1974 HONDA XL100

Rare Original Factory Candy Topaz Paint

Mint With Only 3,344 Original Miles

An Exceptional Survivor, Fully Serviced, Tuned & Detailed

Finding an exceptionally well-preserved early Honda XL in this level of original condition is becoming extremely rare. This motorcycle retains its original factory paint, original tank graphics, original side panels, original seat cover, original turn signals, original tail light, original exhaust system, original controls, original cables, original sprockets, original chain guard, original hardware and even its original tires.

Rather than performing a full restoration and erasing its history, our goal with this motorcycle was preservation. We carefully serviced, cleaned, detailed and cosmetically refreshed the areas that needed attention while retaining as much factory originality as possible.

The result is a remarkable 52-year-old Honda that looks fantastic, runs beautifully and still displays the character and authenticity collectors look for.

ONLY 3,344 ORIGINAL MILES

The condition of this motorcycle strongly reflects its extremely low mileage.

It does not appear to have lived the hard off-road life that so many XL-series Hondas experienced. The foot pegs are straight, the original exhaust is remarkably Clean, the bodywork remains excellent, and many components that were commonly damaged or replaced decades ago remain original.

The original VIN identification tag is still mounted on the steering head and shows a March 1974 production date.

There is even an old 1981 inspection sticker still present on the rear fender — another great piece of this motorcycle's history.

ORIGINAL FACTORY PAINT & BODYWORK

One of the most desirable characteristics of this XL100 is its surviving original finish.

The fuel tank retains its:

• Original Honda factory paint

• Original black graphics

• Original factory decals

• Original period-correct finish

The original plastic side panels remain intact. These panels frequently become brittle, crack or break during removal after decades of use, making an original surviving pair increasingly difficult to find.

The original front fender also remains with the motorcycle. It has some scratches and age-related patina, which we intentionally preserved rather than repainting.

In our opinion, honest original finish is far more desirable on a motorcycle like this than freshly restored bodywork.

The original seat cover remains intact as well.

ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM

The factory exhaust system is still on the motorcycle.

That is significant.

Early trail-bike exhaust systems frequently suffered from rust, dents, trail damage and corrosion — particularly on the underside.

This original system is exceptionally well preserved with no major dents, no serious damage and no rust-through.

The exhaust was carefully removed and cosmetically preserved. The heat shields were removed, the system was cleaned and refinished, and then everything was properly reassembled.

Finding an original 1974 XL100 exhaust in this condition is extremely uncommon.

ENGINE CONDITION

Before beginning the preservation work, our service department performed a borescope inspection of the cylinder.

The cylinder showed extremely well internally with cross hatching still visible on the cylinder walls.

Compression tested at 125 PSI.

The engine runs extremely well and performs exactly as you would expect from a properly serviced, low-mileage Honda single-cylinder four-stroke.

These small Honda engines earned a legendary reputation for simplicity, durability and reliability, and this one is an excellent example.

The external engine surfaces were also carefully cosmetically preserved.

The aluminum engine cover on one side was polished to an almost chrome-like appearance. Painted engine covers were refinished in the proper original-style color, while the raw aluminum crankcases were carefully treated and polished without attempting to make them look unnaturally restored.

COMPLETE MECHANICAL SERVICE

Our service department went through the motorcycle thoroughly to make it dependable and turnkey for its next owner.

Work performed included:

• Fuel tank cleaned internally

• New fuel petcock assembly

• New fuel lines

• New fuel drain lines

• Carburetor rebuilt

• New float assembly

• New needle and seat

• New float bowl gaskets

• New intake O-ring

• New air filter

• New spark plug

• New battery

• Fresh Spectro 10W-40 engine oil

• Complete major tune-up

• Fuel system serviced

• Braking system serviced

• Forks serviced

• New fork seals

• Fresh fork oil

• New drive chain

The motorcycle now starts, runs and operates beautifully.

FRONT SUSPENSION & WHEEL RESTORATION

The front wheel was removed during servicing.

The hub was carefully vapor honed, aluminum surfaces were polished and the spokes and chrome components were thoroughly cleaned.

The front forks were restored using a multi-stage sanding and polishing process.

They also received:

• New fork seals

• Fresh fork oil

• New fork boots

The result is a front end that presents beautifully while still complementing the motorcycle's original condition.

REAR WHEEL & BRAKE SERVICE

The rear wheel was also removed.

The rear hub was vapor honed, the spokes and chrome were cleaned and the brake assembly was serviced.

The brake shoes were inspected and prepared, and the brake backing plate was polished.

A new gold drive chain was installed while retaining the original sprocket.

The original chain guard remains intact.

Even the original swingarm chain guide and lower chain protector are still present and in excellent condition.

CAREFUL COSMETIC PRESERVATION

Certain chassis components were refinished where necessary to preserve the motorcycle while maintaining its largely original appearance.

These included:

• Foot pegs

• Rear brake lever

• Frame down tubes

• Swingarm

• Kickstand

• Exhaust system

Special care was taken to preserve original factory markings and decals.

The original frame decal on the rear down tube was retained rather than painted over or removed.

The motorcycle even retains its original helmet holder information sticker.

INCREDIBLE ORIGINAL COMPONENTS

This motorcycle still retains an extraordinary number of original 1974 components, including:

• Original factory paint

• Original fuel tank

• Original tank decals

• Original side covers

• Original front fender

• Original seat cover

• Original exhaust system

• Original turn signals

• Original tail light

• Original ignition

• Original levers

• Original front brake cable

• Original clutch cable

• Original sprocket

• Original chain guard

• Original chain guides

• Original reflectors

• Original hardware

• Original wheels

• Original tires

• Original brake components

It is very difficult to find another XL100 that has survived more than five decades with this much of its factory equipment still intact.

30 HOURS OF PROFESSIONAL LABOR

This was not simply washed and listed for sale.

Approximately 30 total hours were invested into mechanically servicing, preserving and detailing this motorcycle.

Service Department:

12 Hours

Detail / Preservation Department:

17 Hours

Final Inspection & Oversight:

Approximately 1 Hour

At our current shop labor rate of $150 per hour, labor alone represents approximately:

$4,500

Approximately another:

$300 in new parts

were installed.

TOTAL WORK ORDER VALUE $4,800

The goal was to produce a motorcycle that retains the originality collectors want while also being properly serviced and ready to enjoy.

CLASSIC HONDA DUAL-SPORT CHARACTER

The XL100 occupies a great place in Honda's early dual-sport lineup.

Unlike the smaller machines that felt closer to youth or three-quarter-size motorcycles, the XL100 gave riders the proportions and appearance of a full-size motorcycle while retaining the lightweight simplicity and charm of a small-displacement Honda.

Its compact four-stroke single-cylinder engine, light weight, upright riding position and classic steel construction make it a wonderfully enjoyable vintage motorcycle.

The beautifully shaped orange-and-black fuel tank is reminiscent of Honda's legendary early-'70s off-road machines and gives the XL100 unmistakable period character.

RIDE IT OR COLLECT IT

This motorcycle would be equally at home:

• In a serious vintage Honda collection

• At motorcycle shows

• At vintage motorcycle events

• Around a campground

• At the beach

• Around town

• As an occasional commuter

• On display in a motorcycle room or museum

It is small enough to be approachable and easy to ride, yet substantial enough to feel like a real motorcycle.

Most importantly, it is turnkey and properly serviced.

You can preserve it as an investment-quality survivor or enjoy it exactly as Honda intended.

A REMARKABLE ORIGINAL SURVIVOR

There are restored motorcycles, and then there are genuinely original survivors.

This XL100 is the latter.

With only 3,344 original miles, its original paint, original exhaust, original components and extensive professional preservation work, this motorcycle represents the kind of machine that becomes harder to find with every passing year.

If you've been searching for an early Honda XL with outstanding originality rather than a completely recreated restoration, this is one worth serious consideration.

SHIPPING AVAILABLE

We can arrange licensed, insured, enclosed transportation directly to your door anywhere in the continental United States.

FINANCING AVAILABLE

Financing options are available through Kaplan Cycles.

Please contact us with any questions or to discuss purchasing, financing or shipping arrangements.

1974 Honda XL100
3,344 Original Miles
Original Factory Paint
Original Exhaust
Extensive Original Equipment
Approximately $4,800 Invested in Professional Service & Preservation

A truly special piece of Honda history.

Thanks for looking, and God Bless America.

Vin - XL100-1024599

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WHY SHOULD YOU BUY FROM KAPLAN? WHAT DO YOU GET?

“You are buying from the Kaplan Cycles Family. We are not just another big auction house. We are family-owned and operated and have been buying, servicing, and selling motorcycles since 1975. You will work directly with Ken Jr., Ken Sr., and/or one of the 30+ experts on our team. We provide museum-quality, white-glove concierge service from start to finish. Every motorcycle we sell is inspected, serviced, and supported by our team, and we stand behind it after the sale. You’re not on your own — we back what we build and what we sell.

With over 17,000 units sold and still 100% positive feedback, we are the best stress-free buying experience you can have. From the first call to delivery at your door, we will handle it all — because vintage motorcycles deserve support, and so do you.

With every bike we curate you get:
• museum-level inspection & preservation services
• every machine is professionally evaluated, serviced, & rotisserie detailed
• all critical systems are checked, adjusted, or renewed
• you get professional setup, tuning, and delivery prep
• done by the best experts in the industry — we ride and restore every day
• you get post-sale phone support
• you get white-glove, insured, always-enclosed shipping to your door anywhere in the country

You’re buying from Kaplan Cycles at the New England Motorcycle Museum, one of the largest vintage motorcycle collections in North America. Free museum tours and tickets are included with every bike sold. With every bike you purchase, a portion of the proceeds is used to support, continue, and improve the 501(c)(3) nonprofit New England Motorcycle Museum.

You don’t just win an auction — YOU are creating & helping to preserve motorcycle history, and you become part of our family, a Kaplan Cycles client for life.

We do not take new clients off the street.
We do not service bikes purchased elsewhere.
We only take new exclusive clients who purchase a motorcycle from us.

You get a guided purchase experience with, and from, the experts who care about the bike as much as you do. If there’s a problem, you don’t get ghosted. You call us — you will have our cell phone numbers — we will answer your call on weekends, and we will help make it right.

Auction platforms = listing only. No support. No accountability.

Kaplan Cycles = we stand behind what we sell.

You are buying museum-curated provenance. That means:
• expert evaluation
• documented condition
• professional presentation
• long-term preservation mindset

You’re not just buying a motorcycle — you’re buying a curated piece of motorcycling history.

From the #1 family in this business — Kaplan Cycles & the New England Motorcycle Museum.

Sincerely,

Ken Kaplan Sr.
12/28/2025”

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AUCTION TERMS:

All motorcycles & vehicles are sold as-is where-is.

Kaplan Cycles guarantees all motorcycles are as-described. Please read the entire description and watch the entire video before bidding.

A non-refundable deposit is due immediately on purchase. PayPal or Credit Card is accepted for the deposit.

Cash (In-Person), Card (+3% fee), or Wire Transfer are our only accepted forms of final payment.

Full payment must be made within 7 days of auction close.

Your motorcycle must be picked up within 30 days of auction close. 

Exceptions are made only for international buyers OR buyers who have ALREADY made transport arrangements with a third party.

If a motorcycle is purchased and left here for longer than 30 days without written permission from Kaplan Cycles it will be resold. In the case of a re-sale, the owner will be entitled to a refund less storage fees ($25/ day beginning 30 days from auction close) ONLY if the motorcycle was paid in full on-time within the auction terms.

We always describe our motorcycles as accurately as possible.

You are purchasing a classic motorcycle. Even in cases where a bike may be in good running/ operating condition, new problems & idiosyncrasies can arise over-time from sitting or regular use.

If you have an issue with the motorcycle you’ve received, contact us within 24 hours of delivery and before leaving feedback so that we can address your concerns.

It is important you have at least a basic mechanical knowledge before purchasing and operating a classic motorcycle.

Due to our backlog, we cannot perform any additional service work or modifications on your motorcycle after the sale (ie; adding a light kit, different tires, etc.)

We respond quickly between the hours of 9am and 5pm EST, Monday - Friday

For our fastest service please call Ken Kaplan Jr directly at 860-471-0192

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We will not charge out-of-state buyers sales tax.
Out of state residents will pay sales tax with their DMV. 

We are not a registering dealership. You will receive only the documents required to register your vehicle in your state.

In our listings, title status is always listed directly below the main description.

In some cases we will sell motorcycles without title or registration. In these cases we guarantee all motorcycles sold are free and clear. We will always provide a route to obtaining title. Generally in these cases, the motorcycle will be sold at a discount to accommodate expenses involved.

Documents are mailed via USPS priority mail with a tracking number. Please allow up to 14 days after payment in full for your documents to be processed and mailed.

Keys will be shipped with the motorcycle.

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Warranty:

All Motorcycles sold "as is, where is" and Kaplan Cycles does not warranty any motorcycle sold. No express warranty and/or implied warranty are made by Kaplan Cycles. No statements by us give an implied warranty.

SHIPPING:

SEND US YOUR ZIP FOR A SHIPPING QUOTE!
WE WILL MAKE ALL ARRANGEMENTS!

We have the best shipping contacts in the nation who will provide the FASTEST transport times, have a perfect track record, and are always insured and ENCLOSED! All motorcycles are shipped WHOLE (roll-on, roll-off). We do not offer a pallet or crate service.

International shipping specialist contacts are available! They will assist in ground freight, customs clearance, and ocean freight to your country. International buyers will be required to work directly with our third party shipping contacts.

We strongly recommend you insure your motorcycle at the time of purchase.

PICKUP:

We require a 24 hour notice prior to pick-up. Please call us at 860-454-7024 during office hours Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm EST.

We will provide ramps, a dock for loading, and assistance to load for free.