Honda

HONDA XL 600R 1983

HONDA XL 600R 1983
HONDA XL 600R 1983 · Photo: Andrea Marchisio, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Spec sheet
MODELHONDA XL 600R 1983
Year1983
Engine TypeFour stroke, single cylinder, SOHC, 4 valve, RFVC radial valve
Displacement / Capacity589 cc / 35.9 cu in
Bore X Stroke100 x 75 mm
Compression Ratio9.0:1
Cooling SystemAir cooled
Max Power33 kW / 45 hp @ 6500 rpm
Max Torque48.8 Nm / 36 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm
IgnitionSolid state CDI
Induction2 x 28 mm piston valve carburettors
Start SystemKick, with automatic compression release
TRANSMISSION SPECS
LubricationDry sump
Gear Box5 Speed
Clutch—
Final DriveChain
CHASSIS SPECS
FrameFull cradle
Front Suspension39 mm Showa air-adjustable leading-axle forks, 220 mm / 9.0 in travel
Rear SuspensionPro-Link, adjustable rebound damping, 203 mm / 8.0 in travel
Front BrakesSingle 240 mm disc, 2 piston caliper
Rear Brakes140 mm drum
DIMENSION SPECS
Overall Length—
Overall Width—
Overall Height—
Seat Height860 mm / 33.8 in
Wheelbase1420 mm / 55.9 in
Ground Clearance274 mm / 10.8 in
Dry Weight134 kg / 295.5 lbs
Wet Weight145 kg / 321 lbs
WHEEL SPECS
Front Tyre3.00-21
Rear Tyre5.10-17
FUEL SYSTEM
Fuel Capacity12 Litres / 3.2 US gal
Fuel Consumption46.2 mpg
Top Speed160 km/h / 100 mph
Photo gallery
HONDA XL 600R 1983

Photo: JD6630, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Honda file

The XL600R was Honda's new flagship four-stroke trail bike for 1983, using a 589 cc RFVC radial-four-valve single with twin carburettors and a dry-sump oil system, derived from the XR500 line with a 100 mm bore. It added a front disc brake and Pro-Link rear suspension, and was finished in Monza Red with a black engine. Testers found it fast, smooth on the highway and frugal, but tall-geared at low speed and tricky to kick-start.