Honda SL 350 Make Model | Honda SL 350 | Year | 1970 | Engine | Air cooled, four stroke, twin cylinder SOHC | Capacity | 326 | Bore x Stroke | 64 x 50.6 mm | Compression Ratio | 9.5;1 | Induction | 2x 36mm Keihin | Ignition / Starting | Battery & coil / kick | Max Power | 33 hp @ 9500 rpm | Max Torque | | Transmission / Drive | 5 Speed / chain | Front Suspension | | Rear Suspension | | Front Brakes | Drum | Rear Brakes | Drum | Front Tyre | 3.50 -19 | Rear Tyre | 4.00 -18 | Weight | 3201b | Fuel Capacity | | Rarely seen in Europe but a favourite with o '-readers in the USA, Honda's 350 trail uiKe was developed over several years oiiowing its 1969 launch. In 1971 a writer "'American Cycle was so impressed that ,e wrote, The SL is the most subtly finished off-road bike on the market. It has a tight, elegant appearance that creates an aura of quiet mastery and command.' All this from a 320lb motor cycle painted metallic gold and silver... In the early 1970s the SL350's engine was modified to give more torque, mainly by altering the valve timing: gains here more than compensated for a peak power drop from the 32bhp quoted for earlier models. Other practical changes concerned handling, which was improved by a 1 inch increase in trail, to 4.5 inches, and by lengthening the wheelbase 3 inches to 55 inches. The rebound damping rate was stepped up, and filling the damping cylinders in the front fork was improved by incorporating three ball valves under the pistons in the fork legs. A seat comfortable even by roadster standards, and extraordinary in the spartan world of trail bikes, added to the high reputation of the SL and helped to further the popularity of off-roaders in general for dual use. |