HONDA XL 350 (1974-1978) Specs, Performance & Photos

In 1974, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer released the Honda XL 350, a naked motorcycle produced for five years from 1974 until 1978. The small machine was an immediate success for casual riders.

The 1974 model came in a single color: Metallic Silver with blue stripes, silver fuel tank, fenders, headlight housing, matte black side covers, and orange and white XL350 decals.

The visual department was characterized by standard features, such as a high-mounted front fender, a single seat, a single exhaust system with a silencer on the right-hand side, and wire-spoke wheels with off-road tires.

The bike was built around a steel frame with a telescopic fork handling the front and a swingarm coupled to dual shock absorbers handling the rear end, providing optimum suspension performance and handling capabilities.

As for the braking power, the bike's 21-inch front wire-spoke wheel was fitted with a 160 mm drum braking unit, and the 18-inch rear wheel had a 140 mm drum braking unit.

In the performance department, the 1974 Honda XL 350 had installed a 348cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine at its core, boasting 22 hp with a peak force at 7,500 rpm and 23 Nm (17 lb-ft) torque at 3,000 rpm.

The engine was fed by a single 32 mm Keihin carburetor and was assisted by a five-speed transmission with a wet multi-plate clutch and a final chain drive.