Honda XL185 & XL185S Motorcycles

1979 XL185’79

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES	N/A
DIMENSION	N/A
OTHER
Color	Tahitian Red

• The gas tank and side cover stripes were black, gray, and yellow
• The bike had a one-piece rectangular instrument pod
• The shock springs and kickstarter arm were chrome
• The frame was black
• The serial number began XL185S-5001103.

1980 XL185’80

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES	N/A
DIMENSION	N/A
OTHER
Color	Helios Red

• The gas tank and side cover stripes were white, yellow, and orange
• The “HONDA” tank decal was red with a white outline
• The bike had a round speedometer unit
• The shock springs and kickstarter arm were black
• The frame was black
• The serial number began MD02-5000003.

1981 XL185’81

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES	N/A
DIMENSION	N/A
OTHER
Color	1981 in one color: Monza Red with Black

• The gas tank was a two-tone: Red and Black
• The “HONDA” tank decal was black
• The “XL185S” side cover decal was red and white on a black panel
• The shock springs and kickstarter arm were black
• The bike had a round speedometer unit
• The frame was black
• The serial number began JH2MD0203BK200002.

1982 XL185’82

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES	N/A
DIMENSION	N/A
OTHER
Color	Monza Red

• The gas tank top stripe was black
• The “185S” side cover decal was white and red on a black panel
• The frame was red
• The seat was black with a white “XL” logo on the side
• The shock springs and kickstarter arm were black
• The bike had a round speedometer unit
• The serial number began JH2MD020*CK300003.

1983 Honda XL185S’83 (XL185SL’83 in California)

 

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES	N/A
DIMENSION	N/A
OTHER

• This was the last year for the XL185 series in the USA, but continued in Canada and elsewhere
• One color was available: Monza Red
• The “185” side cover decal was white
• The side cover panels were black
• The speedometer was round (unlike the rectangular model in 1979)
• The shock springs and kickstarter arm were black
• The seat was black with a white “XL” logo
• The frame was red
• The California serial number began JH2MD0203DK400003 while the rest of the US models began JH2MD0204DK400003.

1984 XL185S’84

Engine
Engine Type	OHC single cylinder
Displacement	180cc
Ignition	CD
DRIVETRAIN
Transmission	5-speed
CHASSIS / SUSPENSION / BRAKES
Front Suspension	Air-assisted fork
Front wheel travel	200mm (7.9 in.)
Rear wheel travel	165mm (6.5 in.)
DIMENSION
Wheelbase	1310mm (51.6 in.)
Dry weight	105.5 kg (232.5 lb)
Seat height	820mm (32.3 in.)
OTHER

The serial number began JH2MD0204EK400003.

XL185  Image Gallery