Auto123: Unleash the Power: Delve into the Iconic 1972 Honda SL350!

The 1972 Honda SL350 is a dual-sport motorcycle that was manufactured by Honda from 1971 to 1973. It was powered by a 325 cc four-stroke engine and featured a five-speed transmission. The SL350 was a popular choice for both on- and off-road riding, and it is still considered to be a classic motorcycle today.

The SL350 was one of the first dual-sport motorcycles to be mass-produced, and it helped to popularize the concept of a motorcycle that could be used for both on-road and off-road riding. The SL350 was also one of the first motorcycles to feature a five-speed transmission, which gave it a wider range of gears for different riding conditions.

The SL350 was a significant motorcycle in the history of motorcycling, and it remains popular today among collectors and enthusiasts. It is a versatile motorcycle that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding, and it is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a classic motorcycle.

1972 Honda SL350

The 1972 Honda SL350 is a classic motorcycle that offers a unique blend of on- and off-road capabilities. Here are eight key aspects that define this iconic machine:

Engine: 325cc four-stroke single-cylinder
Power: 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm
Torque: 21 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm
Transmission: Five-speed manual
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear swingarm with twin shocks
Brakes: Front single disc, rear drum
Weight: 320 pounds
Fuel capacity: 3.2 gallons

These aspects combine to create a motorcycle that is both versatile and capable. The SL350's engine provides plenty of power and torque for both on-road and off-road riding, while the five-speed transmission gives riders the flexibility to choose the right gear for any situation. The suspension is well-suited for both rough and smooth terrain, and the brakes provide ample stopping power. Overall, the 1972 Honda SL350 is a well-rounded motorcycle that is perfect for riders who want to explore both on- and off-road.

Engine

The 325cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine is a key component of the 1972 Honda SL350. This engine provides the motorcycle with plenty of power and torque for both on-road and off-road riding. It is also relatively fuel-efficient, making it a good choice for riders who want to explore long distances.

Power and Torque: The 325cc engine produces 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm and 21 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm. This gives the SL350 plenty of power for both on-road and off-road riding.
Fuel Efficiency: The SL350's engine is relatively fuel-efficient, getting up to 60 mpg. This makes it a good choice for riders who want to explore long distances.
Reliability: The 325cc engine is known for its reliability. It is a well-built engine that can withstand the rigors of both on- and off-road riding.
Simplicity: The 325cc engine is relatively simple to maintain. It is a good choice for riders who want to be able to work on their own motorcycles.

Overall, the 325cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine is a key component of the 1972 Honda SL350. It provides the motorcycle with plenty of power, torque, and fuel efficiency, making it a good choice for both on-road and off-road riding.

Power

The 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm power output of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a significant factor in its performance and capabilities. This power output gives the SL350 plenty of pep for both on-road and off-road riding. It allows the SL350 to accelerate quickly and easily, and it provides enough power to tackle hills and rough terrain. The high rpm at which the SL350 produces its power also means that it has a relatively high top speed.

The power output of the SL350 is also important for its overall rideability. The smooth power delivery makes the SL350 easy to control, even for beginner riders. The SL350's power is also predictable, which makes it a good choice for riders who want to explore both on-road and off-road.

Overall, the 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm power output of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a key component of its performance and capabilities. It gives the SL350 plenty of power for both on-road and off-road riding, and it makes the SL350 easy to control and ride.

Torque

The 21 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm torque output of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a significant factor in its performance and capabilities. Torque is a measure of an engine's ability to produce rotational force, and it is important for providing acceleration and pulling power. The SL350's torque output is relatively high for a motorcycle of its size, which gives it plenty of power for both on-road and off-road riding.

Acceleration: The SL350's torque output gives it good acceleration, allowing it to reach speeds of up to 80 mph. This makes it a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that can keep up with traffic on the highway.
Hill climbing: The SL350's torque output also gives it good hill climbing ability. This makes it a good choice for riders who live in hilly areas or who plan to ride in mountainous terrain.
Off-road riding: The SL350's torque output is also beneficial for off-road riding. It gives the SL350 the power to obstacles and to ride through rough terrain.
Reliability: The SL350's torque output is also a factor in its reliability. A high torque output means that the engine does not have to work as hard to produce power, which reduces wear and tear on the engine and its components.

Overall, the 21 lb-ft at 7,000 rpm torque output of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a key component of its performance and capabilities. It gives the SL350 plenty of power for bde on-road and off-road riding, and it makes the SL350 a good choice for riders who want a motorcycle that is both versatile and capable.

Transmission

The 1972 Honda SL350 was one of the first motorcycles to feature a five-speed manual transmission. This was a significant advancement over the four-speed transmissions that were common at the time, and it gave the SL350 a wider range of gears for different riding conditions.

The five-speed transmission allowed riders to choose the right gear for any situation, whether they were cruising on the highway, climbing a hill, or riding through rough terrain. The first gear was low enough to provide plenty of torque for hill climbing and off-road riding, while the fifth gear was tall enough to provide a relaxed cruising speed on the highway.

The five-speed transmission was also a factor in the SL350's fuel efficiency. By being able to choose the right gear for the riding conditions, riders could keep the engine running at its most efficient rpm. This helped to improve the SL350's fuel economy, making it a more economical choice for riders.

Overall, the five-speed manual transmission was a key component of the 1972 Honda SL350. It gave the SL350 a wider range of gears for different riding conditions, improved its fuel efficiency, and made it a more versatile and capable motorcycle.

Suspension

The 1972 Honda SL350 features a suspension system that consists of front telescopic forks and a rear swingarm with twin shocks. This type of suspension system is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding, as it provides a good balance of comfort and handling.

The front telescopic forks provide a smooth ride on rough terrain, while the rear swingarm with twin shocks helps to keep the rear wheel planted firmly on the ground, even when riding over bumps or obstacles. This type of suspension system also allows for a good degree of adjustability, so riders can fine-tune the suspension to suit their individual riding style and preferences.

The suspension system of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a key component of its overall performance and capabilities. It provides a comfortable and controlled ride, both on-road and off-road, and it allows riders to adjust the suspension to suit their individual riding style and preferences.

Overall, the suspension system of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a well-designed and effective system that provides a good balance of comfort and handling. It is a key component of the SL350's overall performance and capabilities.

Brakes

The 1972 Honda SL350 features a braking system that consists of a front single disc brake and a rear drum brake. This type of braking system was common on motorcycles of this era, and it provides a good balance of stopping power and feel.

The front single disc brake provides most of the stopping power, and it is particularly effective at slowing the motorcycle down from high speeds. The rear drum brake is less powerful than the front disc brake, but it is still effective at providing additional stopping power, especially in slippery conditions.

The combination of a front single disc brake and a rear drum brake is a good choice for the 1972 Honda SL350. It provides a good balance of stopping power and feel, and it is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding.

Overall, the braking system of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a well-designed and effective system that provides good stopping power and feel. It is a key component of the SL350's overall safety and performance.

Weight

The 1972 Honda SL350 weighs 320 pounds, making it a relatively lightweight motorcycle for its size. This weight is a key factor in the SL350's performance and capabilities, as it contributes to the motorcycle's agility and maneuverability.

The SL350's light weight makes it easy to handle, both on-road and off-road. The motorcycle can be easily maneuvered through tight turns and obstacles, and it is also easy to pick up if it is dropped. The SL350's light weight also makes it a good choice for riders who are new to motorcycling, as it is less intimidating to ride than a heavier motorcycle.

In addition to its performance benefits, the SL350's light weight also makes it a more practical motorcycle. The motorcycle is easy to transport and store, and it is also more fuel-efficient than a heavier motorcycle. Overall, the SL350's weight of 320 pounds is a key factor in its performance, capabilities, and practicality.

Here are some real-life examples of how the SL350's light weight benefits riders:

A rider can easily maneuver the SL350 through a tight trail, even if the trail is muddy or rocky.
A rider can easily pick up the SL350 if it is dropped, even if the rider is not particularly strong.
A rider can easily transport the SL350 in the back of a pickup truck or on a trailer.
A rider can get better fuel economy with the SL350 than with a heavier motorcycle, which can save money on gas.

Overall, the 1972 Honda SL350's weight of 320 pounds is a key factor in its performance, capabilities, and practicality. The motorcycle's light weight makes it easy to handle, maneuver, transport, and store, and it also contributes to the motorcycle's fuel efficiency.

Fuel capacity

The 1972 Honda SL350 has a fuel capacity of 3.2 gallons. This may not seem like a lot, but it is actually quite a bit for a motorcycle of this size and type. The SL350 is a relatively small and lightweight motorcycle, so it does not need a large fuel tank. The 3.2-gallon fuel tank gives the SL350 a good range of about 150 miles on a single tank of gas. This is more than enough for most riders, even if they are planning on doing some long-distance riding.

The 3.2-gallon fuel tank is also a benefit for riders who like to go off-roading. A larger fuel tank would make the motorcycle heavier and more difficult to maneuver, so the 3.2-gallon fuel tank is a good compromise between range and agility.

Overall, the 3.2-gallon fuel capacity of the 1972 Honda SL350 is a good balance between range and agility. It gives riders a good range of about 150 miles on a single tank of gas, while also keeping the motorcycle lightweight and easy to maneuver.

FAQs about the 1972 Honda SL350

The 1972 Honda SL350 was a popular motorcycle that is still sought after by collectors and enthusiasts today. Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about this iconic motorcycle:

Question 1: What is the engine size of the 1972 Honda SL350?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 has a 325cc four-stroke single-cylinder engine.

Question 2: How much horsepower does the 1972 Honda SL350 produce?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 produces 27 horsepower at 8,500 rpm.

Question 3: What is the torque output of the 1972 Honda SL350?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 produces 21 lb-ft of torque at 7,000 rpm.

Question 4: What type of transmission does the 1972 Honda SL350 have?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 has a five-speed manual transmission.

Question 5: What is the weight of the 1972 Honda SL350?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 weighs 320 pounds.

Question 6: What is the fuel capacity of the 1972 Honda SL350?

Answer: The 1972 Honda SL350 has a fuel capacity of 3.2 gallons.

In summary, the 1972 Honda SL350 is a versatile and capable motorcycle that is well-suited for both on-road and off-road riding. It is a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts today.

For more information about the 1972 Honda SL350, please consult the resources listed in the "References" section below.

Tips for maintaining and riding a 1972 Honda SL350

The 1972 Honda SL350 is a classic motorcycle that is still enjoyed by many riders today. Here are a few tips to help you maintain and ride your SL350 for many years to come:

Tip 1: Keep your SL350 clean. A clean motorcycle is a happy motorcycle. Regular cleaning will help to prevent rust and corrosion, and it will also make it easier to spot any potential problems.

Tip 2: Change the oil and filter regularly. The oil in your SL350's engine needs to be changed regularly to keep it clean and free of contaminants. The oil filter also needs to be changed regularly to remove any dirt or debris that may have accumulated in the oil.

Tip 3: Check the tire pressure regularly. The tire pressure in your SL350's tires should be checked regularly to ensure that it is at the correct level. Underinflated tires can cause handling problems and can also lead to premature tire wear.

Tip 4: Inspect the brakes regularly. The brakes on your SL350 are essential for your safety. Inspect the brake pads and rotors regularly to ensure that they are in good condition. If the brake pads are worn down, they should be replaced.

Tip 5: Store your SL350 in a dry place. If you are not going to be riding your SL350 for an extended period of time, it is important to store it in a dry place. This will help to prevent rust and corrosion.

By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your 1972 Honda SL350 in good condition for many years to come.

Here are some additional tips that may be helpful:

Use a high-quality oil filter.
Change the spark plugs regularly.
Clean the air filter regularly.
Lubricate the chain regularly.
Have your SL350 serviced by a qualified mechanic regularly.

By following these tips, you can help to ensure that your 1972 Honda SL350 is always running at its best.

Summary of key takeaways:

Regular maintenance is essential for keeping your SL350 in good condition.
By following the tips in this article, you can help to extend the life of your SL350 and keep it running at its best.
If you have any questions about maintaining or riding your SL350, please consult a qualified mechanic.

Thank you for reading. Ride safe!

Conclusion

The 1972 Honda SL350 was a groundbreaking motorcycle that set the standard for dual-sport motorcycles. It was a versatile and capable machine that was equally at home on the road or off-road. The SL350 was also a popular choice for riders who wanted a reliable and fuel-efficient motorcycle.

Today, the 1972 Honda SL350 is still a popular choice for collectors and enthusiasts. It is a classic motorcycle that is still capable of providing years of riding enjoyment. If you are looking for a motorcycle that is fun to ride and easy to maintain, the 1972 Honda SL350 is a great option.