Background

• The XR 100R was known by its trademark red and white bodywork from 2000 to 2003. Other color combinations, including Rainbow Blue and Violet, were used throughout the bike's production run. Aside from color, the motorcycle changed very little over the decades. The original bike, like the 2003 model, featured an air-cooled 99 cc single-cylinder, four-stroke engine. Its compression ratio as 9.4-to-1 and a five-speed chain-driven transmission power delivered the engine's power to the wheels. It sat relatively high with the seat 30.5 inches from the ground and the frame cleared the trail by 10 inches. Its wheelbase was a tight 49.8 inches. Twenty-one years after its debut, the XR 100R remained essentially the same machine with an identical engine, compression ratio and transmission. However, in 1984, the wheelbase shrank slightly to 48.2 inches. Honda added graphics, including “100” emblazoned on the side in red and “XR” printed on the seat in blue. The seat also stood taller at 31.5 inches from the ground.
  
  

2003 XR 100R Size

• For the 2003, the engine and transmission remained the same as before. The bike tipped the scales at 165.3 pounds, about 2 pounds heavier than the debut model. The seat nestled to its original 1981 height at 30.5 inches, although the rider could adjust it higher. The bike measured 74.8 inches long, 32.1 inches wide and the wheelbase returned to 49.8 inches long. The bike had a fuel tank that carried 1.48 gallons.
  
  

Chassis

• The 2003 Honda XR 100R featured expanding front and rear brakes. The front suspension was a leading-axle fork with 5.9 inches of travel. The rear suspension was a Pro-Link Showa single-shock system with 5.5 inches of travel. The front 2.50/29 tire rode on a 19-inch wheel while the rear tire featured a 3.00/16 size on a 16-inch wheel.
  
  

Performance

• The XR 100R was immensely popular for novice riders and youngsters taking lessons. But it also was outdated by the time the 2003 model arrived. The suspension system was somewhat light for modern motorcross courses and was easily overpowered by the type of riding tricks young bikers use today. The drum brakes require heavy squeezing on the handlebars in contrast to the front disc brake that most competing bike manufacturers equip their lightweight bikes with. Yet the 2002 and 2003 XR 100R remains durable and extremely light, making it agile in wooded areas and on tight, twisting trails. It also has enough torque to haul a full-grown rider and pull wheelies in third gear. The 2003 XR 100R remains a good training bike.