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
1976 Honda TL125S
Extremely well-preserved, original, low-mileage example
Estimate
£2, 000 - £3, 000
Registration No: RVW 624R
Frame No: TL125S1014017
MOT: Exempt
Highly original example with just three owners from new
Believed-genuine 1, 992 miles from new
Well-preserved having been unused since 1985
Motorcycle trialling was at the height of its international popularity in the early 1970s, especially after the 1971 Steve McQueen film On Any Sunday did so much to promote the sport in America. Every manufacturer needed a range of trials offerings, and Honda got in on the act with the lightweight TL125, launched in 1972 for the 1973 model year. Honda’s first production trials bike was powered by the twin-valve, SOHC, 122cc single lifted from the SL125, but with the compression ratio lowered from 9. 5:1 to 8:1. Also equipped with five speeds, it was a great hit across Europe, America and Japan (where it was sold as the BIALS). The TL125S model appeared in 1976, fitted with lights and indicators for road use.
Historic trials bikes often suffered from hard riding, but with just three owners and a believed-genuine 1, 992 miles from new, this 1976 TL125S survives in remarkably good original condition having been decommissioned and carefully stored since 1985. Purchased new from The Motorcycle Centre in Grays, Essex, by a Mr. Foulsen, it was sold in 1980 to Mr. John Butcher, who cared for it until 2023, when it was purchased by the present owner, a well-known vintage motor engineer. It represents an outstanding opportunity for preservation, or recommissioning and sympathetic use.
** 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).
