XR 500 / XR 500R
Introduced in 1979, the Honda XR 500Z was the first of the twin shock models. The 1980 500A model is distinguishable from the earlier ‘Z’ model by a different shaped front fender, a choke lever placed directly on the carburettor (instead of by the instruments). The brake and clutch levers and the kick start arm were painted black, not polished alloy. The tank decal became a Gold Wing, replacing "HONDA” lettering. The exhaust muffler too was slightly different in shape and the speedometer cable stay, which protruded rearward from the left fork, had the very tip bent totally back in on itself facing fully back toward the motor (on the ‘A’ model) as opposed to being just slightly folded in part way on the ‘Z’. This item, however, still retained the silver chrome appearance of the '79 ‘Z’ model! Both of the twin shock models sported an 18-inch rear wheel and a 23-inch front wheel (believed, at the time, to be better for steering and braking, and also better for riding over potholes and ruts... it also gave them a uniquely distinctive look!) They also featured Honda’s four-stroke, four-valve OHC, 497 cc (30.3 cu in) Pentroof engine.
1981 saw the introduction of the first of the Honda ‘Pro-Link’ (single rear shock models) with the 1981 XR 500RB. Honda added the ‘R’ to represent the Pro-Link which distinguishes it from the twin shock models of the previous two years, however, they still kept the letter’s of the alphabet to be consistent with the years made, e.g.: ‘Z’ for 1979, ‘A’ for 1980, ‘B’ for 1981 etc. Other differences between this and the previous models (but not exhaustive of) are a 17-inch rear wheel, 21-inch front wheel, plus trim and colour changes. The headlight and mask were left unchanged from its 'twin shock' predecessor.
The 1982 XR 500RC was very similar to the 1981 RB except for decal and trim changes.
1983’s XR (the 1983 Honda XR 500RD) featured a considerable change from the previous 1981 and 1982 Pro-Link models. This year Honda upgraded the power plant to an RFVC (Radial Four Valve Combustion) engine, which also featured a ‘Dry-Sump’, whereby the frame held the oil needed to lubricate the motor. The engine was feed by two 28 mm slide valve carburetors. Another first for the XR was a front twin piston caliper hydraulic disc brake and the “non nut-crusher” seat. The headlight mask was redesigned and inverted so that the headlight was on the bottom and the number plate was at the top. The suspension (front and rear) was also given an extra inch of travel boosting it to 11 inches. Wheels were 17-inch rear and 21-inch front.
The 1984 Honda XR 500RE was similar to the 1983 RD, also this years RE sported the plastic ‘bark-buster’ hand protectors. The 1984 RE model was to be the last of the Honda XR 500 series as 1985 saw the move to the bigger, more powerful Honda XR 600RF.
Read more about this topic: Honda XR Series