tlpaul

A fellow trials rider (a very competant one!) has a TY200 Majesty. Although the bike goes OK (he is also a good mechanic), he feels the standard airbox is limiting the performance. He has fabricated a replacement, but still thinks the airflow is stifled. Someone suggested fitting a 'boost box' (possibly from a DT175) Has anyone any experience of this? Thanks

I've found out that they were made by a guy called Mick Whitlock in Hampshire. Frame is from Reynolds 531 tubing. Thats about it! There was significant piston rattle in mine, investigation proved it was already 1mm oversize, so have put on a 200cc conversion. You can buy an exchange head bored to 200cc + piston etc. for about

Hi there Marky G - As TLR's go that one looks pretty original, even has the speedo and some white left on the sidepanels! Gaff - Agree with your choices, always like the look of the Ossa's, and the first trials bike I rode was an original Tiger Cub Trials. Lovely little bike but I'm told they need constant 'fettling'; which is why I prefer Jap stuff! For fear of sounding like an anorak, differences in TLR200E & Reflex, Basically the same bike but: TLR200E, made from 83 to 85, Red/White/Blue, sold in Japan (not sure if ever officially imported to UK) They had gold anodised alloy rims, with decent forks. Rectangular headlamp unit. TLR200Reflex, made from 86 to 87 (I think) for the american market. Mainly White with dark blue/red 'flashes' down tank and sidepanels. They had chromed steel rims, with THINNER forks. Round headlamp unit. Basically the Reflex was a cheapened up trail version, though probably still adequate for green laning. The motors were identical as far as I know, producing a neck wrenching 12hp. I've seen some Jap imports with a one piece tank/seat unit, which looked good. I'm also told the TLR250 Tank/Seat will fit straight on, if you wanted to trial it. There is a Guy in France selling TLR250 replica tank and seat, but it ain't cheap. If you want it for Green Laning, have you thought about a Serow/Sherpa/Beta Alp/XR250 ? Hope this helps. Keep me posted! Cheers Paul

Sounds interesting Gaff, personally i wouldn't have the determination to finish a project like that, but good luck if it happens. T'Shock 250, I agree that the TLR250 is a great bike, the traction is (even from a novice point of veiw) remarkable, and the build quality...well...its a Honda, your'e preaching to the converted. Also (not that its important) I think its one of the sexiest looking bikes around. I didn't have mine long, it was not the best example and someone made me a good offer. Also I wanted the money to buy a TL250, which is in almost showroom condition. Something had to go! Gearbox on mine was a bit hit and miss so I was never quite sure if I ever actually got into 6th, which may account for the lack of road speed. It climbed just about any hill in just about any gear. An impressive Machine, but (from what I've heard) an engine which needs regular TLC. I don't think Honda could afford to make such high quality bikes today, would be too expensive. And yes, they are a good investment, probably better return than any bloody pension! If I had the money and space my collection would include: TL125K2 TL250 TLR200E (not Reflex) TLR250F TLR250R (Yes Gaff I'd like one for the novelty!) XL250 Motorsport TL50 (for the wife to learn on!) RTL250 (Don't know too much about these but like the girly pink one!) SEROW or SHERPA (Kawa not Bultaco) Now where's that lottery ticket?

You obviously didn't buy the TLR250R then! Like you i've been toying with the idea of getting a TLR200 for long distance trials for some time, get quite excited about the prospect then I get on one and change my mind! Its happened several times. Seems to be one of those bikes that everyone wants but no-one ever has anything really good to say about them. I'm interested for someone to correct me if I'm wrong. The problem is, that if you want a trials 'biassed' trail bike there is very little choice if you want a four stroke twinshock. The TLR250F (thats the red/white/blue) twinshock is really a dedicated trials bike; I had one and the gearing just wasn't suitable for green laning, unless you are masochistic. Also they have a relatively delicate engine (bore is out to its max) they get hot with clutch problems (I could go on!) Great bike, but 200 is more of a plodder for green lanes. Only about 12 hp so don't expect too much. Spares for 200 is a bit hit and miss, Dave Silver should get most consumables. Other options? Serow or Beta Alp, though I've ridden neither. Cheers

Mine is also being converted to 200cc, the existing piston was already +1mm so could not be rebored. There is a guy who offers exchange barrels bored to 200cc with jetski piston as a kit. The welding on the frame is a work of art, but they must have given the exhaust to the apprentice! This looks like a standard system but has a short piece welded in just before the first silencer, presumably the wheelbase is longer. Thanks for your replies. If anyone comes up with more info please post. Paul

Hello I have recently acquired a TY175 with a Whitehawk frame. Apart from the tank decel it appears totally original including the one piece tank/seat unit embossed with a 'W', Thing is, I'd like to know a bit about 'Whitehawk', as in who/where/when etc. All I have seen is a posted pic from the original brochure. Any 'enlightenment' would be appreciated. Thanks Paul

Hi Gaff Not so much south, i'm in that no mans land between south and midlands, called Gloucestershire! I've only done a few trials with the local 'classic' club, hoping to do a few more this year when my Whitehawk comes back from its engine rebuild. My TL's are minters so i'm reluctant to risk dropping them in a trial (waits for chorus of disapproval!.........) Was hoping to do the long distance trial around Stroud in late February, and planned to get a TLR200 for that, but havent found a decent one yet. That was my reason for loking at the TLR250R (I have a manual for the TLR200...but no bike!) Cheers

Yes, I called in to BAT before Christmas, they have a TLR250R there for

Hello Gaff The bike I tried was auctioned on Ebay a couple of weeks ago. Nice guy from Derby selling it, I think it went for about

I tried one of these a few days ago (maybe the same bike!) Nice bike, but I wholeheartedly agree, absolutely NOT a trials bike. Ideal for long distance 'hare & hounds' type stuff, bags of torque, unusual and in my opinion quite pretty. Nice touch is replaceable oil filter, shame they didn't think about that on the Twin Shock TLR250F which has woefully inadequate oil capacity. Why didn't I buy? Because the motor is totally specific to that model, none of your usual Honda commonality with other models. Only ever sold in Japan, so no manuals or parts list unless you are lucky enough to have an interpreter. I'm sure its possible to get parts, but its not going to be easy. Being a Honda it shouldn't need much, but drop it and break it at your peril! Good Luck Paul