Introduced for the 1974 model year, the XL350 was the bored-and-stroked successor to the XL250. It also replaced the SL350 as Honda’s mid-sized dual-sport.
Basic specs were 20+ horsepower, 314 pound curb weight, a 2.2 gallon tank, and a top speed of approximately 85 miles per hour. Cruising at 70 mph, Cycle World saw over 60 mpg in their period road test. They were quite impressed with the bike: “as with any dual-purpose machine, the XL350 Honda is a compromise. We at CYCLE WORLD, however, feel it’s one of the most capable on the market. It’s a complete mind blower on the street, yet it has enough handling and pulling power to get it through most enduros with only minimal modifications. Take that sophisticated, 21-cu. in. Thumper, put it in a trick chassis, and you might end up with a machine that could pass as a racer, on any Sunday, in any amateur competition in the world.”
1978 was the last year of production, by which point Honda had updated the model with what they called the K2 generation: both rake and trail were increased, a new cylinder head allowed for better air intake, the exhaust was redesigned to hide behind the frame for extra protection, rubber-mounted passenger footpegs were added, and a larger (2.5 gallon) fuel tank was installed.
This example is VIN: XL3503204678. The seller acquired it ten years ago from a private party in Texas via Craigslist.
During his ownership he has covered roughly 1,750 miles. The odometer shows 12,482 miles.
“Saw it on Craigslist and bought it. My wife had a mint 1979 XL125 at the time that I had gotten her and I loved the idea of racing around the piney woods of Texas on vintage bikes together. I am happy to say it was a blast. She still has the 125. After doing the build and realizing how powerful and capable the bike was I made it a point to take it along on a lot of my dirtbike trips and even commuted to work on it sometimes. People love this bike. Out of all of my bikes this is the one that gets the most attention around town. It wheelies just fine.”
Maintenance:
Per the seller, during his ownership: “Engine rebuilt. New everything. Painted every bolt and piece of the bike was chromed, powder coated or painted.” He notes that it is “a little difficult to kickstart for a novice because of the high compression.”
In preparation for the listing, the seller had us perform a safety inspection, clean the carb, install a new battery, replace the spark plug, clean/lube/adjust the drive chain, and detail the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
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: Cleaned, Lubed, Adjusted
Headlight High Beam: Ok
Headlight Low Beam: Ok
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: Dim
Tail Light: Ok
Brake Light (Front Switch): Not working
Brake Light (Rear Switch): Not working
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: 11/18
Tire Date Code Rear: 15/18
Tire % Remaining Front: 95%
Tire % Remaining Rear: 80%
Tire Press. Front: 30 PSI
Tire Press. Rear: 34 PSI
Battery Standing Voltage: New 6V Battery-6.2V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 6.8V
Running Condition: Runs Well on Bench
Test Ride Completed: None Taken
Test Ride Distance: No
Notes:
-Replacement Racetech Shocks
-Replacement Carburetor Assembly
-Replacement Exhaust System
-Front/Rear brake switch not illuminating brake light
REPAIRS PERFORMED:
-Carb service
-New battery
-Chain service
-Vehicle detail
-Taillight bulb replaced
REPAIRS RECOMMENDED
-Electrical diag and repair – brake lights
Modifications:
Custom Race Tech suspension front and rear, set up for 190 pound rider. “This bike has been to Big Bend and done trails in east Texas. On the street with street tires it handles incredibly. I would commute to work on this bike and it will cruise on the freeway at 80 mph with no issues.”
“Engine was completely gone through and machined. Over bored to around 380cc’s. Custom head work done. Custom valves with seats machined to receive them. Custom rockers, cam, and springs. Forget anything you’ve ever known about an XL350. This is a different beast entirely built with advice from guys who raced this engine in custom flat track frames in the 80’s.”
Custom exhaust.
Seat was reupholstered.
IMS Super Stock pegs.
Renthal handlebar, aftermarket grips.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Sedona MX887IT tires with date codes of 1118 and 1518.
[PLACEHOLDER: PHOTO OF TIRE DATE CODE]
The sale includes three keys – two for the ignition and one for the helmet holder lock.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album in the “Photos” tab for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
“I had a mini supermoto fall off of the stand in my garage and it fell onto the front fender and chipped some paint. Some chipped powder coating in a few places. Bike did see trail use and a couple laps at a MX track.”
Currently located in Panorama City, California, (please make an appointment for an inspection) this Honda is offered on a clean Texas title.
Have any XL350 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
