The early 1970s witnessed a flurry of development in off-road and dual-purpose bikes that is still without peer for its diversity and excellence in execution.
Two-stroke European motorcycles were often a dominant force in racing at this time, and although Honda had achieved some success with the SL-350, a dual-purpose variant of the venerable road-going CB350 twin, dealers and consumers alike were begging for a purpose-built Honda dirt bike.
Honda delivered with the 1972 XL250 Motosport, a single-cylinder with a trick four-valve head, upswept exhaust system and a serious off-road chassis.
Today the 1978 HONDA XL250 it has full classic status especially in North America, where it was hugely popular.