Please Note: This bike is titled in California as a 1974 model.
While most companies in the mid 1970s were using two-stroke engines for their small-displacement dual-sports, Honda went with a 173cc four-stroke engine to power their legendarily reliable XL175. Honda had a range of XL models from 100 to 350, all of which were designed as street-legal motorcycles that you could use for a variety of purposes, whether it was commuting to work during the week or exploring trails on the weekends. The 175 pushed 15 horsepower and 8 lb-ft of torque through a 5-speed transmission – enough to get the 264 pound (wet weight) bike up to about 70 miles per hour.
Cycle World fell in love the XL, naming it the winner of a Japanese 175 comparison test and keeping it for a long term test afterwards: “The Honda 175 has fulfilled all our expectations completely and has turned out to be one hell of a fun little motorcycle.. As for accomplishments, if 1000-plus miles of virtually troublefree off-roading is not enough, the bike showed enough guts to bring home a trophy in the 500-mile Greenhorn Enduro, and that isn’t bad for a bike that is equally at home puttin’ to the corner market! So far, the machine’s detractors are the only ones we’ve heard say, “Oink!” We said that the bike was a winner back in April, and we say it again, many, many hard miles later.”
Manufactured in January of 1975, this example is VIN: XL1753013063, Engine #: XL175E-3013108.
During his ownership, the seller has covered less than 1,000 miles. The odometer shows 5,659 miles.
“I purchased the bike 9 years ago from someone who was sparely using the bike as a pit bike. I met the owner at a bar and of course the topic of motorcycles come up. Bike was purchased locally from Huntington Beach, California. I have 12 bikes: some modern classic Hondas and older fully restored classics. I’m a hobbyist, my attitude is its time to let some else enjoy it as I have. It’s a cool bike, I always get a lot of compliments on it. It has been in The Seal Beach Vintage Motorcycle Show several times on display. When they had the big manufacturers show in Long Beach this was in the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club display. This bike is not a #1 brand new condition but its a high 2 in my opinion.”
Maintenance:
“I have hand written documentation from purchase on maintenance. In 07/11/16 this bike was professionally restored. I have receipts totaling over $2,200. No engine mods. Motor was opened and inspected and all new gaskets, oil tight. No mechanical issues, starts with choke on and runs good. Needs a good warm up as with all old Hondas. Bike is ridden around the neighborhood once a month. Maybe a good carb adjustment. I use VP racing fuel 97 octane in my vintage bikes, No ethanol gas. All lights and turn signals work as expected.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection and clean/lube/adjust the drive chain. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: Good & Lined
Engine Oil Level: Ok
Engine Oil Quality: Ok
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: Chain is cleaned, lubed, and adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Ok
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Ok
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Ok
Plate Light: Ok
Horn: Ok
Kill Switch: Ok
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: Drum
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: Drum
Forks: Ok
Shock/s: Ok
Tire Date Code Front: 2608
Tire Date Code Rear: 2817
Tire % Remaining Front: 90%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 90%
Tire Press. Front: 22.5
Tire Press. Rear: 22.5
Battery Standing Voltage: 6.37
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 7.6
Running Condition: Running Well
Test Ride Completed: N/A
Test Ride Distance: N/A
Modifications:
“Tank has been sealed.”
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Shinko and Cheng Shin tires with date codes of 2608 and 2817.
The sale includes three keys, the owner’s manual, tool kit, a spare petcock, mirrors, past photos of the bike, and some maintenance documentation.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“Tiny blemish on right side of tank, very small scratch on black muffler. Trip reset knob is off the bike, I have it but the tiny screw holding it in keeps coming loose.”
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean California title with Planned Non-Operation (PNO) registration.
Have any XL175 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
