Honda XL125s - Need some advice

Crush
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Crush
Edited Date/Time 4/15/2017 2:47pm
Hey chaps.

So chatting to Pops the other day, he says he wants to restore Ma's old bike to its former glory, and give back to her.

And by him restoring it, he means me. Ha.

BUT, before I get balls deep in it, has anyone got any advice for a 70s scooter? Is it futile? Will parts be a nightmare? I figure a lot of elbow grease will get it pretty far, but after that, who the feck knows.

This bike has taken a shallacking over the years, and now maybe gets ridden a few times every year to get christmas trees or round up goats. But it's a family treasure, we've all got a story from it so would be cool if it could be done. He said he'll fund it, if I do the work.

Pictures below!

















And what it needs to look like!




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Bearuno
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Bearuno 3/31/2017 7:39am
3/31/2017 7:39am
All things considered, it's in great (well, no, it's in fantastic) condition.

There will be 'hard men' here that will poo poo such a bike, but I fully understand how it may be almost a family member.

Just don't go to crazy with the restoration - leave it with some of it's age patina. It's earned it all, I'd say. Pretty it up too much, and it may not continue to be used. Though, maybe you intend it to be a looker on a plinth? - fair enough if that's the case, but I hold by the view that a bike should (continue to) be used.
Jordan Dogtown
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Jordan Dogtown 3/31/2017 8:58am
3/31/2017 8:58am
Killer bike, man. I'm getting ready to start an almost identical build, except it's a 100 and my best friend's mom. Ebay has looked pretty promising so far. I think with any vintage build, the money can add up pretty quick with original/NOS parts. Reproduction stuff seems decently easy to come by considering so many parts are interchangable since Honda had a thousand different models back then.

Definitely subbed, looking forward to how she turns out.

And FWIW, I agree with Bearuno on the earned patina.
mxtech1
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mxtech1 3/31/2017 9:57am
3/31/2017 9:57am
If you want to return it to showroom quality, you will have some issues finding some NOS parts, but patience will pay off. Most of the parts are out there, just have to be patient and search consistently.

why not just go through it and make sure everything is functional and mechanically sound? Rebuild the motor and suspension, go through the carb, replace bearings and wear items, etc.
Crush
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Crush 3/31/2017 10:14am
3/31/2017 10:14am Edited Date/Time 3/31/2017 10:17am
Thanks guys... Every other bike I've done has been modern so am interested to see how it goes. I think Dad wants it back to showroom, but it'll still get used regardless. We have had a few older vehicles over time that have been restored but still get used... dirt washes off although it might be cool to rego it again for sunday rides to the shop.

First port of call will be to take care of the basics, bloody good clean up, seat upholstered, cables, rebuild etc...

The tank is in pretty good nick, figured paint. Frame shouldn't be too bad.

Things like exhaust/muffler, plastic and tacho/speedo will be hard i'd imagine...

What on earth do you do about the old chrome – forks, wheels, brakes? They're pitted/rusted beyond belief...

The Shop

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nascarnate326
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nascarnate326 3/31/2017 3:42pm
3/31/2017 3:42pm
marble motors is your friend
ledger
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ledger 3/31/2017 5:15pm
3/31/2017 5:15pm
Cool bike, I can remember how bad I wanted this bike because my neighbor had one. It must have been very reliable because we abused the dog poop out of it. I would think parts wont be a big issue, folk's like Newmann can probably give a few leads. I personally enjoy hunting for NOS parts and get lucky every now and then, my best advice is to take your time and have fun doing it. You got this Crush !
Crush
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Crush 3/31/2017 6:30pm
3/31/2017 6:30pm
ledger wrote:
Cool bike, I can remember how bad I wanted this bike because my neighbor had one. It must have been very reliable because we abused the...
Cool bike, I can remember how bad I wanted this bike because my neighbor had one. It must have been very reliable because we abused the dog poop out of it. I would think parts wont be a big issue, folk's like Newmann can probably give a few leads. I personally enjoy hunting for NOS parts and get lucky every now and then, my best advice is to take your time and have fun doing it. You got this Crush !
Mate, this thing has taken abuse. Never been pulled down. It was literally the town bike at one stage haha, everyone has had a crack at it.

Had a bit of a look on eBay last night, some stuff there, will speak to pops and see what the plan is!
Crush
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Crush 3/31/2017 6:58pm
3/31/2017 6:58pm
nascarnate326 wrote:
marble motors is your friend
Thanks Mate, that looks like a good resource
mayzo
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mayzo 4/15/2017 2:45pm
4/15/2017 2:45pm Edited Date/Time 4/15/2017 2:46pm
Hey Crush, Try Damo at Goldstar repairs for the seat and tank. He does awesome work. He has a Facebook page.
He's based in Newcastle

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