Author Topic: Pics of my old mans early 80's Honda XR 500 R - taken in the early 80's! (Read 3337 times)

the_wes · « **on:** March 29, 2010, 09:15:09 am »

Here are some old photos I dug up and scanned of my old man and his '81 (I think) XR 500 R. It was the 13th (I think) in the country. It was Honda's first model with Pro-Link suspension and was kinda a big deal (but you knew that already).

He did everything on this bike - foot ups, enduro, motox and touring!

that's my uncle on the left and his XL. Uncle as in mom's brother, not dad's brother. Dad and him were and are still best friends - that's how my dad met my mom. he always says he married my mom because it's the one chick my uncle wouldn't try steal from him

. behind them is my dad's old VW camper van that he kitted out inside himself. I am told that I was in that camper van on this particular trip with my mom and aunt, but i don't remember it - I would have been 2 or 3 at the time

TrailBlazer · « **Reply #1 on:** March 29, 2010, 09:21:25 am »

Those were the days...

the_priest · « **Reply #2 on:** March 29, 2010, 10:36:16 am »

I love the lack of gear. Helmet, boots and gloves. Thats it.

the_wes · « **Reply #3 on:** March 29, 2010, 10:41:08 am »

Quote from: the_priest on March 29, 2010, 10:36:16 am

I love the lack of gear. Helmet, boots and gloves. Thats it.

+ kidney belt

ChrisL - DUSTRIDERS · « **Reply #4 on:** March 29, 2010, 11:39:34 am »

Two legends parked together on pic three.
XL500s (23inch frontwheel) and the XR500R.

MrBig · « **Reply #5 on:** March 29, 2010, 11:42:52 am »

Some cool pics there

You're dad's skinny.. why you so fat?

mulder · « **Reply #6 on:** March 29, 2010, 12:28:56 pm »

Gotta love the simplicity of the good old days, no gps, no panniers , no tent, no full armour. Must be nice to just stop and camp anywhere, not having to try put up a tent, no blow up matress, air pillow, Simplicity at it's best

Carlos · « **Reply #7 on:** March 29, 2010, 12:54:07 pm »

lekker pics and good memories!

Wolweseun · « **Reply #8 on:** March 29, 2010, 07:51:47 pm »

Awesome

I also had one of those XR's brings back memories

Operator · « **Reply #9 on:** March 29, 2010, 10:07:38 pm »

Wes...............your dad is a way cool dude

Lekka nostalgic post.

Martin-DR650 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 30, 2010, 03:16:35 pm »

Great photo's!

IceCreamMan · « **Reply #11 on:** March 30, 2010, 03:17:11 pm »

Awesome Wes , thanks for posting these

XT JOE · « **Reply #12 on:** April 02, 2010, 05:58:18 pm »

Nice memories wes

HVDM · « **Reply #13 on:** April 02, 2010, 06:08:07 pm »

Frantastic! Those were great days!

I wonder what happened since then.....

Aprilian · « **Reply #14 on:** April 02, 2010, 06:20:33 pm »

Brings back memories - I had one of these. Used to travel 60 - 80 km per day, rain or shine. I fitted a trick boxed aluminium swingarm. The lights were terrible especially after I fitted aftermarket indicators.

Trailrider · « **Reply #15 on:** April 02, 2010, 08:56:18 pm »

Quote from: HVDM on April 02, 2010, 06:08:07 pm

Frantastic! Those were great days!

I wonder what happened since then.....

The marketing guys sold us this idea that bigger is better, comfort above all else and GPS and phone numbers replace spanners and problem solving $:-\$ And most of us bought it hook line and sinker. $:-\$ What fools we are.

Cool post Wes. Those were the days.

Makes me miss my 200.

Coxwain · « **Reply #16 on:** April 09, 2010, 09:13:42 am »

Man those pics bring back memories.... Your Dad must have been very brave......................lighting that fire with all that dry bush around

tau · « **Reply #17 on:** April 10, 2010, 10:38:04 pm »

I have a pic of my sis on my dad's 81 xr and my sister on it then he had a XT and then the TT600 which I still have today he had a similar helmet as your dad's AGV, just called an MDS and it is white still have that.

I still have his 1975 Suzuki race shirts.

Dude we are so fortunate to have ballies that smaak scooters.

buzzlightyear · « **Reply #18 on:** April 11, 2010, 10:24:00 am »

krister · « **Reply #19 on:** April 11, 2010, 10:42:00 am »

Nice pics, Wes! As a schoolboy in those days the XR was my dream bike. When I was around 11 my uncle took me for a ride on his red stallion... Those Honda's were great bikes - simple and bulletproof!