Another TL125 - they are like London busses!

[Rozabikes Tim]

Well thought I'd bought something special to put on the site. Then Laverda Dave pops up with one too. This is much  much rougher than Dave's you might notice!!

I recently picked up this tired old girl in France. A TL125s. Very used and abused but most (ish) there. Had one in my late teens and have fantasic memories.

Let me say before I start. Yes I have a 400/4 project in limbo, which I hope still to do. My problem is my body giving up on me. I have a rare syndrome called Inclusion body myositis (IBM) where my body does not build new muscle when it breaks down in everyday use. Basically my legs and arms are giving up! I can just about walk with care and my arms and hands very weak. BUT bikes are in my blood. I see this project as probably manageable with a fair amount of help from friends and family. Seeing how it goes then maybe the 400 will get my attention.

Please don't get me wrong, this is not a sympathy plea just to let you guys know what I am up against but still so passionate!

Anyway, my plan is to do a tidy resto but no show pony. I also have no issue with non standard parts as who ever kept an off roader standard anyway? Although unlikely I will ever ride it,  I am aiming at building a road legal bike.

Certain parts are rare for these not only because of the age but also the relatively small numbers  sold in the first place, plus many model specific parts. I have been shocked also by the lack of availability and price of things like engine parts that cross over from the popular CB / XL 125 of similar vintage. Maybe these smaller siblings to the normal multis on here were more “throw away”?

Only the frame is back in the UK, the rest coming back with us later.

You may think I'm bonkers taking such a rough example on. However I see that as part of the challenge and they aren't really that complex.

Thanks to Bryan who talked me through the practicalities of getting the bike back to the uk with customs etc.

I'm just researching and collecting bits currently, so don't expect much regular updates.

[Johnwebley]

Looks like fun

Enjoy



Sent from my SM-A546E using Tapatalk

[K2-K6]

Quite a "petit gars effronté" there.

Hopefully you'll get it all up to scratch.

I've not owned one but ridden friend's TL XL types, they feel so light in comparison to multis don't they.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Never mind the bike for a minute Tim, IBM that's a new one on me, my late father suffered with Myasthenia Gravis, it turned out the UK support group was based in Derby.

I believe this project is definitely what you need, it looks, what's the word, challenging, yep, that will keep you focused as you take it in turns to wrestle between your heath and bike parts.

Best of luck with both situations.

[taysidedragon]

I've noticed when looking for parts on feked.com that they have parts and goodies for TL Hondas.
They may have some bits that you need. 🤞
Good luck with the refurb.

[Laverda Dave]

Nice one Tim👍.
Good to see there's another masocist out there when it comes to TL's!
Yes, yours does look a bit rough but 'doable'.
As Gareth has already alluded to Fecked do some goodies for these such as folding gear levers, mudguards and an exhaust system. A lot of the TL I am restoring is Fecked up (stop sniggering at the back.....).
Ash has managed to win me an exhaust heat shield from Japan (thanks again Ash👍) and meanwhile Roo has taken a break from feeding the fish in the USA and has bid on a toolbox for me   this saving a shed load in import duty and postage (thanks Roo👍).
It just goes to show restoring a TL is an international effort 🙂.
Next on the 'must find' list is the headlight bracket and headlight, yeah, good luck with that one Dave😂.

I think we are going to be swapping stories and info for a good while Tim. Best of luck with yours and I'll post the paint/decal details over to you via a PM.

[Johnny4428]

Good luck with the TL’s guys! Very unfamiliar with them but looks like fun bikes you would want to ramp over the hills with! 😃