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Swiss
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1#
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Rank:none
Score:801
Posts:801
From: USA 
Registered:03/26/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:01/02/2005 16:46:10)
I built an exhaust system for an RFVC XL250 several years back and built a number of them for the RFVC XR250 and 600s. Also built one for one of the single carb '85 model XR350s. They are good bikes if you don't try to build race bikes from them. The screwy "better idea" valvetrain is their weak link, along with overheating/oil problems. Doug Johns took one of the early twin carb 250s and put it into a CR125 frame years ago. I can send that article to Geoff to put up if you would like. Sorry, I wouldn't own one because I never liked the engine design. The only model that ever tempted me was the 350 single carb mainly because they trimmed the engine down and they ran really well. Of course, the 350 that we built up had rocker arm problems twice after we went through it. Both times were the owners fault.
I do know of some 600s that have been made into fairly reliable race engines with a fair amount of work. But every race engine deserves a good amount of work anyway.
Swiss
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gorby
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2#
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Rank:none
Score:18
Posts:18
Registered:05/07/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:01/20/2005 13:07:14)
I have an 85 XL250 RFVC.It has a decent sized battery and a tacho.The suspension package is a bit soft
compared to the XR250.The headlight is glass and works well for an old bike.
--------------------------------------------------------------
1974 XL350,1980 XL100,1981 RM125X
with XL185 motor
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apexspeed
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3#
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Rank:none
Score:184
Posts:184
Registered:11/18/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:02/11/2005 06:02:05)
>>The screwy "better idea" valvetrain is their weak link, along with overheating/oil problems.<<
specificaly what component in the valve train... they are HOT motors.
the design was perfect it was when clueless wrechheads got to fiddling with dual-carbs when just one was over their heads! others just had to install incompatable camshafts in them or something else just as stupid that caused all the famous problems!
the single carbed 350 was gutless compared to the dual-carbed '84 XR
Rob Muzzy biult some really good DC 600s that I belive were the first thumpers to end HD dominance in flattrack racing.
I started another topic on the NX250 that Im looking for now. that was the next evolution for the Honda 250 thumper. twin-cam and liquid cooled! I got to find one of these, should be intresting.
I cant begin to tell ya how pleased I have been with my DC RFVC though, from my experience no other air cooled 250 thumper can even compare itself!
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Motosportman
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4#
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Rank:none
Score:968
Posts:968
Registered:03/29/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:06/06/2005 22:43:24)
from what I can see a "RFVC" is not a whole lot different in design than the beloved original XL motors. 4 valve head single overhead cam. Yea the rockers are different and the valve spread / spacing but pretty much the same - I think the intention was for them to "breathe" better. They do run hot! my 87 XL600R ran hot as does the new 05 BRP (XR650L) - they say because they are so lean stock. If you uncork it and open up the airbox, remove the restrictive airbox snorkle and rejet the carb, drill and shim the slide and remove the emission octopus that it richens it up and makes it run like a beast and that it runs cooler too! (richer = cooler) however IMHO the BRP in stock form is a beast! more power than anyone could ever reasonably use off road! I guess you need to be young and really power hungry to want to mdify it for more power!
I rode my 1975 XL-125 in the woods the other day and around my property and man oh man what a blast! I could ride it all day long! no effort, light, just fun! and in the tight stuff, the BRP would see nothing more than the dissappearing tail-light of a 125 (in tight woods)
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2005 XR650L, 2004 XR250R, 1974 XL350, 1972 XL250, 1975 XL175, 1975 XL-125 and 2 woods playbikes, 1973 XL250, 1975 XL350. 1972 TS-125J
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dsarri
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5#
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Rank:none
Score:3
Posts:3
Registered:08/13/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/13/2005 03:51:41)
Just found your site. I have an 85 XL250R. I just love this bike. It has one annoying problem though. Every once in a while it just decides it is not going to start. Usually after I pull into a gas station to fill it or some other inconvenient place. I've gone through every conceivable excercise to try and get it to start (choke, no choke, throttle, no throttle, etc.) Anyone ever had such a problem...or better yet, anyone figure out how to solve the problem. This thing goes good for a 4-stroke 250. Just perfect for the dual-sport riding I do. If only I could put electric start on it...
Dennis
Salem, OR USA
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apexspeed
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6#
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Rank:none
Score:184
Posts:184
Registered:11/18/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/28/2005 05:02:26)
Reply to : dsarri
Just found your site. I have an 85 XL250R. I just love this bike. It has one annoying problem though. Every once in a while it just decides it is not going to start. Usually after I pull into a gas station to fill it or some other inconvenient place. I've gone through every conceivable excercise to try and get it to start (choke, no choke, throttle, no throttle, etc.) Anyone ever had such a problem...or better yet, anyone figure out how to solve the problem. This thing goes good for a 4-stroke 250. Just perfect for the dual-sport riding I do. If only I could put electric start on it...DennisSalem, OR USA
hi Dennis, have you checked the spark plug when this happens to see if it is wet or dry? and also pulled the cap just off the spark plug to see if spark will jump a 1/8" gap? first step is to determine if its fuel or electrical.. not usually electrical on the 250R but it can be heat sink into the components above the engine when you stop riding. I have the underside of my tank covered with aluminium tape, a trick I learned from owning a '87 600R they did exactly what you describe and its from heat sinking the ignition.
how many miles on it?
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apexspeed
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7#
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Rank:none
Score:184
Posts:184
Registered:11/18/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/28/2005 05:13:55)
oh almost forgot motorsportman, the RFVC is a hemisphearical head (HEMI) thats the main difference I think.
I still havnt found an NX250 but I wont give up!
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bob__
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8#
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Rank:none
Score:396
Posts:396
Registered:03/28/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/28/2005 05:15:50)
good to hear from you again Todd--
Heat sinking? I always figured that foil would reflect heat in the visible spectrum--never thought about it as an insulation material (other than the foil Geoff and I place in our helmets to keep "them" from reading our thoughts or planting ideas--  ..............
So, a coil that's hot produces a better spark? sucking the heat out (as in a heat sink) reduces coil performance?
not going to argue with success but some elaboration might be interesting---
is Katrina going to miss you?
--------------------------------------------------------------
ratbikes and bull terriers
http://www.community-2.webtv.net/oldrice/BritifyinganoldHonda/
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dsarri
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9#
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Rank:none
Score:3
Posts:3
Registered:08/13/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/28/2005 06:09:37)
Reply to : bob__
good to hear from you again Todd--Heat sinking? I always figured that foil would reflect heat in the visible spectrum--never thought about it as an insulation material (other than the foil Geoff and I place in our helmets to keep "them" from reading our thoughts or planting ideas-- ..............So, a coil that's hotproduces a better spark? sucking the heat out (as in a heat sink) reduces coil performance?not going to argue with success but some elaboration might be interesting---is Katrina going to miss you?
Thanks for the response to my starting problem. Bought a real nice NX250 since I last posted. Still love my 85 XL250R though. Going to try some of the posted suggestions. BTW, if you ever get a chance to try out an NX250, take it. More street oriented but still looks like it would be at home on fire roads. The XL has 3900 miles on it. I put a new plug in and that seemed to help a lot. But the old plug only had about 1000 miles on it.
Dennis
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suzukisam
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10#
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Rank:none
Score:1
Posts:1
Registered:08/28/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/28/2005 06:34:08)
Hello, I am new to the site, my RFVC drove me here. Well kind of, it's not currently driveable. I had an intake valve loose it's head and travel though the combustion chamber the other day. needless to say I am now int he market for another head. I have been searcing hi and low to no avail. Does anyone have any good sources they would like to share?
This is my first bike and it has been working great as a wknd trail bike / weekday commuter.
thanks
Marc
1984 XL350R
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apexspeed
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11#
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Rank:none
Score:184
Posts:184
Registered:11/18/2004
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:08/30/2005 16:21:59)
hi Marc, I see mabey 5-10 250RFVC heads go acrross ebay a year but thats risky if you cant inspect first, these heads can have hairline cracks from excessive combustion temps generally caused by lean jetting. they can be nearly invisible but they seem to crack between the spark plug hole and exhaust valve port, I would hvae a machine shop "Zyglo" this area to see if they have started. a glow in the dark dye that fills cracks with an intense black light that makes them visible. cool stuff... learned about it from the nascar boys.
how many miles were on your 350R when the valve snapped? was it all original? did you check valve clearances periodicaly?
Dennis, how do the powerbands, both in stock form on the NX compared to the XL? my idea, if I ever find one (NX250) is to try a homebiult fuel/ignition mapping system that also injects/regulates NO2 and H20. I havnt done this before but I know it is possible, the liquid cooled engine is the key here.
Bob, I think it is the module and regulator that get overheated instead of the coil. the foil tape seemed to help my 600R, I found this tip on the internet somewhere and I liked the idea of keeping the fuel cooler at the same time too so I put it on my 250R tank also. we got mabey an inch and a half of rain over here so no hurricane damage. thanks for asking. our AMA supebike races are this weekend @Road Atlanta, should be good because the championships in every major class will be decided! I have almost completed the lighting system on my '87 XRL80R clone project so I should have the coolest pitbike this weekend but my latest '85, the XR100/80 (100R engine & rear suspension with 80R rims) is running strong and has brand new chain & trailwings so I'll have to bring that along with me too and just switch bikes when it gets dark! this saturday night should be very entertaining in the infield, this place is known to be the craziest one on the AMA calander. I liked it better when it was in july though, last year was the first year it was moved to the holiday weekend and the crowd was much smaller than before, until then it was the largest crowd of the year for Road Atlanta.
its nice to see this recent activity in the RFVC section! Im glad you guys found it. anyone else out there still riding one? oh, rumors of a streetable CRF450 in dualsport or supermoto form for the USA floating arround the TT site!
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suzukisam
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12#
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Rank:none
Score:1
Posts:1
Registered:08/28/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:09/02/2005 14:40:36)
Well I found a head which is damaged. He says the valve seats are good so I am waiting on a picture right now.
motor had approx 30,000 kms on it and had been rebuilt within the last 2000 kms. valves were still original though. i usually checked valve clearances weekly.
if the replacement head I found is not that bad I will likely pick it up and rebuilt the bike over the winter.
Marc
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dsarri
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13#
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Rank:none
Score:3
Posts:3
Registered:08/13/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:09/02/2005 17:37:36)
The powerband on the NX250 is very good. Lots of low end. Since it has 11 to 1 compression, it pulls strong from 3K (it has a tach). I'm sure it has more power than the XL250R. I wouldn't have believed it, but it seems apparent. If you get a chance, try one out. Cruises at 70-75. Tops at 90 (without leaning over the tank) and my first fill-up gave 78.5 mpg. You can tell I'm in love with it....
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suzukisam
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14#
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Rank:none
Score:1
Posts:1
Registered:08/28/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:09/09/2005 15:24:52)
I contacted the previous owner of my xl and he informed me that he rebuilt the bottom end of the XL with an XR crank and piston. the piston that was in it was a wisecom 20 over. does anyone know of a good cheap online source for a wiseco piston?
thanks
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martinfan30
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15#
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Rank:none
Score:46
Posts:46
Registered:09/25/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:09/25/2005 07:53:53)
Reply to : apexspeed
Im starting to wonder now since this new section has had over a month or so to get rolling. I know they are rare these days, in the 10 years ive owned mine I have never ran across another one anywhere except in forsale ads ocassionally, not even at the tracks but I do see quite a few RFVC XRsI guess I really am riding a dinasoar! it sure doesnt ride like one though, the suspension isnt exactly modern but it aint a dual shocker either. other than the colors it looks pretty much just like the new Honda XR650L and its in good shape so most people think its a new bike. heck one time last year a guy asked if it WAS a new bike HAhaha! that was the first ride after a long winter so I had alot of time to clean it up.mabey I need to quit riding this thing and save it for a musem? well if Honda would get off their a$$ and sell a 250-450 that is street-legal I would park it. but
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martinfan30
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16#
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Rank:none
Score:46
Posts:46
Registered:09/25/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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(Date Posted:09/25/2005 08:05:34)
Reply to : apexspeed
Im starting to wonder now since this new section has had over a month or so to get rolling. I know they are rare these days, in the 10 years ive owned mine I have never ran across another one anywhere except in forsale ads ocassionally, not even at the tracks but I do see quite a few RFVC XRsI guess I really am riding a dinasoar! it sure doesnt ride like one though, the suspension isnt exactly modern but it aint a dual shocker either. other than the colors it looks pretty much just like the new Honda XR650L and its in good shape so most people think its a new bike. heck one time last year a guy asked if it WAS a new bike HAhaha! that was the first ride after a long winter so I had alot of time to clean it up.mabey I need to quit riding this thing and save it for a musem? well if Honda would get off their a$$ and sell a 250-450 that is street-legal I would park it. but
yes you are not alone bro. i own an 2005 xr650l, my dad has an 2001xr650l and we love the bikes. great for moderate trail riding and commuting to work/softball games. it is a heavy bike as you said, but is a time tested machine, solid. glad to find someone who also appreciates this machine. have removed emissions equip. with baja designs block off kit, and looking forward to installing white bros. header pipe and muffler to get a little more poop. talk to ya later.
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Rayleon1
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17#
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From: Great_britain 
Registered:06/15/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:06/15/2008 15:01:08)
I've got 2 XL600r's
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mattm
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18#
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From: USA
Registered:04/22/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:07/09/2008 02:20:57)
i have a 86 xl600r, bought it with under 6000 miles in 2003. engine had a rattle if you really reved it, so i tried not to, previous owner had replaced cam chain and 1 valve, which i found odd for that low of miles. always ran hot and lean and i have never had to kick a bike that hard to start it.(like you were trying to break it) got about 3000 miles on that summer. put a supertrapp on in the spring , ran about 20 miles really well, then seemed to lock up while kickstarting. i assume the cam chain skipped but never tore it down to see. not a great trail bike, but fun on fireroads............matt
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ZX12R
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19#
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From: Canada 
Registered:07/02/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:07/20/2008 13:02:24)
I have a 1985 XL250R and really like it but like you, I feel as though I'm about the only person in the internet world that owns one. Finding any info on these things is dang near impossible. Oh well, I'll just figure out what mods work and what doesn't the old fasioned way.
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Cub62277
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20#
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From: USA
Registered:09/08/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:09/08/2008 20:37:50)
I just bought an '86 XL250R. Put on a new intake, and resealed the carbs and a different gas tank and have put over 250 miles on it in less than 10 days. Love this little machine. Averaging 69mpg!
Now the odometer quit but think I got one inline from the for sale section here!
--------------------------------------------------------------
'86 XL250R bone stock with a little over 6000 miles. She's still cherry!
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rc4man
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21#
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From: USA
Registered:10/21/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:10/21/2008 14:10:48)
Was recently given an 84-87 XL250R by my neighbor in pieces. "Put it bacl together (buy top end for it) and come ride with us" kind of deal.
Realize it will probably cost more than I figured. Oh well what's new.
How much is interchangeable between the Xl and XR top ends as replacement used parts go?
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woosh
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22#
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Rank:none
Score:757
Posts:757
Registered:03/05/2005
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:10/21/2008 19:51:40)
I sent you a pm
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emnem
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23#
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From: Canada
Registered:10/21/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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Re:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:01/18/2009 00:59:05)
Hey
Add one more to the list. I recently purchased 85 350 from my uncle with 33000 klics on it. Runs great once I get it started. Just missed another on Kijiji for 350.00. Mine runs hot too. Looking forward to trying out some of the mods posted here.
Em
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waterscm
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24#
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From: Australia 
Registered:02/07/2009
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:02/10/2009 04:17:58)
i bought an 85 xl600r 6months ago and put an oil cooler on it and did a 10500km trip across australia on it.
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Finnmerchant
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25#
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From: Finland 
Registered:06/28/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:04/16/2009 11:47:05)
i do 
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willysworker
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26#
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From: USA
Registered:05/23/2008
Time spent: 0 hours
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RE:does anyone besides me actually own an RFVC XL?
(Date Posted:10/26/2009 07:16:11)
I have an '84 xl350r and love it. Owned Honda 50 moped to Honda 750/4 and a dozen inbetween models and brands. This is my favorite. Other than rejetting (112/117.5) and 37T sprocket, the bike is good to go. Find a low mileage original and enjoy.
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bromance
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27#
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From: USA
Registered:11/03/2009
Time spent: 0 hours
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just got an 83 rfvc xl600
(Date Posted:11/03/2009 19:35:23)
just got a 83 rfvc xl600. the thing is seemingly ready to rip. I ran it up and down the street once. The bike takes thirty minutes to start. tried a few starting techniques. when it does start it won't idle. I'm looking for some ideas. it sounds like you guys know whats up It has good spark. carbs are clean and up to stock spec. stock air filter. cdi seems to work. new gas and fuel flows fast. air screw is at stock setting. decompressor is adjusted. no battery is this the start prob? weak stator? bad cdi? would really appreciate some tips. thanks
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