jmo

Funny you should say that hondanut... after I posted, I had a very similar idea... However, my peg didn't stay up on it's own, so initially I created an elaborate engineering solution using a dremel, and magnet and some araldite... The pedal flicks up and the magnet holds it in place while you kick the starter... And it worked really well on my test ride today - right up to the point the wind blew the bike over on a particularly desolate hillside, and the magnate smashed as the peg hit the frame* - doh... *I mounted the magnate a little proud so as to make a good connection with the frame. Anyway, once I got home I put my thinking cap on, and came up with a far simpler and certainly more old-school and appropriate solution: A couple of little rubber donuts around the shaft where the spring would reside, with just enough pressure between the frame and body of the peg to hold it in place in the upward position... and at the same time, be less prone to moving upwards at an inopportune moment while riding... I'm also going to cut a little rubber square to fit in the recess where the magnet went, to stop the peg impacting on the frame should the bike fall over again (as there is not spring on that side)... J xx

Hi everyone - just thought I'd share my first ride photos with you! I bought a reasonably tidy TLR200 last weekend via ebay (yikes!) and picked it up on Tuesday this week... on getting it home and closer inspection there were a few jobs to do, but I guess that's all part of the getting-to-know-you process, especially with a 25 year old bike! The bike was registered, but SORNed, so I got it up to spec for a daylight MOT - turns out the tyres in the photos were shot, and there was a weep from the left fork leg which I got sorted with a thorough fork service, and a new set of Pirelli MT43s. I also fitted a kill switch, horn, and full-size number plate, plus a GPS for the speedo, and it sailed through - result! I couldn't resist taking it for a long(ish) run afterwards - not least since the bike had been standing a while and I felt it could do with a blast... it rides very smoothly on road, feels nice and solid, and the engine is a peach! It's geared for about 50ish MPH (13/44), and is very smooth, although it's not exactly going to set the world on fire of course, but then I bought it for pottering around the lanes and trails... This is one of my favorite in North Wales: What a perfect day for a trail ride! Having stripped the bike down this week, I've ordered a few parts that should hopefully arrive in the next few days - new air filter and brake shoes (it only just scraped through the brake test during the MOT!), and an alloy fork brace - that arrived today from Shedworks: Very tasty! I've also ordered a replacement (alloy) exhaust as the stock pipe has a few rust spots and a hole in it, and also an 11 tooth front sprocket as I feel the gearing could be lower for more technical riding... I also finished off a mod I'd been working on with an old pair of WR450 Pivot-Pegz - they fitted perfectly with a bit of grinding (and a copper tube insert to reduce the mounting hole from 10mm to 8mm) - although unfortunately the kick-start lever hits the leading edge now of course... I considered getting the kick-start lever heated up and bent to fit around the peg, but then had an idea having seen a post about larger footpegs on here - basically having to fold it up to use the starter... so I removed the spring, and machined out a slot to take a small magnet in the end of the peg: Now, when you want to start the bike, all you have to do is flick the peg up with your heel and it is held in place by the magnet on the frame! It's like bloody magic! I've only just finished this mod so will report back if it works sufficiently well or not... I'll keep you all updated with the other mods too, and any advice is welcome of course! Jenny xx

Thanks 4stroke - it's not a problem putting together an manual conversion, but what I'm thinking is to replace the original automatic decompressor set up - I have the parts fiche but there are loads of bits I'll need and even if they are all available to order still, they'll all add up... I was hoping to find a complete set-up that someone had removed. I'd just kinda like it to have an auto-decompressor (like my 400 has) to protect the kick-start gears etc in any moments of frustration! I know the cable set-up on the TLR is a bit Heath Robinson compared to cam driven decompressors, but I imagine it works well? J x

So does anyone have a decompressor cable and the brackets for each end (ie. the whole set-up) spare that they would like to sell - or even just donate to a paranoid android? Otherwise I guess I'll have to see if I can order the parts through my Honda dealer? J x

OK - thanks for the opinions everyone... It's interesting as my XR400 has an auto decompressor (that engages via a camshaft lobe), but it's certainly useful to have the manual override if kicking through to clear the carb (when you've dropped it!) for example... I hadn't realized there was no decompressor at the moment on my TLR, but of course - it all makes sense now... that said, it is easy enough to kick - but I'm conscious of the increased strain on the gears, as suggested... I'm presuming there is no reason not to have the auto system fitted (rather than the manual)? - I presume it can't get stuck open (thus no compression)? - so I might look at sourcing those OE parts after all... Thanks for the advice! Jenny xx

I was just wondering if there are any alternatives for a kick start lever that fit the TLR200? I have fitted a pair of WR Pivot-Pegz (I'll post a picture soon, they work really well!) that I modified to fit the original TLR footrest brackets - however, typically when fitting wider pegs, the kick start lever now hits the front edge of the peg unless you fold it up. Before I take my original kickstart lever down to the forge and get it bent, I wonder if there is an off-the-shelf alternative that people have used? Many thanks, Jenny xx

I've just bought a TLR200 (1986), which has had the original decompressor cable assembly removed - I'm presuming people do this as they consider it not really necessary? Looking at the workshop manual/parts fiche, it seems the decompressor is originally attuated automatically by a short cable from an arm behind the kick-start lever? Although I have seen examples who have [presumably replaced] this system with a manual lever on the handlebars... I would like to install a manual decompressor on my bike - I intend to use a CRF450 clutch perch which has a second small lever [for the hot start on that bike] to attuate the decompressor cable, and which is the same set-up I have on my XR400 and works well... Before I dive in, I was wondering what people recommend regarding the cable [length] for a similar conversion - my initial thoughts are to just buy the TLR cable bracket/plate that screws to the head, and an XR400 cable, together with the new clutch perch - what do you think? Jenny xx

Hi everyone - just wanted to introduce myself and share with you my latest toy - yes, after months of Ebay scouring, I have finally bought myself a TLR200! Of all the Honda trials bikes, I always liked the proportions of the TLR best... and having looked at various TLs, RTLs, RSs and all manner of hybrids (some very nicely done, I have to say), I decided to concentrate on finding a decent (road registered) TLR, and have been waiting patiently for the 'right one' to come along... From what I can gather from the documents, it was originally an import (presumably from Japan) in 1986 - so one of the last ones? It is registered, but currently has no MOT or tax, so that is something I want to get sorted asap - just on a day-time MOT for now... I must say, buying a bike off the internet, sight unseen was a bit nerve-wracking, but it turned out to be a pretty nice example, sympathetically restored, with little signs of serious use/abuse... and came with most of the original bits fitted, plus a box of all the road lighting kit & loom, should I wish to get a full MOT for it... However, it is my intention to keep it dead simple, and use it for pottering around the trails in North Wales, plus I fancy entering the odd [appropriate] trial too! The previous owner said the engine was stripped and rebuilt about 5 years ago, and I must say, it started first kick and seems to run very sweetly, especially for a bike that has been stored and not used much it seems. I'd be pleased for any advice on this bike - at the moment it is pretty stock, other than a powder coated frame and fork legs, and decent paint on the tank/bodywork. Wheel bearings seem A1, chain and sprockets are in good condition, and the brakes seem to work well (as well as drums can be expected to I guess), while the cables all seem to be in good condition too. The wheels do have a few scratches and blistering of the anodising, but they are not so bad... tyres looked good initially, but will need replacing as the rear has a split and the front is cracking, which is a shame as it's not something I'd factored into the deal... I've decided to give the Pirelli MT43s a go... It still has the original gear-lever linkage, which I like, and I don't intend to reposition the footrests or anything like that - although I will try and modify a pair of Pivot-Pegz I have in the workshop to fit, as the stock footrests are indeed tiny as everyone says. The fork legs look to be in very good condition, although it seems one of the seals is leaking. My bike is 1986 model, with the air-assisted forks - any advice on these [pressures, fork oil weight and level etc) would be appreciated. Is it a simple job to replace the seals yourself, or is it better to get someone who knows their onions [and has any special tools] to do it? The stock exhaust has signs of rust, and does actually have a hole in it, so I'm planning on replacing it with on of the Delkevic ones from Trails-Direct.com - they seem to be the one people recommend? I've already fitted some Renthal 6" Trials bars I had lying around, and all the other controls look to be in good (and original) condition... the previous owner had left off the decompressor [cable/lever] after the engine rebuild - and I'll probably re-fit this at some point - I'm considering using a Honda CRF style clutch perch with the hot-start lever to activate the decompressor (I have the same set-up on my XR400). I know Ebay seems to be the place to get spares/service items - but if anyone can recommend a good supplier for parts (either mail-order or on-line) that would be most helpful too! It came with the original handbook, although a few [vital] pages are missing and I don't have the specifications etc. so I'd be interested in finding a decent workshop manual - again, recommendations would be appreciated! Many thanks, and hope to see you guys out there somewhere! Jenny xx