Honda-SOHC

After prostrate cancer 3 1/2 years ago it is not a problem that I even consider these days, dream occasionally!

How do i contact this Julie?

I started it up yesterday & gave it a run [about 400 yards in a circle a couple of times, living next to a Church can be useful] I noticed a slight petrol leak from the fuel cock [this is what I would call it] when moving it from off to on, but then the leak stopped once in the on position [it seems to occur when moving the tap]. Anything to be concerned about, do I need to get a new fuel cock?  Looks like £7 to £30 for a new one on internet.

Upon further investigation I could still smell fuel in that area, & found that there is a very slight leak from the bottom of the carb [I say slight, it doesn't drip, but if you touch it you can see the wetness on your finger & it smells strongly].  Once again is this something to be concerned about?  It only occurred after running it for 10 minutes or so.

From what I can see there is what looks to me like a drain tube coming from the bottom of the carb [float chamber??], & directly above it a screw.  Is the screw the open/shut device for draining the carb?

Many thanks

As the bike has a KMH speedo, how easy is it to find & to fit a MPH speedo?

My desire for a bike was kept alive by a book I bought in the mid 70's, The International Motor Cycle File No 2.

I have looked at it every year longingly, & it still sits on my shelf.  So when I finally made the decision to buy one I knew exactly what I wanted, & it had to be from the period displayed in the book, or from the late 70's early 80's.  In all probability a big single cylinder Enduro style from the same era would be my preference when I pass my test.

Having owned numerous fast cars with big engines [a v12, v8's, straight 6's & v6's] the bike itch never went away, so here we are.  I must confess I know very little so here goes'

Laid up until the spring do I drain the fuel, or add an additive to the fuel?
Where is the battery on the XL?  The seat on the Suzuki lifts from the side to allow access for the 2 stroke oil, but I cannot find any sort of similar release for the XL, even youtube offers no help.
Any basic maintenance I need to do over the winter?

Thanks

John

In 1977 I wanted a FS1E, but 3 people in our area were killed on bikes over a few months, so my dad persuaded me to wait, take my car test & he would then give me his car, a 1968 Beetle.

So I did, thinking in years to come after his death I will have a bike, he is 98 next month!

But having felt I have been faithful to his wishes, I have decided at 59 to get a bike, well I bought 2!

A 1973 Suzuki 125TS, 1 owner from new, 6500 miles on the clock & garaged all its life, absolutely immaculate.  This was the bike I wanted if I had got to 17 [or alternatively a Honda SL 125] & dad had been happy for me to have a bike.  Plus a Honda XL250R from 1982, imported from Japan earlier this year.

Looking forward to the spring

John