Honda revised their popular XR 350. The revisions make the XR 350 a very sought after used dirt bike today!

Power: The XR made good power throughout the RPM range. It chugged off bottom and made power until the engine valves floated. The ‘85 XR 350 had one carburetor and a dry sump engine oiling system. The revised oiling system was intended to make the engine operate much cooler. Overall, the ‘85 XR 350 did not run much cooler than previous models.

Suspension: The forks and shock gave the XR a good supple ride over small bumps. When ridden fast, the bike bottomed easily.

Handling: The XR 350 was an exceptional turning machine and was at home in open areas and fire roads too. The machines stability was good until it was ridden fast through rough areas. In these areas, all the pleasant XR handling traits went down the outhouse hole. The suspension wouldn't handle nasty terrain at speed.

Reliability: Do not abuse the clutch! It will fade. The XR was a notchy shifting bike. When the bike was dropped with a hot and overworked engine, it took about 12,988 stabs at the kickstarter to get the thing lit again. Honda XR engines were usually very reliable, provided the oil was changed frequently. The XR 350’s transmission third gear has a nasty tendency to break on well used, or abused, units.

Odds & Ends: The front brake did an excellent job of slowing the bike. The Honda XR 350 is still an outstanding 4-stroke mount. It can blow the doors off stock ‘96 Suzuki DR 350’s. 1985 was the last year the XR 350 was manufactured.

Other notable design updates: