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I decided to explore the possibility of building a bike around a motor I got as part of the trade that landed me the CB750. The motor is from a 1972 or 1973 XL250. The stamp on the case is an SL number that indicates it's a 72 or 73. They went to XL designations in 74. The beauty of an SL engine is it's connection to Honda's motorsports heritage of the era. This also links it to the TL's, if I'm not mistaken. The motor is not complete, but it's mostly there. The goal is to build a bike that will do at least parts, if not all, of the Trans-America trail. There are enough go-fast parts for the XL250 to soup it up a bit and hopefully end up with a machine that will handle long rides at 60 - 70mph, while also managing most terrain.
be following that motor swap closely.
You'll never guess what i found when i went to remove the kickstarter on my xl175 (you probably can).
bent as fuck, still turns the engine over but ill be looking for a donor motor while and track down an illusive new kickstarter shaft
If I were you, I'd be looking for a set of 86-89 cr125 or 86-88 cr250/500 conventional forks, depending on your weight. They are phenominal. The forks are all very similar with differences in spring rate and valving for the different bikes. They might be a little tall, I cant remember the overall lenghth.
Late model 41mm xr250 conventional forks would also be a vast improvement over stock and should be shorter than the cr forks.
If you end up deciding on USD, you might take a look at some ktm85 forks. They would need tuning but might provide the desired height. Just a thought. Lots of forks out there.
If I were you, I'd be looking for a set of 86-89 cr125 or 86-88 cr250/500 conventional forks, depending on your weight. The forks are all very similar with differences in spring rate and valving for the different bikes.
if I can find the right front end, the plan is to go 17 or 18 on the front. I've been looking at the same era XR and XL. The Showa CR forks make sense.
I came across a 1984 XL250 frame and a CR125 front end amongst a few other bits for $100. I mocked up the XL swinger and installed it's front end onto an XL175 frame. In this mockup, I'm looking at it with a 21 front and 18 rear. I'll also look at the feasibility of the CR USD front end.
'Bout time to tear this motor down for salvage and rebuild...
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