1974 Honda XL250 motorcycle restoration part 7, Purrs like a kitten

Finally.... I got the XL250 running correctly. It ended up being a hogged out idle port, that someone overnighted the adjustment screw into and cracked the body of the carburetor. I show a photo of it in the video.
I picked up a 1972 XL250 carburetor from a motorcycle junkyard..... Then I surprisingly found a NOS 1974 XL250 carburetor body that was in stock at a Washington state Honda motorcycle dealer. It was advertise on the internet at a whopping hundred dollars. I made them a seriously low offer for it, and to my surprise they accepted my offer. I also used the idle mixture screw, metering jet and metering rod from the junkyard carburetor, along with choke shaft dust seal.
The bike is 100% totally tuned, with a new carburetor body, air filter, points, an NGK spark plug, plus I set the ignition timing, adjusted the timing chain and set the valve lash to the factory specs. Just for good measures, I also changed the oil again. The gas tank is 100% rust free and clean with fresh ethanol free gasoline, with a new petcock and fuel hose.
I put about 20 miles on it, up to the point of editing this video. I'd like to put about one or two hundred miles on it, just to make 100% sure all the bugs are worked out before doing a total restoration on this bike.
Oh, and one last note, I emailed the video clip of the rude driver passing me on the XL175 when I went to turn left into my driveway, with my signal on, on a residential street to our local police. They got the plate number off my video, finding the car was registered to a local car dealer. I don't know if the police followed up calling the dealer or not. I bet that driver has a suspended driver license, seeing he is a rude rat bag reckless driver!
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[@davidverburgt4337]

Congratulations on getting the bike to run perfectly! Tenacity wins the day, well done!

[@ricktotty2283]

I am the same way. I have only driven Honda’s for last 20 years. I only use Honda parts including their oil. I have a 17 year old Honda Civic Hybrid. It runs like a dream. 126,000 miles. Normal service work, front brake pads, plugs at 110,000, and tires. It has never had a single light bulb replaced. No battery issues. My bike has fuel infection and DCT 7 speed. Smooth and quiet.

[@liljoeii6091]

Nice Honda motorcycle thank you for the video

[@peteralcorn6453]

Like your work Howard. Great attention to detail and brave commtiment & persaverance when required. Watched & 'LIKED'' all your XL250 videos so far. Looking forward to more videos as you progress with the cosmetic part of your restoration. Peter (NZ) owner/restorer 1972 Honda Motosport 250.

[@kevinhawley8803]

Well done Howard

[@hughmackellar7941]

Sweet ride bro.

[@ihrescue]

Well that is satisfying to solve a big problem.

[@OldCarAlley]

Yes finally at last.

[@Martin48964]

Its great to see that you solved the problem! I bet you're happy that it's running correctly. Your patients is astounding, great work. I'm wondering how the gentleman that sold it to you would react if he saw it now.

[@OldCarAlley]

Yes it feels good now that it's running good. Patients are a must when restoring old machinery. When the bike is finished I'll ride it over to his house, as he asked if I would when I have it all spiffed up. He's not that far away..... 8 mile and Grosbeck area.

[@jamespn]

You have to ride a motorcycle like you’re invisible.

[@OldCarAlley]

I do.

[@kevinschwab6538]

Use Pine Sol and dishwasher tablets with some water and and the ultrasonic cleaner really cleans parts like new.

[@OldCarAlley]

I'll try that. I haven't used it since cleaning the carburetor. Maybe today I'll find something to put in it with some detergent. The instructions do state detergents can be used, but very little due to it sudsing up.

[@nu3qamateurradio930]

I only use NGK plugs on all of my Honda vehicles. Use only OEM parts.

[@OBC-radio]

If you want to make your head spin, do some research on what detergent/solvent to use in the ultra sonic, there are many opinions. Standard pinesol or simple green that many suggest can tarnish and damage aluminum. They make a Simple Green “Extreme Aircraft & Precision Parts Cleaner” that is highly recommended as it is specifically formulated to not harm aluminum parts. You can use solvent based parts cleaner fluids, but need to be careful of the heat settings due to the flash points of many solvent based fluids (PBlaster Parts Washer solvent will work). I use the simple green extreme when I clean my OMC outboard and Corvair parts. It’s not easily found on shelves, but can order from Home Depot’s website. Looks like a nice ultrasonic unit!

[@OldCarAlley]

Yes I've been looking, but the instructions state to use water only, or if something is really cruddy to add only a few drops of dish detergent. It stated in bold with a huge warning not to use flammable liquids in it. So far all I have used is water. It does an amazing job of cleaning.

[@Scooterdude01]

Get some gloves

[@OldCarAlley]

I have some, but in hot weather I don't like waring them.