Honda SLR650 SLR 650 Vigor 1997-2000 Service Manual

MCN's own timeline sums up this bike's identity crisis neatly: "1997: Honda releases the SLR650 – a more road-biased version of the Dommie. 1999: Honda cans the SLR650, but re-releases it as the FX650 Vigor." Same bike, two names — built in Spain by Honda's Montesa division specifically for European sales, and positioned as a genuinely stripped-down, budget alternative to the NX650 Dominator it was based on.

Power comes from the same 644cc air-cooled single as the Dominator, fitted with a different camshaft that traded outright power for stronger low-end torque — output settled around 39-40 hp at 5,750 rpm with roughly 40 lb-ft of torque at 4,500 rpm, run through a 5-speed gearbox with chain final drive. One long-term owner reviewing the bike for MCN described it best: "a really torquey 40BHP 125," with addictive low-to-mid-range pull but little interest in revving out — closer in character to a two-stroke working in reverse.

Styling and chassis choices reinforced the SLR's street-first mission versus the more dirt-capable Dominator: a smaller 19-inch front wheel replaced the Dominator's 21-inch unit, seat height dropped, and the lack of a front fairing trimmed weight to around 355 lbs dry. A steel tubular frame, telescopic front fork, and progressive monoshock rear delivered soft, forgiving suspension, backed by disc brakes front and rear for genuinely confident stopping. Build quality drew some criticism at the time — Spanish assembly reportedly fell short of Honda's usual standard — but owners have consistently reported the simple, low-maintenance engine held up well regardless, making the SLR/Vigor a genuinely cheap, easy bike to keep on the road for two-up commuting or back-road riding alike.