Honda XL 250
In 1972 Honda and Yamaha turned up in the USA with four-valve-head motor cycles; six months later the bikes arrived in Europe. Both were to have a long life although now, in the 1980s, the TX500 twin Yamaha has been pensioned off while Honda's XL250 trail carries on, more popular than ever. The XL was Honda's first four-valve design for road/trail use, a batch of road-equipped CR93 twins excepted. Well made, with chain drive for. the single camshaft, and side cases impressively labelled Magnesium', the engine would rev beyond 8,000rpm. Top speed was a little over 80mph. The front wheel began as 19in, and became 23in later in the 1970s; it was a move which, apart from any handling benefits resulting, ensured that replacement tyres had to be of Japanese manufacture. |
