Honda CL175K Specifications

• Also known as the 175 Scrambler, the 1972 Honda CL175K was marketed as a motorcycle appropriate for city, highway or off-road riding with rugged styling but easy to ride. Riders were promised plenty of power with a light frame without sacrificing handling or the safety features of larger, cruiser models.

Engine and Transmission

• The engine on the 1972 Honda CL175K was a four-stroke, twin-cylinder, OHC motor with a capacity of 174 cc. It was air cooled and made from an aluminum alloy that was designed to shed heat quickly. It was mounted a 30-degree incline and had a bore and stroke measurement of 52 mm by 41 mm. The engine featured a 9:1 compression ratio and had two 22-mm carburetors. Its lubrication was handled by a 1.5-liter wet sump featuring a plunger pump and dual filters. It had a five-speed transmission with a chain for the final drive. The clutch was a wet multi-plate model and was controlled with a left-hand lever.

Dimensions and Frame

• The 1972 Honda CL175K was 78 inches tall and 32 inches wide and had a seat height of 43 inches at its lowest setting. Its curb weight including necessary fluids was 273 lbs., giving it light weight for the power of the engine. It had a wheelbase of 50.8 inches and a maximum ground clearance of 7.8 inches.

  The frame of the motorcycle was a semi-double cradle made from tubular-pressed steel. Both front and rear brakes were leading-shoe expanding drum brakes, which went on tires with standard sizes of 2.75 to 18 on the front and 3.25 to 18 on the back. The rake of the front suspension was 64 degrees while it had a trail of 3.5 inches. The braking and suspension system allowed the bike to stop within 36 feet from a speed of 31 mph.

Performance

• The maximum speed of the 1972 Honda CL175K was advertised by the company at 81 mph, with a cruising speed of 60 to 70 mph and the ability to cover one-quarter mile from a standing start in 16.5 seconds. It had a maximum torque of 10.8 foot-pounds at 8,500 rpm, while the engine was capable of producing 20 horsepower at 10,000 rpm. The engine was rated for a maximum rev limit of 10,500 rpm.

  The gas tank had a 2.4-gallon limit and was advertised to average 118 miles per gallon while traveling 25 mph. There was also a reserve fuel tank with a capacity of 0.4 gallons which could be used as a back-up fuel supply.