[Honda XR125L] Project Intro & Diagnosis (White)

I bought this bike a long time ago, just after I passed my full A license. I bought it cheap off eBay as a non-runner so I could try out green laning to see if I liked it without spending too much money. Little did I know that it would quickly become my favourite bike (even though it's only 125cc). As long as you're not in a hurry, it is an amazing bike, both on and off road. It's the most comfortable bike that I own. Not because the other bikes are uncomfortable, but because this one is SOOOOO comfortable. Long travel soft suspension, a big wide seat, and rider forward controls (not set back like my Ducati) make riding this bike like sitting in an arm chair. And with the current condition of the roads in the UK, the suspension soaks up the pot holes with ease.

However, when I bought it the engine didn't run, the brakes barely worked, and the forks were leaking oil (and rusty).

As I said, I bought this off eBay as a non-runner, so I had to collect it in a hire van.

It was a motorcycle dealership that I bought it from, and they had taken it as a trade in. It had many previous owners (I forget exactly, but something like 16 or 17). The bike was on the edge of being neglected (ignoring the non-runner status for a moment), but it was cheap. About £300.

Before I started to diagnose the non-start issue, I thought it best to go through the basics first. I started by rebuilding the carb.

Once the carb as clean and the jets, tubes, and drillings / passageways were all clean and clear, I moved on to setting the valve lash.

First the inspection caps had to come out.

Then I could move the engine to the correct position to check the valves.

Both were a little loose. I had hoped they were tight and that was why it wasn't running. Next step was to test for compression. I had to buy a compression tester for that.

Wide open throttle, spin it over on the starter for 10 seconds. That reading can't be right?

I run the test again. Same result.

Third time's the charm? I reset the gauge and run the test for a 3rd time. Nope. Well I think I found the problem!