9. Honda XL350
In 1974, Honda upped the ante in the Dual Sport category (back then they were just called “enduros”) by introducing the XL350. The machine was such a hit that it sold like wildfire, and its air-cooled two-valve Single only solidified Honda’s reputation for building ultra-reliable four-strokes, so much so that plenty XL350s remain in service today. The XL was so good that racers longing for the days of a competitive four-stroke motocrosser bought them in droves, tore the lights off of them and began modifying them for motocross and off-road use. The aftermarket companies had a field day, producing engine kits that could bump the displacement up to 441cc (we know what you’re thinking—wait for it) and aftermarket chassis to shed weight and add even more durability. But if we were looking for one, we’d keep our eyes peeled for a clean, unmolested version, then just keep the oil changed, but gas in the tank and ride it until the wheels fell off. Over 40 years later, the XL350’s still haven’t.
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