Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126891
dirt of the trail - just rocks. The toughest trail we came across was a steep incline at 12,000 feet, covered with loose rocks. I got out of shape about halfway up and lost momentum, so I had to severely abuse the clutch and hold the throttle wide open as the XR and I inched our way up the hill. It wa quite a battle, but we made it. I stalled the motor twice, and despite being in an awkward position on the hill, at that altitude, the Honda fired up both times on the first kick. For me, iI'S very important to have a motorcycle thaI staTtS easily, especially when you're way OUI in the middle of nowhere and far from a real toolbox. There were other times I bad to lift the XR over rocks and logs, and it was just ligh t enough. It is a Ii ttle on the .heavy side, nonetheless, but at least it's not too heavy to have fun on. We came across some deep mud sections that the XR had absolutely no problems through, and it' never thought about drowning out in the water crossings. It lasted through three days of terrible abuse unscathed. There were no cracks in the engine cases, the exhaust pipe wasn't dinged, the clutch didn't slip, it ran as crisp as ever and nothing was bent. The XR is a tank. The latest adventure I had on the XR was an enduro in southern California that featured a variety of terrain, and once again, my XR was unprepped - still box stock. The first 40 miles of the enduro had canyon-type riding on hardpacked ground with excellent traction. Switchback, uphills, downhills, narrow trails, fire roads and sand washes were no problem on the XR. It turns so well, and, combined with the torquey motor and good suspension, it's easy to maintain a fast pace, which gave more time to concentrate on my time keeping. The second 40-mile loop was moun tainous, incl udi ng narrow, sideof-mountain trail, rocks and snow. The smooth, torquey power the XR350 delivers makes negotiating tight, rocky, trials-type sections a breeze, while its rather-small overall size makes it easy to maneuver. An ice-covered hill near the end of the enduro gave me and many other riders one heck of a time to reach the top, but I felt lucky to be on the XR. The problem here was traction, or the lack of it. Everybody had to get off their bikes and push with the engine running, while feathering theclutch. The XR 's motor provided maximum amount of traction and was noticeably better than some of the two-strokes arou nd. I eventua IIy made it to the top - many didn't. When it comes to good 01' fun after work, or weekend trail riding, I feel the XR350 is nearly impossible to beat. Its puts out excellent low-end and midrange torquey-kind-of powerer, has a plush suspension, good handling. It isn't too heavy to throw around and lift over logs or rocks. It's super reliable, usually starts on the first or second kick when hot (a few more when cold), is quiet and best of all, it's just plain fun to ride, as well as being competitive. In stock form, the XR comes with the best timekeeping clock/odometer I've ever ridden with, has li~hts, a tool pouch and a spark arrestor; all you need for enduros. The bad news is, however, Honda 'won't be selling the XR350 in 1986, so if you want one, you'd better act quickly and get one while they're still available. It seems Honda didn't sell enough of these beauties this year to warrant a return visit to tht:.U.S. next year. And it's a hame. I have no idea why they didn't sell, but I do know that a lotof people are missingouton a good thing. • ----- , ~ I I m ., I I I I (,0 00 O'l ~ ~ 00 >- ~ C'j ;:l t:: C'j ~ ----------- I I I I I I I I I I I I I I .J Thomson & Lusk Win Winter National Olympics With P J1 Oil. LOWELL THOMSON wins the Scott USA Golden Goggle Award with the overall high score in 125/250/500cc Supercross, T. T., Hare Scrambles & MX. EZRA LUSK wins overall in the 65cc 7-11 Division, combining his scores In Supercross, T.T., Hare Scrambles & MX. Th••• wlnnlnc riders h.ve .wltch.d up to PJi GoIdfir. Pro 2-stroke 08, PJi Oct.n. Plus, PJi Fork Tun.r 011, PJi2-stroke c ••r oI.nd PJl ch.ln lube. The Switch Is On To PU. It's time fOT you to switch up! Ask for PJ1, the exact hi-performance blend of oils and lubricants that factory race teams use. 39