Trial Tube - Best Honda TLR's you have ever seen! - Classic Bike Review

I am very excited this week as we have a brand new (but old) youtube review exclusive!
The Honda TLR 200 has been a reliable and in many cases in the past an affordable way for Honda to solidify the brand's placement in trials. Through countless generations. Competitive, reliable and ee-by- gum, were it strong!
With the type of history and development, this bike had for the time it truly is a 4 stroke model to go on for years to come. As well as now being a wealthy addition to anyone's collection.
The three bikes in this week's video have been rebuilt to three completely different standards showing you what is possible on or off a budget.
This is also a "cost of living crisis" episode...You will see why.
This is a video like no other and a real salute to a machine that has turned the heads of many for years!
This is TRIALTUBE!

[@JJMLJ]

I've really enjoyed these older bike videos. Thanks so much for making them.

[@TrialTube]

Glad you like them! Not sure they get our views up mind?

[@DonPacote]

Great Episode!! ❤

[@windinthewillows6248]

Toni King’s bike are just brilliant, attention to detail is amazing and he makes an awful lot of bits himself, so the hours he puts into them are huge. His RTL250S and TLM have to be the “Best bikes of the show” for me personally.

[@TrialTube]

Very true and we were not sore if he had the reaction he deserved?!

[@normanchoy4075]

Hi, by any chance I can have the contact of Toni King to discuss a few parts for my RTL250S of that same model, thanks a lot 🙏

[@michaelthomson7669]

I have a 1976 TL 250 that I have been riding for 40 years. Still going strong, the bike too.

[@TrialTube]

Hahaha beast

[@michaelthomson7669]

@@TrialTube so is the old RL 250 Suzuki (75) I still ride.

[@lightweightiseverything5068]

Great job! Really enjoyed this first episode of Trial Tube I ever watched. Will be back often.

[@TrialTube]

Thanks man!!!

[@davidevorider2002]

Amazing episode again

[@TrialTube]

Cheers!!!

[@briansmale5457]

I have 2 TLR 250's, 1 that i have spent a fair bit of money on & 1 that is close to stock :) A list of things i have done starting @ the front, machine triple clamps to change the fork angle, race tech fork emulators, adjustable fork preload caps with springs, over size brake shoes with some hardner painted on them, front mudguard from inmotion, aluminium axle, bomber head pipe, new cam with bearings, head, valves piston coated with HPC special engine coating, exhaust engine cases with HPC ceramic coatings, i also put ceramic coating on a lot of engine brackets etc, barnett kevlar clutch plates. Classic trial petrol tank, inmotion air filter, Falcon 400mm rear shocks, rtl mudguard off inmotion, AJG aluminium swingarm, footpeg brackets from tyoffroad, ally chain guard DEP exhaust, a Talon 43th ally mated with a 10th talon & O ring chain, ally rear axle & copious amounts of titanium bolts, all external engine bolts, rear sprocket, front mudguards, clutch basket, same brake shoes in the rear as front with hardner treatment. i've just installed some foldable front brake & clutch levers off ebay that i'm pretty happy with, i can adjust the distance from the bars which makes it good for my small hand, nearly forgot renthall ally bars & grips, also a fast action metal throttle of Inmotion & a Shengwey 22mm carby, titanium number plate, titanium front mudguard bracket, ally cam cover & bash plate off Lee Blum :) Not sure if there is anything else i can do, but i'm always up for suggestions ;)

[@TrialTube]

Wow, thank you for the awesome comment, sound to me you have it all in hand!

[@peanutjellyman]

That sounds like a fair bike you've built, be nice see a picture of it.

[@TrialTube]

@@peanutjellyman video is always better

[@fredberta]

impossible to explain in a few words all the work on my 250 with RTL engine... ;)

[@michaelmangrum5460]

How were the triple clamps machined so as not to leave a small contact gap in the front/lower portion of the bores? If they bored the holes a few thousandths over size the problem of pinching the tubes enough to hold them without the castings being over-flexed happens. Castings don't like to flex. The have the habit of cracking suddenly. If they are 6061 alloy , and solution heat treated to a T6 temper they will be fine, but you never know what Honda's process was. The absolute best and safest way would be to machine new clamps form 6061-T6 aluminum. This is what I'm doing for my bike soon . I'm not trying to pee in your Cheerios I just want you to be safe. Remember a Machinist is not an Engineer or a biker, and sometimes they alter parts in a way that they should not. I've seen this many times. The reason why I'm going to make mine from billet is I'm a Machinist , Engineer, and biker. That combo makes me take no shortcuts. Just food for thought. Happy riding. r

[@davesnowpros6785]

Production values on this are amazing Danny. Loving your work

[@TrialTube]

Much appreciated!

[@lachlanbanks-smith1106]

Hey Danny, absolutely loving your videos mate! Really love all the retro bike content especially - keep up the excellent work, and look forward to the next one! Cheers 🍻👍

[@TrialTube]

Thanks! Will do!

[@k4rlogser165]

Brilliant vid mate & your commentary is both very informative & quite funny 👍

[@TrialTube]

Thanks man!!!

[@thisoldtrialsrider7110]

Just fantastic the amount of effort you put into these videos, attention to detail is perfect. Five stars from me brother 😍

[@TrialTube]

Trust me it really does drive me to the edge and puts a lot of strain on my time and family so I appreciate every bit of support!

[@nickwraith312]

Great video Danny. That Rothmans colours bike is pure bling. Love it.

[@TrialTube]

Agreed!

[@TrialTube]

Thank you ❤

[@thomashopkinson122]

Fantastic video

[@TrialTube]

Thanks my man!!

[@invaiser46]

I’m excited for TY Yamaha videos

[@willfriar5163]

Great videos enjoy the classic ones particularly hoping to get into twin-shock soon 👍

[@TrialTube]

Thanks bud and give us a share where you can really supports us!

[@willfriar5163]

@@TrialTube for sure

[@KevinGundry]

Great chat with Tony King his work is stunning No1

[@TrialTube]

It really is!

[@chrisstoddart4342]

Great video Danny. I have a fantic that is beautiful so I know what you mean about chucking them over rocks, often think it needs to be hung on the wall. Pleased you are looking at Sherco and Scorpa soon, look forward to that. Keep up the good work.

[@TrialTube]

Right on

[@sethadams4464]

Great video,I’m currently about 4 and a bit grand into building my Ty pinky after watching your Ty video and now I think I may become even poorer after watching this one!!!!

[@TrialTube]

Oh my, this is a serious issue I have created for many folk!

[@DH-3on_sAm]

awesome show from someone in states👍👍👍👍

[@TrialTube]

Thanks, from someone in the UK

[@bikerman6907]

Awesome beautiful bikes👍😍. In regards to the TLM, I was a minder for one of our guys competing in the Swedish WC round in Bjorkvik in June 1990, and thats the first time a saw a two stroke Honda trials bike, ridden by the guy you mentioned, Takumi Narita All other bikes were Liquid Cooled so wonder why Honda didnt made the effort making a Water Cooled 2 stroke bike. It was also the first time I saw "your" guy, Steve Saunders, he and a couple of others were overtaking us on the freeway to Katrineholm in a white Screenart sponsored Ford Transit Van. They were filling up petrol for the race the following morning😃 Anyway, very good menories from that time period😊 Trial Tube is a Great channel to watch👍😃 cheers from me in Norway

[@TrialTube]

Amazing and so happy you have shared these memories! Thank you for the support it’s a huge deal to have viewers and subscribers all over!

[@nobbybrown8056]

Fantastic video, I would give anything to have a chance to ride one just one more time before it's too late, I'm 59 and disabled, but I fear it's too late. I first rode a humble TL125 in the late 70's and have now riden all sorts of bikes, but I've always wanted another TL or TLR, was looking at some on eb@y yesterday. Thanks again for the video.

[@TrialTube]

Hey buddy!! You are welcome and thank you for watching and commenting. I do it for the love of the sport and the history. I hope that comes across!

[@petecuthbertson554]

Just brilliant danny !! Once again a fantastic video and on my favorit 4 strokes so your next video is going to be the .....RTL 250s ......LOL .. you have to get a collection of them back in a video and show people what nutters like myself are doing with them !!!! brilliant mate !!! oh and iv just bought another tail pipe to go on No 2 RTL ..welll done mate really appreciate the time and effort you put into the sport !!!!!!!

[@TrialTube]

This is a great comment and one I thoroughly enjoyed! Thank you 🤘

[@hughrobertson-payne914]

Recently bought a TLR as I fancied a bit of a classic. I would put it between the standard and the mid-breathed on one, it has the ally tank, swingarm, fibreglass Rothmans shelter and pegs moved but standard motor, brakes, clutch and steering angle. Was thinking about moving it on as its hard work tbh - but maybe I'll see what the TY boys can suggest to get it more spritely and fun. Its a damn fine looking beast! Great video as usual Danny, been really looking forward to this one 👍

[@TrialTube]

Apologies it took so long!

[@hughrobertson-payne914]

Worth the wait 👌

[@bergbill]

Very good and thanks Danny, no doubt appreciated by many TLR & Twinshock riders. Can you tell us what the last on test costs? Also which clutches are in all 3 and which sprocket size they have would have been helpful.. thanks again and for taking the time.. rgds 😊

[@TrialTube]

Well the last bike I left out for that very question but we are looking 8K plus. Clutches…not sure, but he first two were standard and the last one was Kevlar..

[@darrylboorer8356]

Simply lovely

[@TrialTube]

Plenty in the tank sir..

[@losttheplotcolin]

Good job keeping the channel interesting and entertaining. I don't know how anyone has the right to complain about a free video, but I guess some people just want to drag others down to their level. So nice to have trials content that isn't a bunch of middle aged men in tights, bouncing around a muddy field. Carry On :-)

[@TrialTube]

Cheers and I ain’t giving up my tights lol

[@Ronno4691]

I got dragged out to these bastard things every weekend with my old man and now I wish I could take part....!

[@TrialTube]

Still time!

[@GeorgeBurger3]

I think it was on the Beta 200 clubman build you guys had the boyesen power reeds and the boyesen pro series reeds and I think all that is different is the one has carbon top reeds. looking to get some for my bike but deciding between the two have you guys tried them both yet and compared them against each other or is there even a noticeable difference between the two

[@bikerman6907]

Way better ridden than Honda's Trial Superstar from the 80's Mr Lejeune👍😃

[@TrialTube]

If you say so!

[@RobertSmith-bh5cv]

I had a TLR for awhile but lost interest in getting into trials and foolishly sold it. Now I'm once again interested in trials and wish I had it back. Love the look and the simple little 4-stroke engine. But, instead of spending a bunch trying to make a TLR work, wouldn't it be better just getting a Tenaci Wong 150? More modern ergos, geometry and suspension plus fuel injection and electric start.

[@TrialTube]

Well these are more of a passion machine for sure and you “really” have to want a TLR but I have heard great things about the Tenaci Wong ya know

[@StansE250]

Are Lighter, while Stronger wheels available ? GORGEOUS machines, incl. your brother’s 👍🏼

[@TrialTube]

Yes they are! But always for an extra price but the plan is to try and stay period with the build (for most people)

[@mikejames4271]

Don't seem to have many TLR 250's about now. I had a new'un in the 80's (clutches were a mare) with blue Renthals of course.

[@TrialTube]

I know where one is..

[@mikejames4271]

@@TrialTube For sale?

[@TrialTube]

@@mikejames4271 nope…

[@mikejames4271]

@@TrialTube 😅

[@jackreaney2186]

Can't beat a twinshocker best fun!!

[@TrialTube]

They were all great!

[@mikecollins8241]

Reason #6 Gives you more confidence/ ability on your other bikes, no matter if they are street, ADV, enduro or sport :)

[@TrialTube]

That’s the one !

[@michaelmangrum5460]

If you ride this bike hard keep a close eye on the aluminum axles. Mild steel is 3 times stronger than aluminum , and much stiffer. If you are causing the axle to flex it will fatigue and break. When aluminum is about to break it's surface will look like an orange's peel. Engineers call it orange peel. If you were to use 4130 steel ( commonly called chrome - moly for it's chromium and molybdenum content ) that would give you a yield strength of about 63100 psi. A much safer choice , because if you use aluminum you will eventually break an axle. It's just a matter of time. The harder you ride the sooner. If you were to use 4140 steel , which has a yeild strength of 130,000 psi , means you could even use a hollow axle because it has a higher elastic modulus . It's stiffer. And a much higher yield strength. Anyway, great bike ! Do you own a titanium mine ? What company sells your axles ?

[@TrialTube]

Not my bike lol but will pass that info over

[@michaelmangrum5460]

@@TrialTube I was really hoping to get the name of the axle manufacturer. I would appreciate it very much. Thanks.

[@badlarry172]

would love to see some ty/majesty content after seeing majical Mick speaking at Telford✌

[@TrialTube]

Guess what we have on the bench right now….#Majesty

[@badlarry172]

@@TrialTube ha ha nice one

[@TrialTube]

@@badlarry172 you are welcome bud!

[@69knobbly]

What exhaust is fitted to the last bike? You also initially said you would would decide which one was the best bang for the buck. Did you actually say so and why, or did I miss it?

[@TrialTube]

You know thinking back I am feeling like the middle of the three bikes rode the best! It wasn't an astronomical amount of money but was awesome!

[@GixxerZilla]

Great music

[@TrialTube]

Thanks man!!

[@BazzyPredPop]

Yeah nice, one Danny now I want one 😖

[@TrialTube]

Happy to help 🤘

[@stephenbates8370]

I found my mate's a joy to ride touch heavier than my ty175 but miles better traction wise and everywhere else to be honest especially the gearbox 😂

[@TrialTube]

Just a better bike at the time

[@equipeoutdoors]

Holy crap, that’s not wee Danny butler who used to compete bike trials as a kid is it??

[@TrialTube]

Hahaha he grew up, competed as an adult (won lots) then become a motorcycle riding beast!

[@equipeoutdoors]

good lad - haven't seen you in years! Glad you are well! Jonny Weston @@TrialTube

[@sicks6six]

If anyone has a 200 250 motor I'm thinking of upgrading my Japanese import TL 125 Rock hopper. Either an engine swap or maybe one of A V Taylors big bore kits. that takes it up to 190cc. But definitely thinking of a 250cc replacement engine

[@TrialTube]

The 250 is a magnificent machine!!!

[@guillem959]

"he identifies as a man", got me laughing there 😂😂😂

[@TrialTube]

Can’t help myself…

[@timking1050]

Just to cool , but Dam you ride well pal

[@TrialTube]

Thanks Tim

[@michaelmangrum5460]

I imported a 1986TLR250 monoshock into the USA a few months ago. I need a petcock rebuild kit. Does anyone in the UK, Europe, or Japan have a source for one ? Please HELP !!!

[@TrialTube]

Best place is the RTL / TLR Facebook groups

[@michaelmangrum5460]

@@TrialTube Thanks so much !

[@naviluminor]

This RTL is a "tuning" motorcycle, the spirit and quality of factory motorcycles is a long way off, it looks a lot like another creation presented at Telford, a TLM 260 also heavily make up to..

[@TrialTube]

Yes of course they are both, “made up” but I believe in a tasteful way. These are well kept and engineered examples. My family own fully original and perfectly kept RTL’s and trust me they ride awful. These bikes that Tony Ling has created look to ride in a modern and responsive way.

[@naviluminor]

@@TrialTube Here's another one.. kzbin.info/www/bejne/rmnJhoZ6gKqGa9U

[@franckchaplain3861]

@@TrialTube No opinion on the RTL of the link above ?

[@TrialTube]

@@franckchaplain3861 that’s a TLR IN THE Thumbnail

[@franckchaplain3861]

@@TrialTube Ok ok 👍

[@danhurley6152]

Shame you can't get an hydrolic clutch kit on them

[@TrialTube]

Would of been nice to try but not in keeping with the era..

[@joshuacotton6436]

What is this song

[@TrialTube]

Which one?

[@joshuacotton6436]

@@TrialTube the one at 2:36

[@Motoinc]

You borrowed your wifes yoga pants? 😅😅 Pants recent years are horrible IMO

[@TrialTube]

They are decent to ride in! MX pants are awful to ride in

[@Motoinc]

@@TrialTube But it does NOT look 👍 Cheers from Sweden

[@TrialTube]

@@Motoinc results from wearing the right gear for the job are better than fashion to please “other men” lol

[@Motoinc]

@@TrialTube Sure but IMO thighs aint my kind of thing to wear, but hey you wear it 👍

[@TrialTube]

@@Motoinc No worries and as long as you get out on the bike bro! Keep going and you will too be in the tights one day I am sure!

[@AShaw-bd4fy]

These are pretty much the only trials bikes you can get in Vietnam. Useless little anecdote for you…

[@TrialTube]

Wow! Still great 🤘

[@stephencruickshank5589]

🤣🤣🤣🤣. Cracked me up with the 80s rider comment and thanks for the compliment. Going back to off road again at 63 and was looking toward 4rt might now go back old school again instead. Bought the base model mid eighties new. Best value machine til this day, and I've had a few. Cheers mate for the advise. From Lower Hutt valley , Wellington NZ..👍😁

[@TrialTube]

Well, I am glad someone enjoys my terrible comments! Being from the eighties is always a compliment 🤘

[@stephencruickshank5589]

@@TrialTube 🤣🤣. Your commentary was spot on . Keep up the great work. Thanks again for help. I'm now convinced i need that second bike. Cheers bro.