The boys and I have started a new project, refreshing this 1973 Honda TL125 motorcycle. The boys had some money saved up and we were looking at adding another Baja Doodlebug to the stable. You can see their existing one in use here from a previous post: The Boys Doodlebug.

As we were searching Craigslist, we either missed out on the less expensive ones, or they were asking too much money for what I consider a “toy” motorcycle. So, as we kept looking, I suggested we find a cheap motorcycle. With some hard work and skills, and possibly more money spent over time, they could have an actual motorcycle. One with a clutch and gears, front and rear brakes, shocks, all the things their little doodlebug lacked. A REAL motorcycle they could grow into and even ride as an adult.

So, we found one locally on Craigslist, contacted the seller and went to meet him.  They were so excited as we went to meet him. They were thrilled to get their own motorcycle, but I had to keep reminding them that what they see in person might not look as good as the pics on Craigslist.

So, here is what they bought:

Pretty rough, missing some parts, rust, bad wiring, flat tires, etc. The boys impressed me greatly as they could see the potential. They could visualize an actual motorcycle to ride, not this old rusty rig. I thought they would be disappointed once they saw it in person, but they were even more happy. The guy was asking $200, I offered $165, and Joshua quickly replied, no Dad, $175. Another teachable moment….. and home we went with their new two-wheeler.

It has a seat, gas tank and engine from a 1971 Honda SL100 that will eventually be replaced with the correct year/model. The great thing is parts for these older Hondas are fairly easy to source from eBay, craigslist or even the local Honda dealer. Really the only limit will be money, so we might have to wait a little longer and save up for the things we need/want to do.

Here is what the goal will be down the road:

For now the plan is simply to get it running, but over time we will get the correct seat and tank, rebuild the shocks, repaint everything from the ground up,  and eventually have a nice older dirt bike. Further down the road we would like to find a TL125 engine to put in her, which would make it almost all original equipment. These older Honda models, some call them vintage nowadays, sure do have a lot more style than the newer ones, in our opinion of course. There is a lot of history associated with the Honda Trials Bikes too, if you are interested in further reading, here is a great website on this history: The Honda Trials History.

As we progress we will add updated pics, and hope to see the boys riding their new bike soon!

Thanks for following along,

Michael