First Start in 15 Years!! Timeless Classic: 1982 Honda XL250R, (part 6)

[@artiexr222]

Being a massive fan of the old Honda XL/XR range I can appreciate what an amazing job you have done it really is a credit to you Simon. It is such a shame parts are becoming so hard to find because with a little love like you have done and being a Honda (says a Suzuki DRZ400SM owner lol) it should provide years of service. Ride safe Martin

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks Martin. Yes I agree anyone thinking they can make a profit on these refurbs then forget it. I’m realy pleased with the bike and so looking forward to using it on some local bike nights this year. Il be sure to film them. 👍🏍️💨💨💨

[@jimmyjam8795]

That bike looks absolutely gorgeous. Loved those back in the 80s,I had the same engine but in the CB250RS road bike. Really nice restoration job.

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks. It was my poster bike on the wall as a kid, so to restore this was a dream. I still can’t wait to ride it to a local bike night 👍

[@stevenballard2877]

I had one of these back in the day ....Happy memories 😊

[@thatbikersimon]

It’s a timeless masterpiece 👍

[@waynesmith4856]

From Arkansas, united states, I'm 65 now and road these Hondas when I was very young, and you did a very superb, job, thank you so much!!!

[@thatbikersimon]

Glad you enjoyed it! And thank you for the kind comment

[@henkstigter6562]

Very nice job Simon👏👍

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks, il hopefully bring a full video on it when I get a nice day to ride it 👍

[@oldguzziguy]

What a little beauty. Very well done!

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you. I can’t wait to take it to some bike nights, or though it’s nearly winter time.when I get the opportunity to do a full ride it will do. 👍🏍️💨💨💨

[@oldguzziguy]

@@thatbikersimon BTW, just missed you in Ladakh. Was a couple of weeks behind you. Really enjoyed your videos

[@thatbikersimon]

@@oldguzziguy fantastic.. was you with Alex on the nomadic knights tour?

[@oldguzziguy]

@@thatbikersimon no. Was riding independently with an Indian mate

[@thatbikersimon]

@@oldguzziguy that’s brilliant. What a wonderful place to ride, I feel like nothing will compare to it now. 👍

[@Adventurebikerdave.01]

It’s was definitely worth the wait to see it in all its glory. 🎉

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Dave, she does look fantastic. 👍🏍️💨💨

[@edowen1454]

Beautiful she looks new!

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you! I’m about to fire it up and take it to some bike night soon. So keep watching 🏍️👍💨💨💨

[@butterfinger1171]

Absolutely gorgeous bike.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you.

[@butterfinger1171]

@@thatbikersimon I can appreciate your desire to keep it as original as possible .job well done

[@thatbikersimon]

@@butterfinger1171 thank you I just need to ride it. I’ve not had the time so far. I will take it to a bike night,weather permitting

[@deepbludude4697]

Nice, in 1984 I bought a brand new 1982 XL500R first and only new vehicle ive ever bought. It was a fantastic machine.

[@thatbikersimon]

The XL500 is a beast. They take some kicking up. Great bike 👍

[@alanveck5756]

Fantastic restoration 👍👍👍

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@MarxOutThere]

Chain circlip went on backwards, should have it's open end pointing away from the direction of rotation.

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks for the comment. It has been pointed out and well spotted 👍

[@paulwhite2097]

stunning job love the old school bikes

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks 👍

[@stephenpearce3880]

A great finish to the bike and series. I remember riding my mates XL250 when we were in our late teens. Great fun Thanks for filming and shring the series

[@thatbikersimon]

Thaks Steve, theses bikes are timeless. I can’t wait to actually ride it properly to some local bike nights. I really enjoyed this project even through it was fairly time consuming. 👍

[@life_in_the_wild2573]

Top job. Looks lovely. Rides even better.

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks, I can’t wait to do a proper ride and review 👍

[@life_in_the_wild2573]

@@thatbikersimon I will keep an eye out! 🤝🏾

[@markthompson7508]

Impressive, impressive and astounding! Excellent job on everything; bike work, camera work and narrating. I had to watch all 6 videos in one sitting. I could not stop! I had the "I have to see what's next compulsion." Thank you for the insightful and entertaining work. 😊

[@thatbikersimon]

I'm thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the series so much! It's incredibly rewarding to know that the effort put into the bike work, filming, and narration resonated with you. Your binge-watching and eagerness for what comes next are the kind of reactions that keep the passion alive for creating more content. Thank you for your kind words and for taking the time to share your thoughts!

[@chriseverard8888]

Great video Simon - you are a man of many talents. The bike looks beautiful. Chris

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Chris, behind the scenes I’ve had some great help from a buddy who I couldn’t of done it without his assistance. The bike looks amazing and I can’t wait for the spring weather to show her off. Hope your keeping well. 👍

[@chriseverard8888]

@@thatbikersimon we all need buddies! Yours sounds like a great one. All good thanks, just finished a Motorrad week tour in Morocco. Flying back tomorrow. It was excellent. Very well organised with some great twisties and top hotels. Chris

[@thatbikersimon]

@@chriseverard8888 that sounds the perfect Chai ☕️ Chris. I’m just looking at a iceland 🇮🇸 trip, maybe. I think I prefer the warmer weather though 👍 glad you enjoyed your ride matey 🏍️💨💨💨

[@chriseverard8888]

@@thatbikersimon 😘

[@kingcoreyd40lfbuses19]

I like that dirt bike

[@thatbikersimon]

It might be going up for sale if your in the uk

[@craigmccue2841]

Very nice! Looks like a ton of work but the results look amazing. I have a 1983 XL250R that I bought new. Just over 12,000 miles and it's in pretty good condition.

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s fantastic. I still need to do some little treaks together get it running right but I’m realy happy with the results. I attended a bike night last night on my Ducati. But never saw any Honda xl so can’t wait to take it. Il be sure to bring a visor to the channel when I do.

[@jorgegarcia-wy2gd]

Good,thorough job,buddy! Look at her! She stands proud and beautiful,like commanding attention! Lovely!

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks, it’s was certainly a great project bike. Having no experience with a restoration before I’ve learned so much and I’m looking forward to a few rides on it this summer 👍🏍️💨💨💨

[@jorgegarcia-wy2gd]

@@thatbikersimon I watched all the honda episodes and it's truly impressive for a first restoration project. My 1981 Guzzi 850 T4 says hi from Spain! Ride safe,enjoy and congrats once again!

[@thatbikersimon]

@@jorgegarcia-wy2gd cheers buddy 👍🏍️💨💨

[@markjarman7819]

Absolutely awesome 👍

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you! Cheers! 👍

[@TheNobbynoonar]

Great bikes. Lightweight, cheap to run and easy to maintain. They look cool and great in town or off road. Shame that Honda don’t make ‘em like that anymore.

[@thatbikersimon]

Totally agree 👍

[@gravydavy4188]

Beautiful.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@rlands5134fd]

Good job 👌 Great little bike, I bought a new one back in the day.👍

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you. It’s a fantastic bike I can’t wait for the weather to improve and get out and ride it. 👍

[@santibech1736]

Muy buen trabajo.... Felicidades!!

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you for the comment. It’s been certainly and learning and a great experience for me. Il be sure to bring some videos to the channel on the bike once the weather has picked up. 👍🏍️💨💨💨

[@DavidCanvin]

Beautiful bike, great job! I've had the identical machine here on the west coast of B.C., Canada for 17 years, not nearly as pretty as yours, but she's never lets me down!

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks for the comment, it’s great to know the reliability of such a timeless machine. I’m super impressed with this bike. I can’t wait for the spring weather to ride it. Il be sure to put some videos up once a do a ride out.

[@jfarrell85]

Great job!! My first ever bike was an 83 250. Id love to have one in this kind of shape.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks, buddy im just about ready fire it up for some local bike nights. Il be sure to video it 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@jerryhoward7910]

Mission complete!! Absolutely perfect!! About how many hours in process??? Thanks, Jerry

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Jerry, I never recorded the hours but 6 months of weekends and many evenings. Just as many hours went into the research as the rebuild but well worth it in the end

[@davidchang-yen1256]

That looks amazing! I have an identical year/model in my garage just starting tear down. It won’t end up mint like yours (much rougher shape), but good to have your standard to aim for!

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks, if I was to do another I would just do a refresh rather than a full restoration, but this has been a great learning process for me, I’m going to ride it this summer to a few local bike nights. So sure to video some content on it 👍 good luck with your project 👍

[@davidchang-yen1256]

@@thatbikersimon thanks! Already running into the issue of the idiotically expensive chain guides (which I will need since my originals are in about 50 pieces). Wouldn’t happen to know where I can find CAD models? I can machine/3D print ones myself, or make a best replicate based on photos on eBay…

[@thatbikersimon]

@@davidchang-yen1256 I did have a guy make me one in the uk but he stopped doing the 3D work now and has since moved away. I’m guessing you’ve tried eBay.

[@davidchang-yen1256]

@@thatbikersimon yes and I wont be paying $75-100 for one set of guides, even if they are new-old Honda stock. I think I should be able to design replacements using the picture - if it works out I’ll send you the models.

[@AlejandroSolizmamani]

Nice to meet you, friend, your motorcycle looked beautiful!!! I appreciate your work, I tell you that I have a Honda XL250r Paris Dakar 1982, I want to restore it, it is 95% original.. greetings from Bolivia 🇧🇴

[@thatbikersimon]

It's great to hear from you, and thank you for your kind words! It sounds like you have a fantastic project on your hands with the Honda XL250 Paris Dakar 1982. Restoring such a classic motorcycle is a thrilling venture, especially given its high degree of originality. It's amazing to connect with fellow motorcycle enthusiasts from all around the globe like Bolivia, that a place a really want to explore. I'd love to hear more about your restoration project and any challenges you might be facing. Safe riding and happy restoring!

[@JohanVanZyl-d9f]

Fantastic

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Buddy 👍

[@hideto113]

ホンダのxl250rをとても綺麗にレストアしてくれてありがとう！

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you

[@robertmatthews8302]

Lovely bike ! I've got the 500 version of yours. This year I'm trying to get it back on form again.😊

[@thatbikersimon]

Fantastic.. the 500 is a beast for sure, I’ve tried to kick one up but never managed it. My friend has the same bike.

[@robertmatthews8302]

@@thatbikersimon Yes it can be an awkward sod sometimes ! I use a pit starter when my knees hurt !

[@thatbikersimon]

@@robertmatthews8302 I could do with one of those to 👍

[@robertmatthews8302]

@@thatbikersimon Simon I made it myself with KZbin's help ! About 200€ all told ! [I live in France].

[@thatbikersimon]

@@robertmatthews8302 cool, i might just look into it myself 👍

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Sweet!

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks 👍

[@DT180.]

Ficou nota 10!

[@thatbikersimon]

Thansks

[@martinnewman1967]

Simon , appreciate editing doesn't show the amount of hours put into this restoration, it has turned out Amazing, did you record the hours, can't be easy having a full time job , KZbinr duties and doing the resto. Massive well done amd thanks for the content.😊

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Martin. Il be honest time was a realy issue for me, I guess when I decided to take on a project like this I thought it would be a easy one. Like you said, trying to work around everything else it’s taken many hours/days/ evenings and nights to get it finished. Well worth it now it’s finished and hopefully il get to ride it soon. I’ve totally lost track on man hours. I think there’s more hours spent researching and finding bits for the bike than hours working on it. Thanks for the comment Martin and support 👍

[@milehigh61]

Looks great Simon! When you install the chain you should put the clip on the link to the direction of travel so it can’t get knocked off. Just a small point and in no way a criticism, great job 👏

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks, someone already pointed it out to me. Much appreciated though. Cheers 👍

[@mgreen1774]

Hi Simon great job, i have one sitting in the shed here in NZ for restoration when i have time to enjoy the process. Can you advise where you got the decals please.

[@thatbikersimon]

Hey, that’s fantastic news. As for the decals I got mine off eBay in the uk, I guess like everything it’s a case of searching the internet at the time your ready.

[@marcionogueira7617]

Simplesmente linda. Parabéns

[@thatbikersimon]

Many thanks 🙏 🏍️💨💨💨

[@TheFunkhouser]

I had a 1 year old silver and black one

[@thatbikersimon]

Nice buddy, a timeless bike

[@cristobalgutierrezsoler4275]

Que maravilla muy bonita

[@thatbikersimon]

Thank you. 👍

[@andrepompstra1788]

Hi from Holland, 😊. Een hele mooie restauratie. Vraag me alleen af, waarom is het filtertje in het blok niet even gecontroleerd? Een cruciaal ding van deze blokjes. De distributieketting mag na een kleine 50K, ook wel eens gecontroleerd worden.

[@thatbikersimon]

Good question, since I’ve done my amateur restoration and it’s a first for me. The bike has since gone down to my local motorcycle garage to be check over and any corrections or issues have been done. This was just a leaning project for me and thanks to people like yourself it’s helped me with any problems along the way

[@DavidCanvin]

Where can I find a choke cable assembly for my 1982 XL250R??? So hard to find some of the parts!!!

[@thatbikersimon]

Try David Silvers in the uk 🇬🇧 or www.googleadservices.com/pagead/aclk?sa=L&ai=DChcSEwidu4PBq52CAxVY6-0KHbdwDS8YABAAGgJkZw&ae=2&gclid=EAIaIQobChMInbuDwaudggMVWOvtCh23cA0vEAAYASAAEgLiJfD_BwE&ohost=www.google.co.uk&cid=CAASJuRoDo9dQI_uJ97oqEEEyNtjjog-aIXIMacjREcjjIE8JdHQJgi5&sig=AOD64_38ICGOVEodpM5EcSX0OPm5xWiO9g&q&adurl&ved=2ahUKEwirgf_Aq52CAxXpTEEAHQMuBzsQ0Qx6BAgOEAE

[@freedom174]

👏👏👌👌

[@socialflaw]

Hello Simon! Amazing video mate, really enjoyed the whole series. I'm currently on the process of restoring an '82 XL250R, would you mind telling me the spray/paint you used to repaint the plastics? Yours seem amazing, and I want to get the colour right.

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks for watching, glad you enjoyed it. I used promatic range of products. I think it was a satin black spray can with the plastic adhesive.

[@dimitrisapostolou2278]

​@@thatbikersimonthanks, will look it up. Do you by any chance remember the colour code you used for red?

[@thatbikersimon]

@@dimitrisapostolou2278 it was called monza red I’m not sure on the code for it.

[@Pebble_96]

I have a really old one and in really bad conditions! Its honda xl from 87 i think but not sure! How much u think is gonna cost me to fully restore it? It’s of my dad and i have lot of memories attached i would like to see her going again

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s hard to answer, is it a complete motorcycle? Does the engine work? Are you going to do it yourselfs? If it’s yes to all of those questions then it’s possible. I would just do step by step like I did. It will take a while and there is a cost involved but I think it will be worth it in the end. Have you considered a refresh rather than a full restoration.

[@clementgiraud12]

Wow great job! How much did it cost you to get all this done?

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks. That’s a really tough question. I lost track of the spend but if I had estimated it. I paid £2,000 for the bike and probably about the same to do it up. So there really is no profit in it, but a labour of love 👍🏍️💨💨💨

[@Shadow-gk3yi]

The clip for your master link is on backwards it will come off eventually if you leave it facing that way

[@thatbikersimon]

Well spotted. Il be sure to check that out. Thanks for pointing that out 👍

[@mick998r]

Really excellent work Simon, a job well done. I'd have loved to know the costs as you went alone though and what's it worth now!? Maybe encourage some of your subscribers to possibly do the same??

[@thatbikersimon]

Thanks Mick. Really appreciate the comments. Il be honest I think I’ve probably broken even on this one. Little parts cost me more than expected but it’s definitely been a labour of love. I don’t think it would be a good business venture for me lol, but I’ve learned lots from this build and that was the important bit for me. It’s given me more confidence to tackle bike maintenance rather than keep paying for small job that’s il now do myself. Il look forward to riding it when the weather is good. 👍

[@markfenech2372]

Sorry bro,You got one wrong there for sure,the chain master link clip closed End Should face the rotation direction and not as seen in your Vid!Thks.

[@thatbikersimon]

Well spotted I have since changed it. Thanks for the comment 👍🏍️💨💨💨💨

[@nathanladner9603]

I've got the exact bike but US version. No tach on mine. Been sitting in my garage for a while. Last cranked about 8 years ago. I'm looking to revive it.

[@thatbikersimon]

That’s fantastic. This XL is also a US version I’ve had to order parts from the US to complete the build. I can’t wait to get this out for a spin, I’m Just waiting for the weather to warm up a bit and I need to set it up properly it’s sounds a bit rough at the minute.