1979 Honda XL 250

Estimate: £1,500 - £2,000*

Reg No: DDL 18V Frame No: LS505018107

CC: 249 Engine No: LS250E5018377

MOT: Exempt

• Fully rebuilt engine 2020

• Advised it is running very well

• The ideal lightweight off roader

This Honda XL 250 has recently been owned by an enthusiast who sadly now needs to part with it due to ill health. The engine was rebuilt by Sapphire Motor Cycles of Kendal, Cumbria in 2020, and has yet to be run in, though has been started at regular intervals. It benefits from new chains and tyres and the vendor has advised us the engine and five-speed gearbox as ‘excellent’, the suspension as ‘good’, the Red paintwork as ‘average to good’, and the frame as ‘average’. The machine comes complete with electric start and some history, including invoices for the engine work.

Famed for the quality and innovation of its multi-cylinder engines, Honda took the motorcycle world somewhat by surprise when it produced the single-cylinder four-stroke 250cc unit used for the XL250, which therefore became not only the first modern four-stroke enduro bike, but the first mass-produced four–valve motorcycle. Production of the popular 24hp Honda began in 1972 and, courtesy of regular tweaks to the specification continued throughout most of the ‘80s.

1943 Norton 16H

Restored example

Estimate: £4,000 - £5,000*

Reg No: GXN 681

Frame No: 75173

CC: 498 Engine No: AS19184 (Not visible)

MOT: Exempt

• Low ownership from new

• Restored example with a rare panel tank

• Rarely used since completion of restoration

The 16H was first released in the early 1930s and was a popular model during WW2, with most production going to the armed forces where it earned an enviable reputation for reliability and durability. The model was one of the first civilian bikes built by Norton after the ending of hostilities and in 1947 it received its final modification with telescopic forks improving handling.

Understood to have been manufactured c.1937, but registered in June 1943, it has previous ownership since 1971 and only two owners from new. It was laid up in 1972 following a front tyre blow out. Restored in 2017 to a very good standard and with very little use since completion, it has a modern 6v battery housed in the original cover, a period rear light, unusual example having clocks mounted on the fuel tank. It comes complete with a Green continuation log book, an owner’s handbook and current V5C.