The Legends Says It's The Best Dirtbike Ever. Let's Find Out If It's True!

[@jasongiles1038]

I just purchased an 82 Honda XR 200R tonight for $350! She cranked up on first kick. No headlight, and forks need to be rebuilt. After seeing all the love for these machines, I feel I did pretty good, and am damn proud of my, new to me, bike!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@jasongiles1038 - that is wicked!! Well done for getting an RC model fr that cheap. Please be sure to follow my XR200R playlist and see if any of my advice may prove to be useful. Keep us updated with your progress! Thanks again for watching my video. :)

[@bradley7723]

Bought a brand new one in 83 for $1600 a very fun trail bike, still is. Run forever with proper maintenance. 👌

[@Joep_Verstappen-67]

At least these were the most beautiful XR models of the eighties....I still love them...

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@Joep_Verstappen-67 - as do I :) Thanks for watching my video.

[@anewfiewalrus2060]

i just bought an 01 xr200r its in mint condition! picked er up for 1000 CAD, no regrets!

[@D-Marie0970]

This vid did it ...I learned to ride on a second hand XR200, rode it everywhere and loved it. Now Im looking to buy another one, looking at a few now. They are a truckload of fun and so versatile. Think I need an electric start now days.

[@donniemcfarland-r7b]

I had a 1991 xr200r it was a fantastic machine low on power but super reliable

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@user-vm2im8gj7g - yup, definitely not a powerhouse that's for sure, but awesome all the same!! Thanks for watching :)

[@donniemcfarland-r7b]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle my new bike is the Beta 300rr race edition. So far it’s been great.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

Slightly quicker 😉. Everyone I know that's got a Beta loves them. Fantastic bikes. Enjoy 😎

[@maximuslongrod6361]

as a teen i had the xl 185 s and then the xr 200. those bikes were my whole world

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@maximuslongrod6361 - first up, I have to say that KZbin name of yours is awesome 😁 Yes they are definitely cool bikes. XL185S was the basis for the XR185, that shows just how good the XL is 😎 Thanks so much for watching my video.

[@maximuslongrod6361]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle been my user name for everything since probably 2007 lol

[@patmccrotch5373]

I had a 1996 XR 200, absolutely adored my time riding it.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

That's awesome 😎. They're a great bike.

[@feloniousmonk3049]

I had a Honda 1985 XR350. The most reliable bike I ever owned. It was a little heavy, but an absolutely fine trail bike, if you were a bigger guy. Forks needed heavier springs and rear shocks needed better dampening, but, that's typical of any stock Honda XR suspension, unless you're a child.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

I've never ridden an XR350 but the people I know had them loved them. Once you got the twin carbs sorted! Totally true about the suspension. The XR200R forks are quite soft and the Pro Link is needs to have the preload setup quite hard. I fully rebuilt, reoiled and regassed the shock. Made a huge difference. Thanks heaps for watching my video. 😎

[@TN_HondaDad]

I had an 86, my first "big bike" at 18/19 in the early 90's as I finally moved out of the suburbs and into the country and was able to get one. Like most, I wish I never sold it but we all want faster and new bikes and need the money to get another one. Absolutely love the color scheme of the 86-88's as they will always have a place in my heart.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@TN_HondaDad definitely those were the best of the bunch. Loop frame with tall suspension and slightly bigger forks. Thanks for watching my videos .

[@nelsonwatson6215]

Great video I just got an 82 XR and can’t wait to ride it

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@nelsonwatson6215 - that is awesome! You won't regret it. If it has original plastics, even a bit rough, do not get rid of them! Almost impossible to find. Thanks for watching my video and enjoy the XR :)

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

I rode my XR200 from Auckland to 90 mile beach then bit of forest riding ,solid bike ,got back to Auckland and my mate offered straight swap for his road reg KDX200 cause he said it was a bit much and he loved riding my XR200 R ,prob that last 4 stroke dirt bike i ever had ,found the KDX was a great bike as I had riden MX as a kid lol but lotta XRs back in the day were street bikes lol

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@mrivantchernegovski3869 - damn, that's quite a hike on an XR200. They're not a comfy bike! Thanks for watching my video :)

[@mrivantchernegovski3869]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle Yea lol it was a nice cruze mate had a old Honda SL 125 think that would of been more comfy ,vibrations through feet and hands was epic ,iv seen brighter candles than those XR head lights ,then got a 1974 Suzuki GT 250 ,crashed that ,got a car and kept bikes for dirt ,got a 1996 RMX 250 but its dirt only has RM 250 motor ,shocks forks etc ,goes good ,Blue and white Euro Version I think lol

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@@mrivantchernegovski3869 totally agree, the XR headlights totally suck. I don't have a bulb in my one. Just there for show. RMX250s rock. Rode one, absolutely loved it. As it's a follow on model from a 1995, may qualify as eligible for VMX racing.

[@TomBuskey]

I raced the 1982 in New England Trail Riders Jr. Enduro series finishing 2nd. I raced motocross and Hare Scrambles too. I went through 2 and switched to an '82 Husqvarna 250XC which lasted 2 years. Many of the XR200Rs had transmission issues. I ran Mobile 1 oil and never had issues

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@TomBuskey - yup, my one jammed between 2 gears. Actually the biggest pain is the slipping kickstarter gear. It's an engine out, split cases job. On my list to do.

[@UncannySense]

Another good thing about the Xl185 and XR200 is the Chinese honda clone engines bolt in without much if any modification. Saved my Xl185 with a CG250 engine...though i'm considering a new 172fmm-5 counterbalanced 6speed though it will take some custom fab work. Nothing against orgiginal honda engines but its nice to know these old bikes can get new heart transplants.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

For sure. I'll do a KZbin video on how the XR runs on the Keihin and the Chinese replica. Should be of interest

[@UncannySense]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle using a nibbi PE28FL on the 230cc 167fml OHV zongshen engine with a modified intake manifold for correct in frame position without an airbox...but the PZ clone carburetors work fine as a factory replacement.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@uncommonsense5447 does the 230 perform well compared to the 200?

[@jimbo4203]

Not sure if it's the best but it's one of the most fun bike's I ever owned

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@jimwilliamson4203 - fair call. There are better off road bikes but fun factor definitely 10/10. Thanks for watching my video 😊

[@jeffferguson899]

i had a 1981 200R. Fantastic bike, I used to drag race my friends on yz80s and cr80s. the 80cc bikes were actually faster for the 1st 100 feet or so, then the 200R took over

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@jeffferguson899 - totally agree. I used to race them back in 1982 on my RM80 and they were pretty close. Thanks for watching my video :)

[@Alexmx44]

I have an 81 and 82 xr200r and I love both of them!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

That's awesome! 😎 Do you race them?

[@Workerbee-zy5nx]

My buddy had an 82 also , but it locked up after a couple rides. Your looks clean. Enjoy.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@Worker bee - thank you 😊 . I'm currently getting it ready for a day out in the mud next Sunday. It won't be clean after that! 🤣. I'll be taking some GoPro footage to share some cr*p old man riding! Thanks heaps for watching my video 😎

[@bobhamulak3646]

The '82 XR200R was a bike I always wished I bought. In 1982, I was in college in Colorado. That year, I bought a brand new XR500R from a dealer in Longmont. The bike was big and had tremendous torque, but was heavy. It was a tank! Looking back now, I realize that I prefer lighter-weight bikes for off-road riding, even if they are a little underpowered. The smaller and lighter bikes are easier to finesse, and don't wear you out like bigger and heavier bikes do. Some might say that a XR250 is lighter, but that XR200 will always be a bike that I wished I could have owned! I'll always regret never having owned a 1982 Honda XR200R! For those of you who do own one, take care of it and appreciate how fortunate you are!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

I've ridden the 250 and 500 of the same year but the 200 as you agree are the ones to have. Going up in value also. Thanks for watching the video.

[@rochellestanley9532]

Had a 87’ XR200r, wish I still had it 🇺🇸

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@rochellestanley9532 the '86 to 90s are the best of the bunch. Awesome bikes! Thanks for watching my video.

[@garyharbison5162]

Had one back in about 2005, an 82 model so much fun to ride apart from the drum front brake, wish I still had it.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

They're a fantastic wee bike.

[@theegwana2103]

The crf front shocks fit the xr giving you the disc front end

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@@theegwana2103 yeah I considered that but like the look of the original.

[@jeffwhite9392]

Mine was a Japanese import 2 valve ; 41mm forks , disc braked with an added CR500 ( I think ) shock minus the silly linkage . CB250RS 28mm carb & suitable cam / exhaust ... Another bike I regret selling . Did I mention the oversized oil cooler ?

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@jeffwhite9392 - you addressed all of the shortcomings of the XR well! Lack of brakes, flimsy forks and a little underpowered plus run hot!! Awesome :)

[@TheStephenspann27]

I had a newer model that I put the older long travel suspension on. It was very potent in tight woods. The brakes were awful though.. thank God for engine braking.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@TheStephenspann27 - thanks for watching my video🙂. Yes totally agree, the brakes are godawful, and if it's even possible worse when wet. The 35mm forks on my one are rather flimsy but don't though job. Later ones (86-90) are slightly better.

[@tommac215]

hey Chris im from Hamilton I started out with the 1982 xr500r, great bike and after having 3 xr500r,'s I moved on to the xr600r and had 3 of those which all were awesome bikes then in 2003 I got the xr650r which was the monster of all xr,'s but I could throw around the 600 better but still a great experience and really regret now that I sold it. All this time while having the XR650r I had in my shed a xr200r 1982 model. now that im 61 years old that's all I ride and it's just an outstanding bike I love it and it does everything. I can even cope with the funny front brake and I still have in my cupboard the original brand new side covers and headlight and speedo and tool bag brand new never used so maybe that on its own is worth something. Just think if Honda decided to bring out this model again with a little bit better suspension and brakes plus a beefed up kickstart gear then they would sell billions of them. Chris thanks for the great video.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

Thanks heaps for the compliment on my video and taking the time to watch it :) I totally agree, the XR200R is a great bike for sure. It was just a shame that they dumbed down the suspension after 1990 and lost the headlight. The CRF230 was supposed to be a replacement but I don't believe it has the charm of the XR. Also that front brake is miserable alright so it's unsurprising that disc front end conversions are popular if you don't care about originality! Definitely look after those unobtanium plastics!! My kickstarter also slips a little so at some stage it will be an engine out, cases split. The 650R's are also rare so keep that :). Thanks again and keep an eye out for my XR200R content! Rie safe.

[@oscarharriet7030]

Dont forget the most excellent TL200 Trials bike.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@oscarharriet7030 - totally agree! They are very popular with the Classic Trials community here in NZ. Good ones are quite sort after and priced accordingly. Thanks for watching my video 🙂

[@STONEDARTphotos]

Has the best seat for long rides ever.

[@franciscolopez3229]

For me, yes. All the XR200 that came out were all great except for the ones that have dual carbs. Their engines are almost indestructable as long as you take good care of it.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

The dual carb RFVC ones were known for cracking between the valve seats. They could rev higher and had more HP but the engine was a lot heavier and really there was no advantage to having one over a 250 unless racing in a class. The 2V engines are great. Thanks for watching my video 😊

[@daynasmum529]

Kind of like the Toyota Hilux of trail bikes.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@daynasmum529 - that's a great analogy :)

[@shockadellick]

My best friend replaced the motor with the CRF230 and it's a beast. The frame lacks the 230's motocross strength, however, in the woods with CRF230 motor nothing cuts like it.

[@jvogler_art4708]

@@shockadellickI got a xr250r and it’s amazing. I’m a taller rider so it fits me great, but still extremely tall. I wouldn’t mind having the 200 as well.

[@cushieaudio]

I miss mine so much. $1400 on road! No horn or blinkers, you could get away with plenty back then

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

I'll never sell mine. Just so much fun to ride! Thanks for watching my video 🙂

[@sorrywhatgetlost]

If not the most beautiful of the generations , it's my favourite, I've got two so far, first I got a '83 and it turned out the rearest part of the seat subframe had a bend in one side, so I cut it down and had it welded made a dirt bike streetfighter with a brand new rebuilt ME05 engine, big valve head roller bearing high lift cam uprated cam chain, cb200 down pipe and a chrome shorty Cherry bomb (vid on my channel) I then found another chassis original build date a month before I was born, a 1981 model, which I've got all new Maier mudguards, FIR alloy and chrome parts, '86 CR125 forks, modified XR350 tank amongst other things, she's the last project to build on my list AND I have a VTR250 head for the engine am using is a 4spd XL185 and there's a few websites suggesting modifications, one being a upgrade crank from I think it's a trials model I forget. The one on my channel video I just finally got it running after the carb I had was jammed and whereever the screw was at it still ticked over 2000rpm and the choke would only act as a throttle, I bought a random 26mm carb for the bike on eBay from a UK parts place, fitted it, started third kick, running beautiful, currently cycling it as it's a fresh engine build, took it out around the village the other night, third gear rolling opened it up, BLiMeY its guna be a rocket !

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@ GetOutOfMyLife - damn, that's next level! Back in the '80s, I remember people putting VT250 heads on CB125 racebikes. Not an easy job but got good hp for back then. Yeah the roller bearing mod is a good one as the cam running in the head depends on decent oil and regular changes to not slog out. The ME05 engines pretty similar to early ones, I think apart from colour is longer countershaft front sprocket.

[@sorrywhatgetlost]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle Yuh, well the guy that built the motor for me is an ex British MotoX champ and he had a mod on the sprocket, a sherco front sprocket fits on and you machine washers to space it and circlips to lock it on, so it'll fit either fitment bike depending where you place the washers

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@GetOutMyLife - the other weak point is the kickstarter gear. Have you done yours? Requires a case split. My one is intermittent. Sometimes engages, sometimes not.

[@jorgepablopadinolinik6017]

Espectacular!!!! Moto!!!! Amo la XR200R!!!! Japan!!!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

Yes, XRs rock! Thanks for watching my video 😁

[@earlfox6030]

you mentioned the xr 75 talk about fond memory's I think there was 10 of them in my extended neiborhood

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

I would love to have an XR75 but the prices of them now have skyrocketed! Very collectable. Back in the '80s when I had my CR and RM, you could get the '75s virtually for free... Thanks for watching my video :)

[@earlfox6030]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle not sure but I think mine was a 75 bought new. changed the world before that every one had minibikes

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@@earlfox6030 yes, the first one came out in 1973. Must have been quite a shock to the minibike riders!

[@Ikewayne413]

I miss my 1983 xr200r!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@Ike - you can find them for sale occasionally. Take the plunge and get another 😊

[@jamesgeorge4874]

Most of chinese clones are budget copies of this bike, and arent _terrible_ bikes, for the price, but the 200R really is a much more refined, and better suspended bike.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@James George agree with you for sure. I'm using the Chinese clone carb in the XR for the interim while I get the Keihin sorted. They are cheap and a good back up. Thanks for watching my video 🙂

[@richardredecker1004]

Best bike ever. I have 4 of these

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@richardredecker1004 - what model XRs do you have? Thanks for watching my video 🙂

[@reillystsb]

I had a really clean one it looked brand new but it was so slow made no power

[@bigfoot-id8bv]

Quick answer, yes, I’ve several and they’re just fun.

[@robyrobt1714]

just bought me one of these

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@robyrobt1714 - you won't regret your purchase. They are great bikes. Simple to work on also. Thanks for watching my video 😎

[@joyboyroy123]

Hello, i just got my hands on a 1982 honda xr200r but its in very poor shape. I want to completely rebuild it and give it new life, any tips on where to get parts? Diagnose problems? Ive never worked on a motorcycle so im not sure where to start.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@joyboyroy123 - first up, thanks for watching my video. Check out my other XR200R videos for some helpful tips. To answer your question though, you've chosen the right bike to learn to rebuild. Very simple to work on and everything is accessible. Does the engine run? If it does. give it an oil change and clean the gauze filter. My videos show that. Camchain tensioners can stick a bit. New airfilter also. If it blows a bit of smoke when you throttle off, it will most likely need the valves doing, ie stem seals and guides. If it blows smoke while riding you may be able to just get away with a new set of rings and maybe a bore hone. The later, get a shop to do. Then I would check the fork seals for leaks and rear shock damping quality. The former is easy to do with a manual, the rear shock doesn't cost much to rebuild. I did mine myself. Paint code Tahitian red (R23) if you want to repaint or touch up. Ummm,..the plastics are almost impossible to get, so if yours are okay, don't get rid of them!! Apart from that, give it a go yourself. Hope this helps!! :)

[@joyboyroy123]

@motorcyclingkiwistyle thankyou for replying, seems like I've got some work ahead of me. I will definitely look into your other videos to help me work on it. Im sure they will be a huge help. I'll get back to you when I make some progress on this thing.

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@joyboyroy123 that sounds awesome 😎 . If I can be of any other help, please reach out.

[@skualpascal6684]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle about oil circuit : there's no filter on theses Honda monos ! u forgot to mention the centrifugal separator : u have to open & clean it every 100Hrs on road/city use, & every 50h on offroad (ab)use ;-)

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@@skualpascal6684 - thanks for watching my video :) You're right, there is no actual oil filter but there's a small gauze filter just under the sump plug. I always clean it when changing the oil. Yes I should have mentioned the centrifugal separator. I did strip, clean and replace the gasket on it. As a general rule, I replace the oil every 10 hours. Cheap insurance :)

[@mjrybread]

What's the difference between the 200 and the 250? Just the ccs or what?

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@mjrybread - thanks for watching my video. If you're referring to the early models pre 1984, then virtually nothing in common. The 200 was based off the XL125 and 185 initially so can vaguely see the origins from there. The 250 and 500 have a lot of common parts. In 1984 with the RE and RF 4 valve models the 200 was based off the 250 and had a lot of interchangeable parts. Then the 86 onwards went back to the old 2 valve engine. The XR200 never had a disc front brake in any of its models so it's a popular conversion as the front drum sucks! 😁

[@mjrybread]

@@motorcyclingkiwistyle ya I ride a xr 250 2002 ,,love the bike my only gripe is the suspension cuz I ride hard single tracks and it's a bit soft I did take the shock down a bit and it helped alot

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

The XR200 suspension is quite soft, standard as well. I've put spacers in the forks and run the rear shock with high preload.

[@shaunsavage1726]

Reliable

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

Pretty much. Just as long as oil changes are done often.

[@aronhuffman1788]

Honda XR 200R was the best ever

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@aronhuffman1788 - can't disagree with you there 🙂. Thanks for watching my video.

[@danb37]

Xr250 is the best dirtbike ever made

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@danb37 - nearly agree with you. I had a 1990 XR250R. Loved it. I think the 200 just has the charm the 250 doesn't. Thanks for watching my video 🙂

[@wisetow10]

Absolutely not!!!!

[@motorcyclingkiwistyle]

@wisetow10 - Umm...one of the top 10 then? 🙂