Honda’s XL600R was a popular dual-sport for a wide variety of riders in the 80s – Dirt Rider magazine said it was the best in the dirt of the open class dual purpose bikes (like the Kawasaki KL600 or Yamaha XT600). You wouldn’t know that from this example, which has apparently spent all of its life on the street. The payoff is that it looks great compared to other XL’s from the time period. I’d actually feel bad about getting this one dirty.
The XL600R featured a 589cc, 45 horsepower engine – Cycle World claimed they were able to hit 103 miles per hour with it. The XL shared many components with the off-road oriented XR bike, like the frame, brakes, Pro-Link rear suspension, Showa forks, skid plate, and more. For more on the XL, check out this rehosted Cycle World test of the 1983 model.
This example is in impressive condition thanks to an easy life – the original owner used it for in-town pavement trips before selling it to the current owner. Last year the bike got a new battery and “all fluids were recently changed.” Per the seller, the only modification from stock seems to be the grips. For more pictures, check out the seller’s Flickr album.
Find this XL600R for sale in Long Island, New York for $3,500 here on ADVRider (registration required).