Classic Red in Moto Magazine

Honda introduce the new 400 XLR in 1982.
An efficient, modern bike that holds up against the XT

The Paris Dakar 82 type is a rare model because it is not a bike assembled in Japan.Honda Japon officially came to the Dakar for the first time in 1982. Cyril Neveu and his partners flew over the Rally and Cyril even won all the african 82 races with the same bike.Soon Honda shown a special series of 200 replica tank+seat  that dealers were able to assemble as an option when purchasing a new XL500R.
The camshaft and one rocker have been changed. All the threads of the rocker cover have been reinforced with helicoïl thread inserts. The valves are new, their seats have been rectified. New cam chain. Controlled and tensioned balance chain. Clutch and gearbox checked. New rings and piston dimension +0.25. The kickstarter spring has been replaced. The carburetor has been ultrasonically cleaned. The foam air filter is new. For the chassis part, the frame was completely dismantled in order to be repainted. The suspension rods and the steering column have been cleaned, checked and greased. The manifold and the exhaust silencer have been replaced by used ones in very good condition. The 2 tires are new Michelin Sirac. The brake and clutch levers, the rubber grips are new. New clutch cable, controlled throttle cables. The tank special limited edition Paris Dakar is full new (not repaired), the seat will be specially restaured for this tank.

Starting a thumper it need to knows. But sometimes even to us specialists it happens to have difficulty in making it crack at the first time. There is a method to follow: - make sure you have gasoline and that the ignition is on for the XLRs. Also check on XLRs that the circuit breaker is set to ON. - lower the kick lever until you hear the small 'click' of the automatic decompressor. Let the kick lever go up. At this time you have to press the kick lever as hard and as quickly as possible in order to get the engine running as faster as possible. When cold, on the dual carburetor versions you will not open the throttle at all. When hot, slight opening around 10° of rotation at the handle. On the other hand, when cold on the single carburetor versions, the throttle must be opened slightly +/- 20 °.- when cold, put the choke fully. If it is more than 15° c, putting it in half may be enough. - once successful, if the engine is cold, the bike will be warmed up slowly while maintaining the throttle on the handle, so as not to stall. The choke will be lowered halfway as soon as the engine responds to the throttle. Finally, if she doesn't start on the 3rd or 4th kick, it means that you have flooded the spark plug. There are two solutions. The first one from Wales, go have a good beer with the friends and come back after 15 to 20 minutes. The second if you are in a hurry is to ventilate the engine. For that you will open the throttle fully, cut the choke, activate the hand decompressor and press the kick lever 4 to 5 times. By sending a lot of air and little gas you will dry the plug. After that you can do as if it were your first attempt. - a bike parked for more than a week or two will have gas in the carburetor which has reduced its ability to burn. It is good to drain the carburetor tank before attempting to start thanks to the small tank drain screw. Gasoline fresh from the tank greatly increases the ability to start.
To prevent any kick back you will never open the throttle more than 30°

GILLES LALAY was already a great international enduro rider when Honda recruited him. 
His racing program will include the Dakar he won in 1989 on the NXR but also the Atlas Rally which he will also win on this improbable CR500 recently restored by CLASSIC RED.
This motorcycle has been specially prepared by HONDA Japan with a 20 liter aluminum tank. 
HONDA France will add two 10-liter 'suitcases' (made by Christian CHAPLAIN) in order to increase the range to 200 km.
This copy is part of the personal collection of Cyril NEVEU.
There will be very few copies of this CR500 RALLYE entrusted to NEVEU for the rally in Tunisia where I had the honor of being its mechanic.