Honda XL 250...

[Charles Freeborn]

Have the chance to buy a running, but leaking XL250. Cheap... with a title. Has been sorta stripped into a dirt bike (lights, signals, etc) but all the essentials are there.
I used to work on these back when new in '73 or thereabouts (that's what this one is) but haven't had a side cover off of one in well over 25 years.
So... where would one go looking for parts for such a beast. My guess is that in chasing the leak (probably a crank or output shaft seal) I'd end up doing a medium rebuild (top end, gaskets clutch, etc). Will that add up to more than the end result is worth?
I remember them as good solid bikes - stump pulling torque, tough as nails. My use would be as a tote-along for camping, back road putt putt, that sort of thing.
Thx.

[unclebilly]

lots of parts on ebay.

[Baz]

You didn't mention what the seller was asking or post pics, so maybe hard for anyone here to provide their opinion of whether or not this might be a "good deal".

I have to agree with Uncle Billy though about plenty of parts being available on eBay, as well as other online retailers, I'm sure.

Doing the work yourself will be a significant relief to your cost factor, of course.

FWIW, I happened to pick up a '74 XL 175 last year which was in tip-top condition and was pleased with myself for finally buying something used that I didn't have to do anything to....lol!



This 175 is exactly what I wanted but moving up to a 250 would be a nice little upgrade in power for sure!

[asphaltgambler]

Those are great bikes, flyweight for the era, magnesium cases, single down tube frame, tapered spool wheel hubs, lots of aluminum. I had one - sold to another member here a while back. A lot of torque and power as well.

Here's the market: Pristine / showroom restored bikes are @$2000. tops. Nice examples / partially restored hover @$1500. Average decent bikes @$1100.

Parts are plentiful and reasonably cheap - but that's a veeeery slippery slope when looking at a 'bargain'. So unless it falls in 1 of the first 2 categories above, pass on it and go find a really nice 1 online.

[Cajundaddy]

The XL250 is a great bike to tool around on. Not a ton of power but just enough for a fun trail ride and very reliable. I think most parts are still available but it's been 10 years at least since I have been inside one so dig around to make sure first. Oil leak usually means a complete teardown which probably won't be a lot of $$ but a surprising # of hours for a motorcycle project.

[LakeCleElum]

I sold a very original '73 XL250 last year for $1,050.....A little light rust around the bright work. Ran great......Parts on Ebay, be patient....

[Rot 911]

Like the others have said, parts are cheap, but they add up fast. New tires, cables, chain, sprockets, filters and suddenly you are looking at $500 in parts. So keep that in mind when negotiating price.

[ckelly78z]

My son and I had matching mid-80s XR200s for many years with very few problems, and have also had the Honda ATC 125 M 3 wheeler for about 15 years....just absolutely bulletproof.

If we needed a part, we could usually find them on Ebay/Google.

[Baz]

Sorry to sidetrack the thread but was just snooping around a bit on eBay and saw this baby....if I was in California - especially within' driving distance of Los Gatos...I would pursue this bike. It's a nice survivor! Plus eBay seller has great feedback rating and did a good job with item description. These 125's are fun to scoot around on too....like my 175 because of their light weight, they are easy to transport and handle...



1973 Honda Other | eBay

[pete3799]

They're a little on the heavy side, but for a dual purpose, they're hard to beat.
Haven't had to find any parts for mine lately ( other than a throttle cable which I found in CA.).
Tough old bikes.
Bought it new in 1973
Only picture I could find of it

[Charles Freeborn]

Many thanks. I'm going to go for it. I'll post pics when I have it in hand.
Sounds like the countershaft seal requires a case split, but that's okay. Looking forward to having a Honda motor on the bench again. Will be a good wintertime project. The good part- its only going to set me back $200...


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[enzo1]

.... amazing me & my riding biddies are still alive. I rode with a guy that could make a 175 yamaha sing against our much bigger bikes. Good day's!