The History of Honda's XR185 and XR200 1979-2002

This is a look back at the complete history of one of Honda's most fun and iconic trail bike of the last 50 years the XR185, XR200, and XR200R. Launched in 1979 as the XR185, Honda's light enduro machine did battle with machines like Yamaha's IT175, Suzuki's PE175, and Can-Am's 175. While its performance was rather mild the XR continued to receive updates like the Pro-Link single-shock suspension and in the mid-eighties the RFVC four-valve head.
In 1986, Honda went back to the XR's roots by ditching the RFVC head and going back to the tried and true two-valve head. Honda continued to market the XR as a light Enduro competition machine through the eighties but in 1993, Honda lowered the suspension and refocused the XR200R as a beginner machine. It would continue on in this role from the remainder of its run until its retirement in 2002.
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0:00 Start
0:30 Intro
3:35 1979 Honda XR185
8:24 1980 Honda XR200
11:47 1981 Honda XR200 and XR200R
15:26 1982 Honda XR200 and XR200R
18:12 1983 Honda XR200 and XR200R
19:14 1984 Honda XR200R
24:00 1985 Honda XR200R
24:54 1986 Honda XR200R
27:50 1987 Honda XR200R
28:31 1988 Honda XR200R
29:33 1984 Honda XR200R (not sold in the USA)
30:37 1990 Honda XR200R
32:17 1991 Honda XR200R
32:52 1992 Honda XR200R (not sold in the USA)
33:00 1993 Honda XR200R
35:23 1994 Honda XR200R
35:48 1995 Honda XR200R
35:57 1996 Honda XR200R
36:31 1997 Honda XR200R
36:57 1998 Honda XR200R
37:21 1999 Honda XR200R
37:40 2000 Honda XR200R
37:56 2001 Honda XR200R
38:32 2002 Honda XR200R
39:05 2003 Honda CRF230F

[@mecalpsha4473]

Wish we could go back to this time now - so many bikes to chose from and just a better time all around.

[@mymotheris4sale]

One dislike ? ...somebody that Tony passed back in the day ,they still have a grudge..

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Probably the guy I block passed at Antietam in 1995 and punched me in the helmet after the Moto

[@ronpelletier6592]

L

[@Doug_Morgan]

Miss my 80 XR200 to this day. I had more fun on that bike than any other dirt bike I ever owned. The light weight and forgiving nature of the engine made it a dream out in the bush.

[@timparcel]

Just bought an 86 Honda XR200R one month ago. Rode ATVs for 30 years and decided to learn to ride a dirt bike. In southeast OK 2 weeks ago and had the time of my life in creeks, sand, mud, dirt and gravel.

[@tomnekuda3818]

Great little bike.....I got an XR 185(used) for one of my daughters.....bored it out of ~200 cc, put in a White Bros. all around cam, stronger clutch springs, less restrictive exhaust, ported the head, did a good 3-angle valve job, a kit in the forks, Works Progressive shocks, K&N filter, and a couple of other upgrades I can't recall. The bike went thru 3 daughters and my wife and it is still in the shed. It starts first or second kick and I still take it out when I just want to relax. Talk about dependable and fun! And, it will climb a tree if you want it to do so. Later, I got a 1980 XR200 for my next daughter and we rode as a family....son, 3 daughters, wife and myself after I added a couple of other bikes. I always rode the big bore two-strokes and simply loved to relax on these little scoots. Good upload. Do your cute little daughters ride with you? Hope so....lots of fun. P.S. Tony, seems like you an I always agree on color combos no matter what bike you are evaluating.

[@pedrolast9537]

In the Philippines Honda released the XLR or XR200 last 1995 up to 2010 with disc brake in front and drum in the rear hub with electric start but no kick start it sells like hotcakes, with its competetor the Yamaha DT125 and kawasaki KMX125 both the 2 were 2 strokes, with the kawi with both disc brakes I like the looks, but performance I'm so amazed with my XR200 so what I did I replaced my XR200 in the rear wheel of the wheel of the KMX125 with its disc brake and modified and it so nice that until now it runs like new only with the piston and piston ring replaced. Now at present people here are craving for the XR200 and regreted why they did not buy the XR200 before.

[@ryu1014]

Hello brother. Are the xrs spare parts available in Philippines? I'd like to visit and also buy some spare parts that I cannot find in my country.

[@PurrpleOnItsOwnMind]

plenty bro just order online

[@offroad8055]

I have an ‘02 XR200R and absolutely love it! A fun little bike in the tight single track and to just mob around on🤘

[@casen06]

I just picked up a 2002 xr200r

[@charleswoelm1905]

I had a 1979 XR185, 80 200, 81 200R, and a 1985 200R. I love them all

[@megadawg342]

My first real dirt bike I ever owned was a 1984 XR200 I bought in 1988. What a great bike. I loved every minute on it.

[@mrtrim833]

I have. 2002 xr200r had it since it was brand new. My 13 year old son now rides it and it still looks and runs like day 1 and still all original

[@plezurhounds]

The earliest 185/200 twin shock models are my favourite look, but only ever trailed the 1988 model here in Oz... Still trail a '72 SL125 with 144 kit, and an '82 CT185... Thanks for your efforts:-)

[@rochellestanley9532]

Had a 86’ , my favorite play bike ever. Nice review 👍

[@RJPatt]

I got a 86 aswell, still running on the original rings and bearings!

[@brandondugan1940]

had a 2002 then a 87 and now i have a 81 that i still enjoy as my back yard trail bike. Great video!

[@msims1250]

I had an XR80, then moved to the XR100, and always lusted after the XR200R, but never got one. Thanks for the video!

[@jamescarbonaro596]

My first motorcycle when I was 14 years old was a new 1975 XR 75, saved my birthday money and lunch $, my parents were cool and met me half way... From what I remember the bike cost $475 back then... I must say what a great bike, learned how to ride slow and fast on that bike... All the XRs were mild mannered and user friendly... Great memories... From then on graduated to a 1975 CR 125 Elsinore, 84 KDX 200, 84 KX 250, 1994 YZ 250 and a 2013 YZ 250 (2 stroke) still riding at 60 years old... :)... Thanks for your videos Tony

[@TheMotocrossVault]

My pleasure I’m glad you enjoy them.

[@oldschooldirtbiker]

Besides the XR/CRF 50 the 185/200 is probably the most important bike that Honda ever made as far as getting people into riding motorcycles. I got a new 1981 XL 185 when turned 14 to ride to school.. Keep up the great videos of the old iron..

[@defectivebird9267]

bought a 86XR200R a few years back and I love it, it just keeps running.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

They are fun and indestructible bikes

[@jeffferguson899]

I had a 81 xr200R . best bike I ever owned

[@TheMotocrossVault]

My 1980 was super fun and taught me a lot about how to ride.

[@southtownloc_beats_4277]

Just bought an 83 xr200 today, so hyped!

[@carlosspicyweiner7865]

I bomb around on my ‘97 Xr200r w/ cr125 forks and xr250r rear shock!

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Sounds like a super fun bike.

[@derrickzenner9300]

I never had an xr but a honda home run for sure.

[@ryu1014]

Thanks for the indept meticulously made history of the bike🌄🕊️ thank you once again!

[@jasongiles1038]

I own the 1982 Honda XR200R Awesome little piece of history! 💯

[@Richard_H_U]

Had a 1982 XR200RB (the '81 XR200R was known as the "RA" in NZ). Brought back many fond memories "racing" against my buddies (assortment of Yamaha "Mono-X" IT175s, Kawasaki "Uni-Trak" KDX175s and Suzuki "Full-Floater" PE175s of various years) and a big grin on my face right now. Thanks a lot!!

[@kurthedgecock6313]

Great video. I got a 1986 Xr200r for Christmas in 1986. I loved it! My dad still has it in storage.

[@derrickzenner9300]

86 I think is my favorite color

[@wjweaver63]

@@derrickzenner9300 so I had a 1986 XR80R and that was orange. I thought all the XR's were orange that year. I traded the 80 in for a 1988 XR200R and that was the proverbial orange and white.

[@derrickzenner9300]

@@wjweaver63 i never knew that the 86 xr80 was orange. Interesting

[@Jshark30jk]

Would the 2002 plastic fit the 1996

[@lukewalters4716]

I love them xr600r as well. I've got 3. 85,86,97 turned dually. 85 is amazing beautiful bike. 86 is still getting restored but it'll never be as good as my 85. I need that shirt for sure

[@thatalaskaguy]

Ha! I loved the droopy rear fender viagra comment, the pointing at the moon front fender jab and the 8 million percent better looking front head light rip. I couldn’t agree more! I had an ‘86 XR 200 in college after owning way more capable bikes (‘85 IT 200, ‘86 YZ 250 & ‘87 XR 250) but I really liked it. It was the first bike I truly ever felt totally comfortable on when riding it on a real MX track, believe it or not. My buddy had a YZ 250 at the time and I was dicing it out with him and was amazed at how well I could keep up and even threatened to pass. I felt I could do no wrong. Looking back I think it had way more to do with the low seat height than anything else, of course the smooth power made it easy to wring it out. Looking back I kind of regret selling it now. Great video, thanks for bringing back so many memories! You’ve got a great channel 👍. I ended up buying a used CRF 230 a few years ago and really liked it and still have it. I’ve now passed it down to my son and got smart and have been modifying my YZ 250 for off-road riding and really love that bike. But, the CRF is way better for slow speed putting around and exploring when you aren’t feeling like ripping.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I felt exactly the same way about the XR. I could actually beat some of my buddies on way better bikes on the XR because you could ride it at 100% and really learn to push your limits without feeling like it was going to kill you. Great little bikes.

[@55tmilam]

I had an 85 200R, thousands of miles of fun! The RFVC motor was notorious for valves tightening even to the point of breaking. If you kept the valve adjusted it was dependable but didn’t compare to the more simple single carb mill

[@TLG84]

Just discovered your channel....great stuff! All the bikes I used to dream about as a kid! I found a '90 XR 200r locally last spring and couldn't resist picking it up. I hadn't been on a dirt bike since '92 (rode an '84 YZ 80 into the ground from 88-92) and figured the XR would be a mellow way to get back into it at age 43. What fun! After giving the bike a bunch of love, and shaking the rust off on a few trail rides, I rode my first enduro with it last fall and beat a few KTM's! I got a big reaction at a few of the checkpoints. A lot of people love these old XRs!

[@therealjs19]

My good highschool friend had a 2000 xr200r. I had a kx 125 at the time, felt like a tractor at the time compared to the kx but now thinking I wouldn’t mind snagging up a xr250 or 200 for a woods bike.

[@HUGO-bd1pt]

Very grateful for such a great and complete report on our beloved XRs !, I am one of the many who keeps one .. it makes me very happy, the compactness, the drive, the traction, the balance and the Honda stamp .. greetings!

[@briancastora769]

Thanks so much for this. I bought my son a used 1991 in 2002. It’s been through multiple riders since then. Just carb cleanings, oil changes , air filters till this year. I’m tearing it down this year to restore it and plan on keeping it for another 20 years. Very cool to know the history. I’ve always loved tooling around on it.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Glad it helped

[@donkeeton7897]

I had a 1980 XR 80 loved that little bike they were the same pretty much for 80 and 81 with black side covers and in 82 went to white i also had a 1982 XR100 with white side covers sweet little bikes they were.

[@bobhamulak3646]

I really enjoyed this video! It was kind of like a "blast from the past!" My favorite would be the 1982 XR200R. I had a '82 XR500R, and I loved it, although it was kinda' big and heavy. I also had a '82 XL250 R, and still have a '82 XL500R. (Talk about big and heavy!) Those XR200's were a good deal lighter, and although a bit underpowered, they would still be a fun bike to ride off road! I'll always look back with regret of never having owned a 1982 XR200R!

[@jerryanderson3181]

Wow Tony you did an awesome job on these videos I don't know why you are not over a million subscribers

[@markr7686]

Nice review of the XRs. I have two of the 1979 XR185s. Great bikes.

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

Yup! I ride mine everyday. Starts right up in the coldest weather.

[@jaimealbertorosalesduran1956]

Excelente Gracias From Colombia South America .

[@acuraintegrar5]

Great vid!! From what i remember even tho they dropped the head and tail light they still had a lighting coil, so a head and tail could be added easily.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I think you’re right they actually kept the headlight in most other countries they just dropped it in the US

[@afitechnicalities3541]

I love my 2002 xr200 great video do a super in-depth video on the last 2002 XR model

[@johnnyc482]

Very well done! Thank you.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Thank you

[@Yt_xrider]

37:44 that was what i wanted but settled for a honda wave 125s instead🤣as a commuter bike but i wish i bought this one😣

[@lawsonkinder4308]

I have a 2002 XR200r it’s a great bike

[@jamesbramblett3346]

I love this! So well put together and accurate. Hey Tony could you do a review/history on the Honda Xr400r? I think a lot of guys and gals would really like it! 🙌🏻

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I will be doing it but I have not finished it yet

[@robinbrowne5419]

I love the clean look of the red chassis with the gold Honda wing and white HONDA on the tank. That's what Hondas are supposed to look like. None of this white fenders, blue seat, purple forks, and a mess of illegible scribbles on the tank. WHAT WERE THEY THINKING? :-)

[@kurthedgecock6313]

I agree with you i like the Honda wing on the gas tank. I like the 1985 the best. The 1986 is my second favorite

[@TheMotocrossVault]

no wing, no prayer...

[@vincentferrara5032]

I have a 1985 xr 100 I love the color scheme I also have a 1990 xr 200 great and fun bikes

[@mikeatv]

great info great bike

[@bobbyd4400]

Had 3 xr 200s all had shifting problems at one point but still built proof

[@drewsimpson5967]

DBR magazine (I think) put an XR200 engine in a CR125 in the early 90s. I always fancied doing the same.

[@brianking1138]

Never had or rode one of these but saw a lot of them on the trails. Just bought a xl125 though. I have been wanting to tease you about Hannah, Bailey, and Butters. I guess you didn't get to name the dog.🤣 Would love to see a history of the Yamaha IT .

[@codyscott7711]

Love my 02 200r

[@TheMotocrossVault]

They are such fun bikes

[@gabeonelio9139]

I think it would be cool if you did an XL125 which is a short lived and not a very popular bike but it might be cool

[@markdelichte5401]

I enjoy watching your videos just wondering if you plan on making one on the XT 500 and TT 500

[@randombuilds8336]

You can actually take a cb/XL/SL 125 motor, open the bore for the cylinder spigot and swap in a 185/200 crank and make them a 200.

[@danielstilwell3136]

Keep up the vids!

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Thanks

[@jonathancrisp3947]

The 1985 200 actually had different engine cases to the 84, more oil capacity.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

That is interesting. I have the brochures, tests and Honda dealer info book listing the changes for 1985 and none of them I have seen mention the change. Only new graphics are listed as the change for 1985.

[@democratsaretheDEVIL]

The 83 200R has a 4 or 5mm bigger carb than the 200, i was given a 83 200R but not running after looking the top end was changed with the 200 and intake to carb had a big gap. With many months of online searching i found the correct intake, i got another head online and they are the same for both bikes. Only got 2 rides as no one else has a bike, but it was fun, not a horsepower monster but fast enough.

[@mikewarner2285]

Xr 400 great trail bike

[@55tmilam]

What a crock! They stopped putting lights and tool bag on the bike! That was the coolest parts for play riding on the trails

[@rolandoservito7]

2007 xr200 in the philippines still exist up to now

[@stevecummings8588]

Great video. The 88 lost the speedometer, it only had an odometer. I put a white rear fender on mine.

[@stevecummings8588]

I raced my 88 in local post vintage races. I also found a 79 to restore.

[@aussiefarmer8741]

I just picked up a 1996, it has the headlight, but no oil drain screws on the front forks.

[@jeffahearn]

Hi Tony. Love your channel. Just wondered if you post T-shirts to Australia? Jeff

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Yes Teespring does sell to Australia

[@Rocketman0407]

Just got a 88 xr200. Estetically it looks horrible but with some TLC it should be better. Along with big bore kit, Mikuni TM carb, air box mod, better cam and aftermarket exhaust. Will get a disk brake for it too.

[@GabrielGonzalez-FL]

You should make a video for the XR80R. Barely nothing around for that kids dirt bike

[@anthonynicholich9654]

XR200 definitely a great little bike but don't forget that Suzuki made the DR 200 and Yamaha made TT225 not as many years as the Honda but it did and it also were great bikes. You should do a review on a Suzuki DRZ250 and 400. Great bikes but I'm sure it's a little bit harder to find info on them as they were made less years than honda was.

[@kevinpelanne9417]

I own a 1985 xr200r ,it needs a rod the small end is loose on the piston pin ,I dont run it anymore cuz I'm afraid of blowing it up , any idea where I could find a rod kit or a crank with a decent rod ? I would love to ride it again it's in good shape

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

My first Dirt bike is a 1979 Honda xr 185. Still have and use. Don't sell such a great bike.

[@HNroofing-f2p]

I’m about to buy a 1980s xr200 but the seller does not know exactly what year it is and it does not have a title it’s also been painted at sometime in its life and is missing some plastics any tips on how I could tell if it is a 84-85 four vaulve vs a 86 two vaulve?

[@Rocketman0407]

How is this compared to the dr200? I consider getting one of these an upgrading the performance some.

[@STONEDARTphotos]

Please do a quick video on the 86 87 TLR 200 Reflex.

[@TheMotocrossVault]

I will see what I can do but there just is not a ton out there on that one.

[@Rusty-Brown_]

I had two of the XR200RS and they did not have the cradle frame underneath the engine and I broke two of them in half by jumping them they definitely needed a stronger frame if you were able to ride and jump it hard they were prone two sagging in the middle really bad

[@ronnyramirez6077]

la 1998 y 2002 son los mejores diseños

[@robertmillar2037]

83 had shock and front hub changes

[@michaelsanchez1573]

So should I I not get a 1999 200xr as my first bike?

[@Catman1987]

my wife bought a 2001 XR 200 R for $ 1,300.00 in good shape . I ride a 2004 Cr 250 .

[@rustyswift1893]

I have 2 xr200r both 82's both need rebuilding one was modified and they welded the sprocket on and I think it ruined the case bearings and has no throttle control even though carb is good everything works wish I knew where to get all these parts

[@timothymckern8956]

Please tell me you you got those XR shirts in 5x I would love to have one in that blue color

[@TheMotocrossVault]

There is a version that comes in 5x.

[@liam4493]

I have my xr185 registered for the road, struggles a bit with power at high speeds.

[@DAVIDTORRESANI]

I have a 1979 XR 185 . Would you you cross country with it? Bigger tank of course

[@russ4454]

Anyone know if the motor from a 94 200r will go into a 1986?

[@paulmorneault3994]

yes 1979 xr185-2002 direct fit no change. the only motors which will not fit are the 84-85 XR200R

[@catlinmccluskey621]

Any plans on an xr400 video

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Yes I plan to do one for sure!

[@ERVZ044]

I have xr200 2007 model

[@dalecross4543]

Do a kx100!

[@donaldcameron8909]

Jet issues on mine

[@skippyblueday21]

The crf 230 suspension is shit compared to the legendary xr 200! The xr 200 in my opinion is way cooler looking, not to mention the seat is way more comfortable!

[@theblazierfamily7723]

Hi daddy

[@TheMotocrossVault]

Hi sugar. XOOXOXO

[@shawncordeiroTerraceBC]

185/200 ATC 12HP WHY EQUVILENT XR 18HP ? dosent make sence

[@Rocketman0407]

Because they are measured differently. The ATC has the power measured at the wheel. While the XR200 has 18hp at the crank. The engines perform the same. It’s the same with a DR200 it says 20hp at crank while on a Dyno it shows around 13-14 hp.

[@deborahchesser7375]

I didn’t know they went to 💩 after 92’ ? Damn

[@danielarney9729]

Honda took the bait, sold out, and will continue to loose with the rest of the manufactures because they won't stand up.

[@jayb9687]

They were dogs. Didn't matter how you sliced it. They were dogs.

[@richardsmith7917]

Mans best friend!!