Randman

I am looking at an 83' XL600, just want something to play around in the dirt/trails with, bike seems to be in fair condition, with new tires, chain, fenders....Guy wants $500, I am going to look at it this week...Just wanted to know if anyones has had one, riden one, could tell me good/bad etc...

Thanks..

R

superhawk22

Good bike, kind of old, lots of torque, VERY heavy! That's about all I remember about them.

Randman

I can't dig up an specs on the darn thing...by heavy, what would you say it's weight was? I would want to use it to teach the boys on as well...

superhawk22

Don't really remeber a true weight but it was VERY heavy. How old are they,(your boys)? I'm not too sure it would be a good teaching bike something a little more nimble would be better, maybe an XR instead of an XL.

Randman

12 and 15....I really just want it for myself, so if it helps justify blowing the money right now, then I will say that I am going to use it to teach the boys...lol...

I am also looking for something a little small for them to share...


Come on you can guess the weight can't you...??

Randman

Found it....

Model: XL600
Years Made: 1983 - 1988
Style: Dual-Sport
Engine Type:
600cc Single Seat:
mm/26.6"
Weight: 375lb
HP: 40
Torque: 40
Top Speed: 105mph
MPG: 55

superhawk22

There ya go, like I said VERY heavy for a dirt bike but gobs of torque!

Randman

Well we are Torque junkies right? lol...

I tried to find out what one might sell for, can't find any for sale...
cycletrader...no go....

any other sites to look at for sale?????? www.

superbling

Heavy and can be hard to start. IMO, there's no way I'd put a 12 yo on one and only a very experienced 15yo. NO WAY to learn on.

Also, there's no way it has a 26 inch seat height either! LOL That's like at a rebel 250 level. I could only one foot an 86 model and I'm 5'10".

superhawk22

Yeah I seem to remeber using a stone wall to get on the one I rode when I was 14. not that I wouldn't have to now!! As far as places to check out maybe this place, http://www.advrider.com/ or someother dualsport forums.

Randman

Doesn't look all that tall...

Here is what he says about it:

"Tank like with big power!!! XL600 I belive its an 83. Runs good starts right up. I've ridden trails and the track at TNT with it. Your not gonna beat McGrath but for some trail riding it will work fine for only $500 bucks!
The fenders, seat cover, tires and chain are new. The shift lever is a little stripped maybe a little JB or quick weld would fix it right up"

And pic

superbling

Yeah, that one isn't on the showroom like the 86 was.

BTW, I'd pay REAL close attention to that last line about the shifter. Possible big bucks to fix that.

Randman

yeah, I asked him about it, and that was his reply...the JB weld thing...My thoughts are for $500 I wouldn't try to replace it, just do a quick fix and move on...but then again I have never done that type of fix before...would I be getting in over my head??

Randman

Thanks for sending me to another forum, with which to spend more useless time wonder the pages and getting absolutly nothing accomplished...that one is really cool...

I have thought about selling the Hawk and getting a dual sport (new, or slightly used) with all of the great riding potential up here...and don't have to worry about cages in the woods...hmm...nah can't sell the ole girl yet...gotta wait til they go up in value..when will that be??

superhawk22

Hey what are friends for?? Yeah lots of great riding of all kinds up there for sure!

superbling

If the splines on the shift lever are stripped, no big deal; get a new lever. If the splines on the shift shaft are stripped, big deal. If the latter on a $500 bike, I'd probably just drill it and run a bolt through it all and nut it all down. Then pray I never hit anything substantial with it! LOL

If the splines are still there, I'd try building them back up with a file before the JB or drilling route. Anyone got a better method?

superhawk22

That about covers everything I've tried Doug.

Birdoprey