Honda XR-250R
History
Honda XR-250R
- What we know so far
- 1994 Purchased by the British Army
- 199? Joined 22-S.A.S
- 199? Was used in the desert as pink sand found in airbox and according to a veteran of that time with 22-S.A.S that could be Jordan near Wadi Rum also South Helmand is another candidate.
- 13/01/2000 Cast by the M.O.D. ( wearing it’s beige paint job )
- 06/06/2000 Sold at British Car Auctions Newport Wales
- 15/06/2019 Joined the collection after 3 previous owners
The bike left the factory painted white with red and blue accessories (photo below) then it was given a coat of military matt green and a khaki seat. The next phase was converting it for use in the desert with the addition of an Acrebis bodywork kit and the first of much beige/sand paint applied probably with a brush on the bits they could reach. Under the seat and airbox red/pink sand stains can still be found from time in the dessert. During service its military registration was 69-00-KL.
We have known this machine since 2011, only took 8-years of persuasion to acquire it.
The bike had lived outside and damp and lack of maintenance had taken its toll, also handle bars were bent and clutch lever broken due to being dropped.
Specification
Honda XR-250R
Engine: 249cc Air cooled OHC 4-stroke single
producing 30hp @ 8,000rpm.
Gearbox: 6-speed
Weight: standard civilian spec 108kg
Honda XR250 was originally sold as an off road machine, the version used by British Armed Forces was modified from a European specification machine by Honda dealers in the UK.
To allow it to be used on the road the wiring system was modified to incorporate:
brake lights on the front and rear brakes
headlight fitted with high and low beam
electric horn
ignition switch removed and replaced by an engine kill switch
provision for indicators ( not always fitted ).
A full set of Acrebis plastics were also fitted giving greater clearance on the mudguards a larger fuel tank and brush guards to protect handlebar controls.
Bright red Honda seat replaced with plain khaki version.
As well as a simple rear carrier made in house by the R.E.M.E.
Speedometer is in kilometres showing evidence of the machines European origins.
April 2024 the bike went to be tested for Nitrite Oxide to allow it to be ridden in the ULEZ zone, which it passed with flying colours.
Original Photos
Honda XR in service with British special forces
The bikes usually worked as part of a patrol of 4 Landrovers and 2 motorcycles. The bikes where carried on the rear of the Land rovers and acted as reconnaissance scouts for the patrol.
