Honda XR series

The Honda XR series is a range of four-stroke off-road motorcycles that were designed in Japan but assembled all over the world.

The L version models were dual-sport trailbikes, fitted with lights, indicators, horn, and street-legal tires.

The XR80R was used in the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day, ridden by a young John Connor ( Edward Furlong ).

[2][failed verification – see discussion] The XR50 is a small four-stroke 50 cc (3.1 cu in) child's entry level motorcycle, introduced in 1969 and still in production as the CRF50 in 2021.

The 150cc 4-stroke, single-cylinder, air-cooled, OHC engine generates 12.14 hp (9.05 kW) at 7,750&;rpm,[4] Electric and kick starter.

The XR 150 produces maximum torque of 12.5Nm at 6000 rpm; the top speed in real world conditions is between 60 and 68 mph (97 and 109 km/h) with a fuel consumption of about 60 mpg‑US (3.9 L/100 km; 72 mpg‑imp).

The XR 190L produces Max torque of 15.6Nm @ 6000 RPM, the top speed in real world conditions is between 65–72 mph (105–116 km/h) with a fuel consumption of about 60 mpg‑US (3.9 L/100 km; 72 mpg‑imp).

In some international markets, there is an agricultural version of the XR19L, rebadged to be a XR190AG aimed at farmers for Australia and New Zealand with additional racks and lowered gearing.

[citation needed] A derivative for South America, named XRE 190, has electric start only, and disc brakes featuring single-channel ABS on the front wheel.

Due to its lightness, easy handling and good ground clearance, the XR200 was competitive as a clubman's enduro machine.

A major advance over the XR200, the XR200R had Pro-Link rear suspension, and heavier duty frame and forks, and was a tougher enduro machine.

Brazilian versions of the XR 200R were introduced in 1992 and remained on production until 2001 for the domestic market and at least until 2015 for export, always fitted with the 2-valve engine, electric start and front disc brake.

At least in Australia, the Brazilian-made model was rebadged CTX200 and fitted with a "cheater sprocket" to get an overall lower gear ratio more suitable to the needs of agricultural operators and was not roadworthy as supplied.

[7] Changes included a new crankcase with better engine mounts (which incorporated the swingarm pivot) for a stiffer chassis, smaller exhaust valves to address a problem with cracking cylinder heads, and an improved automatic decompressor for easier starting.

Although the XR250R was always quite heavy compared to its 2 stroke competition and both front and rear suspension were rather basic, it proved reliable and likable and was successful as an entry-level off-road machine.

It had road legal lights and tires, a steel fuel tank, keyed ignition/steering lock, lower seat height and other minor changes.

It shared the XR250R's RFVC 249 cc (15.2 cu in) engine, but with a different carburetor and 3 mm (0.12 in) smaller exhaust headers to meet emissions requirements.

It was sold as a factory motard, with road wheels and tyres, electric start, and updated faux radiator fairings.

The fuel tank had a 12-litre capacity, the front brake was a single hydraulic disc, and the handlebars sported plastic ‘bark-buster’ hand protectors.

HRC produced a "Power Up" kit that included a billet 100mm piston, a revised primary gear ratio (identical to that used later in the XR650L) and a hotter camshaft.

An all-new 649 cc (39.6 cu in), liquid-cooled, SOHC engine was mated to an aluminum box frame.

At 280 lb (130 kg) dry, it weighed more than the XR600R which it replaced, but was built very strong and the engine was immensely powerful.

Cancelled for the 2008 production year, the 'Big Red Pig (BRP)' enjoys a loyal following among Honda fans today, and remains one of the most competitive, open class 4-stroke enduro motorcycles available.

It also has an air-cooled 644 cc (39.3 cu in) SOHC dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke engine similar except for an increased displacement to the XR 600R, unlike the totally redesigned XR 650R that has a liquid-cooled 649 cc (39.6 cu in) SOHC dry-sump single-cylinder four-stroke engine.

It came as both single and double headlight variations, and featured a slightly tuned 650cc engine similar to the Honda Transalp (XL600V and XL650V) and high specification chassis components, leading to its rather brief production run.

With an aftermarket larger capacity tank and very few other modifications the bike was entered in the marathon class of the Paris Dakar Rally, revealing its surprisingly good off-road abilities - despite its 200 kg weight, hence it belongs firmly to the XR range.

It is the most sought after model of the Africa Twin XRV range and is fast becoming a collector's item, especially in Europe.