRF230F, TTR230 or CRF250F are good choices as well.

[@spencerditlow8831]

I have a 97 xr200r and I'm 5'10". That being said I am flat footed with some bend in my knees while sitting on it. I would absolutely recomend this bike for shorter riders.

[@tvr419]

Would you advice it as a first dirtbike for someone who's been riding roadbikes for 7 years?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Awesome to hear that you're looking to start riding off-road! What's your height and do you mind having to kick-start it?

[@tvr419]

@@MotocrossHideout im 175 cm of hight, a kickstart is not a big issue aldo i would prefere if its easy to start ofcourse. Greetings from Belgium!

[@tvr419]

@@MotocrossHideout and the cheaper the better ofcourse... 😉

[@MotocrossHideout]

Gotcha! Yes, it would be a great bike for you to get started on. Not a ton of power, but enough to have fun and learn on safely. Awesome, thanks for watching! I recommend grabbing my free basic techniques guide if you haven't already ;)

[@tvr419]

@@MotocrossHideout will do, happy holidays!

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

It's a Honda, so its the best. 😎🤩🤩🤩

[@unclequack5445]

Throw on a crf 230cc cyl. and piston kit XR 200/230 is the best trail bike ever you hear?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Best ever? That's a pretty bold statement :)

[@MrKips1]

A 230 engine has a longer stroke and a completely different crank which will not work for a xr200 without massive and very detailed modifications such ad the ignition system, camshaft, tensioner, primary drive etc. Therefore, you cannot just throw on a 230 cylinder as you claim.

[@mjrybread]

In face i have a few videos of riding it on New Mexico trails,,real fun

[@chadriddle3517]

I want one !

[@MotocrossHideout]

What's stopping you, Chad?!

[@chadriddle3517]

Honestly I’m hunting for one now just trying find one at a good deal that needs some work/tlc . I’m in the middle Tennessee area if you know where one is or even a xr100r . We just got a 2000 xr100r for my daughter and have been restoring it and now I want one!!

[@chadriddle3517]

I don’t really have a active Facebook and I hear that’s where to find them all so just been checking the ol Craigslist not much options on there

[@chadriddle3517]

Appreciate your reviewing and content !

[@MotocrossHideout]

Gotcha. Yeah, unfortunately face book has the most options these days.

[@Rocketman0407]

With dual sport tires how does it handle on the road?

[@MotocrossHideout]

Handling will be fine, but it's lacking power to cruise at highway speeds, even with taller gearing. Expect 45-50 mph unless you want to wring out the engine. For city riding it would be great.

[@Rocketman0407]

@@MotocrossHideout ok, does intake and outtake mods do much on this bike like it does on the dr200. Was thinking about doing the exhaust, modified air box and PWK carb.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yeah it makes a noticeable difference but if you want to cruise at 60+ mph then you'll want a different bike IMO.

[@Rocketman0407]

@@MotocrossHideout 50 can be done somewhat comfy?

[@MotocrossHideout]

@@Rocketman0407 Somewhat with proper mods, but I wouldn't want to go on a long trip at that speed.

[@koyikavutto3547]

How tall are you?

[@MotocrossHideout]

5'6" Why do you ask?

[@koyikavutto3547]

@@MotocrossHideout I'm 5.3 , I want to buy a Honda XR 200 but I don't know if it's too tall for me

[@MotocrossHideout]

@@koyikavutto3547 Gotcha. The 1993 and newer models are a couple inches shorter than the older model and would probably fit you. It's one of the shortest full-size dirt bikes.

[@koyikavutto3547]

@@MotocrossHideout thanks bro

[@mjrybread]

Have a 2002 250 r and at 60 years old its all i need ,,i still ride the hell out of 😂

[@MotocrossHideout]

Nice, looks like fun, Mark! Quite a bit different than trails up here in MN! Nice tape on the seat, ha ;)

[@mjrybread]

Ha ya I just put a new seat cover on cost me a $100 bucks dang it

[@MotocrossHideout]

Ouch! Maybe it won't be as slippery now, lol...

[@jonathanfrausto3129]

It’s the perfect bike for me because my friend is selling it to me for 300 dollars and I’m poor lmao

[@MotocrossHideout]

Ha, nice. That's a nice friend if the bike is in running condition, Jonathan!

[@wazestill6366]

how much is a good price to buy one of these.

[@MotocrossHideout]

It mainly depends on the condition, but your local market supply & demand plays a role. Since they're not going down in value, I'd say a good one here in Minnesota would go for 1200-1800.

[@wazestill6366]

@@MotocrossHideout ok thanks

[@bodeine454]

Maybe you should headline your video "My opinions about the Honda XR 200" instead of "Why the Honda XR 200 isn't the right dirt bike for you" because before you even get started your shoving a negative opinion about something to people you don't even know which puts some on the defense before they even watch it. And I haven't read any comments but I'm willing to bet you have some negative ones just for the way you headed the video. 👎

[@Adam-xd3vl]

I agree

[@NOTJOSH100]

you can get it to go over 110 mph

[@monkay2687]

how ?

[@NOTJOSH100]

@@monkay2687 gearing, performance parts

[@Dastardly_X]

🤘🏻 🌟 🤘

[@MotocrossHideout]

Thanks for watching, Scott!

[@TheFunkhouser]

250/500 best

[@kevman77]

Very fun and reliable but it's sooooooooo slow.

[@MotocrossHideout]

I'd rather ride a slow bike fast than a fast bike slow ;)

[@kevman77]

Can't even ride this fast because it's so slow. I got really bored after s few weeks.

[@MotocrossHideout]

It's not for everyone. I personally like it in tight woods because you don't need much power to keep up with a 300/450.

[@ericharris197]

Yet Rino could smoke most riders on their bike of choice on the old thing. Had 1 for decades for the kids. We love it. & it runs like a Swiss watch.

[@MotocrossHideout]

Yep, there's a reason why I haven't sold mine yet after about 10 years...