‘81 Honda XL185s - Input and Suggestions (just purchased)

I can definitely give that a shot this first time around. The wear rate is foreign to me.

Horns installed and ready to be wired. Handlebars blasted and polished; instrument/light mount blasted and coated with POR15 Top Coat.

- Rear fender refinished, assembled, and lighting installed. Paint is Dulpicolor Toyota Super Red (primed, painted, cleared) - really good match to stock Monza Red.

-LED signals with XR-style tail/brake light (filament installed due to LED bulb length issues causing lens contact).

-Rear cargo rack coming soon. The Kawasaki KZ400 motorcycle uses a rack with a different center support bracket configuration (needs modification for Honda), but main stem mounts and other dimensions are identical to the Honda rack for the XL185s. In the process of refinishing and slightly modifying support mounts.

Hi, where did you source those indicators? What bike are they off? Very useful thread!
Best
Steve

Thanks! The signal indicators are DRC LED indicators purchased online (eBay or Amazon, I believe). Here is a link to the DRC site:
http://www.drcproducts.com/elect/d45-58-617/index.html

(full photos attached)

Update as of 2.14.19:

This is a long overdue post of the status of this revitalization project. I did not do a full-on restoration to this bike, but more of getting it back on track with how it ‘should’ look compared to when I originally acquired it. The very first post on page 1 shows the condition I started with.

These final photos are missing the headlight, turn signals, mirrors and covers which were on the shelf at the time the final photo was taken. I can get it posted later as the bike is 100% complete at this point. However, after already rebuilding the carb, I am having an issue with the carb not taking in fuel constantly. It will let fuel in, run, dry out and die. Then after a few minutes of sitting, fuel can be seen flowing down the tank line back into the carb. Essentially a float issue I suspect which, once spring rolls around, I will hop to the investigation. More to come later.

Many of your input led me through this project as a first-timer to which I am thankful for your assistance and teachings.

A buddy of mine is a very skilled self-taught welder who helped me with the modification of the rear rack and the broken motor mount.

I will likely be cutting down the seat foam instead of modifying the suspension to get better footing. Additionally, a new rear tire will be installed by spring.

I am originally from Louisiana, but have recently moved to Minnesota, so spring will be the time to tinker. Garage is not too cozy right now and I am not one to bring motorized/fueled equipment indoors. Soon enough.

You do realize these indicators are 12 volt....and your bike runs on 6 volts, unless you have modified something.

I do. I have another post about the 6v-12v conversion. A generous fellow member sent a 12v reg to me to try and I coupled that with a 12v battery and upgraded lighting to be a complete 12v system.

Just sent you a reply in your 6v to 12v conversion thread. Super super helpful going through all of that information. I feel like I've watched your bike grow up with all the thread reading I've been doing haha. You've got it looking so good. Where did you put your new 12v battery? My 6v sits next to the rear shock but I don't see anything there for you. Also, how has the conversion worked out for you? Could you ballpark about how much the conversion cost with the bulbs and everything? If I can't get mine going then I'm wondering if it's something to consider for me.

Hi again,
No worries. I replied there and receive updates on both threads.

The last photos are not final. I will post some in a week or two. The battery box is installed, etc and all is there. Just a carb issue I still need to tackle and it will be 100%.

Regarding the conversion, I did all but the headlight since it is strictly stator-dependent.

Cost really depends on your choices obviously. I am not sure of my cost, but since I was missing a few lighting pieces, it made it easier and in some way cheaper since not buying price jacked OEM or replica items. I installed aftermarket rear signal assemblies, LED front signal bulbs in OEM housing, XR style tail with incandescent bulb, and LED instrument lighting. Essentially, I wanted a low profile and visible lighting setup on the rear that flowed well with the front stock look without looking Chinese-street taking away from its vintage appeal (which I prefer).

I think you made some great choices. The rear fender/light setup looks awesome. I'm going to be riding this every day to and from the office (1 mile) and just around town, so I have the same concerns you voiced on wanting to be seen on the road.

Thanks!

You are a lucky so-and-so to be able to ride a mile to work. :)

Yeah, it is all good, just the tail is a little dimmer than I wanted. I will have to check it out in the day as I really haven’t looked at it much since finishing to get a good idea of moving forward with it as-is. I took a rider safety course in the summer that I had to withdraw from after day one due to the carb issue. I chose to use my own bike and was unable to use a supplied extra due to insurance purposes. So, haven’t ridden at all yet. I will this spring though, oh yes, I will.

During the carb issue, I would just keep kicking to try to start it. Knocked off the side cover with my boot and broke it...after having already fixed it. Time to fix again.

Dang man! That stinks. I’m picking up my learners tomorrow, which in GA you can get from a knowledge test only. You’re restricted to no passengers, night riding or highway riding, but I’m going to just drive the neighborhoods to work. Then I’ll be doing the course like you talked about. Hoping to use my own bike there too. Once I get these turn signals sorted out I’ll be cruising.

It sure is looking good.

Thanks! Thanks to you, the 12v setup (minus headlight) is perfect.