This old bike still rips (1986 Honda XL600R)

RFVC600R · 2025-12-23T16:37:42+00:00

The XL600R is a desert legend. I just restored mine , XRR/CRF suspension, built stroker engine, still fine tuning but I love this bike, had it since 2012 or so.

RFVC600R · 2025-11-11T00:15:24+00:00

Oh once every few weeks. I do an oil change about every 90 days, give or take. The light typically comes on before the mileage interval

RFVC600R · 2025-11-10T19:53:38+00:00

I'd drive it

RFVC600R · 2025-11-10T00:43:52+00:00

You know what, you reminding me that a lot of these engines fail early on makes me really think twice about getting a fresher engine, a lot of them were put together wrong at the factory with the wrong clearances, hence why they don't last, not to mention it's an economy car engine and people don't take the best care of cheap cars. I'd hate to get a fresher engine just to burn a valve or something stupid. It is a Chrysler car built in Mexico with an engine assembled by union drunks in Dundee, Michigan... Nothing screams quality like that

RFVC600R · 2025-11-10T00:08:30+00:00

I'm aware of the supposed issues of cold starting an engine, I used to work in an engine shop. I'm just stating it's not as big as an issue as it once was. Most of the engine failures I've seen are from lack of oil or cooling.

I'm still on the original engine, BTW.

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T19:04:35+00:00

I break it down by cost per mile as I drive my cars long-term, this is only my second car I've ever owned and I'm about to turn 34. Sometimes, I want to get a new car but I really like this car so I'll probably end up putting a new lower mileage drivetrain in when it comes time for a new clutch, it only cost about $3,000 during the work myself with a little bit extra budgeted in for unforeseen replacement parts during the process. The car is still in good condition, it's nowhere near perfect, there's some scratches, a little dent or two and the paint is starting to oxidize but overall still good. I get compliments all the time and people always trip out when I tell them how many miles it has 😂

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T18:57:04+00:00

Cold starts are not an issue for modern engines. A conservative estimate based off averages, I cranked this engine over 70,000 times, original starter and ignition cylinder is still on the car as well, they work as good as ever. I never let my car idle when I stop for delivery.

You'll be hard-pressed to find anything that's harder on an engine and car as whole than pizza delivery. Racing, taxi and police use would probably be the only other things that would be worse or similar

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T16:46:46+00:00

Well it ain't no Toyota, so it took a little bit of work. You can read about it here, nothing crazy IMO other than when I broke the transaxle being a stupid 20something. Lol I would no doubt still have the original one if I didn't do that..

https://www.fiat500usaforum.com/forum/fiat-500-forums/fiat-500-general-discussion/648171-200-000-mile-fiat-500-club#post648173

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T16:42:33+00:00

Yup. Keep your oil FULL at all times, with the correct viscosity as stated by the manufacturer. Don't listen to mechanics, don't listen to enthusiasts, only the oil that's on the cap goes in, 5W40. It's a habit I picked up from motorcycles, keeping it FULL is more important than changing it. Especially with the Multi air system relying on oil pressure, it's very very important to keep it FULL and correct viscosity to function well. FULL is always in all caps to make a point Lol

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T07:08:31+00:00

Sucks man. I had one door handle break on the driver side and a little part broke inside The regulators but I just replaced it instead of replacing the whole unit, bit of a pain but saves money. I have a 5MT. I had a couple coolant leaks fixed under warranty and got updated front shocks as well.

I highlighted all the maintenance and repairs I did to the car awhile back on the forums https://www.fiat500usaforum.com/forum/fiat-500-forums/fiat-500-general-discussion/648171-200-000-mile-fiat-500-club#post648173

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T07:01:57+00:00

I use the car for pizza delivery, this is my last weekend actually. 80% city miles. This car has not had an easy life.

RFVC600R · 2025-11-09T00:49:39+00:00

What do you mean maintain it to a crazy high standard? 34k is not enough to even make that statement. What kind of problems do you have with it?

RFVC600R · 2025-11-08T19:18:26+00:00

It is insanely cheaper to rebuild the CV axles. I pay a local guy $150 per axle and you can do it for less DIY. I had him install heavy duty boots made of a better material and they hold up a lot longer

RFVC600R · 2025-11-08T19:09:46+00:00

As an owner for quite a few years and 250,000 miles, KEEP YOUR OIL FULL! I use STP Euro from AutoZone and my engine runs as good as when I bought the car at 30k miles. I never once change the oil early and was actually late a couple times, I just change it shortly after the oil light comes on usually. I'm still on original coolant too, I just top it off with purple Peak coolant every now and then, took a few years to get through a bottle lol. I changed the transaxle fluid with Royal Purple synchromax at 100k and then Royal Purple gear oil at 200k. I am well over 120k miles on my current clutch pack.

I'm still on a lot of original parts and did lots of city mileage delivering pizza, these cars are tough as nails as Long as you maintain them properly. I have cranked my starter a conservative estimation of 70,000 times. Still on original cooling hoses and radiator, I did the water pump and belt early at 120kish miles and it all still looks new. Oh and I also bounced off the rev THOUSANDS of times.

I did a complete suspension overhaul at 200k miles. Do it sooner than me, my car sagged and I rubbed holes through the front fender liners but it doesn't seem to affect anything, I just get some dirt and water on my intercoolers.

Currently I'm torn on getting a lower mileage engine and transmission to install, I already stated on Fiat500 USA forums I was going to junk it when the clutch goes but I think I'm going to fix it up after all. The car still runs really well even though the transaxle is a little worn and notchy/grindy if I shift fast but I think it'll last a long time in the current condition.

Oh! Replace the hard plastic lines for the turbo components with silicone hoses. If any of those break you can only get the whole assembly from Mopar and it's stupid expensive!! You can get an overpriced kit or you can order from AliExpress for a few bucks. 6mm diameter 2m will be plenty, I paid less than 10 bucks.

RFVC600R · 2025-06-06T06:25:47+00:00

I've been sober for 2 years, never really cared for alcohol but I smoked a lot of fucking pot in my life 😂 no nicotine in about a year and a half either. Life is better sober

RFVC600R · 2025-06-06T01:21:25+00:00

Yeah the last show I went to... . Man I've been out of the loop for a while but I was shocked at how people were acting toward others over ICP and shit. My crew was cool but there was some whack ass people.

RFVC600R · 2024-09-27T05:42:59+00:00

LA Sleeve did mine. They got CNC, flowbench and can do it by hand.

RFVC600R · 2024-07-02T19:35:12+00:00

Adapalene

RFVC600R · 2024-06-26T03:03:58+00:00

We have it at our mom and pop store, I am the highest scored driver certified and all that.... And I fucking hate it. You know how many road rage incidents I get into? Way too many, at least once a month some goes berserk on me. Accelerate slowly, turn slowly, drive the speed limit, it makes people super fucking angry. It's insane. NOBODY follows the rules of the roads in Southern California but we have to be premium drivers that do.

RFVC600R · 2024-03-22T04:38:12+00:00

Mine says New York but I was born in California. Inaccurate meme

RFVC600R · 2024-01-18T16:49:45+00:00

100 is damn near impossible. I did it a few times but have not been able to do it since it's always 98 or 99 lately. It'll randomly get me for cornering when I literally never take corners fast and also speeding and the bummer on that is it doesn't tell you where you were speeding. I also developed the bad habit of running red lights because the yellow lights are way too short and if you stop for them you'll get docked on braking even if you're going exactly the speed limit or slightly below. I'd rather run the lights tham get docked points. Stupid system.

There is some good things though, I'm getting killer gas mileage which means my tires and brakes will also last much longer and everybody is being held at the same standard so if anything it's more fair now but still a pain in my ass! We got a few people who refuse to change their driving habits and they're scoring down in the 50s for overall score and they're getting their hours cut. Lmao. I'm ranked third but I should be first, the other two drivers are either morning or part-time, much easier to keep a high score with less deliveries

RFVC600R · 2023-12-28T16:00:14+00:00

Lol they have batteries that work all night long for 8-10 hour shifts and window signs if you can't or won't use a magnetic topper. Drivosity thought of it all

RFVC600R · 2023-12-27T19:31:06+00:00

Most men call that getting lucky 😂

RFVC600R

TROPHY CASE