Description
National Motorcycle Museum | Solihull, West Midlands
Viewing: Tues 24th March from 1pm
Auction: Wed 25th March from 9am
Location: National Motorcycle Museum, Coventry Road, Bickenhill, Solihull B92 0EJ
1978 Honda XL250S
Estimate
£2, 000 - £3, 000
Registration No: EEL 171T
Frame No: L250S5108821
MOT: Exempt
Offered from a small private collection
Very little recent use
A remarkably good, correct example of a now-rare trail bike
Honda was founded by Soichiro Honda in 1937 and made its first motorcycle in 1949. Within 10 years it had become the biggest motorcycle manufacturer in the world, going on to produce over 400 million two-wheelers, as well as millions of other powered products. The XL range was launched in the early 1970s in answer to the growing demand for dual-purpose trail bikes. The four-stroke, four-valve, single-cylinder XL250 appeared in 1972 and remained a popular seller into the 1980s on both sides of the Atlantic. The model improved with the lighter XL250S of the late ’70s, which saw 10lbs. shaved from the frame alone. Claimed to produce 20. 2bhp at 8500rpm and achieve almost 80mph and 70mpg, Bike magazine reacted favourably in 1978: “This is the best dual-purpose bike I have ever ridden. It’s got all the goodies which make for a civilised street bike, yet the engine and chassis are a cool combination on the dirt. It’s not in the full-blown enduro class, but it’ll cope well with anything anyone other than an ace is prepared to attempt.” Rough use, however, has affected the XL250’s survival, and examples in really good condition are now very rare.
This excellent 1979 XL250 is offered from a small private collection and appears to be in extremely good order, with just a very light patina. Sold with the current V5C, it has seen only sparing recent use so some basic checks may be required.
** Bidding will take place live at the venue, online via our H&H website, by telephone and commission - T&Cs apply**
Parking and entry into the auction is free for auction attendees with a catalogue, available at the door.
Catalogues can be purchased for £20 (admits 2 people).
