Topic: XL125 - anyone know them well?

[srbakker]

Hi folks,

I have my eye on a reasonable condition 1977 XL125 that I was thinking of making into either a supermoto/flat track type thingy or maybe a tiny cafe, possibly for my wife, possibly just for the heck of it.  Anyone know how interchangeable parts are between these and CB125s?  Particularly, I was wondering about wheels and hub assemblies.

I have looked over the XL boards and at the XL125 threads on Thumper Talk but those are pretty sparsely populated.  The only thing really holding me back is that there's no registration on it right now (that's the equivalent of not having a title) - might not matter if I build it as a dirt tracker.

Here's a pic for the heck of it.  Not the one I'm looking at but a nice example none the less.

[thrownchain]

Not sure you can make a decent looking "cafe" out of a dirt bike,  I'd be looking for a CB series bike, alot easier and parts are available for the conversion.  As for a mini moto, maybe, but .....

[veloracermike]

You can make a nice Brat-Tracker out of it. For ideas go to Pipeburn or BikeEfex and search Honda XL and Brat and Tracker
http://www.pipeburn.com/home/2010/8/30/1972-honda-xl250.html

[srbakker]

Yep, I know what I have in mind if I pull the trigger.  How about known weak points, parts interchangeability, common upgrades etc?

[CycleRanger]

Good motor. Gotta watch the timing chain. People fail to adjust the tensioner and it can chew through the side of the head. If the timing chain is too loose or stretched beyond redemption you'll hear it slapping the inside of the head. Gotta keep the oil full & clean and keep the top end wet.  Parts are pretty easy to come by, the XL's have a large fan base. Otherwise pretty simple, solid, what-you-see-is-what-you-get.

[MoMo]

Had an XL125 that I ran in enduros. It had a bunch of Powroll (spelling?) speed stuff added to it, big bore, cam, etc.  i believe the company is still in business...Larry

[srbakker]

Many thanks.  How about CB125 front hub/wheel interchangeability?  I was considering putting an 18" front wheel with a disk on one.

[754]

 I thought you meant a 70,s XL 125.. I might have manuals for the ones like in the pic..
 CB 200 cable operated disc be worth looking at, actually...got a whole fork assembly..

[srbakker]

The one I'm looking at is a '77.
What's the fork diameter on that 200, Frank?  I believe this XL has 33mm forks.

[754]

 Less than 35mm, dont matter I have the trees with it..

[754]

 Its 31mm with about 156mm spacing..