Honda Sl70
HONDA SL70
CYCLE WORLD IMPRESSION
And Now, Four-Stroke Mini-Buffs, There’s A Real Motorcycle For You, Too.
MINIATURIZATION SEEMS TO BE a favorite theme with Japanese manufacturers of late, and the sub-compact SL70 proves that Honda is no exception.
Basic design is similar to the other SL dual-purpose models, except for the horizontal cylinder layout and the fact that the SL70 is built to conform to minimum federal standards regarding licensing. Honda's intent was to build a machine capable of being registered, which is a requirement for operating vehicles in national parks. Ironically, the minimum federal standards do not require a horn or speedometer. Consequently, the SL70 is fitted with neither of these instruments.
As is, Honda’s mini SL is legal for street riding in some states. Others require either a horn, a speedometer, or both. Finally, in a couple states, the SL70’s 44-in. wheelbase is shorter than the minimum length required for licensing. So. in the best interest of safety, an SL70 purchaser who intends to ride in close proximity to other vehicles should fit a horn. (Honda is currently marketing a horn and speedometer kit for the SL70 for this purpose. I
In spite of this licensing confusion, the SL70 is an impressive off-road machine. The frame is a sturdy, singlebackbone. double-cradle design with the swinging arm mounted inboard of the rear frame tubes. Flexing is totally absent, even when the SL70 is thrashed over rough ground by adults.
Suspension components are equally hefty and should resist bending regardless of rider weight. Forks are internal spring units with 4.4 in. of travel. We've come to expect suspension components fitted to machines of this size to have little or no damping. Surprisingly, this is not the case with the SL70. Damping is quite good and, although the forks will bottom occasionally, the ride is soft.
Rear shock absorbers, too, perform adequately. The damping units are not adjustable, but the chrome-plated springs are progressively wound. Harsh bottoming is thus prevented and rider fatigue is greatly reduced.
Handling is very quick, due to the 44-in. wheelbase, but the wide bars and 2.50-16-in. front tire allow good control. Large bumps and ruts that prove difficult on mini-cycles are easily avoided. While the SL70 is capable of carrying its rider over fairly rough terrain. it is better suited to, and more fun on. smoother surfaces. Graded dirt roads or dry lakes are ideal, and on these surfaces Honda’s smallest SL is a real slider. Force it into a tight turn with the power on in 2nd or 3rd gear and the 2.75-14 rear lire will swing out until the steering is completely locked m the opposite direction. This machine is definitely going to create some very stylish microboppers.
The engine, although not overly powerful. is ideal. In the first place, it is typically Honda, which is to say it is smooth, quiet, tractable, and easily started. The muffling unit again contains a Krizman U.S. Forestry approved spark arrester an absolute necessity when riding in wooded areas. And. it this is not enough, it will idle all day without a sign of protest.
Bore and stroke of the 5-bhp ohc Single is 47 by 41.4mm, which equals a piston displacement of 7 2cc. Design is practically identical to the CT70 minibike powerplant, but the horizontally mounted cylinder barrel is now aluminum alloy with a pressed-in steel liner, instead of cast iron. As before, the cylinder head is aluminum and the compression ratio remains at 8.8: 1.
Fuel is delivered to a 15-mm piston valve-type Keihin carburetor from a 1.7-gal. gas tank. The carburetormounted choke must be used when the engine is cold, and warm-up time is very slow.
Air filtration on the SL70 is first rate. A cylindrical air box, which houses an oiled polyurethane foam filtering element, is bolted to the frame just behind the carburetor. Oiled foam elements are desirable on off-road machines because they can be cleaned countless times without damage or reduction of filtering ability when reoiled.
Primary drive is by gear to the wet. multi-plate clutch and four-speed, constant mesh transmission. Ignition is by flywheel magneto, and an AG flywheel generator provides current for the lights and keeps the six-volt battery charged up.
The battery and electrics are located under the seat, as is common practice. Access to these components is gained by removing a plastic, snap-on side panel on either side of the machine. Unfortunately, a toolkit is not supplied with the bike.
Many of the SL70's components look as though they were borrowed directly from other larger Hondas. Brakes, for example, are quite substantial for the 142-lb. SL70. The full sized controls are located in conventional motorcycle fashion.
The control layout and sturdy construction make it an ideal beginner’s mount, but its appeal is much broader than that. An unusually large number of people who saw the mini SL during testing inquired about it. Microboppers asked if it will be competitive in mini TT racing. It will. Several adults wanted to try it, and they weren't disappointed, even though the machine is designed for considerably smaller riders.
If this multi-aged appeal is any indication at all, Honda has another marketing success on their hands, and if anyone can keep up with consumer demand. they can.
