I started riding dirt-bikes when I was 7 years old on a 1965 Z50R until the engine blew. After that, I saved my money and bought a 1974 XR75 (Bored to 80cc). I had it for about three years before I was ready to upgrade again and bought a 1989 XR100R. This lasted me for a while until my dad went out and bought a brand new 1993 XR200R for himself. I rode it and liked it so much that I went out and bought a 1990 XR200R for myself. There were several differences in the suspension and size of our bikes, it seemed that my bike was made for harder riding boasting a better suspension and other components. At the time, I was fourteen, and around that age I began to ride more competitively.

A couple years later I discovered Jeremy Hansen's The Unofficial Honda XR Page and was inspired to modify just about everything and anything on my bike. I am now 18 years old and about to enter college so I could not afford a larger bike; which is why I upgraded instead.

Here is a list of my modifications:

• Replaced stock baffle with a Thumper Racing insert and stock air filter with a Uni filter.
• Re-jetted the carburetor
• Had the engine bored-out with a new piston and a higher compression ratio.
• Replaced the front end with a '86 KX125 (46mm fork, disc brakes assembly, the works!).
• Added high profile bars and Acerbis Rally brush guards.
• Added a headlight (this is a story in itself, since the 200's weren't designed for them).
• Sent the shock to Thumper Racing for modification (it performs great!).

Anyway, the result was very pleasing. The engine purrs with happiness and accelerates harder than my friends XR250.

The most impressive modification was adapting the KX front-end. The suspension feels like that of a motocross bike and handles like a champ. I bought the KX (minus the engine) for a mere $100. And, with a couple spacers and special steering head bearings, my XR200R has the sturdiest off-road front-end of any XR200R that I know of. The rest of the KX I sold for $50. This made for an excellent and cheap upgrade. This is a great modification for anyone who is willing and can find a cheap KX!

Credits: Article written by Wally King, submitted by Jeremy Hansen, and edited by 4Strokes.com.