1983 Honda XL600?

I found one in my area for sale. It is in good condition. It has 13k miles on it. Has a lot of high end upgraded parts on it. Price is good.





My main question is, is an 83 too old? I know that I should be prepared to fix anything if needed, but how often do you think something would go wrong. Just because it old doesn't mean it will just fall apart right when I buy it, right?
1983 Honda XL600?
Look INSIDE the gas tank. See if you can find RUST. Those old bikes were made before they started adding alcohol (E10 - standard gasoline these days).





Alcohol is corrosive and will rust out tank and old carb. If the motorcycle was retrofitted, then you would NOT have any problems. Otherwise you will always have problems with rust (and fuel contamination).





I know because I own a bike from the mid 80's (honda Interceptor).








Good Luck...
1983 Honda XL600?
I work on motorcycles alot. The big things to look for is first and for-most compression check this will tell you the condition of the piston and rings. borrow a compression checker and screw it in where the spark plug would go kick it once. then call a local Honda dealer and ask what it should be. Next check the condition over all Tires plastic etc (these are expensive to replace). Cables must be in good condition one way to check is when the bike is off twist the throttle all the way open and quickly let go. The throttle should snap back to the off position if in doesn't or goes really slow this can indicate 2 things or both old throttle cable, gummy carburetor (needs to be cleaned) or both (do not let them tell you its a cruise control). The next important thing is the test drive try to get a feel of when the clutch begins to grab starting to pull the bike forward (ideal is within a half inch of letting out the clutch lever). If that is good check the clutch lever cable adjustment setting if it looks like its got just a few or no threads to the adjusting next to the perch on the lever the clutch is almost toast. Then of course is the price reflecting on the year make and model. there is a blue book for this. If the tires look pretty woren out point it out that it will cost X number of dollars to replace them ( Find out price of tires before you go look at bike . Great way of knocking down the price.)


If there is a rust issue take the tank off and throw a great big hand full of nuts and bolts in the tank. Fill it with water and shak and dump it out (rinse and repeat) after a few of those put a after market inline fuel filter between the tank and carb. this will ensure that no rust can make it through ( I sugest the clear ones) They also make tank treatment chemicals for the rusty tank issues look into it.)
Reply:NR 1 guyz, these bikes have plastic tanks, since when does plastic rust?





I had a 1982 model XR500 that I used on the farm, I punished that bike, it just kept going. Had it for 2 years. Not 1 problem.





So did you take the bike. Cause I am agian thinking of getting one. Just for local transport.