Auto123: Uncover the Secrets of the Legendary 1973 Honda XL250

1973 Honda XL250 is a dual-sport motorcycle that was produced by Honda from 1973 to 1978. It was powered by a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine and featured a five-speed transmission. The XL250 was known for its reliability and off-road capabilities, and it was a popular choice for both recreational and commuting riders.

The XL250 was introduced in 1973 as a replacement for the Honda CL250. It featured a number of improvements over the CL250, including a more powerful engine, a more durable frame, and a more comfortable seat. The XL250 was also one of the first motorcycles to be equipped with a front disc brake, which gave it improved stopping power.

The XL250 was a commercial success for Honda, and it remained in production for six years. It was eventually replaced by the Honda XL250R, which was a more advanced and powerful motorcycle.

1973 Honda XL250

The 1973 Honda XL250 is a dual-sport motorcycle that was produced by Honda from 1973 to 1978. It was known for its reliability, off-road capabilities, and popularity among both recreational and commuting riders. Here are eight key aspects of the 1973 Honda XL250:

Engine: 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder
Power: 16 horsepower
Transmission: Five-speed
Frame: Tubular steel
Suspension: Front telescopic forks, rear swingarm with dual shocks
Brakes: Front disc brake, rear drum brake
Weight: 275 pounds
Top speed: 75 mph

These key aspects highlight the 1973 Honda XL250's strengths as a versatile and capable motorcycle. Its engine provided ample power for both on- and off-road riding, while its sturdy frame and suspension could handle rough terrain. The XL250's brakes were also impressive for its time, providing good stopping power. Overall, the 1973 Honda XL250 was a well-rounded motorcycle that was well-suited for a variety of riding conditions.

Engine

The 1973 Honda XL250 was powered by a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. This engine was a significant improvement over the engine used in the previous XL250 model, and it gave the bike more power and torque. The four-stroke design also made the engine more efficient and reliable.

Power and torque: The 249 cc engine produced 16 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque. This was a significant increase over the previous model, and it gave the XL250 more power for both on- and off-road riding.
Efficiency and reliability: The four-stroke design of the engine made it more efficient and reliable than the two-stroke engine used in the previous model. This meant that the XL250 could travel further on a gallon of gas and was less likely to break down.
Smoothness and refinement: The four-stroke engine was also smoother and more refined than the two-stroke engine. This made the XL250 more comfortable to ride, especially at higher speeds.

Overall, the 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine was a major improvement over the engine used in the previous XL250 model. It gave the bike more power, torque, efficiency, reliability, smoothness, and refinement.

Power

The 1973 Honda XL250 was powered by a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine that produced 16 horsepower. This was a significant increase over the previous XL250 model, which produced only 12 horsepower. The increase in power gave the XL250 more acceleration and top speed, making it better suited for both on- and off-road riding.

The 16 horsepower engine was also more reliable and efficient than the previous model. This was due to the four-stroke design of the engine, which is more efficient than the two-stroke design used in the previous model. The four-stroke engine also produced less emissions, making it more environmentally friendly.

The 16 horsepower engine was a major improvement over the previous model, and it helped to make the XL250 one of the most popular motorcycles of its time. It was a versatile and capable motorcycle that was well-suited for a variety of riding conditions.

Transmission

The 1973 Honda XL250 was equipped with a five-speed transmission, which was a significant improvement over the four-speed transmission used in the previous model. The five-speed transmission gave the XL250 a wider range of gears to choose from, making it better suited for a variety of riding conditions.

Improved acceleration: The five-speed transmission allowed the XL250 to accelerate more quickly, especially in the lower gears. This was due to the fact that the lower gears were closer together, which meant that the engine could rev higher before it was necessary to shift to the next gear.
Better top speed: The five-speed transmission also gave the XL250 a higher top speed. This was due to the fact that the top gear was taller, which meant that the engine could rev lower at highway speeds. This also helped to improve fuel economy.
Smoother shifting: The five-speed transmission also shifted more smoothly than the previous four-speed transmission. This was due to the fact that the gears were more closely spaced, which meant that there was less of a gap between gears when shifting.
Versatility: The five-speed transmission made the XL250 more versatile, as it could be used for a wider range of riding conditions. The lower gears were ideal for off-road riding, while the higher gears were ideal for highway riding.

Overall, the five-speed transmission was a major improvement over the previous four-speed transmission. It gave the XL250 better acceleration, top speed, shifting, and versatility.

Frame

The 1973 Honda XL250 featured a tubular steel frame, which was a significant improvement over the pressed steel frame used in the previous model. The tubular steel frame was lighter and stronger than the pressed steel frame, and it gave the XL250 better handling and stability.

The tubular steel frame was also more durable than the pressed steel frame, and it was better able to withstand the rigors of off-road riding. This made the XL250 a more reliable and versatile motorcycle.

The tubular steel frame was a major factor in the success of the 1973 Honda XL250. It gave the bike better handling, stability, durability, and versatility, making it a popular choice for both recreational and commuting riders.

Suspension

The 1973 Honda XL250 featured a suspension system that consisted of front telescopic forks and a rear swingarm with dual shocks. This suspension system was designed to provide the XL250 with a comfortable and controlled ride, both on- and off-road.

The front telescopic forks were responsible for absorbing impacts from the front wheel, while the rear swingarm with dual shocks absorbed impacts from the rear wheel. The combination of these two suspension systems provided the XL250 with a smooth and stable ride, even over rough terrain.

The suspension system on the 1973 Honda XL250 was a key factor in its success as a dual-sport motorcycle. It allowed the XL250 to be ridden comfortably and confidently on a variety of surfaces, from smooth pavement to rough off-road trails.

Brakes

The 1973 Honda XL250 was equipped with a front disc brake and a rear drum brake. This combination of brakes was a significant improvement over the previous model, which had drum brakes on both wheels. The disc brake on the front wheel provided superior stopping power and better feel, while the drum brake on the rear wheel was adequate for most riding conditions.

The front disc brake was a major factor in the XL250's success as a dual-sport motorcycle. It gave riders more confidence when braking on slippery or wet surfaces, and it also helped to reduce stopping distances. The rear drum brake was less powerful than the front disc brake, but it was still adequate for most riding conditions.

Overall, the combination of a front disc brake and a rear drum brake gave the 1973 Honda XL250 excellent braking performance. This was a key factor in the bike's popularity among both recreational and commuting riders.

Weight

The 1973 Honda XL250 weighed 275 pounds, which was relatively light for a dual-sport motorcycle of its time. This light weight gave the XL250 several advantages:

Improved acceleration and top speed: The lighter weight of the XL250 meant that it could accelerate more quickly and reach a higher top speed than heavier motorcycles.
Better handling and maneuverability: The lighter weight of the XL250 also made it easier to handle and maneuver, especially in off-road conditions.
Reduced fuel consumption: The lighter weight of the XL250 meant that it required less energy to move, which resulted in reduced fuel consumption.

Overall, the weight of 275 pounds was a significant advantage for the 1973 Honda XL250. It gave the bike better acceleration, top speed, handling, maneuverability, and fuel consumption, making it a popular choice for both recreational and commuting riders.

Top speed

The 1973 Honda XL250 had a top speed of 75 mph, which was relatively high for a dual-sport motorcycle of its time. This top speed was due to the XL250's powerful 249 cc engine and its lightweight design. The XL250's top speed made it a popular choice for riders who wanted a motorcycle that could be used for both on- and off-road riding.

The XL250's top speed was also important for safety. A higher top speed allowed riders to keep up with traffic on highways and freeways, and it also gave riders more time to react to hazards. The XL250's top speed was a major factor in its success as a dual-sport motorcycle.

Overall, the top speed of 75 mph was a significant advantage for the 1973 Honda XL250. It gave the bike more versatility, safety, and fun factor, making it a popular choice for both recreational and commuting riders.

FAQs about the 1973 Honda XL250

The 1973 Honda XL250 was a popular dual-sport motorcycle that was known for its reliability, versatility, and off-road capabilities. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the XL250:

Question 1: What kind of engine does the 1973 Honda XL250 have?

The 1973 Honda XL250 has a 249 cc four-stroke, single-cylinder engine. This engine produces 16 horsepower and 14 lb-ft of torque.

Question 2: What is the top speed of the 1973 Honda XL250?

The 1973 Honda XL250 has a top speed of 75 mph.

Question 3: What kind of suspension does the 1973 Honda XL250 have?

The 1973 Honda XL250 has a suspension system that consists of front telescopic forks and a rear swingarm with dual shocks.

Question 4: What kind of brakes does the 1973 Honda XL250 have?

The 1973 Honda XL250 has a front disc brake and a rear drum brake.

Question 5: How much does the 1973 Honda XL250 weigh?

The 1973 Honda XL250 weighs 275 pounds.

Question 6: What are the key features of the 1973 Honda XL250?

The key features of the 1973 Honda XL250 include its powerful engine, lightweight design, excellent suspension, and reliable brakes. These features make the XL250 a versatile and capable motorcycle that is well-suited for both on- and off-road riding.

Tips for the 1973 Honda XL250

The 1973 Honda XL250 is a classic dual-sport motorcycle that is still popular today among riders who appreciate its reliability, versatility, and off-road capabilities. Here are some tips to help you get the most out of your XL250:

Tip 1: Keep up with regular maintenance. Like all motorcycles, the XL250 requires regular maintenance to keep it running at its best. This includes changing the oil and filter, cleaning the air filter, and checking the brakes and tires. By following the maintenance schedule in your owner's manual, you can help prevent problems down the road.

Tip 2: Use the correct fuel. The XL250 is designed to run on unleaded gasoline with an octane rating of 91 or higher. Using lower-octane fuel can cause knocking and other engine problems.

Tip 3: Be careful when riding in wet weather. The XL250's drum brakes are not as effective as disc brakes in wet weather. Be sure to slow down and leave extra stopping distance when riding in the rain.

Tip 4: Don't overload the motorcycle. The XL250 is rated to carry a maximum weight of 350 pounds, including the rider and any cargo. Overloading the motorcycle can put strain on the engine and brakes, and it can also make the motorcycle more difficult to handle.

Tip 5: Be aware of your surroundings. When riding the XL250 off-road, be aware of your surroundings and be prepared for unexpected obstacles. Watch for rocks, roots, and other hazards that could cause you to lose control of the motorcycle.

By following these tips, you can help ensure that your 1973 Honda XL250 provides you with many years of reliable and enjoyable riding.

Summary of key takeaways or benefits:

Regular maintenance can help prevent problems down the road.
Using the correct fuel can help prevent knocking and other engine problems.
Be careful when riding in wet weather, as the drum brakes are not as effective as disc brakes.
Don't overload the motorcycle, as this can put strain on the engine and brakes.
Be aware of your surroundings when riding off-road, and be prepared for unexpected obstacles.

By following these tips, you can get the most out of your 1973 Honda XL250 and enjoy many years of riding pleasure.

Conclusion

The 1973 Honda XL250 is a classic dual-sport motorcycle that is still popular today for its reliability, versatility, and off-road capabilities. Its powerful engine, lightweight design, excellent suspension, and reliable brakes make it a great choice for both on- and off-road riding.

Whether you're a seasoned rider or a beginner, the Honda XL250 is a great choice for anyone who is looking for a fun and reliable motorcycle. With proper maintenance and care, the XL250 will provide you with many years of riding enjoyment.