Honda Dual-Sport
Timeline
A concise compendium of Honda dual-purpose
motorcycles
1972
- Honda introduces a new era of modern four-stroke single-cylinder
machines with the XL250K0. The engine is a 248cc, OHC four-valve
single with a five-speed gearbox.
1974
1974 - Going one step bigger, Honda
next introduces the XL350K0, a 348cc OHC four-valve single with a
five-speed gearbox. The very next year, the XL350 earns the SCORE
Desert Series championship as well as overall victories in the Baja
500 and Baja 1000.
1978 - A new engine for the XL250
displaces 249cc. Although still a singlecylinder machine, it now
features dual head pipes along with a five-speed gearbox. The
quarter-liter XL gains a six-speed gearbox in 1982 as the XL250S.
1979
- The XL500S is introduced, a
498cc OHC fourvalve single with dual counterbalancers, a carburetor
with an accelerator pump, an automatic compression release and a
five-speed gearbox.
1982 - Pro-Link rear
suspension is introduced on the XL250R, which remains a 249cc,
OHC, four-valve single with two exhaust pipes and a six-speed gearbox.
The XL500R also gets a Pro-Link rear suspension.
1983 - It’s a new era, a new engine
and a new name for the biggest XL, which grows to become an
air-cooled 589cc single as the XL600R, with an OHC Radial Four-Valve
Combustion Chamber (RFVC) head, two carburetors and two head pipes, a
five-speed gearbox and a Pro-Link rear suspension.
1984 - Honda introduces the XL350R,
a 339cc OHC single with an RFVC head, two carburetors, two head pipes,
a sixspeed gearbox and a Pro-Link rear suspension.
1984 - The XL250R gains an RFVC head
and two carburetors while remaining an OHC, 249cc single with a
six-speed gearbox.
1991 - Now designated as the XR250L,
this street-going XR is essentially a street-legal XR250R.
1993 - The XR650L debuts with a
644cc SOHC RFVC engine with dry sump, electric starter, five speeds
and XR600R-spec suspension components.
2008 - A new name for a new machine
in a new millennium: The CRF230L brings a newmember to the Honda
dual-sport clan.
SPECIFICATIONS
Engine and Transmission
Displacement: 223cc
Type: air-cooled single-cylinder four-stroke
Bore x Stroke: 65.5mm x 66.2mm
Compression Ratio: 9.0:1
Valve Train: SOHC; two-valve
Induction: Carburetor 30mm CV
Ignition: CD
Transmission: Six-speed
Final Drive: #520 O-ring-sealed chain;
Chassis and Dimensions
Front Suspension: 37mm leading-axle
Showa fork; 9 inches of travel
Rear Suspension: Pro-Link Showa single shock with spring preload
adjustability; 6.3 of inches travel
Front Brake: Single 240mm disc
Rear Brake: 220mm disc
Front Tire: 2.27-21
Rear Tire: 120/80-18
Wheelbase: 52.75 inches
Rake (Caster Angle): 26.83”
Trail: 103mm (4.0 inches)
Seat Height: 31.9 inches
Ground Clearance: 9.5 inches
Fuel Capacity: 2.3 gallons, including 0.7 gallon reserve
Curb Weight: 267 pounds
Other
Color: Red
Features
Engine/Drivetrain
-Dependable 223cc single-cylinder
air-cooled four-stroke engine offers plenty of user-friendly power
and lots of torque spread over a wide rpm-range.
30mm CV carburetor for crisp throttle response.
Electric start for easy starting.
Lightweight aluminum crankcase.
Maintenance-free CD ignition.
Heavy-duty clutch offers smooth, progressive engagement.
Smooth-shifting, versatile six-speed transmission.
Heavy-duty O-ring-sealed chain for durability and reduced
maintenance.
Chassis/Suspension
-Box-section aluminum swingarm.
Lightweight semi-double-cradle high-tensile steel frame.
37mm leading-axle Showa front fork offers 9.0 inches of suspension
travel.
Fork boots keep dirt and moisture away from fork seals.
Heavy-duty Showa rear shock offers 6.3 inches of travel.
Snail-type chain adjusters for easy maintenance.
Powerful 240mm front disc brake, and 220mm rear disc brake.
Strong, lightweight rims with straight-pull spokes.
Additional features
-CRF-R-inspired bodywork and graphics.
Motocross-style seat is low and comfortable, and allows maximum
rider movement.
Durable front and rear steel sprockets.
High-quality handlebar with comfortable grips.
Wide cleated, folding, self-cleaning footpegs and brake pedal for
secure footing.
Quiet, USDA-qualified spark arrester/muffler.
Maintenance-free sealed battery.
Ignition switch key for added security.
Transferable one-year limited warranty; extended coverage available
with a Honda Protection Plan.
Purchase of a new, previous unregistered Honda USA-certified unit by
and individual retail user in the United States qualifies the owner
for a one-year complimentary membership in the Honda Rider’s club of
America.
Available Accessories
-Rear Rack
Hand Guard kit