Classic Red Blog

A nice press article about our workshop and his genesis in "Moto Magazine spécial Trail 2022"

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Restoration in the rules for this superb XR200R model 1982..The restoration was done perfectly,
The original engine has been revised, bore-up 0.25 and works perfectly.
Our XR are delivered with its collection registration licence, Honda

To dissasemble totaly an XL600R and to rebuid, that's folk
Matching number, same key for the switch and hemelt lock.

This XR500R was rebuilt on march 2022 with special golden rim, look very nice isn't it ?
The XR500 was one of the most used motorbike by private riders on the Paris Dakar that year. Robust, reliable, she even won the women's category.
This XR was sold on march 2022 with its regular title, Honda brand, type PE03

This XR500 restored by CLASSIC RED is in perfect condition. The engine : gearbox shafts replaced. The crankshaft has a new new conrod special because it is no longer available. New piston set in standard 92mm bore. New FIM homologated front and rear tire, revised brakes, carburetors cleaned, new air filter, new spark plug, completely rebuilt rear shock absorber, new foam filter, front forks maintened with new front brake disk.New secondary transmission, fenders and side covers in very good condition.The side stand bracket on the frame has been completely repaired. Genuine tail light restored.

To restore the XR is our passion !

Why does an XR / XLR restored from a pro cost 5 to 6,000 €?- purchase            1000/1500 €- labor 50 / 75hx35 € = 2200 €- spare parts               = 1500 €-VAT 20%                    = 850 €- guaranteed hidden defect for 2 years =?
To explain that Classic Red just pays its costs and can only function because the one who manages the purchases/sales do it passionately without remuneration.

For 1982 Cyril Neveu was an official Honda rider. He has already won the PARIS-DAKAR twice on Yamaha and in 1981 he finished last on an unreliable and under-prepared Honda XL. 5 bikes will this time be prepared by the Honda Japan Research and Development department. Reliability will be the key word. Honda use the XR500R and makes some little modifications. 4 speeds instead of 5 for stronger sprockets. A custom-made clutch cover which increases the oil capacity by 0.5 liters and allows the connection of an oil cooler. Double ignition, always for reliability. The cylinder head of the XR500 is recharged by welding and then machined to receive bearings for the camshaft (which will allow running with a low oil level if necessary). The XR500 intake valve box is removed. Keihin supplied a special PE38 4-stroke prototype carburetor. The cylinder as well as the clutch cover was made by sand foundry in order to receive a 94mm piston boosting the cubic to 550cm3. The original XR500 crankcase has only been touched up to allow the piston to pass into bottom. Chassis, a bigger front fork (the bike we are working on was updated with a disc brake which is the evolution for the 1983 Dakar, rider Philippe Joineau). The rear brake cable has been replaced by the rigid rod of the XL500R. (still the idea of ​​reliability of a metal rod compared to a cable). For the tanks there was a 40 and a 50 liters version depending on the trips bringing the theoretical autonomy up to 1000km! On the lighting side, a long-range headlight has been added, controlled by a switch of CB125K5. An aluminum plate attached to the handlebars for navigation. At that time they left with a stack of sheets for road books and tore the sheets as they went. CLASSIC RED restores this XR550 in memory of this memorable year. This super reliable XR550 called XL550 will allow Cyril to win all the following events of the 1982 season!

To dissasemble totaly an XL600R and to rebuid, that's folk
This XLR passed sucessfully our 100 check points control. Going to ride with a new rider just graduate !
No smoke from the engine, no extra noise, let it ride !

Disassemble a Honda XR250R. Inspect, clean, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important things like the engine. Find artisans who agree to work on "old". Find the parts no longer available from the manufacturer and that's it. Engine crakcase rebuilded, cylindre bored to +0.25. All gear box bearings are new. Rolling chassis with new forks gaskets and boots, new seat cover, new toolbow, new tires, new chain ans sprocket, new swingarm chain slider. New handguards and front plate perfect replica.

Disassemble a Honda XR250R. Inspect, clean, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important things like the engine. Find artisans who agree to work on "old". Find the parts no longer available from the manufacturer and that's it. Engine crakcase rebuilded, cylindre bored to +0.25. All gear box bearings are new. Rolling chassis with new forks gaskets and boots, new seat cover, new toolbow, new tires, new chain ans sprocket, new swingarm chain slider. New handguards and front plate perfect replica.

This XR250 was restored for a collector who did an exceptional request. We have to deliver the bike perfectly restored and without gasoline in the tank because it is to complete his collection.We usually restore our motorcycles to run, in this specific case we will do a little more with, for example, made-to-measure spokes for the front and rear wheels.
contact@classic-red.comPhone. : 00336 07 98 11 37

We finish restoring this Honda XR600R on June 2021, everything controlled and repaired or changed !

March 2021, Moto Verte the most famous french off road magazine publishes a report on our Honda XR specialist restoration activity.
To sum up, we restore as close as possible to the origin which is a real challenge because most of the parts are no longer available. The first customers will therefore necessarily be the best served.
We have the motivation and the material to work 'red nickel' with passion above all.

This XR250R has been completely disassembled for restoration.
 The engine, valves seats have been redone, the timing chain is new, the cylinder has been bored, a gearbox sprocket replaced, the oil pump new.
For the chassis, the fork has been restored, spy gasket replaced, new forks boots. The shock absorber was also restaured. The rear tire is new and the wheel bearings have been replaced. New air filter, speedometer and its trainer have been replaced, new speedometer cable. New replica headlight plate, new replica hand guard set, new rubber grip. New saddle cover.

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°

This beautifull girl was a first hand. After we restored she is now in Provence
Video YouTube here
contact@classic-red.comPhone. : 00336 07 98 11 37

This XR have a 85mm big bore piston and a long stroke crankshaft which gives it a displacement of 430cm3 and a great boost with the same reliability. The gain is over the entire range of use.
The engine saw its cylinder head rectified, its valves changed, its rockers changed (very rare parts). The cam chain is new. The camshaft bearings have been changed. For the lower engine the left half crankcase was replaced, the gearbox ball bearings and the balancing arm were replaced. The carburetor have been clean and received a new tank seal.
The chassis will have a new rear tire to choose from: a very gripping Mitas or an FIM homologated Pirelli to participate to enduro without problem. The forks has been drained and the gaskets replaced. The brake caliper has been cleaned and the gaskets replaced, new Honda original pads. New foam air filter. New clutch cable, new hand decompressor cable, new handles grip, lever and clutch support replaced. New stickers, seat cover replaced, headlight visor replaced. Speedometer support, trainer and cable replaced. Original XR taillights replaced.
YouTube video here

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.

Restored Honda XR600R, everything controled and repaired or changed !
Pictures hight quality on request

Totaly rebuilt XR350
Cylinder bored new, half right crankcase replaced. Cylinder head rebuilt with new valves. Crankshaft bearing new. Carburetor replaced, front forks replaced, swingarm same. Exhaust line restored. New front plate. The front and rear wheel are fully rebuilt. This XR received a front and rear tire Enduro FIM.
For sale with a professionnal guarantee. Shipping worlwide on request.

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

The HONDA excitement continues, it was in 1982. Honda after to introduce a lot of new road bike like the GolWing, CBX1000, CX500 take care the road and trail use surfing on the Paris Dakar image.

We did maintenance for the engine and the chassis for this superb 1983 model XR200R.
The XR200 Starts very easily thanks to its automatic decompressor system.
Tank, speedometer in good condition, carburettor cleaned with ultrasound, intake pipe in perfect condition, new air filter, new spark plug, restored exaust, leak-free shock absorber working perfectly, handlebars not folded, new engine oil, mudguards and side covers in good condition, chain guide pad in good condition, steering column bearing in good condition. 2 new tires, new seat cover, new toolbag, new front sticker, new sprocket and chain (with O-Ring). Rear schok absorber replaced
This XR is delivered with its registration card, Honda brand, type ME04

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Disassemble a Honda XR. Inspect, clean, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important things like the engine. Find the spare parts that are no longer available from the manufacturer and that's it.
contact@classic-red.comPhone. : 00336 07 98 11 37

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Restoration in the rules for this superb XR200R model 1983.Starts very easily for a single, thanks to its medium cubic and its automatic decompressor system.
The speedometer and muffler are genuine, in perfect condition. It is quite rare to find an XR200R and even more with these original parts. Tires with less than 25% wear, brakes overhauled, tank in good condition, carburetor cleaned with ultrasound, intake pipe in perfect condition, new air filter, new spark plug, exhaust silencer not drilled without trace of oxidation, leak-free shock absorber working perfectly, new seat cover with foam restored, new handlegrips, new engine oil, new transmission chain with O-rings, mudguard and side covers in very good condition not broken, chain guide pad in good condition, swingarm axle greased, steering column bearing in good condition, fork drained with new boots and gaskets.
This XR wass delivered with its registration document, Honda brand, type ME04
contact@classic-red.comPhone. : 00336 07 98 11 37

Rolling frame and engine completely disassembled.
For the rolling: Frame sanded and painted with Flash Red genuine Honda color tone, new front tire, fork oil seals and oil replaced. Front wheel replaced, new bearings. New brake pads, new master brake and caliper gaskets set. New rear brake shoes. New rear wheel bearings. New chain slider on the swingarm and on the frame.New genuine intake pipe Honda (no more available from Honda), new tool box, new seat cover, new chain slider, new sprockets and chain. Speedometer bracket replaced.Full genuine exhaust line cleaned and paintedAll the plastics are clean and the rear fender is new.
For the engine: new valves, timing chain and camshaft bearings. Cylinder bored up only +0.25 with Honda original piston. New special connecting rod (because no spares available anymore. All new low engine bearings. Gearbox completely controlled. Cylinder head, cylinder and crankcase was micro blasted and painted with a specific high temperature paint.
  An approved expert can on your request follow the reconstruction certifying the work carried out.
contact@classic-red.comPhone. : 07.66.42.58.60

Disassemble an Honda XR350. Inspect, clean, repair, every part. The frame has been repainted and its side stand bracket has been completely rebuilt. Rear schock opened for maintenance. Rear wheel replaced, new chain transmssion with JT O-ring chain. New rear brake shoes. Full exhaust line restored. New foam air filter. Tool bag and seat cover are new. For the front the fork is drained and the gaskets and boots are new. The 2 tires are new and FIM approved in order to be able to participate  to enduro race.The camshaft chain is new, we checked the camshaft and the rockers too. All was right.
You Tube video here

This XR350 is now in a private collection since january 2021
Only 18326 km New front tire FIM certification, neuf transmission, neuw camshaft chain, new engine and oil filter, new spark plug, new foam filter, front forks with new oil, new front fork boots. Plastics in good condition.
Youtube video here

This is the second year of the 500 cc RFVC engine.
It was developed in 600 from 1985 and then in 650 on the famous Dominator. The 500 being the playful because of its capacity to rev up faster than the 600.
The model here by CLASSIC RED is in perfect condition. The chassis have past the 100 checkpoints according to Honda's original specifications.
The XR500 was one of the most used motorbike by private riders on the Paris Dakar that year. Robust, reliable, she even won the women's category.
This XR is for sale with its regular licence, Honda brand, type PE03

This CLASSIC RED XR500 1984 is in perfect condition with a "matching number" engine. The engine has been completely dismantled. The crankcase bearings are new, as is the timing chain. New FIM front tire, brakes OK, ultrasonic cleaned carburettors, new air filter, new spark plug, right exhaust muffler without oxidation, rear shock absorber works right, new seat cover, new rubber grips, new filter and engine oil mineral 20W50, secondary transmission in good condition with less than 25% wear, mudguards and side covers in very good condition not broken.
It is fitted with the very rary Honda genuine handguards that appeared in 1984 on this XR500.
The XR500 was one of the most used motorbike by private riders on the Paris Dakar that year. Robust, reliable, she even won the women's category.
This XR is for sale with its regular licence, Honda brand, type PE03

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Restoration in the rules for this superb XR200R model 1983.The bike has been completely dismantled in order to repaint the frame in the famous original Flash Red color.The restoration was done perfectly, that is to say that everything was not repainted to hide.This bike hasn't hardly been driven as proof, it still has the original Honda handlebars with a pronounced rear hanger typical of US Baja style motorcycles.The original engine has been revised and works perfectly.
This XR was delivered with its collection registration licence, Honda brand, type ME04

Completely disassemble a Honda XL250R. Inspect, clean, repair, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important elements such as the engine. Find craftspeople who are willing to work on "old" ones. Find the parts more available from the manufacturer and that's the job. A certified expert can monitored the reconstruction and certify the job quality.
contact@classic-red.comTél. : 07.66.42.58.60

Completely disassemble a Honda XL400R. Inspect, clean, repair, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important elements such as the engine. Find craftspeople who are willing to work on "old" ones. Find the parts more available from the manufacturer and that's the job. A certified expert can monitored the reconstruction and certify the job quality.
contact@classic-red.comTél. : 07.66.42.58.60

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Restoration in the rules for this superb XR200R model 1983.The bike has been partialy dismantled in order to repaint the frame in the famous original Flash Red color.The restoration was done perfectly, that is to say that everything was not repainted to hide.
The original engine has been revised and works perfectly.
This XR is delivered with its collection registration licence, Honda brand, type ME04

Restaured end of 2020 and a new owner bought on may 2021. 19 000km only certified
Inspect, clean, repair, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important elements such as the engine. Find craftspeople who are willing to work on "old" ones. Find the parts more available from the manufacturer and that's the job.
contact@classic-red.comTél. : 00336 07 98 11 37

The model here for sale by CLASSIC RED is "matching number", that is to say that the engine and chassis numbers correspond to this model. The bike is in perfect condition. The engine and chassis have passed the 100 checkpoints according to Honda's original specifications. Front forks totaly revised, camshaft chain replaced. Carburetor cleaned with new tank gasket.
1983 is the first year of the RFVC engine.It was upgraded in 600 from 1985 and then in 650 on the famous Dominator.The 500 being the playful because of its capacity to rev up faster than the 600.
The XR500 was one of the most used motorbike by private riders on the Paris Dakar that year. Robust, reliable, she even won the women's category.
This XR was sold with its regular licence, Honda brand, type PE03

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.

In 1981 Cyril Neveu was recruited by Honda following his 2 previous victories on the already famous PARIS-DAKAR.To give itself the best chance of success Honda built an experienced rider's team. The XL500 was fitted by the Honda France racing service. By lack of experience for this type of very long race, the results will not be up to expectations. Many technical problems will not prevent the grumpy Cyril Neveu to finish in Dakar, last !
CLASSIC RED has just restored this XL500 in memory of this memorable year.
In 1982 Honda R&D will prepare him a super reliable XL550 which will allow to Cyril Neveu to win all the races of the year !

A strong baby booked this XR500. 110kg so we replaced the rear schock absorber and we set the front forks according to the rider. The engine and the chassis have past the 100 checkpoints according to Honda's original specifications.The muffler is a Supertrap, the rear wheel is 18" to make it easy to use FIM tire, the handlebarr is reinforced 28mm, front plate and speedometer US type
This is the second year of the 500 cc RFVC engine.It was developed in 600 from 1985 and then in 650 on the famous Dominator. The 500 being the playful because of its capacity to rev up faster than the 600.
The XR500 was one of the most used motorbike by private riders on the Paris Dakar that year. Robust, reliable, she even won the women's category.
This XR was sold with its regular licence, Honda brand, type PE03

Exceptional and rare XR500R model 1982 in perfect conditionThe original engine has been revised and works perfectly.
This bike has hardly been driven as proof, it still has the original Honda handlebars with a pronounced rear hanger typical of US Baja style motorcycles.
We imported this XR500 from Calgary to France by plane. Then go to UK to obtain a road registration and she came back to France to ride with a special collection registration V5.
This XR was delivered to a private museum

Very limited quantity for XR200R at Classic Red
Restoration in the rules for this superb XR200R model 1982..The restoration was done perfectly, that is to say that everything was not repainted to hide. New speedometer, exhaust line 'speciale', tire FIM certification, large foot peggs, AFAM strong alloy handlebarr.
The original engine has been revised and works perfectly.
Our XR are delivered with its collection registration licence, Honda

Where does Classic Red come from ? Why Classic Red ? Discover the report in La Vie de la Moto of July 2020

contact@classic-red.com
Tél. : 07.66.42.58.60

Completely disassemble a Honda XL500R. Inspect, clean, repair, repair, every part. Spend a lot of time on important elements such as the engine. Find craftspeople who are willing to work on "old" ones. Find the parts more available from the manufacturer and that's the job. A certified expert has monitored the reconstruction and certify the job quality.
contact@classic-red.comTél. : 07.66.42.58.60