Honda’s venerable XR600R - opens in new window or tab. was once the pride of Honda’s off-road fleet. The big air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke had an extensive run in the Honda line from 1985 to 2000.
As one of the earlier model years, the 1987 version offers unique features that remained unchanged from 1988 to 2000.
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The 1987 Honda XR600R was designated for off-road use, but it was also a common dual-sport platform. The model recently listed for sale on eBay retains its exclusive dirt-only status, but it can be plated for street-legal use.
Racing Chops
While it may conjure images of cruising backroads, the XR600R was once the mighty lion of the Baja peninsula, while dominating woods racing back East. The XR was a powerful weapon in the capable hands of off-road racing icons such as Bruce Ogilvie, Johnny Campbell, and Scott Summers.
During its 15-year run, the XR600R racked up a pile of championships and titles from the deserts to the woods.
- Five Baja 1000 wins
- Five Grand National Cross Country (GNCC) championships
- Give 4 National Hare Scrambles championships
- The International Six Day Enduro gold medals
By the Numbers
In stock trim, the 1987 Honda XR600R churned out 45 horsepower and 40 pound-feet of torque. It weighed a lithe 267 pounds. Unsurprisingly, the XR600R devoured high-speed desert stretches.
However, Honda racing engineers weren’t expecting its dominance in woods racing. Even Scott Summers, the AMA Hall of Famer - opens in new window or tab., was surprised. He was able to muscle the big single to 69 individual national race wins and nine national off-road championships. Summers and his big Honda mowed anything smaller than a sapling.
The Honda XR legacy was previously established by the XR500R, the predecessor to the 1985 XR600R. Baja 1000 victories in 1982 and 1984 by the 500cc XR paved the way for the XR600R’s winning streak in 1985, 1986, and 1987.
That streak stopped during the famous Kawasaki era of Baja SCORE racing when the KX500 - opens in new window or tab. two-stroke ruled. However, the factory Honda never backed off the throttle in Baja and never strayed from its commitment to four-stroke development.
Honda returned to the SCORE Baja winner’s circle only after the untimely death of Danny Hamel in 1995 ended Kawasaki’s interest in Baja racing. The XR600R would earn two more Baja 1000 wins before the liquid-cooled XR650R was introduced in 2000.
That Signature Red Fuel Tank
1987 was a formative year for the XR600R. It was the final year for the chassis, which was radically changed in ’88. Also, the dual-carb fueling system went to a single-carb design.
The list of 1987 original parts is long:
- Dual-carb fueling system
- Disc front brake, drum rear brake
- Kickstart only
- 43mm damper-rod fork with 11.0 inches travel
- Pro-Link - opens in new window or tab.-mounted single shock with 11.6 inches travel, fully adjustable
- Five-speed gearbox with auto-decompression
- 21-inch front wheel, 17-inch rear wheel
Alas, not all of this 1987’s parts are original. There is a new oversized white fuel tank and plastics. Without the distinct OEM red fuel tank, this unit doesn’t have Honda’s iconic red/gold/blue flare of the late 1980s. But there is plenty of original equipment to savor.
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This article is meant to provide general guidance only. Automotive maintenance, repair, upgrade, and installation may depend on vehicle-specifics such as make and model. Always consult your owner's manual, repair guide for specific information for your particular vehicle and consider a licensed auto-care professional's help as well, particularly for advance repairs.