1974 Honda XL250 Custom Review | Daily Rider

rvz.la/4ayx3Co | Airbags Save! Learn more.
Take a spin on the Cycle Gear 50th Anniversary XL250, which has been fully restored and modernized by Ari Henning at The Shop Manual and could land in your garage. Onward, to work and to air-cooled glory!
SPECS:
MSRP: Free!
Engine: 265-ish cc single cylinder
Measured weight: 285 lb. / 129.2 kg
Fuel capacity: 2.4 gal. / 9 liters
Seat height: ~33 in.? / ~838? mm
Claimed power: Relax
Claimed torque: Take it easy
Watch Ari’s episode of The Shop Manual here: rvz.la/4aACWzg
Zack’s gear:
RSD Ronin Jacket: rvz.la/4awSh3J
REAX Tasker Gloves: rvz.la/4bvv0AA
Klim K Forty 2 Jeans: rvz.la/4bAzqpN
Alpinestars Oscar Monty V2 Boots: rvz.la/4dROiBK
Sedici Strada II Mips Helmet: rvz.la/4bQS5xj
Thanks to Progressive for sponsoring this episode of Daily Rider. Learn more about America’s #1 motorcycle insurer at bit.ly/3ypJzH5
0:00 Intro
0:44 Airbags Save - rvz.la/4ayx3Co
1:09 A quick walkaround the XL250
6:20 On The Road!
14:14 Urban Manners & Stop Sign Challenge
17:05 Lover’s Lane
19:03 At the Lights
23:16 Gettin’ Dirty
24:41 Will it Wheelie???
28:10 On the Daily Rider Leaderboard

[@RevZilla]

Airbags Save! Learn more: rvz.la/3KbVcnI Watch Ari’s episode of The Shop Manual here: rvz.la/3Kgf3lM

[@UnliRide]

Beautiful machine. Man, I would have love to take my chances for that bike, but I live on the other side of the world. Best of luck to everyone who've joined!

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

My parents brought me to the USA in 1974. After migration across I settled into the Rocky Mountains. 😊

[@OrdinaryLatvian]

I imagine it's the typical US-only deal right?

[@UnliRide]

@@OrdinaryLatvian yes bro, US-Canada only if I remember correctly

[@mervmaster]

A 1974 xl250 IS my daily rider.

[@mysticalpotato447]

That's awesome! Love it

[@CarsonHoyt-hl1hs]

Spoiler alert for those that haven't watched. If i were to win i would prefer the old gas cap with a sticker pointed at the dents saying "ZACH DID THIS". Awesome Bike I had a similar XL growing up, great job Ari!

[@oramac7237]

Whoever wins this should definitely get the dented gas cap that fell off! That's as much a part of the story as all the rest. Great video. I'd love to see a Widowmaker on the next DR Classics if you can find one to use.

[@bwxmoto]

The first real motorcycle I ever rode was a 1980 Honda XL100 when I was a kid. Will never forget that day.

[@leeinwis]

You dropped it ?

[@bwxmoto]

@@leeinwis Hell no, I've been on two wheels since I was 4 years old. edit- but if I did drop it there would be no shame in it! I already new how to use gears and clutch from riding a Suzuki 230 Quadsport, and already new how to ride on two wheels so it wasn't a huge learning curve. Still it was the first "real motorcycle" with gears and a clutch. I only rode it off road, it was muddy too. Good times.

[@mantarayal]

Mine was a green SL100 with the white stripes here in New Zealand in 1975 and I'll never forget that day either. Or my mates. We all bought them. Then SL125s (the richer mates) and then the really rich mates bought these motorsports (or motosports?) They were silver with red stripes. I moved into Suzie 250s...and yeah...good days!! Still riding. Anyway, a random hi from NZ. Ride safe.

[@naturalconditions]

In high school, two of my friends had xl 250s while I had a Kawi f11 250. We called that whole class of bikes trail bikes, and everyone immediately removed the mirrors and signals because it was cool and because they were going to be busted off anyway when we crashed in the woods. We rode them to work every day to McDonald's and blasted them down the interstate when the interstate was still a construction site. Best daily riders ever. I sure hope I win that old dog!

[@michaellauer3397]

May we ride to our last days… cheers

[@Lachiewich]

This thing is beyond cool and the mods are top notch. Maybe I should add 50 year old bikes to my BikeSales search 😅

[@Michael-qo8bs]

Man Ari has mad skills! ..that bike is beautiful! I guess that summer working at Stricks cycle in Asheville NC served him well!!???😀😀...of course those skills were his before working there...but his eye for deta and limitless vision make him THE GUY!!

[@michaellauer3397]

These bikes in the 69 to 74 range did indeed birth what we have today… We stripped the lights off of them or just taped them up and raced them motocross, hare scrambles, flat track… I remember Kent Howerton showing up on a 175 Yamaha with electrical tape over his headlight, killing the 250 class. I was riding a Hodaka 125 when the CRs came out. then the Yamaha mono-shock which gave birth to tracks groomed for long suspension, making it “the wand over the wizard” for a short time. Modern suspensions has us trying crazier and crazier stuff… been fun to see and be a part of… but I do yearn for the simplicity of 1974.

[@Kingsoupturbo]

So much work into that bike, anyone who restores old bikes knows, so much, but at least Ari has proven the concept, and can replicate it faster\cheaper on his own now, that would have taken me a whole year, perfection!

[@darrenwilson7688]

I love old dirt bikes. They are what I learned to ride on. You learn to compensate for their shortcomings. But man are they fun.

[@hitituprohb]

Threw my hat in the race. Fingers crossed!

[@dourmoose]

My first bike was a Suzuki TS 250 of that vintage. This brings back lots of memories. Nice work Ari.👍🏼

[@brandons42472]

Suspension and brake upgrades are genius!

[@jhackett9482]

Had one a few years ago and sold it cheap like a fool. Wish I had it back. I have the Transalp. On it right now on a motocampingbtrip watching this in my tent.

[@Hanitcal69]

My dad has an 81 xl185 and it is one of the most fun bikes I’ve ever ridden

[@Blank_Immortal]

Amazing to see such an old bike on the show!

[@bills.2891]

Thank you for this, Zach and Revzilla. Thank you! 🎉

[@phil4986]

One of the most comfortable to drive motorcycles ever made. Honda got everything right on this bike. Stupendously great starter bike.

[@nelsonbaloyi4257]

They are such beauties!! I have the same bike. It is absolutely fun to ride. I have a group of riding buddies. it is unbelievable, the hills we had it climb and trails we have put this bike through!!😂 solid build!!

[@Bdub1952]

Talk about a trip down memory lane! 48 years ago I bought a ratted out '72 XL 250 (the same day I had all 4 wisdom teeth removed!) and rebuilt it in the spare bedroom over the winter. It became my commuter bike for my daily ride to Nellis AFB as a young airman. With the desert tank that came with the bike, it was also my off-road explorer. Such great memories, thanks guys.

[@michaellauer3397]

It’s crazy how we watched these bike meltdown to “ratted out“, bought and refurbished 48 years ago… Geez, I bought a Junk, locked up DT1 in 1974 for 25 bucks. Holy cow, was 50 years ago… cool memories.

[@DonMachado]

The 1979 XL250 was the bike I rode in HS. My first bike was a brand new 1974 Honda XL70 I got for my birthday when I was 8. They were great bikes because trail riding wasn't a problem, and they were street legal at the same time, even my XL70.

[@Washoejim]

Good video Zack, I was thinking that the freeway portion of your normal Daily ride was going to be a little challenging, then as a Retired Deputy Sheriff, I was thinking that the trip without a license plate might not go uninterrupted, but the gas cap seems to be the only real issue, I was loving the ride, as it reminded me of my 1971 Honda 175 Scrambler a little, a fun little scoot for sure. Good job.

[@allimax200]

Well that was fun thanks! As soon as you kick started it it took me right back I had the same bike as a kid and wore that thing slap out but motor never quit. not fast by todays standards but it was a rocket to me back then

[@Porsche996driver]

Way to go Ari and Zack!! Quite a special bike to commemorate 50 years! ✨ Entering now! 👌🏼 ps My sister rode a Yamaha DT175 back in the day and I had a Yamaha YZ80!

[@gerrybailey447]

Such a cool looking bike. I remember when these type of bikes were everywhere, just keep them well serviced and put gas in and enjoy. As much as I like modern machines these are the bikes I grew up with and I just love the analogue feeling, all about the skill level of the rider.

[@jcrewguy123]

As a rider that is slightly older than the '74 XL250+ I can understand the giggle factor when it comes to riding such a pure, raw, but updated bike. Ari did an awesome job bringing her up to modern day standards yet keeping her soul. I may have put her at the top of the classic leader board.

[@Nelson-ev1df]

My good friend from high school had the original 72 model XL 250 Motorsport. I have never seen a bike with so much torque for the size. He put a torque pipe on it and made it even stronger. He put rim locks on it to keep from tearing the valve stem out as it would twist the wheel in the tire. We love to Hill climb every chance we got. My cousin also had a 74 XL 350 with a torque pipe there wasn't a hill that we found that we couldn't conquer I'm 67 now and long for those days. Have had many bikes over the years. But the best ones I've ever had or Hondas. My favorite was my Mt 125 Elsinore definitely the best handling bike I ever rode

[@geralddelgiudice6737]

The [in]decision making at the end of these are my favorite part.

[@alexanderhikel2350]

I’ve got a 1969 triumph bonneville and gotta spend about 4 grand for a engine rebuild , but I gotta say it’s worth it , something about old bikes that you just don’t get on new ones , it’s just you and the bike , no computer , no abs , traction control etc. you just feel the most connected to the road with them

[@kd350]

It was $165 on the last set of fresh pistons and base gaskets for my RZ350. 42K miles from bought new and still on the factory crank.

[@dhyaneshsingh]

Reflection on tank specially when passing by a palm tree damn... it ignites a different riding fantasy..

[@avdmer]

I love the idea of this bike. In reality I might not like to live with it, but man I wish I could. Ari did excellent work in this one.

[@gideonchadwick805]

Aha!!!! I happen to have a 1978 XL250s….!! Super solid moto. It’s such. A. RIOT!! Especially with the stock 23” front wheeelll!

[@jamesstark8377]

Great timing! I just had surgery to repair a tendon in my hand and won't be riding for a month or so. Thanks for letting me ride vicariously, Mr Courts. And on such a beauty! We are all your passengers, in a way

[@pneumaticman5927]

Zach, I really enjoyed meeting you at the handbuilt show. I wish I’d known that you were from Vermont. My folks lived in Stowe for 20 years. A friend and I rode KLR’s from my parents’ house in Stowe to Lincoln, VT and surrounding areas during the first week of October. Magical.

[@elestruqui3093]

This would definitely be a great around town bike. Gorgeous little scoot.

[@neoquest2012]

I used to get 85mph indicated on my 79’ XL250😎 and that bike taught me through the box wheelies 🤫 thanks for reigniting those memories big man 👊

[@markowsley4954]

If I won that bike I would want to pick it up in California and ride it back home to Florida. Plus who wouldn't want to meet Ari and Zack.

[@jeremymitoraj1715]

Beautiful work gentlemen.

[@stephanematis]

Lovely bike. Almost beckons a TW200 ride to work, the 37 year old still going strong.

[@peterholthoffman]

I had a 1972 XL-250 in 1976 and it is one of the three bikes I am still sorry I sold (the others being a 1974 Suzuki TM400 and a 1977 Kawasaki KZ1000 LTD). The 55 mph national speed limit worked in favor of the bike as I was able to go anywhere on it - travel a hundred miles on the Interstate in the morning and be fording creeks deep in the woods that afternoon. It looked great, performed well, and wasn't too heavy. It was very close to being a perfect motorcycle.

[@Dheeeeraj]

90 episodes or so and it's the first time i hear Zack swear! I love it! Whatta bike!!! 🙏🏻

[@meric4921]

I was just looking for these old bikes on marketplace to restore, so cool Zach was able to show this one off today!

[@davideakin7434]

My buddy and I had 2 of these; it was my first bike. We went on a 300 mile camping trip; the knobbies make your hands fall asleep. Rode them on single track; fairly heavy and kick start is a real pain restarting on a hill. For some reason, the starter gear started breaking teeth (I still have the special removal socket); replaced it twice. Kept it until 1978 or so and sold it. Still only feel "at home" on a small dual sport.

[@tracythorleifson4108]

Those little ‘70s enduros are the bikes I grew up on. So much fun and such good memories!!! The tires are dirty and that’s only as God and nature intend! 😃❤️😃

[@nicholasc1781]

This is kind of the closest I think this show will get to my first bike the XR250L. Such a pleasant little bike, and a riot offroad.

[@joepphoto]

I've owned a 250XL (K3) for a couple of years and it has been one of the most fun bikes i've ever ridden! Many don't realise the influence this bike had on future road legal motorcross/dual sport bikes! So great to see you give it some attention.

[@joepphoto]

Damn, the build is impressive Ari!

[@pauls8456]

First bike I rode when I got my learners permit in 1982 !

[@stevewebb9195]

You guys did a fantastic job on the 250. Love the turn signal and rear light setup. Top notch work. I want one!

[@ZacBernasconi]

Beautiful bike well done Ari

[@danieldoyle253]

Wow I’m in my garage customizing my bike right now, and this video pops in my watch list. What an incredible amount of detail, thought, and improvement’s into this incredible bike. Beutiful!

[@annemickelson2621]

Great bikes, my brother had an '81 model in the day. I learnt to ride on a '74 SL70 when I was ten years old.

[@pbofan]

Very cool to see this. My first bike was a Honda SL70, and my second a XL250…fun to kind of peek back at my teenage years of decades ago.

[@MyBridgestone24]

My first bike was my dad’s 1971 Bridgestone 100cc two stroke dual sport. I don’t even know the model. Twin gearing. Oil injection. It was (and still is) amazing. He bought it new when he was 17. This Honda is a beaut. Over the years and many many motorcycles, I now find myself drawn to older machines. I’ve found that newer bikes feel somewhat soulless and numb. I’d take that Honda any day. Best of luck and congrats to whoever wins!

[@MyBridgestone24]

Ha. I seldom comment and forgot what my YT handle was. 24 was my age and I’m WELL north of that number now. I forget how old YT is.

[@Doobie603]

My first bike was an FXDB 2017 Harley Street Bob. Saved forever and got the bike I wanted and learned on it. No regerts.

[@mii747]

I remember doing the nostalgia thing back in the early eighties. Two up, legs dangling, short board and towels down at the surf beach… in Australia.

[@rusty-ole-boomstick1268]

Great Bike!!! Mine was stolen back in 1978 at a gas station while I was taking a leak in the restroom 200 miles away from home, luckily a trucker unbeknownst to him, he seen the robbery happen, he was heading in my direction so he gave me a lift back home.

[@soho71]

I had a 1971 Hodaka road ace 100cc when I was 13. First bike after my Honda trail 50. It was a great bike.

[@mysticalpotato447]

I just bought a 2007 XR 125 L and I think it'll offer me pretty much the experience this bike does. It will go everywhere, just not very quickly. Without any extra frills. I think it will be a good bike for me to start exploring some trails as it gives me the confidence that I can get out of pretty much anything with the little machine. Just waiting for it to come back from the mechanic for a full maintenance look over and I'm super excited.

[@blt1359]

Just turned 50 in January! Would love to get back on a bike! Count me in on this sweepstakes!

[@manthony1601]

I would love to see a Suzuki dr650 on the daily rider

[@ricatiman]

I used a set of Golden Boys to great effect on my old XL-175...Lean angles almost beyond belief...feeling both ends gripping and slipping. I would recommend them to any classic dual sport rider. Great nostalgic ride that brought back a lot of memories rider my DT-1, and XL-175, dual sports on the street, and my XR-250 in the woods. Great stuff, keep up the fine work.

[@karlfonner7589]

Nice work Ari😮

[@danielangel5887]

I love how this bike makes you so damn happy, lol awesome!!

[@thedrunkmonk8386]

Zack having WAY too much fun!!

[@wavecreatures]

I love when the inner child comes out in Zach!

[@1954shadow]

I had a XL250 in the early 70s. To me, it was a beast. Rode it off-road.

[@Albert-my3yt]

As a kid, I had the XL 75. I loved it. It had turn signals, head light. Speedometer and all. It was a cool bike.

[@comfortablyunknown700]

Gotta say, I would put the XL at the tip top of the list. It checks so many(if not all) boxes for a daily rider. Amazing work, Ari! I saw the gas cap dancing a little while before falling. Thought, "I wonder if that is secure?".....Nope!😂 I have been wanting to get my wife on the Transalp since it was announced. Too many pennies for us right now. One day, some day.

[@danoalex2977]

Wow, incredible restoration

[@corujariousa]

That's a good bike for city usage. Light, nimble, cute and very efficient. I've always had lots of fun with smaller engine bikes.

[@SingleTrackMined]

Great episode. I rode these back in the day. They were amazing to us then. Thanks, Zac

[@aaronbehindbars]

That thing sounds a lot like the '78 XL175 I had as a teen. I'm not too hopeful I'll end up with this thing, but it does make me want to find an old XL250/350. What a great creation! Thanks Ari for making it and thanks Zack!

[@cobbleup]

Super nice bike!! I jumped through the entry hoops until there weren’t any more so hopefully my entry was received. (72 year older rider) First bike was a mid 40s Indian 74 chief….one of those “I wish I’d never let it go” bikes.

[@5tr41ghtGuy]

Thanks for the review Zach! I used to wheelie my '78 XL250 on the shift to 2nd gear, and keep it going through 5th gear - good times!

[@jac3107]

Very nice XL! Well done 👍

[@anthonyhulse1248]

I have an SL250 sitting in my garage. I need to get it going!

[@blackbuttecruizr]

Love how Zach says "motor-sickle."

[@starkparker16]

Great job as always Courts

[@EriccoSuave]

When you hit the bump in the road and laughed like a little kid, I totally understood what you felt! 😃

[@JamesMurphy-ry2mx]

I’d want that filler cap if I was the winner. It’s got a story now! Loved your piece on the RZ350.

[@efs83dws]

I had an original XL250. I loved it. It would go anywhere and do anything so long as you weren’t in a hurry. Mine had a speedometer and tachometer.

[@anthonyrstrawbridge]

Congratulations to Cycle Gear - 50th impressive! Meet nice people everywhere you ride😊

[@quintoneversull4219]

I loved my 1978 xl350. It was awesome. I took it up stuff it had no business doing.

[@icouldntthinkofagoodname7216]

That is such a nice daily. Well, no matter how much we want it, some things aren't just for made for us. Nice review as always, this channel was one of the reasons I am going to get beginner bikes of 400cc and up. Just can't decide what type yet lol

[@Spacejunk63]

I had a 75 model in 1980 it only had 700 miles, it was a sweet machine.

[@christianweller4288]

Gas cap….. now has “character”….;D

[@notbenh]

winner should get the dinged up gas caps, it's part of history now.

[@jackscruggs1536]

Proud owner of an xl350 back in the day, 90 mph up hill or down, out dragged a 71 Torino and others

[@SiddharthKumar2012]

Zack really reminds me of Shane Madej from Buzzfeed Unsolved and Dieter from The Verge at the same time. Love him

[@packman3220]

I own a V-Star and I love it! But tbh my go to bike is my TW200. There's just something special about a little bike that you can take downtown or up through the hills whenever you want to

[@eddiebowshier5496]

Sweet xl250! Awesome video for the bike too. I've entered the sweepstakes to win it!

[@jons1148]

I think that whoever wins this bike should get Zacks jacket and gloves that he wore in this Daily Rider episode, in addition to a autographed pic of Zack, Ari, Spurgeon & Jen, standing with the bike. That would make this ultimate prize even better! (in my humble opinion). RevZilla Rocks!

[@CCitis]

Yep... that is why 3 out of my 4 bikes are oldies... oldies that are not garage queens and wear the scars proud! They make you feel a certain way when you ride them... and I love that feeling.

[@astro61362]

That bike looks so cool! I had a 1985 Honda Rebel that I wish I never would have sold.

[@fernetbranca9]

Do a daily driver with an old DR! (350 or 650 😎)

[@mad082sss]

So glad we got an update on the gas cap.

[@ElwoodPDowd-ed7pc]

Hmmm, thanks Zack, I kinda like these neighborhoods much better than the freeways you usually ride through. More interesting sights … antique automobiles, older apartment buildings etc. I also understand why you take the freeways on the more modern bikes, thanks Zack, you’re the best, no matter what route or bike you’re on!

[@hella42]

I need a review of a classic Honda CB350!!! Love the content! Keep em coming!