Question
1974 Honda xl 250 moto
Hello the compression on a 74 xl 250 is much greater than I remember from my youth (lol) Is there an aftermarket comp. release kit for that head or/and is it possible to retrofit a newer head on that yr. engine? thanks
sell the thing?
AnswerDon, XLs are not my specialty, but I'm pretty sure that it is what it is. The engine was changed radically when they went to the compression release mods in the late 1970s, so no parts will really interchange from new to old models. You can compare some of the design features at online websites like www.cmsnl.com
Check to see that the cylinder isn't scuffed, scored or rusted from sitting for an extended period. Pull the spark plug and see how easy/difficult it feels to kick over. Someone could have put some kind of hi-compression piston in it as there was a lot of speed equipment available for these bikes, way back when. Looks pretty stock from the photos, though.
You might want to check some sites like: www.xrsonly.com to see if they have some solutions for your situation.
You certainly would want to make sure that it is tuned correctly, including checking the spark advancer function, ignition timing, ensuring that the points are clean and that all electrical connections are nice and tight. Use a fresh spark plug and have a nice clean carburetor to meter fuel. A valve adjustment is always a good place to start, as well. They should light up with one or two kicks, when everything is just right.
Bill Silver
