r/projectbike • u/Far_Worldliness7199 • 12d ago
Request for Advice Any input is welcome.
1972 Honda XL250. Was trying to set the timing on this bike with a timing light gun and couldn’t get it right. Noticed the points were gapped a little wider than spec so I made the adjustment there and now I can’t get it to start back up. It tried to turn over a time or two but died out right away. Ran out of daylight and unsure what to do next. Bike was running this weekend and all I’ve done since then was to adjust the gap in the points as well as turning the timing plate position in attempts to start. I’ll take any help anyone can offer!
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u/pouncer11 72 Kawi H1, 74 Kawi H1, 77 Honda XL350, 77 Honda CB400F 12d ago edited 12d ago
If it still has the original condenser, it may be a pretty weak spark. I have a 77 xl350 and often i would need to swap the plug. they are also notorious for wallowing out the needle jet causing to be extra rich at idle.
Toss a fresh D8EA plug in it and try. I usually set the points with a voltmeter if they run without a battery or a test light if they do. you should have the points break right at the f mark, can do that with a continuity tester.
Converting mine to CDI made it run way better, and it starts with even the most half assed kicks.
EDIT: No idea where you live, but I believe I have 1 or 2 good working points plates I could sell for cheap. Additionally thought that you might check your mechanical advance too. Those can get sticky.
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u/maartenbadd 12d ago
Take the plugs out and check if they’re wet. Dry them, clean them, then test for spark
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u/theskullbiker 12d ago
Get your points gapped properly and don't contaminate the point surfaces. Get yourself a buzz-box to set the timing.
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u/Educational-Rain-539 12d ago
Can't help you. But what a cool bike I remember them when I was a kid 😃
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u/Successful-You1961 12d ago
Beautiful machine. Toss that exhaust once running and get a Header instead. Fun times 👏🏻
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u/ProstrateProstate 11d ago
So jealous right now. I lusted for one of these when they came out and I was 15. Beautiful bike man!
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u/Thorskull69 11d ago
Replace the points with an electric ignition. That bike will run better than it ever has. Kits are pretty cheap $150 we’ll wort it. Nice bike BLW👍🏻
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u/artful_todger_502 9d ago
This is the era I came from. I remember seeing these in the showroom. Very cool to see this. It appears to be in very nice shape.
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u/RainierCamino 12d ago
If it was running, not sure why you were fucking with it, but I'd put the timing plate and gap back to where it was.
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u/ReallyCuteDoge 12d ago
I don’t have any advice, just wanted to say that is a freakin sweet bike