1980 Honda XL185S Background

This 1980 Honda XL185S was found in the forest of rural Georgia. A seized engine, tons of rust, and a cancerous gas tank made this bike a perfect candidate for the junkyard. The XL185S was introduced from 1979 to 1984. The Helios Red in the 1980 models, was the best and brightest color they ever produced. It gleams in the sunlight and makes it look orange in certain parts. The 185cc engine is mated up to a 5 speed gearbox producing highway speeds of 70 mph with a 2 gallon gas tank, getting around 78 miles per gallon. This made for a great commuter bike that could escape from the treacherous world of asphalt and emerge into the world of woods riding, and gliding in between oak trees. Instead of throwing this beautiful enduro away, we unseized the notorious four stroke engine and tuned the major electrical components. Next, we rebuilt the gunked up carburetor, filled it with gas, and it fired right up! Besides the 30 plus years of smoke and dust, the bike ran and rode great.

It seemed as if the previous owner just left the bike after running out of gas and just forgot about it. Even all of the lights worked! Bikes like these keep me motivated to find more “junkers” and turn them into “runners”. A life in the junkyard shouldn’t be the fate for any motorcycle, even if it’s too far gone. Hopefully, the next owner will show the same love for the bike as we did. It’s a great restoration candidate, and it’s ready to tear up some more trails.