Despite being somewhat small, as in, smaller engine and smaller frame, this Honda XR200R is a serious off-road bike. Its lower seat height makes it user-friendly for folks who can buy pants at Target, unlike me. This 1982 Honda XR200R can be found posted here on craigslist in Panama City, Florida, and the seller is asking $2,250. Here is the original listing, and thanks to Tony P. for the tip!
By the early 1980s, the ride height of enduro or off-road motorcycles had been creeping up in size due to suspension updates, but Honda based the XR200R on a 185, so rather than a 38″ seat height, the seat is 35″ off the ground. That doesn’t seem like much, but for riders under six feet in height, it makes a big difference. It still works for lanky folks, so it’s a nice compromise. Here’s a brochure showing the 1982 Honda XR200R.
Made beginning in 1981, the XR200R was a serious off-road version. The new XR200R was similar to the XR200, but had the Pro-Link rear suspension as seen here. This example also has lights, so it isn’t strictly for racing, although it could absolutely be used for that purpose. Hagerty values a 1982 Honda XR200R at between $2,200 and $3,300, so this one for $2,250 may be right on. (peace sign, Neru jacket, Beatles hair) I mean, right on the money; that’s better.
We don’t know the actual miles on this bike, as the odometer shows 95.6 miles. This Honda appears to be in nice shape, but far from showroom perfect. That’s a good thing; it means that the next owner won’t be afraid to use it as intended, in the dirt and mud. I’d be in for lots of trail riding, but I’m not an enduro guy or a serious racer by any means. I regularly ride a Honda Motocompo for cryin’ out loud.
The engine is Honda’s 195-cc OHC four-stroke single-cylinder with just under 20 horsepower, which is sent through a six-speed manual. These bikes had an automatic compression release to make kick-starting easier, but I remember my brother’s Honda XR600R having a compression release handle. That was one scary motorcycle. The seller says this bike has new brakes and new tires, and it runs and drives well with nothing on the to-do list. Just get on it and ride. Any thoughts on Honda’s smaller enduro bikes like this XR200R?
All KINDS of interesting old bikes, Scotty-outstanding.
These were great cow trail bikes for riding in the desert with the terrific torque curve it had.
Panama City, FL.? Home to Tyndall AFB. Hope it hasn’t changed from the ‘60’s, it was a good assignment for folks wanting sun and surf.
Sorry, not enough ump-she-koo. I can sympathize some when bikes like the Yam 125 twin, or similar small bikes for sheer riding pleasure are featured, but 200 is not enough for what you might encounter off road. While I didn’t care for the DRZ400 I had, the power came in very handy. Another thing, while the tall stance is helpful, it makes the bike tough to ride at slow speeds. I dumped the DRZ a couple times because my legs just weren’t long enough. Don’t get me wrong, this bike still has fun written all over it, just, the operator will want more, trust me, it how that works,
A Trail riders and sight seeing favorite model. My buddy has alot of bikes and says the 200 is a peach. Howard I maintain the DR650 was the bike for you, much lower and only 365lbs wet… a pleasure on the hwy too. Very smooth.