XL185

[phil w]

Ok as Im a complete biff at mechanics, Im thinking I may look for something to renovate. In much the same mold as Kermit did to his XR. I mean I have never even changed a wheel bearing!!
I could look at my own XR but that would mean taking it off the road and its not ready for that yet, as it needs using more

Im thinking of something like an old XL185 or similar, as its a bike I always wanted as a youngster. Ah memories, maybe rose tinted specs

Do you rekon it would be a good bike to do, and are parts still all available for something that maybe bordering on classic.

What was the old 185s like as a bike on the road, bet it could make a handy green laner

[fatowl]

They had a reputation for destroying the CDI and the camshaft bearing - needing a new head. I think they were a nice bike, but fragile and had a short life.

[Treadtrader]

An extremely capable trail bike or long distance trials. I have owned and abused a few of these and found them to be reliable. A very simple engine to work on, still plenty of spares about as a few chinese makers have copied them, i have used a Jiang head which has a roller bearing cam!!!
Of course oil changes are important to the life of the engine.
Only probs i know to with cycle parts is the right side panel, but i have seen some fibre glass replicas.
An ancestor to the current CRF230.

[Mudwiz]

Nice bikes Phil, but gaining "collectors" status. I recon we need semi basket case CR125 just for the total hell of it! (OK, or 250s, 500s are also "collecty", but I'd love one!!)

[Mudwiz]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/cr-125_W0QQite...3A1|240%3A1318

[phil w]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/cr-125_W0QQite...3A1|240%3A1318

That looks fun

[AIRWOLF]

Have you put a bid on this ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/honda-xl-185-s...1%7C240%3A1318

That should keep you out of mischief for a while.

[phil w]

Have you put a bid on this ?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/honda-xl-185-s...1%7C240%3A1318

That should keep you out of mischief for a while.

Looks a project

[boboneleg]

XL185S was my first real bike and I went everywhere on that bike, it also did over 100mpg.

Bue be careful what you buy, any old bike can become a 'money-pit' if you're unlucky.

I have been restoring a 1987 DR600 for some time now (very slow progress) and it's surprising what it can cost you in the end.

Bob.

[phil w]

Yes Bob, I have been chatting to one of the boys in work who is doin a KDX220 and he was saying about how much money it has cost him on bearings alone.
Its not something I want to bung in the garage and then sit there gathering dust and being unwanted. I will have to give it some more consideration