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Marketplace => eBay Finds => Topic started by: VMX Andrew on June 25, 2014, 08:28:13 pm

Title: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: VMX Andrew on June 25, 2014, 08:28:13 pm
Anyone have any info on this bike or have seen it in action ??
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-hrc-xr600-mugen-honda-maico-vmx-works-honda-cr-xr-ohlins-elsinore-/121369375428?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1c422db2c4
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 25, 2014, 08:37:43 pm
I don't remember reading anything about it in the mags of the day. Maybe something they rigged up for the annual 4 stroke championship?.  At a glance, apart from the swing arm, it looks like your usual hybrid.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 25, 2014, 08:42:48 pm
I'm thinking clever home made bitza, ATK frame? Honda motor & wheels,by the looks of the fork caps they are Mugen/Showa kit job's, the triples look stock Honda,ATK or Yam tank?
Dunno about the swingarm,sorta looks the goods :-\, still pretty cool,dunno about the price though,HRC or works,don't think so :)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Slakewell on June 25, 2014, 08:49:12 pm
Never seen or herd of it before. It is a nice looking thing. I dont think its HRC thou. Not useing prolink rear suspension is something that honda would not do. Looks to be just a normal front forks not billet triples,The quality of finish is not HRC.
The story about works bikes for 86 is only half right, The factory's had lots of notice and didnt build any other works bikes that year.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: 80-85 husky on June 25, 2014, 08:52:10 pm
don't you just love some people..... ;D ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 25, 2014, 09:29:43 pm
Well it was a good story while it lasted ;D
I think it would be very valuable if it had of been true.
I imagine maybe Honda would have paid a motza for it back ::)
Couldn't be some sort of ATK proto-preproduction,could it? ?
 Not likely??

Cool bit of handy work though 8)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 25, 2014, 09:46:23 pm
The rear tyre is cool, can't make my mind up about the rest.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: SON on June 25, 2014, 09:47:05 pm
Honda did have HRC XR's back then
Jay Foreman and I tourered the US Honda HQ in November 1984
The HRC XR engines were for their Flattrack program and I am sure they provided engines for Baja bikes as well
The framers I saw were C&J
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Scunge on June 25, 2014, 09:59:03 pm
vaguely remember the atk man..., knocking up a honda based four stroke that Johnny O raced in the for stroke world championship.

Bit of joint exercise with Honda in the states, hence a few factory bits and pieces.

Would not call it a hrc bike though....
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: evo550 on June 25, 2014, 10:09:34 pm
No people your wrong, Honda did in fact have a factory fourstroke that first saw the light of day in '85 with ron lechien as the pilot and was a spitting image of that rig, I think you'll find this could well be a genuine article...I'll do some more digging...
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: SON on June 25, 2014, 11:04:28 pm
The engines I am talking about were called RS600 and had big finned heads
The were branded HRC
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 05:00:59 am
No people your wrong, Honda did in fact have a factory fourstroke that first saw the light of day in '85 with ron lechien as the pilot and was a spitting image of that rig, I think you'll find this could well be a genuine article...I'll do some more digging...

I do remember that one, he had to have his mechanic start it for him
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 06:34:10 am
Just had a quick look at the march 85 mxa, and the bike that Lechien rode looks a lot like this one for sale
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Slakewell on June 26, 2014, 07:21:26 am
Can you please scan that?
I looks to me like somethink the ATK man was involved in. It looks to me like a ATK tank and just the style of the bike. He liked that type of rear suspension setup as well.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 26, 2014, 08:12:29 am
I'd be surprised if the dogger couldn't start, he's like 6 foot 5 inches tall, a big boy.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 26, 2014, 08:36:56 am
I recently had an epiphany, sold 5 bikes that no longer interested me.
It financed the acquisition of two that I have always wanted. Definitely one of the smarter things I have done in my days ::)

I would have already stomped on this, if phase two of the cull had already been done.

That frame was built to fit that exact engine, and a display of top notch trade skills to boot.
 99% on here could not reproduce this even if it were available to them to copy from, let alone the capacity to step out side of the square and design the creation in the first place.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps4c5b4da5.jpg~original)

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps098485dd.jpg~original)

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps89f27ea9.jpg~original)

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps183e3efc.jpg~original)

It would be great if someone knows or stumbles upon providence. Even just for curiosity sake.
 
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Andrew L on June 26, 2014, 08:38:41 am
ron lechien is on face book I wonder if someone who was on there (I'm not) sent him the link he might be able to shed some light on the bike
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 10:24:29 am
I'd be surprised if the dogger couldn't start, he's like 6 foot 5 inches tall, a big boy.

The article mentioned that he muffled the previous years race when he stalled the bike and couldn't get it started again.

Apparently the bike was built using parts pinched off his rc250 which explains the swing arm and rear disc. I'll scan the article tonight.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 26, 2014, 04:47:56 pm
If that were an RC swingarm they have welded a big plate in there coz there's nowhere for the shock to go through to hook up to the linkage ;), Anything's possible though :)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: oldfart on June 26, 2014, 05:07:03 pm
It kind of grows on you the more you look at it, pretty clever how  they have used only one shock so the other side accommodates the exhaust.
My only dislike is the tank, the curves are wrong.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 26, 2014, 05:08:30 pm
The tank looks like a KTM or YZ490.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: DR500 on June 26, 2014, 05:28:32 pm
would it be classed as a mono shock or half a twin shock!! :o
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on June 26, 2014, 06:26:31 pm
Factory honda USA also built flat track Atk framed RS600's  that Ricky grayham rode
At peoria tt and ABC SUPERBIKERS.Not much is known about these bikes but they are cool.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: huskibul on June 26, 2014, 06:54:06 pm
     Bit of Horst Leitner influence there by the looks of it !
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 07:25:02 pm
     Bit of Horst Leitner influence there by the looks of it !

Definitely atk
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 08:30:36 pm
can someone pm me their email address . I'll send you the scans. I'm completely forkin over all the "upload" websites. what a crock. we are backing areselves into a corner with this shit.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 26, 2014, 08:34:45 pm
Done Paul.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 26, 2014, 08:39:26 pm
can someone pm me their email address . I'll send you the scans. I'm completely forkin over all the "upload" websites. what a crock. we are backing areselves into a corner with this shit.

Yes, i get pissed off too, learn so many freaking things in the modern geek techno world just to stay afloat and the day after you do it is obsolete and are forced to learn another new system. Seems what you have to do is get good at learning but fuzzy learning cause the dip shits certainly aren't into the obvious or common freakin sense. I think they are related to the aholes that change the woolies shelfs every time they see me getting used to them.
Wheres that grumpy old man thread anyhow ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 08:48:45 pm
you had me laughing with the woollies reference  ;D ;D pm sent via gritted teeth ;D ;D ;D ;D

Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 08:55:07 pm
windows8 ... I love it :D ;D :o >:(
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 26, 2014, 09:00:15 pm
anyway, in my very humble opinion, I reckon that bike is the same one Mr Lechien rode in 85.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 26, 2014, 09:04:20 pm
windows8 ... I love it :D ;D :o >:(
I'm hearing you, I had XP singing & dancing ;D ;D ;D ;D

impossible to find the time to learn it all again, anyhow best not get me started ::) ::) ;D

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/98f672d9-31b8-48aa-9970-8ac81e9e29f8_zpse9385f7e.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on June 26, 2014, 10:31:48 pm
nice bike but what's the bet that the 60hp dirt tracker hrc motor has been swapped out for a stock motor coz the one in it doesn't look too trick to me and not like the motor in the scanned pics just put up
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: mainline on June 27, 2014, 06:31:42 am
According to the mag the motor was an xr500 unit?
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 27, 2014, 08:44:45 am
Provided by Mainline

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/749d841d-02cf-420b-bd32-a2bf6c818835_zps0b114f4f.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: FourstrokeForever on June 27, 2014, 10:09:42 am
Very interesting bike that's for sure. Somehow I don't see HRC building something that looks like a mish mash of parts and lack of attention to detail. 1986 CR seat, 1984 CR sidecovers, Unknown tank, missing tabs for mounting sidecovers....... And the shock would have to be a PDS type as there are no linkages. I don't think a supertrapp muffler would of been on HRC's shopping list either.....
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: rustedstud on June 27, 2014, 10:26:38 am




Ron Lechien won the 1984 4 stroke championship on what looks like this bike.

Photo here getting the holeshot !

http://motocrossactionmag.com/uncategorized/mxa-mid-week-report-mitch-payton-on-torco-four-stroke-champions-texas-vintage

Brian Myerscough won it in 85.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 27, 2014, 03:41:21 pm




Ron Lechien won the 1984 4 stroke championship on what looks like this bike.

Photo here getting the holeshot !

http://motocrossactionmag.com/uncategorized/mxa-mid-week-report-mitch-payton-on-torco-four-stroke-champions-texas-vintage

Brian Myerscough won it in 85.

Not much to go on but it certainly looks a lot like the Ebay bike,same sidecovers & seat,the tank looks to be white & very similar,and there's that swingarm,funny how the seller does not actually know for sure :-\,
Provinence is everything ;)
I wonder if for the 12K he will bolt on the front caliper for ya :P
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on June 27, 2014, 04:38:35 pm
for 12k Id want to be buying it with the 60hp bombed out hrc motor other wise its not the real deal and sure not worth 12k no matter who's famous bum sat on it ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: sa63 on June 27, 2014, 05:04:09 pm
the offer that's accepted maybe quite different from the 12K asked! its ugly but cool.. seat looks too low, but the price is about collectability not functionality I guess..
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 27, 2014, 06:23:04 pm
Found this while searching for info on this bike,grab a beer,switch to full screen & sit back :)  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W9dvga_UIwA
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 27, 2014, 09:52:14 pm
We are working at the moment to bring Ron Lechien to the MAXIMA RACING OILS Conondale Classic on August the 9th/10th. 8)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: rough rider on June 27, 2014, 10:59:59 pm
have a look at this

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I18-5WCPP_s

there is a quick shot of the bike at 1.54 then a real good side on shot of it at 3.29 . looks like the same bike to me
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: PEZBerq on June 27, 2014, 11:23:48 pm
Certainly does look very similar.
(http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt272/berquist01/OZVMX/d198b4beca2e9be0c2a92010e1bc28a2.jpg)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on June 28, 2014, 12:42:49 am
yeah no doubt the roller is the real deal but look at the head finning on the right hand side and its just a stock head and not a big fin head like in the last pic just posted,im sure finding the right motor would be like finding rocking horse poo and worth half the asking price if you did manage to locate it
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Rossvickicampbell on June 28, 2014, 08:19:15 am
without the motor it certainly wouldn't be a $12K bike though?
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Andrew L on June 28, 2014, 08:44:13 am
In the background theres another bike #3 bit hard to make out but its seems to have the same shock set up on the swingarm maybe there were more.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: g465b on June 28, 2014, 05:40:04 pm
the ebay bike is similar to the atk / honda kit bike pictured bottom left, 4 yrs after the other.

(http://[URL=http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/gbankier/media/auto001_zps900efa17.jpg.html][img width=582 height=800]http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a561/gbankier/auto001_zps900efa17.jpg)[/URL](http://i1284.photobucket.com/albums/a561/gbankier/auto001_zps900efa17.jpg) (http://s1284.photobucket.com/user/gbankier/media/auto001_zps900efa17.jpg.html)[/img]
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 28, 2014, 06:30:36 pm
I actually see the detail as being along way from similar, apart from a lot of little obvious things like exhaust, side covers etc, etc,
Check out the the fabrication detail on the upper shock tower mount, different style.
Put your scale rulers over the lower shock swingarm attachment point, vast geometrical ratio difference between the arm pivot point and rear axle point.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 28, 2014, 06:31:51 pm
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/ce5c7ef0-d085-4314-8e3a-535afef8c951_zpsf6140538.jpg~original)

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps098485dd.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 28, 2014, 06:56:42 pm
     Bit of Horst Leitner influence there by the looks of it !

I reckon your on track there, I went searching the web the other night, a couple of things I read:
one, said as far as frames went, at the time Honda was copying and trying everything Horst Leitner did.
secondly, I read a published interview where Ron Lechien says basically  that both Honda and Kawasaki were both testing and copying everything that they could get hold of from basically any source, anywhere, anyone and each other.

The seller reckonss this is one of three produced???????????
He reckons there is no serial #'s,,,,,,
For my two cents,,,,,,,,I feel it may be indeed one of the real things, but possibly with a history of enjoyment from ongoing use it may have lost its factory 60HP mill. Just like a few have already suggested.
I wonder if the engine has a serial # in the usual place because the above is possibly the case??????
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on June 28, 2014, 07:17:59 pm
true the "real deal"? bike shock is angled far greater like the last huskies twin shock ITC setup and way different top shock bracketing as well along with a different swingarm top bracing. its a nice bike for sure but still not worth the 12k asking price
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 28, 2014, 07:46:57 pm
true the "real deal"? bike shock is angled far greater like the last huskies twin shock ITC setup and way different top shock bracketing as well along with a different swingarm top bracing. its a nice bike for sure but still not worth the 12k asking price

Its certainly worth only what some one is willing to pay, and there is way less willing punters in these skeptical and uncertain times.
If I were a zillionaire, I would first acquire a much bigger hoardiniser, and use this to to help fill it ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 28, 2014, 09:43:50 pm
Geezus Mick, you need o get a life, see what happens when you hang around Maygo's....it's a bit intriguing that bike, but like a lot of "factory specials", after they have finished with them bit's go missing, you'll probably find the motor went bang and maybe one of the mechanics sored the bike at the end of the season [pretty common occurance], stuck a std motor in it and went play racing for a few years. Factory bikes where never sold, they where either destroyed or stolen, occasionally they went back to the factory. It would be interesting to know it's post race history. Still a cool bike though, more appealing than a HL replica [similar money], you could build a trick XR600 motor for it like Ballard and Belly rode in the thumper Nats. Be a cool pre90 bike but I don't think it would beat a CR5 or KX5. That sort of bike you would want to see in person or get someone to check it out properly.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 28, 2014, 10:01:27 pm
Put on drum brakes & ride it in the EVO class ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D,So the real deal then with more than likely the wrong donk,I will eat humble pie,I was one who thought it wasn't :-[
Now I want it ;) ;)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 28, 2014, 10:26:14 pm
Geezus Mick, you need o get a life, see what happens when you hang around Maygo's....it's a bit intriguing that bike, but like a lot of "factory specials", after they have finished with them bit's go missing, you'll probably find the motor went bang and maybe one of the mechanics sored the bike at the end of the season [pretty common occurance], stuck a std motor in it and went play racing for a few years. Factory bikes where never sold, they where either destroyed or stolen, occasionally they went back to the factory. It would be interesting to know it's post race history. Still a cool bike though, more appealing than a HL replica [similar money], you could build a trick XR600 motor for it like Ballard and Belly rode in the thumper Nats. Be a cool pre90 bike but I don't think it would beat a CR5 or KX5. That sort of bike you would want to see in person or get someone to check it out properly.

You got to be kidding don't ya ;D ;D :)
I got a life ;D and its a good life, they have thrown so much at me, n I'm still not dead, just beginning as a matter of fact ;D
After the big hangover on Sunday at CD, I had finally calmed and relaxed by Monday morn ::)
I was so keen to take the razor to Alpina tye downs and cut her loose, but alas for she,, there was no more organised riding to be done :( and Mick had to head south for long pants and jumpers again, a bit like NZ. I imagine ;D except with twice as many long pants and jumpers ;D ;D

Hey why don't we get four times as many jumpers and watch the sand races at the next Invercargill  :)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 28, 2014, 10:47:02 pm
Ha ha, I'll take you over for the Johnny Old MX one day, make sure that you bring your drinking head, those kiwi's will fill you full of puss!
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 29, 2014, 09:53:16 am
Compliments of Mainline
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/f8c6ffdb-c794-4ed5-9e76-dcce9b8ac121_zps10290222.jpg~original)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: FourstrokeForever on June 29, 2014, 10:46:49 am
Hmm, so it does seem to be the real deal.....Although the seat is a later "86 CR job and the finish isn't quite what we expect from Honda/HRC It'd still be a cool bike to have in the shed.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on June 29, 2014, 11:02:28 am
That's what I'm feeling too Mark, withe engine swapped out.
Over the years I have read where Honda was big on pulling engines for after race internal inspection etc. Maybe just the engine was pulled back to Honda, a lot easier than shipping a whole bike>maybe?
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: evo550 on June 29, 2014, 11:12:11 pm
I'd pay $12k for a very unique factory Honda roller with such heritage. Considering dime a dozen Mega 2's are asking the same price and there's a standard low hrs '89 cr 250 on ebay at $9.5 k.....kind of puts things into perspective.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Davey Crocket on June 30, 2014, 08:08:36 am
Exactly.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: evo550 on June 30, 2014, 05:38:12 pm
Here's a left hand pic.
http://www.thumperpilot.com/pages/prenot3.htm
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on June 30, 2014, 06:00:52 pm
It's had 6 offers on it,I wonder if they are low balling or serious?

I went to bed the other night dreaming of owning it,Thinking if I sell my modern,my minibikes & my CR125m I might just be able to afford it,tossed & turned all forking night ;D

It's worse than being in love this dirt bike addiction ;)

Bloody rare & cool bike though,It would be the only one in the block ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: evo550 on June 30, 2014, 09:41:18 pm
It's had 6 offers on it,I wonder if they are low balling or serious?

I went to bed the other night dreaming of owning it,Thinking if I sell my modern,my minibikes & my CR125m I might just be able to afford it,tossed & turned all forking night ;D

It's worse than being in love this dirt bike addiction ;)

Bloody rare & cool bike though,It would be the only one in the block ;D

I've done just that....anyone want a cheap 2013 KTM 300??
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Slakewell on July 01, 2014, 08:31:46 am
I really think that is a just an ATK kit bike? The finish to me is just not Honda HRC.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: vmx42 on July 01, 2014, 08:42:22 am
I really think that is a just an ATK kit bike? The finish to me is just not Honda HRC.

The frame was built by ATK specially for this bike. Based on the Rotax frames, but with the shock on the opposite side...
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on July 01, 2014, 10:34:37 am
It's had 6 offers on it,I wonder if they are low balling or serious?

I went to bed the other night dreaming of owning it,Thinking if I sell my modern,my minibikes & my CR125m I might just be able to afford it,tossed & turned all forking night ;D

It's worse than being in love this dirt bike addiction ;)

Bloody rare & cool bike though,It would be the only one in the block ;D

I've done just that....anyone want a cheap 2013 KTM 300??
Gotta add on between 1-2k  for shipping though,I know a guy who imports V8 motors & cars out of California,if I get serious I will ring him,gotta talk 1-IC into it first ;)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on July 01, 2014, 11:34:49 am
He's dropped the price to 9K or make an offer :)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: bishboy on July 01, 2014, 12:09:46 pm
If you could get it landed for $10k I think it would be well worth if for something so unique and with history.  If only I had $10k........ :(
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: number8 on July 01, 2014, 01:59:43 pm
It seems strange that a "Factory HRC" bike would have a YZ90 Yamaha tank? "doh" no doubt this bike has come out of a Factory but not the HRC or Honda.

#8
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: sa63 on July 01, 2014, 03:18:00 pm
there was an atk with xr600 motor being ridden at the qld titles at Harrisville a month ago. no fancy swingarm though. the ATKS were made for yz  plastics maybe why it ended with that tank. it needs a trick aluminium job that's for sure.
Id be fairly sure hed let his go for  less than 9k!
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on July 01, 2014, 03:48:32 pm
It seems strange that a "Factory HRC" bike would have a YZ90 Yamaha tank? "doh" no doubt this bike has come out of a Factory but not the HRC or Honda.

#8

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/ce5c7ef0-d085-4314-8e3a-535afef8c951_zpsf6140538.jpg~original)

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps098485dd.jpg~original)

It looks like a YZ tank to me too but also looks like the same tank in both the modern & BITD pics ;)
Certainly does look very similar.
(http://i619.photobucket.com/albums/tt272/berquist01/OZVMX/d198b4beca2e9be0c2a92010e1bc28a2.jpg)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Nathan S on July 01, 2014, 04:14:36 pm
The Lechein bike appears to have an Xr80 fuel tank on it (at least, it looks like it on my phone). Definitely looks like a Honda fuel cap.
The eBay bike does look at lot like it has a YZ490 tank, including the cap.
The ATK kit bike doesn't obviously have the YZ490 exhaust cutout, and seems to have a Honda cap.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: odd1 on July 01, 2014, 04:41:03 pm
This is very interesting as not 4hrs ago I was standing in front of a Honda engines ATK of which apparently only 5 where built by ATK this one was an enduro version does look very trick and had upside down forks it had just had an aluminium tank made for it, which was a copy of the plastic one in some of those pictures in fact I just took the throttle body off it to bring back to Australia on second thoughts should have left the body and taken the bike!
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 01, 2014, 04:53:38 pm
This is very interesting as not 4hrs ago I was standing in front of a Honda engines ATK of which apparently only 5 where built this one was an enduro version does look very trick

Didn't get snap happy with your phone by any chance?
I still think the details on this one are way different than that of the ATK's
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: odd1 on July 01, 2014, 05:05:46 pm
Have pictures but don't know how to down load
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on July 01, 2014, 06:02:35 pm
The Lechein bike appears to have an Xr80 fuel tank on it

Cept'n for that XR80's did not come out in white till 1991,this bike is 84/85 ;)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: William Doe on July 01, 2014, 06:58:55 pm
Its amusing that everything comes down to what people consider the bike is worth in $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ .
I know its on ebay and maybe im a bit cynical but it would be nice if for once if a bike could be discussed without mentioning what people believe its $$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$ value is.
As with anything from a glitter covered turd to an old master it is worth what a given person would pay for it on a given day .
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 01, 2014, 07:13:56 pm
I'm  wont be buying it, So I really don't give a dam about value. My curiosity is primarily what is it, and is the seller statment true or misguided.

I just remembered these pics from one of my old computers. It was listed some years ago on ebay as a 84/85 ATK kitter for the XR500 mill. Sure they are both non linkage single rear shock, get past that, there is no similarity whatsoever between the geometry or fabrication style or the rear frame area or swingarm and Shocker attachment position.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/ImageDeposit_dot_com_FREE_Hosting_BIG_UserID_48726_Image_number_367FC88E32_zps46d24999.jpg~original)

Is there any out there who can put up a picture of a known ATK that looks the same in the rear arrangement like this instead? Even the front of the frame oil tank and exposed back bone area are different.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps098485dd.jpg~original)
A massive difference even for the vision impaired, the difference is black & white, in & out, up or down and dead or alive.

Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: smed on July 01, 2014, 07:14:37 pm
"this listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing" ,Or did some lucky new owner buy it out side of Ebay ;)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 01, 2014, 07:20:16 pm
I really think that is a just an ATK kit bike? The finish to me is just not Honda HRC.

The frame was built by ATK specially for this bike. Based on the Rotax frames, but with the shock on the opposite side...

ATK did not make them for the Rotax engines first.
At first ATK frame kits were ONLY produced for Honda engines, the Rotax kits followed latter.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 01, 2014, 07:22:57 pm
"this listing was ended by the seller because there was an error in the listing" ,Or did some lucky new owner buy it out side of Ebay ;)

It was only a matter of time ::) I wonder if Ron Lechien bought it, now wouldn't that be ironic ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: paul on July 01, 2014, 07:34:31 pm
No doubt some one made him a offer he couldn't refuse 8)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 01, 2014, 07:38:52 pm
The Lechein bike appears to have an Xr80 fuel tank on it

Cept'n for that XR80's did not come out in white till 1991,this bike is 84/85 ;)

This bike has obviously had a substantial history of use.
Things get serviced repaired replaced and changed,,,then the ride and the fun goes on.
If this were an ATK some one would have found a pic from an ATK advertisement or test or such that matches this frame in question, that hasn't happened,, until it does?? She ain't no ATK, No photoshop either thanks ::)
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/_57_zps098485dd.jpg~original)


No doubt some one made him a offer he couldn't refuse 8)
Sometimes thats the best way to get things get done.

Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on July 01, 2014, 07:55:39 pm
from all the pics the roller is the real deal no doubt about that and the only non real part is the stocker motor but theres plenty of go fast bits out there to get the stocker singing as fast as the hrc motor so the now 9k asking price is realistic for what it is and the history it has and a cheap "works" bike that is normally out of most joe averages price range. i hope an aussie brought it ;)
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Nathan S on July 01, 2014, 08:10:20 pm
The Lechein bike appears to have an Xr80 fuel tank on it

Cept'n for that XR80's did not come out in white till 1991,this bike is 84/85 ;)
Yes, indeed.


The Americans always seemed to be able to get different coloured plastics (thinking about the TUF team bikes, etc.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: MaxPower on July 02, 2014, 09:27:06 am
Not saying it isnt rare. It is. If Honda was making a works 4 stroke to race in 86 I don't see them running 1984 side plates. Or them using cast triple clamps for a works effort. Or even a plastic tank never mind a plastic tank from a different brand bike.It has some kind of ATK roots.Cleaned up it would be a bad ass bike. We all know It's not HRC
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on July 02, 2014, 04:05:30 pm
Honda USA built these bikes not HRC ,it had HRC parts fitted and factory Showa suspension.
Its a pain to upload pics to this site but I have pics if someone wants to post for me? I will post them on FB page.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: gwc162 on July 02, 2014, 05:33:19 pm
Must be real
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204094401106652&set=pcb.288347124681344&type=1&theater
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10204094401266656&set=pcb.288347124681344&type=1&theater

This looks like the same frame?
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: JohnnyO on July 02, 2014, 05:47:03 pm
Yeah there's a write up on the bike posted by Ray on the Ozvmx Facebook page.
Built by Honda USA race mechanics, never a HRC bike, that was obvious with the frame and other bits and pieces.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: 80-85 husky on July 02, 2014, 08:21:19 pm
fr christr sake someone buy so this thread dies..... ;D :D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Mick D on July 03, 2014, 10:05:27 am
This a question and answer discussion forum for those seeking all brands vintage dirt.
This thread has unfolded as a prime example of that, and how those who know, hopefully bring answers to those seeking them.
Honda USA built these bikes not HRC ,it had HRC parts fitted and factory Showa suspension.
Its a pain to upload pics to this site but I have pics if someone wants to post for me? I will post them on FB page.
Yeah there's a write up on the bike posted by Ray on the Ozvmx Facebook page.
Built by Honda USA race mechanics, never a HRC bike, that was obvious with the frame and other bits and pieces.


fr christr sake someone buy so this thread dies..... ;D :D
You don't have to open a threads if they don't interest you, I don't open yours anymore,,,,,,,
Maybe you'd be better off on a single minded Husky forum. :o ::)
Let me guess, you've already been there, fully brain washed and then sent forth in a search as a disciple to indoctrinate as many poor fools as possible ;D
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: FourstrokeForever on July 03, 2014, 12:24:55 pm
Good onya Mick......say it as it is  ;D

With all the discussion on this particular beastie, I don't see how anyone into old dirt bikes could be bored by it. Great to finally get to the real provenance of the bike.
I notice in the photo from facebook that the bike has a red tank (XR?)and a different rear shock with an '83 or '84 XR front guard, but as you said, things get serviced, repaired and replaced through the life of an old MX bike.
I also notice that it was in dirt track mode.... Wonder if that was the beginning or the end of the bikes life....Anybody know?
Looks like some lucky bugger has scored themselves a very unique piece of MX history...even if it wouldn't be competitive in Aus because it would have to be raced in Pre90, I'd still have it amongst my other red bikes  8)

Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on July 03, 2014, 02:08:27 pm
The pic i put on fb is a diffrent bike,that is Ricky graham the greatest Dirt tracker ever imo.
That bike is a tt bike  the he rode at  peoria in 1985 i think?.honda USA race department  built afew of these bikes  for mx/tt/dt  the story goes but not much is known about these  RS600's  as a lot of the people  that built  or rode them  arn't around anymore.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: 80-85 husky on July 03, 2014, 06:08:01 pm
had a win there ;) ;D ;D (twas tongue in cheek), we are up to page 7 of an interesting thread that has evolved from an ebay posting to historical racing anecdotes.
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: SON on July 03, 2014, 08:13:37 pm
The pic i put on fb is a diffrent bike,that is Ricky graham the greatest Dirt tracker ever imo.
That bike is a tt bike  the he rode at  peoria in 1985 i think?.honda USA race department  built afew of these bikes  for mx/tt/dt  the story goes but not much is known about these  RS600's  as a lot of the people  that built  or rode them  arn't around anymore.
Ray do you have the other page to the Allan Girdler Honda article?
I have not seen that before,
As I said before I had a guided tour of Honda Racing HQ in November, 1984 with Roger, Gary Mathers and Keith Reeves, all the Dirttrackers were there but they were C&J frames with Works Shocks like mentioned in Girdlers article not the ATK based bike
RG was a star
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: Simo63 on July 03, 2014, 08:49:34 pm
Back for sale ... now at $14K  :o :o :o

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/121377741256?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:VRI&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2661


HELLO. THIS IS A REAL WORKS HONDA FOUR STROKE. ONE OF THREE THAT WAS BUILT FOR THE 1986 500CC OUTDOOR NATIONALS. BUT AMA RULES CHANGE AND WORKS BIKES COULD NOT BE USED. IT HAS A HAND MADE FRAME AND SWINGARM, WORKS WHEELS AND BRAKES. TITANIUM BOLTS. SOME TYPE OF WORKS FORKS. I DONT KNOW MUCH MORE ABOUT IT. IT DOES NOT HAVE NUMBERS ON IT. SO I AM SELLING IT AS A PARTS BIKE. EVEN THOUGH IT IS COMPLETE. NO TITLE. I WILL SHIP THIS BIKE WORLDWIDE. BUT BUYER WILL HAVE TO MAKE ALL ARRANGMENTS. FROM WHAT I WAS TOLD BY SOME PEOPLE IN THE INDUSTRY, IT WAS A BIKE JOHNNY O'MARA WAS TO USE. I FEEL MY BUY IT NOW IS FAIR CONSIDERING WHAT IT IS. COST MUCH MORE THAN THAT TO BUILD IT IM SURE. IT IS IN UNRESTORED ORIGINAL CONDITION. THANKS FOR LOOKING.        THIS IS MORE RARE THAN A RC250 BECAUSE THEY ONLY BUILT 3 OF THEM. ONCE RESTORED WILL BE WORTH $30,000.00 PLUS.    THIS IS NOT A  ATK FRAME KIT BIKE. 
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: JohnnyO on July 03, 2014, 09:27:27 pm
The seller is dreaming if he thinks it's a real factory Honda and that David Bailey would ride that thing in the 500 nationals instead of a RC500. Johnny Omara also never rode the 500 AMA nationals for Honda, only the one race 4 stroke nats which HRC never built bikes for, the race had little importance to the big factories!
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on July 03, 2014, 09:52:28 pm
Here is RG on the atk Rs600 vs hrc500 @ 1986 superbikers
 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TvP0LBmtTuM
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: TT5 Matt on July 03, 2014, 11:02:41 pm
maybe the seller is tapped into this forum and reconds its worth more now since the good folk on here have done the research for him, some how I figure he's got a keeper at that price and if its worth 30k restored then why doesn't he do it himself and get another 10k! forking dreamer
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: FourstrokeForever on July 04, 2014, 09:38:40 am
maybe the seller is tapped into this forum and reconds its worth more now since the good folk on here have done the research for him, some how I figure he's got a keeper at that price and if its worth 30k restored then why doesn't he do it himself and get another 10k! forking dreamer

I reckon you could be onto something there Matt.......funny how the price has gone up
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on July 04, 2014, 02:07:59 pm
Son,no i dont have the other page but i do have
Rs750 article with the engine explained if your interested?
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: SON on July 04, 2014, 02:41:33 pm
Yes please but start another thread
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: zorroz on July 04, 2014, 02:53:50 pm
Here is RG on the atk Rs600 vs hrc500 @ 1986 superbikers
 http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TvP0LBmtTuM

Great video that Rs600 pumps out serious hp to stay with the Hrc500 2 bangers!
Title: Re: Mid 80s Factory Honda fourstroke
Post by: RjpRacingAustralia on July 04, 2014, 04:10:50 pm
Son,pm me your email as its a pain in the ass to upload pics here or someone who  can do it please?