Motorcycles - HONDA DAKAR XR550 1982

The Honda factory became directly involved for the first time in 1982. It was the Research and Development department that assembled 5 bikes. The objective is going to be reliability on stages which can cover 1000km in the day. For this the gearbox is reduced to 4 speeds with wider, more robust gears, the displacement is increased to 550 for more torque and flexibility. Engine oil capacity is increased by 0.5 litres. The engine will be able to run with a low oil level thanks to the bearing mounting on the camshaft. 40 or 50 liter tank depending on the stages.

In the end Honda is full of success with the 1st, 2nd, 7th and 13th places at the finish.