1978 Honda XL250S

Description

Additional photos of this 1978 Honda XL250S are available here for your perusal.

Unlike most “off-road” offerings of the day, the XL250 was not a derivation of an existing road bike, but rather one engineered from the ground-up to excel in the dirt. What’s more, where the likes of Yamaha and Suzuki were continuing to produce two-stroke smokers, Honda instead opted to build the bike around one of the world’s first mass-produced four-stroke overhead-cam, four-valve motorcycle engines.

The 248cc mill utilized a flywheel magneto ignition system, a Keihin slide carburetor, and a five-speed gearbox. The engine cases were made from aluminum with side covers machined in state-of-the-art magnesium alloy.

At the time, Cycle World deemed the XL250S, “A clever and logical package that works well on road and off.”

This example is VIN: L250S5001636, Engine #: L250SE5001636. The seller acquired the bike 10 years ago.

During his ownership, the seller has covered approximately 800 miles. The odometer shows 11,453 miles.

Maintenance:
The seller reports that he has performed regular oil changes.

Modifications:
This Honda XL250S is believed to be stock.

Cosmetic Blemishes:
Please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:

Inside of the tank:

It is riding on Bridgestone Trail Wing TW9 and IRC Trials GP-1 tires with date codes of 4212 and 1515.

The sale includes one key.

Currently located in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration that expires in August of 2023. Please note that the tag has a 2022 sticker as the seller misplaced the 2023 sticker:

The California DMV website confirms that the registration is current:

Have any XL250S stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!