XR engine to XL frame

[HIFIMC]

Hello to all

I am now owner of my first Honda XL 600 R .. DP 03 model : the engine are in pour condition and I am told that the XR engine have better low rpm performance? Now will the XR 600 engines ( year from 19XX to 200X ?)
fits into my frame and work together with the electrical, or will it be better to find another old XL engine and then rebuild this or ?

Thanks in advance
Carsten
Denmark

[MCsanandreas]

XR engine could be made to fit,any engine will fit any frame if you try hard enough.
probably better/easier to find a good XL engine or strip and rebuild what you already have.
good luck!

[Krtek]

Hello to all
I am told that the XR engine have better low rpm performance?

I can't say that I agree. In my experience with both bikes, I find the XL superior in the low revs, because of the double carburettor.

That is also what would make it hard to fit an XR engine into your frame, unless you use an old type (twin carb) XR engine, and they're not getting any younger.
The single carb doesn't fit on the XL's airbox.

Personally I'd advise you to fix your (or a different) XL engine so you'll know you have a good one. Its weak point is the cylinder head, it tends to crack and then the valve seats may fall out.
If you can find a decent head with no cracks and an OK middle camshaft bearing, it's well worth bringing the rest of the engine in decent shape.
A rebuilt engine is better than one in an unknown shape.

Good luck to you. I know I love my XL600.