HONDA SL 70 (1970-1973) Specs, Performance & Photos

The Honda SL 70 was a small street/trail motorcycle powered by a four-stroke engine coupled to a four-speed manual transmission placed in a full-cradle steel frame. The bike was introduced in 1970 and continued production for only four years until 1973 when it was replaced by the Honda XR75.

At the time, the motorcycle was popular among young riders who rode it as an off-road/trail bike and mini motocrosser. Most manufactured models were sent to the American market but were not officially sold in the UK.

The first model produced was designated the SL70K), in 1971 SL70K1, 1972 SL70K2, and 1973 SL70K3. Over its production time, the bike remained unchanged, except for adding a speedometer and different color schemes.

In 1970, the Japanese motorcycle manufacturer introduced the Honda SL 70, a small displacement motorcycle with only one main competition model, the Yamaha Mini Enduro 60.

In the aesthetic department, the bike had features such as a high-mounted front fender, a round headlight, a single seat, a side stand, side-mounted shock absorbers, a black-finished frame, and wire-spoke wheels.

For suspension, the motorcycle packed a telescopic fork on the front and dual shocks on the rear, while the braking power was handled by drum braking units both front and rear.

The 1970 Honda SL 70 had its heartbeat set by a 72cc four-stroke single-cylinder air-cooled engine that delivered an output power of 7 hp with a peak force at 9,500 rpm.