1977 HODAKA 250SL 70A TLC

[DamianJP]

Hello

I recently been given a 1977 Hodaka 250SL 70A and I'm giving her some TLC. I usually try and get service manuals but seem like none are available.

I plan to trail ride it, Nothing crazy. I never had a bike to really learn so this 283lbs. dry weight Trail Whale will be fun to learn on . Cut my teeth on a 04 YAMAHA RAPTOR 80CC QUAD and very little seat time on a 2016 YAMAHA 110TTR Small Wheel and 2015 SSR 125CC Small Wheel.


-My rear shocks are done. One is frozen around 13in , the other is movable but doesn't fully extend. Ive seen the cheap china RFY on ebay and such. My budget for shocks is around $100. Didn't think certain things would be wrong, had to get a brand new stator. Ate up alot of $$$. What are my options in this area?


-Also the bike is going Pre Mix. I heard two numbers flying around with same oil. 32:1 and 40:1 with Yamalube 2R was a common oil popping up. What is the right oil/ratio for this engine?

-Not sure if or when the front fork oil was changed. If and when I do it what would be a good oil to put in.


-Any other tips/info about this HODAKA would be MUCH appreciated.


These Hodakas' sure have character and charm. Shame $$$ had to dictate this cool venture.



Thanks,
DamianJP

[RichardMott]

Damian,

I recently bought a 1978 250 SL 70A. I bought an owners manual/parts list for it on eBay. I think SH (here) might have them too. I don't think there is a shop manual available for it.
Mine has the oil injection that works. I plan to keep it street legal. SH has parts. Some new, some used. It was recommended to me that the kick crank kit update should be installed as the originals are weak. SH might have some left.

[Darrell]

Owners' manuals (heavier on specs and light on service and maintenance info) were printed but the shop manual never got published -- so owners are in the dark about a lot of things.

I wouldn't go any leaner than 32:1 as the top ends seem to be quite fragile at sustained speeds. That problem might be caused by a timing/CDI programming issue. I think you were fortunate to find a new stator for the bike though. On the side of caution, I've installed mine with the timing slightly retarded from the factory markings, there's a slight power loss, however.

You'll still have fun with it, but the 250SL still has a few demons (kickstart, for one) going along for the ride

[RichardMott]

Kick crank?, what kick crank?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B0T00G2Mk9o

[DamianJP]

THANK YOU RICHARD and DARREL !!

32:1 it is, still on fence about oil pump. Yamaha 2R is good?

Will these shocks work? He said they can press in and eye size I need , 12mm right?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-XL500-400 ... Sw5cNYlBr8

What Rating Gas do you gentlemen recommend?

Kickstart will has to wait , I will have to be gentle and make it a 1-2 kick start bike somehow.


Finally , this is the color scheme I would like to have. Leaving frame and everything that was black , black. But rear/front fender and gas tank will be army green. Nice white star and tank. I think it will go good.



Thank You and GROW TALLER !!!!
DamianJP

[DamianJP]

Should I make my own cylinder TDC gauge?
Seen some old spark plug and a cheap version of the tool being made into a screw in type.


Anyone know of a good one just to buy that wont break the bank? Seems like $100 and up.

What else is need for the timing?

I saw 3 marks on the stator plate and one mark on engine block. I lined the engine block mark on the MIDDLE mark of the stator plate for now. Until I get my tools to do it right.


Thank You again,
DamianJP

[DamianJP]

This is what ate some budget money up for her. But I think it's justified based on condition of one in the bike and on the condition/rarity to fine one used even.

Like I said seller said 0hr.

I'm sorry I'm firing all these question but I've noticed there's no gaskets that seal the stator area in the schematics. How can I protect this stator from crap? RTV/gasket sealer?

Thank you,
DamianJP

[Darrell]

Hi Damian,

The spark plug hole is angled and offset so a TDC plunger-type gauge won't work in the 250.

That's a nice looking stator you got now. Where did you find it? The original stator has only one alignment mark on the backing plate so I would match and scribe the timing mark from your original stator to your new one.

I run only 94 octane in my Hodaka, once in awhile I'll even add some octane booster for peace of mind. A good 250 top end delivers 155+ psi compression so it won't tolerate much lower octane without pinging, or worse.