Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/126268
(Continu ed from pag e 18) deep stream with the best of the special enduro machines. Weight d ismiburion gives the MR175 a nice light handling feel that , when controlled by proper rider weight shifting, makes the bike a nimble machine in tight woods sections, Our first experience with the MR consisted of simply taking off through the bushes off the beaten trail, putting the head down and plowing through the branches and wait -a -minute vines in ou r southeastern woodlands. For tight, moderate speed ,work , the Honda is very hard to fault. It wasn't until we got out in the open, Wicked it up and hit some un dulating whoops that we discovered its short-travel-suspension limitations. We didn't enter this test bike in an y endures, but an earlier machine -- an MR250 -- did see some enduro duty, and the stock speedometer performed perfectly in _ per a tion with our coo timekeeping attempts. Also standard is a good muffler and spark arrestor. The MR is a comfortable machine for pleasure riding. As you've certainly gathered by now, it's not in its element when being pushed hard in high speed sections. But when not expected ' to operate beyond its limits , the bars, footpegs , seat, suspension and all keep comfon at a reasonable level. Like most of its Japanese counterpans, the Honda is not a glutton for mechanical attention. A washdown, a squin of chain spray and a freshly cleaned and oiled air filter element will keep the little MR happy and performing for hours of pleasant trail riding. With its docile nature , sensible wheel/tire combination , the approved spark arrestor and high level air intake, the MR175 is a pretty good bike. Now, if they'd only update that suspension... • E • '~ t (Above! The headlight is small and neat the taillight is even better. mounted in rubber. (Above right) Front hub and brake work fine; leading axle forks could use some more travel. (Right! The nearly vertical shocks are also behbd the times; spark arrestor/muffler is quiet and effective. Honda MR175 Specifications Engine -' • ....... •....•... .. • • Single cylinder, two-stroke Displacement ... .... ......•.....••... •. • •....•........ : ..•. 171cc Bore X stroke .••. •.. ... .. .. ...•.. .........•.. •.. •.. 66mm X 50mm Compression ratio .. ...•.•. • •...•.. ••. .. •. : •. •..• •... ••.•.•.• 6.8:1 Transmission •.••.•................. ...... •...•.. .....•... 50speed Fuel capacity • •.•.••..... ... : ..... .. .. .. .......•........... 2.9 gal. TIres, fr/rr . .. .. . . . . .....•.................... 3.00-21/3.50-18 knobby Wheelbase •....... • •. •.••. •. •• • • ••..•.• •... ••.•. • . . • •... • • 53.7 in. Dry weight (claimed!• .. .• . . ; . • •• •.•• •..•. •..•.• •.•.• • •••.• •• 204 lb. Suggested re~i1 price . . .. •..• •..... •.•. ...• .... •.. : ... ......•1043 The MR175's air intake system Is very effective. Included are a foam element over a sturdy metal cage and a rear- facing "pariscope" rubber Intake snoot. Drainage is 'accom plished by 'a one-way'valve in the bottom of the box. The system could be improved by substituting plastic for the metal box construction. 20