Honda SL 350

Make Model	Honda SL 350
Year	1970 -
Engine	Four stroke, twin cylinder SOHC, 2 valve per cylinder
Capacity	326 cc / 19.8 cu-in
Bore x Stroke	64 x 50.6 mm
Cooling System	Air cooled
Compression Ratio	9.5;1
Induction	2x 32mm Keihin carburetor
Ignition	Battery & coil
Starting	Kick
Max Power	33 hp / 24.4 kW @ 9500 rpm
Max Torque	26.4 Nm / 19.5 ft.lbs @ 8000 rpm
Clutch	Wet sump
Transmission	5 Speed
Final Drive	Chain
Front Suspension	Telescopic forks
Rear Suspension	Dual shocks
Front Brakes	Drum
Rear Brakes	Drum
Front Tyre	3.25 -19
Rear Tyre	4.00 -18
Dey Weight	145 kg / 3201bS
Fuel Capacity	9 Litres / 2.4 US gal
Road Test	Cycle World 1969

Rarely seen in Europe but a favourite with o '-readers in the USA, Honda's 350 trail uiKe was developed over several years
oiiowing its 1969 launch. In 1971 a writer "'American Cycle was so impressed that
,e wrote,

The SL is the most subtly
finished off-road bike on the market. It has a tight, elegant appearance that creates an aura of quiet mastery and command.' All this from a 320lb motor cycle painted metallic gold and silver...

In the early 1970s the SL350's engine was modified to give more torque, mainly by altering the valve timing: gains here more than compensated for a peak power drop from the 32bhp quoted for earlier models. Other practical changes concerned handling, which was improved by a 1 inch increase in trail, to 4.5 inches, and by lengthening the wheelbase 3 inches to 55 inches.

The rebound damping rate was stepped up, and filling the damping cylinders in the front fork was improved by incorporating three ball valves under the pistons in the fork legs.
A seat comfortable even by roadster standards, and extraordinary in the spartan world of trail bikes, added to the high reputation of the SL and helped to further the popularity of off-roaders in general for dual use.