HONDA XL 185S (1979-1980) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda XL 185S was an enduro motorcycle manufactured by Honda in 1979 to replace the Honda SL250. It was produced until 1999 when it was replaced by the Honda XL 200 R. The bike was available in a single color, Monza Red.

In 1979, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer launched the Honda XL 185S, an enduro motorcycle fitted with features such as a high-mounted front fender, a round headlight, a one-piece dual seat, a high-mounted exhaust system, side-mounted rear shocks, a side stand, and wire-spoke wheels.

The bike was made around a semi-double-cradle steel frame, with a 38 mm air-assisted Showa fork on the front that provided 200 mm of travel and a Pro-Link swingarm tied to twin Showa socks on the rear that offered 165 mm wheel travel.

The braking performance was achieved by a 110 mm drum unit mounted on both front and rear wheels, offering optimum braking power.

The 1979 Honda XL 185S had installed a 180cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine under the fuel tank, boasting 16 hp with a peak force at 8,000 rpm and 15 Nm (11 lb-ft) torque at 6,500 rpm.

The engine was assisted by a five-speed manual transmission linked to the rear wheel by a final chain drive, launching the motorcycle to a top speed of 138 kph (86 mph).