Finally, someone said it. The 1980's dirtbikes were the best looking machines ever made. The colors, and the body lines, with that black paint on the engine, is just stunning.

Man, this dude is America. God bless.

That '85 XL looks almost showroom condition,great job on the restore. The XL/XR's were bulletproof!! Run forever. I had a '84 XR350R was a great bike! Miss it.. it was a tractor and a tow truck... Towed a many bikes out of the desert and the mountains.. easy to ride. It's been said," Old XR's never die... They just get new owners"

Man I’ll take the 85’ every time, look how pale and sad the newer one looks.

The one from the 80's is an awesome looking bike. Loved the colors of the whole XR line from back in those days. I believe,,I may be wrong would have to read up on it..,,the newer XR650L actually has the old XR600r frame and suspension but with less hp. Newer CV carbs just don't compare to a pumper carb, but laws on fuel shutting off if wrecked is what changed that. What Honda really needs to do is bring back the XR650R in off road trim and in dual sport trim,,maybe call it a CRF650L? Fuel injection, a bigger tank, and not neutered from the factory. It would take a huge chunk out of the KTM690 enduro R which is what I ride right now. The KTM is fun but not nearly as reliable as my old highly modded DR650se or any Honda XR. I put over 3K in upgrades in the 2005 DR to make it the best dual sport it could be from full suspension, pumper carb, JE piston, big valve head, full exhaust, seat, bars, wide pegs etc. It was a beautiful bike when finished. Biggest downfall with the DR was the 17" rear rim as any off road capable bike should have an 18" for ground clearance and better tire selection. My DR was put in Bike World years ago for my build as it brought a lot of attention back in the day. It's still online if I search for it as I was still in the middle of the build engine wise. It was going to be the centerpiece for my channel. Unfortunately I cased it very hard on a public seasonal road. Even with the skid plate it wasn't enough. Smashed the frame, and engine cases. I did not wreck which I attribute to 40+yrs of riding and mostly due to the full aftermarket suspension which kept it in shape. Luckily Insurance covered and almost all upgrades as well being an actual county road. It cased on a big rock that was pushed up out the road out of sight over the top of a berm in the road when the suspension compressed. I was up on the pegs just cruising along around 50mph...Things can happen fast...Sorry wrote a book. Along with my beloved old 2 stroke bikes, 4 stroke enduros plated for the street are my favorite types of bikes even in my mid 50's. I will keep riding as long as I can and I'm sure Kaplan would agree with that.

Just bought a brand new 2019 about 3 months ago. I'm 43 years old, and have dreamed of owning one since my first encounter back in the 80's. What a dream come true.

Had a XR500 in 1989 on the Island of Cyprus...man what a bike...after nearly 40 years of it coming out it still looks fantastic,,,not much has evolved on it since because it was so good the first time...great vid my man

Thanks for the video! I have the 1986 Honda XL600R... with the red, white & blue tank, gold-colored rims and Pro-Link. I am the third owner and I've had it since 2000. LOVE that machine!

Nobody does a better explanation of the differences and options of each bike!always nice to hear!

Cousin had a 600r. There wasn't a minute that thing wasn't ripping WOT throttle through a creek, mud hole, field, or on the road. I ride GSXR's but will pick one of these up someday. They were fast for a kids bike for sure, but their reliability was phenomenal. Kids have no fear on a dirt bike and very little concern for maintenance, that's best endorsement I can give to these.

Excellent comparison. Love your channel, who you are and what you stand for Ken.

I turned 16 in 1985 ..rode a 1978 yamaha dt 175 for two months ..sold it ..bought a new 1985 Honda XL 600r ..I was in moto heaven...stop light racing every night ..river trail rides most every day ..it was a great summer...sealed the deal for my love of motorcycles for life ..now looking at a 1983 XL 600 37 years later ...great video as always thank you

I just remembered my white XL600. Awesome, quality Japanese made trail bike. Nothing ever broke or stuffed up. Super design. And like the man says capable of around 100mph. Change the oil and clean the air filter. Easy to work on too. One minor complaint, the transition between the carb stages was noticeable, but mine was pre loved, so might have been OK when new. Single carb fan here.

I've had sport bikes, cruisers, and supermotos, my favorite bike is my 2006 xr650l. I can ride it anywhere. I like the 80's one better then the newer one though.

This great video is exactly what I was looking for. Thanks for making and uploading it.

I wish Honda would bring the XR650R back. I'd love to make one street legal. Looks so much better than the L imo.

I had posters and brochures of that ‘85 Honda hung up in my room! To me it will always define what a dual sport bike should be. Great video 👍

Great video!!! I really do appreciate people like you taking the time and giving people knowledge. God Bless!!!

80`s were the bast years .

Bro every time I think I’ve seen every great Kaplan America vid I see another gem like this . Keep making videos man great content god bless from a fellow New Englander.

I love that you have these kind of videos. Both these bikes are cool.

Love the look of the older bike! I just got a 1991 dr650 r and can't believe how much fun on road it is, and the sound from the open pipe is just so good! Before I got it, I thought 650 single cylinder bikes like these, were mainly for off road,how wrong I was! Love the riding position and the light weight of these bikes too.

Liking the mods you’ve done to the 650. Just installed the JNS headlight on mine, great upgrade! Might do that taillight next. Great comparison 👍

I've owned these exact 2 bikes. Loved them both. Thanks for the video!

Great, after seeing that, now I need an 85 XL600. Love your channel Kap!

THIS IS GREAT! THANKS FOR UPLOADING!

Mad respect to you for having 2 fantastic machines

I’m nearly 50, I’d take the 85’

I have the little brother. 1985 XL250R. Great bike. Some people hated the twin carb set up. Mine is mainly stock with aftermarket muffler (Cobra). Amazing that after 5 decades so much is very simular. Keep up the great work.

Great Video JR & SR. 2 awesome machines right there!

Kapp, your 18' XR650L is the same as the first one that came out in 1992 as a 93'! I had the 93' XR650L and loved it! I was a wheely king on that bike. Honda still makes a 21' bike and still hasn't changed.

Excellent video and comparison there, Wolverine. Love your stuff from Barber btw. Just found your channel.

Kaplan cycle saying his daily is an xr650! Prices are gonna go up!

Ken i had a XR 600 89 few years back, white bros exhaust , loved that bike so much, great old horse and much fun, Also had a 81 XL 100 when i was about 10 years old. Great memories. God Bless Kaplan America.

Great review! I picked up a 2018 XR650l not too long ago. Love the old school feel. It's a fantastic bike.

Thanks for the thorough comparison!

Thanks for the comparison video guys! But you gotta love the old school 🤙

Ken, I love these comparisons. Maybe make it a once a week feature.....

Love the old XR’s XL’s👍🏻

You never disappoint brother....excellent comparison. 🤘💯

I had a 86’ XR 600 and it was a wicked bike . I put motocross knobby tires on it and it would absolutely fly on fire roads or old logging roads and was very comfortable as well . The only drawback was it was a little too big for tight bush trails and the smaller two strokes could put maneuver me ,but I would always catch up when the trail opened up . It was also great on hill climbing, the low end torque of that big thumper would climb almost effortlessly.

That's a beautiful '85. I had an '87 when I was 13. Raced around the Nevada desert on that bike and loved it!!! I'd take either bike, but do love the looks of the '85. The '87 I had, had more white on it, but still near identical. Where ever did you find that '85? It is in incredible condition. Very timeless looks indeed. Thanks for sharing!! Brings back some great memories.

Nice. Had an 83 Xl600 in the 80s. Awesome bike.

What an awesome video, first class, would love to see more of these.

This guy does a great job presenting these bike's !!! Wish I knew where he gets all the parts to restore the older Honda XR'S........ 👍👍👍

Love the big XR content but it always reminds me of my stolen dream. When I was 10, my neighbor sat me on the front of the seat of his XR500 so I wouldn’t fall off and pulled effortless wheelies, at speed, on a pretty loose, sandy trail… I was hooked. As a teenager, I saw a brand new XR600R on the showroom floor as I was buying parts for my ATC200S and vowed to own one someday. Fast forward to adulthood and I moved heaven and earth wheeling and dealing, gave up my beautiful, built 400EX and finally scooped up my XR600R. Couldn’t have been happier. Got married, moved and put it in the storage and two weeks later it was stolen. Since then I’ve not found one for sale in the Southeast, even if I did, with 5 kids I don’t have the time or the money anymore. Man I miss that machine, probably the only one I ever had an emotional attachment with.

Tough to beat any of the Japanese 650's whether Honda, Suzuki, or Kawasaki.

I got a good deal on a very clean 85. I put a new ricky stator in it, adjusted the valves and carbs, new chain & sprockets, tires/tube. Starts in 1 kick every time. I absolutely love it, but I can't stop anywhere without someone offering me money for it.

I loved this,, the older one does look sharp enjoy this weekend everybody!

Had the 85 xr600r. That bike never let me down. Man I miss that bike. That 85 Xl600 in this video is amazing.

The XL is timeless in every way brotha. Great video 👍

I had the 1985 XL 350. Super bike! Loved to trail and street ride on it. I think the 85's look better than the new ones.

Had a 2003 650l, I’m digging the XL. Great videos with many bikes I loved growing up, would love to visit one day 👍🏁

Just ran across this channel or page or whatever it's called, and so glad I did , my first bike was a 1977 XR75, in 85 I bought Honda's first quad trx 250 and in 88 I bought my XR600 , then I bought a 94 Harley Davidson Fat Boy , 2003 Honda RINCON 600 quad ( my buddy's son totaled for me) and last but not least 2018 Honda Rubicon Forman Deluxe 500 , loved every one of them 👍

Cool video! Love those old bikes and I’ve been thinking of getting an enduro. This video helped me make my decision. Thanks

I had a brand new 83 xl600r and then a 84 xl600r and then for many years had no bike and 3 years ago i bought another 83 xl600r and love it my son got a 83 xr500r street legal and we ride together. excellent video thanks.

Great video man. I miss my 1986 Honda Xr600R with gold rims

I agree with you 💯 percent. I had a '81 XL500S that I explored Washington state with back in the late 80s. What a great do it all bike. Even though I have a KTM RXC 620, 950 ADV and 1190R. I wish I still had that Honda!

Awesome video! Old school color looks best I think, esp the one that had gold rims back in the days. Alot of dad's hated me when I got one finally, daughters wantin to go for rides lol good ole days

I had both, 85 , and my current 01. Kinda my faves. Love em.

This video makes me feel wealthy, cause I owned them both, and the xr600r! I owned an 85 xl600r, it looked exactly like the one in your video.

Awesome review that would sum up any questions about comparing any of the 600Rs with another between the yrs. I do remember when the mid 80s xl350 came out that it had a major piston to valve issue or something to valve issue. Because the motor is basically identical to the 600, I've always stayed away from them. From what i hear the honda 600 or 650 are extremely dependable and very competitive in off rd racing. Great information and thanks. The 1986 cr125 would be a great one to cover. Pretty much any Honda that I know of especially the 80s cb750ss, the cb900ss, 250R four wheeler. So many great honda machines from the 80s

54 years old here........still riding my 84 xl600 in the monza red.......still hooliganing on the damn thing ill never learn!!!! lol engine built by the motor manic jeff c himself what a blast they are dirt roads ,twisties you name it it loves it....using the blinkers on the trails ,beeping the horn as i pass the young bucs!!!hahaha too much fun!!! ride safe everyone!!!!

Great comparison thank you. I must say, I love the 80’s model the best. But I’d take a new one for sure.

I had a 1985 XL600 when I was in high school (1990)

For sure the 80’s were Super Cool, had an XR500...and many other Dirt Bikes...how can you not have a soft spot for an X-Ahhh...this video’s makes me feel warm all over! Thanks Captain, love your KZfaq channel and of course you and your crew!!! Long Live MX 338 “The Wick” Colin’ at ya from the new mountain bike capital of the world Northwest Arkansas!

I bought an 85 brand new. Still have it and it looks like the day I brought it home. If you can't kick start it, you shouldn't be able to ride it. USA-1

Awesome video great job. I look forwards to more comparison video's

I admire your passion.. Thank you so much for your contribution, i love watching your vids and learning about it all ;-)

Just found your channel. That 600 has loads of character!

Nice! Love the comparison! Jjust saw this, Fantastic! Always wanted to now that 1 myself! Thanks and God Bless America!

I had the 1985, loved that bike. Had a super trapp can on it, ran strong. That kick start did fight back often times leaving me bruised and limping but I was a lot younger then.

Very interesting video, thanks for taking the time to make it....Back in 1983 I bought a brand new Honda XL 600 and really loved that bike.... Then in 1986 I bought a brand new Yamaha XT 600 which did not feel as powerful as the Honda...

Im getting me one soon! CANT WAIT!

i have a 1984 xl600r,had it for 20 years,had a few stators in that time plus cam chains.3.as long as you can start it its fine.

Nice bike great info as always

Man great video I have a xr650l 1996 model and i love It, I have always wanted to know alot of info that you gave un this video between this 2 amazing machines, congrats you make great videos Bro

Very nice comparison thx. I’ve got a couple buddy’s they have been riding the XL 600 both of em are big guys and the 600 was a beast in the woods or on the logging roads.

New camera? Video looks awesome 👌

You would be hard pressed to find a better deal then the 2020 XR650L at a $7,000 price point brand new compared to any other bike in or out of its class (air cooled, four stroke, steel frame, street legal 650). From what I've come to understand back in the mid 80"s, the XR600R was the trail bike variant of the XL600R street bike. The XR was a little different from the XL, the XR had more torque and horsepower at lower RPM then the XL also more height and wheel base. The XL600R was a really good bike but the XR was was better and during that time the thing to do was make the XR street legal vs buying the XL. The XR600R was the winning Baja machine of its time until the XR650R water cooled trail bike came along and it commenced to kicked ass for years. The 1993- 2020 XR650L is not like the XL600R of its time a one off variant of a trail bike it turns out that the XR650L is the XR600R of the mid 80's just corked up with street legal goodies and a different top-end taking it out to 644cc to offset the goodies. The frame of the XR650L is the same as the XR600R and most of the engine parts, in fact the kick starters from the XR600R and the XL600R can be installed on the 1993-2020 XL650R. Don't quote me though all of this info is off the top of my head. Great KZfaq channel Kaplan is one of my favorites.

Love seeing the old XR/XLs! Have you had any of the 650R's in recently? The liquid cooled XR. I'd love to see Senior rippin around on an uncorked "big red pig"

Thanks for the review of the Japanese Honda XL . I had a 250 S . Dual shock model. Not just USA but the World 🌍🌎🌍🌎 over & over. A friend had the 500R which I could stay right beside most of the places we could go. Love the review bro.

i got an '83 xl200r not too long ago, first motorcycle, absolutely love it!!

I miss my 1983 XR500Rs. I was trying to remember what was different- why they felt smaller than the 650L I had recently- a lower seat height and 17 inch rear wheel made it seem easier to handle on tight trails most likely and I'm sure it weighed less. I think even my XR350R had a slightly higher seat heat but was still a sweetheart. I even test rode an XR650R and I liked it but it seemed very top heavy on the steep tight trails.

I just picked up a 650L. Really happy with this bike.

I just bought a 1984 xl 600r, a beast

Great review love the colours of the 85 model remind me of my XR500

I favor the older as well, of course i grew up in that era too. Got a 87 XR600R project bike last summer i'm rebuilding the motor on now and discovered its an 87 XL600 motor. Was a little bummed but still a good motor.

Wonderful motorcicles , furious machines, very ,very beautyful machines !!! I ❤ 👏👏👏👏👏👏

I would love to see 1985 Honda xr350r single carb. I had one I restored from the ground up, for a 350 it was a freaking beast with 6 gears!!!!

I had an 87 600 and a 08 650. Loved them both liked the height of the 08. Liked the bigger tank on the 87. I jetted and piped them both I never got anywhere close to 60 mpg! I always said they could make that bike for 50 more years and it will never go out of style.

There's one big difference.... The '85. .. The size of those mirrors... Yikes!!.... They haven't changed because it's s proven package that just works only minor tweaks over the years is all they've really needed... Great job Ken

I had a 83 XR350 , it went 90 mph and was so fun off road

Great vid! I have a 84 XR500R. It would be cool to see you do a vid on the difference between that and the 600.

my own experience on dirt bikes has been! I've raced many types from Kaw., Suzuki, Yamaha,KTM, Maico, Honda cr, in the novice class, then to the senior veteran class, until I bought a 1992 Hondaxr600r and can say it improved my riding style greatly , so much so that year I raced a local Gran prix and finished second overall starting in the next to last row!

I had the original 1982 xl500r mono shock I bought new from the show room that started this line. It was a great bike and had a round headlight. Way better looking. Wish I still had it.

I’m happy to say I own the second to last 2007 XR650R East of the Mississippi. Have I ever rode it? Just up the block once a Year. It’s never seen dirt, rain, mud, snow. Complete mint and turn key. AND ITS MINE! ALL MINE! NEVER FOR SALE!!!! HAHAHAHA

Nice comparison. Had them both. The '85 is easier to ride. Feels glued to the pavement. The extended suspension on the 2020 is all softness in the progressive spring. Feels nice crossing paint lines and small stuff on the roads, etc, but not really that much better than the 9 inch travel of the static springs of the 85 when offroad....

Great video! I love the old orange xl/xr. I had an 84 xr350, what a great bike I wish I still had it! I currently own a 94 650L also a great bike

Man , love the show. Was hoping to see you ride the xr650l. I love America