For Sale: Incredibly well-preserved XL600R Dakar from Italy’s Ruote Celeri…
By the mid-1980s, the Paris-Dakar Rally had become a global phenomenon, and the big manufacturers were working feverishly to outpace one another across the Sahara on two wheels. In 1982, Cyril Neveu brought home Honda’s first victory in this grueling off-road race. Of course, Big Red wanted to translate that victory to the sales floor, and Yamaha had already released their own Dakar-inspired production machine, the Ténéré 600.
Not to be outdone, Honda soon responded with their own special edition, the XL600 Paris-Dakar. The bike had the same 589cc RFVC engine and 8-9 inches of suspension travel as the regular XLR, but the Dakar edition added a long-range fuel tank, iconic HRC-inspired livery, and early models featured a dual-headlight setup.
The XL600R Paris Dakar wasn’t an actual rally bike, but the big dual-sport could handle a good deal of adventure. By all accounts, it was a great bike with a lot of character. An owner who picked up one of these bikes just six months ago describes the riding experience:
“It’s a complete and utter joy to ride. Nice and high up with great visibility, super comfortable — absorbing anything the road throws at you, and noisy and raw — the single-cylinder is a real satisfying thumper. And it looks awesome, nothing like else on the road, turns head, starts conversations.”
“It’s a real character of a bike. Like a horse, you kind of need to get to know it before it will let you ride it (literally with the Honda kickstart dance) and to perform. So much more interesting than modern easy rides. Also easy to handle basics light changing bulbs and dash bulbs yourself. Very simple construction.” -Owner “Ezyjules,” Reddit
The 1984 XL600R Paris Dakar you see here is one of the most well-preserved examples we’ve ever seen. It comes from the team at Ruote Celeri, who specialize in buying, selling, restoring, and maintaining classic motorcycles.
“Our in-house workshop is a key added value: every motorcycle is carefully inspected, tested, and, when necessary, restored before being offered to our clients… Our goal is to offer authentic, reliable bikes that are truly ready to ride.”
One look at the Ruote Celeri inventory and you’ll see that they restore and sell some of the most iconic, well-maintained classics you’re likely to find anywhere on two wheels. When we saw this XL600R, we thought it must have had a full restoration, but the reality is even better…it’s a preserved survivor, which Ruote Celeri’s workshop went through painstakingly to ensure it was in tip-top shape.
They rebuilt the carbs (these had two), replaced the head gasket, lapped the valves, and gave the engine a full service with new fluids, filters, and final tuning. The bike has some nice extras like the fork covers and disc guard, rear tool bag on the factory rack, HRC stickers, etc.
Moris, who worked on the bike, says praises the pure riding experience and character of this 42-year-old workhorse:
“It perfectly represents the Honda ‘dual-purpose’ spirit: a simple, honest, and timeless motorcycle.”
Thanks to Ruote Celeri for keeping machines like this on the road, in great condition, for the next generation of new owners to enjoy. Below you’ll find our full interview with Ruote Celeri about the bike, which is currently for sale on their website.
Honda XL600R Paris Dakar: Interview
• Please tell us a bit about yourself, your history with motorcycles, and your workshop.
We are Ruote Celeri, an Italian company specializing in the buying and selling of classic and collectible motorcycles, as well as restoration and maintenance. Our in-house workshop is a key added value: every motorcycle is carefully inspected, tested, and, when necessary, restored before being offered to our clients.
The workshop is also open to external customers, providing maintenance, recommissioning, and restoration services for vintage and collectible motorcycles. Our goal is to offer authentic, reliable bikes that are truly ready to ride.
• What’s the make, model, and year of the bike?
Honda XL600R – 1984.
• Why was this bike built/restored?
This bike is a preserved example, selected for its originality and historical value. It was prepared with the aim of preserving its authenticity and identity, while making it fully reliable and ready to be ridden.
• What was the design concept and what influenced the build?
The concept was “active preservation”: keeping the motorcycle as original as possible, while carrying out targeted mechanical work to bring it back to proper operating condition. An authentic bike, but one that can truly be used.
• What custom work was done to the bike?
No custom modifications were made. The work focused on a complete and thorough mechanical inspection, including:
- Carburetor overhaul
- Cylinder head gasket replacement
- Valve seat lapping
- Full service with new engine oil and air filter
- Overall inspection and fine tuning
• Does the bike have a nickname?
It does not have an official nickname, but it perfectly represents the Honda “dual-purpose” spirit: a simple, honest, and timeless motorcycle.
• Can you tell us what it’s like to ride this bike?
Riding it is a pure experience. The approximately 600cc single-cylinder engine delivers a direct and honest ride, both on the road and in light off-road conditions. It’s a simple, lightweight, and intuitive bike that offers genuine riding sensations, just like motorcycles used to.
• Was there anything done during this restoration that you are particularly proud of?
We are particularly proud of the mechanical work carried out: a deep yet respectful intervention that allows the bike to be used safely and reliably today, while preserving its originality.
Follow Ruote Celeri
Ruote Celeri team:
Owners: Luca Pastorello & Silvio Simeoni
Company Director / Motorcycle Expert / Sales Director: Moris Pelizzoni
Head of Workshop: Silvio Simeoni
Mechanic: Mattia Berton
Administration: Anna Girardello
Communication, photo, video, ads & brand: Alessio Davì
Website: www.ruoteceleri.com
Instagram: @ruoteceleri
Facebook: Ruote Celeri
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