Post-Sale Update: After 51 bids on eBay, this XL 175 sold for $3,500.
Honda’s XL series of “enduro” or dual sport bikes began in the early ’70s and continues to this day. The early models steadily grew in displacement over the years and were all distinguished by their single-cylinder, four-stroke engines. These were not true off-road designs, but street riders loved the look, light weight and rock-like dependability. And an occasional foray onto a gravel road or dirt trail was certainly not out of the question. The fun and cheap to own formula sold lots of bikes.
The XL175 was produced from 1973 through ’77 with mostly cosmetic changes from year to year, and was replaced with an upgraded 185cc model in 1978. Our feature bike was apparently a giveaway promotion at the Bristol Motor Speedway in 1977 and has racked up only 481 miles since. Properly stored and still sporting the original semi-knobbies, this one appears to be perfectly preserved. While not as desirable as its larger siblings, this 175 would still look good in a collection or serve as a great little city bike.
Find this 1977 XL175 in Madison, Tennessee with bidding up to $1,275 and the reserve not yet met