Well, I bit the bullet. You see Johnny's been pushing me to get a dirt bike for months and this week I found one. It's old, rusty, and is missing a few few bits, but it runs and has plenty of potential (and torque it turns out!). Let me introduce my new to me 1980 Honda XR200. The XR200 engine is a 195cc, 2 valve OHC mill and it is mated to a 6 speed tranny. The XR has some serious wheels with an 18" rear wheel and a huge 21" hoop in the front. Both front and rear braking duties are handled with expanding (drum) brakes both of which need some rather serious effort to slow things down, but it is a dirt bike and how often does one use the brakes anyway, right?

The 1980 model was the first year for the XR200 (not to be confused with the later XR200R) and was the only year it came with a speedometer and a rear toolbag behind the seat, which is conspicuously absent on my bike. No matter though, as the speedo cable was broken on this bike right where it connects to the sensor at the front wheel and since one really doesn't require a speedometer for an off road bike, I think the whole gauge will get chucked. That leads me to the next point which is what needs to be done to get her ready for riding.

The person I bought it from (right here in Old Hickory in fact) claims they rode it quite often and it did in fact run. Johnny even took it down the street (and through the guys yard) for a quick spin to verify this so I knew it wasn't a complete waste. Considering I got it for $450.00, the list of things to do isn't that bad. Here's what needs to be addressed:

• Clean - yep, gots to get the grime off to see what's underneath for starters
• New grips - the grips are shot
• Replace handlebar - the current bars are pretty awful and being cheap to replace, meh, why not
• New brake lever & perch - the current perch broke as I tried to adjust the cable
• New clutch lever & perch - since I'll be replacing the brake lever, why not do this one too.
• Remove Speedo - no, not the bathing suit, the gauge
• Adjust the chain - the previous owner put on a new chain but left to little slack for the wheel travel, not good
• Kreem the fuel tank - I've seen worse tanks but this one is pretty rusty inside
• Install inline fuel filter - to help deal the the above rusty tank issue
• Replace front sprocket cover -the cover was MIA when I got the bike. The JB-welded sheet metal in its place came off in my hand
• Replace left side engine cover - the current one also has been patched with JB weld resulting in a small oil leak
• Replace side cover over exhaust - pretty important as one could burn their leg there (one has already been ordered)
• De-rust exhaust - I hate rusty pipes
• Re-attach heat shield - the header pipe heat shield needs some attention as it was falling off (it's now completely off)

That about covers what really needs attention right now. Down the road I'd like to also get some replacement rear shocks and/or springs. At the same time I'll probably replace the fork oil in the front and put some stiffer springs there as well. Johnny has mentioned doing a ring job on her as she smokes a bit. The carb should probably be cleaned too. If I really get crazy I might even pull the engine and paint the frame, rattle can of course though, no need in getting it looking too nice. The rear wheel bearings might also need to be replaced as there is some wobble back there.

As you can see there is plenty to do. Much of which is pretty minor but there are some more interesting tasks that should make for some good wrenching articles. If you have suggestions or questions (or a good source for old dirtbike parts) leave some comments below. In the meantime you can view the photos below to get a closer look at what I'm getting myself into.