LOT 126
1970 Honda SL350 K0 Motorsport Frame no. SL350-1021008 Engine no. SL350E-1020949
Estimate: US$7,500 - US$9,500
Lot 126
1970 Honda SL350 K0 Motorsport Frame no. SL350-1021008 Engine no. SL350E-1020949
The Las Vegas Motorcycle Auction|23 January 2020, 12:30 PST|Las Vegas, Caesar's Entertainment Studios
1970 Honda SL350 K0 Motorsport
Frame no. SL350-1021008
Engine no. SL350E-1020949
Frame no. SL350-1021008
Engine no. SL350E-1020949
In 1968 Yamaha shook up the dual-purpose market with its DT1 Enduro. Suddenly, warmed-over street scramblers would not get the job done—buyers wanted more dirt, less asphalt in a bike's makeup. Honda's XL series would eventually answer that call in 1974, but in the meantime something more serious than the company's CL scramblers was needed. Enter the SL Motosport models, to this day considered by many to be among the best-looking dual-purpose machines ever.
During its three-year production run, the SL350 became increasingly good at boondocking. "It's getting to the point where we will have to admit that Honda has built a real dirtbike," stated Cycle World in its 1971 test of the bike. "Honda's new SL350 is not yet a motocross machine, but it is not intended for that purpose. Rather it is a beautifully conceived, tractable, reliable playbike with newfound rough-terrain capability. It's amiable and has great potential." This off-road prowess is attested to by web journalist Matt Cuddy, who has fond memories of the SL, especially its 'anvil-reliable' motor. "When the SL350 got some knobbies strapped to it, and decent shocks bolted on the back, the bike became an unstoppable woods weapon," he wrote in a recent retrospective. "Nothing short of an atomic blast would cease the rear wheel from spinning."
This low-mileage K0 model from the Vintage Motorcycle Rescue stable was acquired from the extensive Honda collection of Lee Mitzel in largely original condition, mechanically up to snuff, in need of only cosmetic touch-ups to bring it back to full showroom condition. A desirable first-year example resplendent in Candy Sapphire Blue paint, it displays all the components unique to the 1970 model, namely the single-downtube frame, larger brakes, CV carburetors and electric starter.
During its three-year production run, the SL350 became increasingly good at boondocking. "It's getting to the point where we will have to admit that Honda has built a real dirtbike," stated Cycle World in its 1971 test of the bike. "Honda's new SL350 is not yet a motocross machine, but it is not intended for that purpose. Rather it is a beautifully conceived, tractable, reliable playbike with newfound rough-terrain capability. It's amiable and has great potential." This off-road prowess is attested to by web journalist Matt Cuddy, who has fond memories of the SL, especially its 'anvil-reliable' motor. "When the SL350 got some knobbies strapped to it, and decent shocks bolted on the back, the bike became an unstoppable woods weapon," he wrote in a recent retrospective. "Nothing short of an atomic blast would cease the rear wheel from spinning."
This low-mileage K0 model from the Vintage Motorcycle Rescue stable was acquired from the extensive Honda collection of Lee Mitzel in largely original condition, mechanically up to snuff, in need of only cosmetic touch-ups to bring it back to full showroom condition. A desirable first-year example resplendent in Candy Sapphire Blue paint, it displays all the components unique to the 1970 model, namely the single-downtube frame, larger brakes, CV carburetors and electric starter.
Footnotes
As with all Lots in the Sale, this Lot is sold 'as is/where is' and Bidders must satisfy themselves as to the provenance, condition, age, completeness and originality prior to bidding.
Saleroom notices
A replacement reproduction right side cover will be painted and delivered to the buyer.
Additional information
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