Honda XL185S (1979-80)

The Honda XL 185S was a motorcycle released in 1979-80. Its engine was a four-stroke, single cylinder, OHC, 2 valve with a capacity of 180 cc/10.9 cu-in. The bike’s bore and stroke measured 63.0 x 57.8 mm and it had a compression ratio of 9.2:1. The XL 185S was air-cooled, had wet sump lubrication, and had a single 24mm Keihin carburetor for induction. Ignition was through CDI and starting was done via kick. The bike had a maximum power of 16 hp /11.7 kW @ 8000 rpm and a maximum torque of 13.6 Nm / 10.0 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm. Top speed was 138 km/h / 85.7 mph. Transmission was through a 5-speed gearbox with a final chain drive. Its frame was a semi double cradle with the front suspension composed of a 38mm Showa air-assisted fork with a 200mm/7.8in wheel travel. The rear suspension was Showa Pro-Link shocks with a 165mm/7.2in wheel travel. Braking was through a 110mm drum for both front and rear wheels. The bike’s front and rear tire sizes were 2.75-21 and 4.10-18 inches, respectively. Its fuel capacity was 7 liters/1.8 US gal, with an average consumption of 20.3 km/lit. The bike could reach a standing quarter-mile in 17.5 seconds. Its dry weight was 110 kg / 242.5 lbs. Overall, the Honda XL 185S was a competent motorcycle with a lightweight and easily maneuverable chassis, making it a favorite among new and experienced riders alike.


Technical specifications:

Make Model: Honda XL 185S

Year: 1979 – 80


Engine: Four stroke, single cylinder, OHC, 2 valve
Capacity: 180 cc / 10.9 cu-in
Bore x Stroke: 63.0 x 57.8 mm
Cooling System: Air cooled
Compression Ratio: 9.2:1
Lubrication: Wet sump
Induction: Single 24mm Keihin carburetor
Ignition: CDI
Starting: Kick
Max Power: 16 hp / 11.7 kW @ 8000 rpm
Max Torque: 13.6 Nm / 10.0 lb-ft @ 6500 rpm
Transmission: 5 Speed
Final Drive: Chain
Frame: Semi double cradle
Front Suspension: 38mm Showa air assisted forks

Front Wheel Travel: 200 mm / 7.8 om
Rear Suspension: Showa Pro-Link shocks
Rear Wheel Travel: 165 mm /7.2 in
Front Brakes: 110mm Drum
Rear Brakes: 110mm Drum
Front Tyre: 2.75-21
Rear Tyre: 4.10-18
Dry Weight: 110 kg / 242.5 lbs
Fuel Capacity: 7 Litres / 1.8 US gal
Consumption Average: 20.3 km/lit
Standing ~A1/4 Mile: 17.5 sec
Top Speed: 138 km/h / 85.7 mph

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