Honda's XR series is legendary and the Japanese giant aims to start them young with a wide range of junior XR machines, which include 50, 70, 80 and 100cc bikes.

The biggest of the junior quartet comes in at $4,150 with a six-month warranty.

Power is provided by a simple 99cc four-stroke engine with a modern no maintenance digital ignition system.

Five gears provide a ratio for most terrain and drive through a conventional chain-drive style set up.

The highly renowned Showa company provides 27mm telescopic forks and heavy-duty rear shock absorber. Ground clearance is quite generous at 254mm while the seat height is a manageable 775mm.

Drum brakes, front and rear, pull the machine to a halt.

A great feature is the fact that the little XR has a proper key operated ignition switch but starting is still by way of kick.

XR's have long been famous for offering year after year of trouble free operation and there is no reason to expect that the smaller version should also offer that legendary reliability.

Model - Honda XR100R
Engine - 99cc, 4-stroke, air cooled single
Bore x Stroke - 53 x 45mm
Induction - 22mm piston-valve carb
Starting - Kick
Gearbox - 5-speed with manual clutch
Final Drive - Chain
Front Suspension - 27mm Showa telescopic forks
Rear Suspension - Showa single shock
Front Brake - Drum
Rear Brake - Drum
Fuel Capacity - 5.7 litres
Length - 1,869mm
Width - 816mm
Height - 1,102mm
Wheelbase - 1,264mm
Ground Clearance - 254mm
Seat Height - 775mm
Weight - 75kg
Warranty - Six months
RRP - $4,150