Honda is, without a doubt, one of the most relevant brands in the history of Trial. Traditionally we associate its classic models with 4-stroke engines, probably due to the great popularity of motorcycles such as the TLR, but there was a time when the Japanese brand also opted for engines with mixed gasoline.
TAKUMI NARITA REPLICA
Takumi Narita has been one of the most emblematic Japanese trial riders. His particular riding style and impeccable technique made him a major world player in the 1990s, winning the Japanese national title in 1989 and 1994. His best result in the World Championship was a fifth place also in 1994, at the controls of a Beta Techno.
The first Honda TLMs were built in 1987, starting from more basic displacements, namely 200, 220 and 240. Their approach was more road-oriented and not so close to the demands of a racing bike. This transition was consolidated in 1990 with the arrival of a 260 engine that this time had the foundations to turn the Honda TLM into a winning bike.
HONDA TLM 260R RESTORATION PROCESS
This Honda TLM 260R came to the controls of Marino with a very special order. We had to leave the bike absolutely perfect, using only original components and taking care of every detail at the highest level.
Each nut and washer was disassembled, chroming countless small and large parts to later begin an assembly process with exquisite rigor and precision.
Marino insists that it is a restoration that this Honda TLM has received, not a preparation. This 260R is already a competitive and efficient motorcycle of strict series, so taking advantage of the rebuilding process, where countless components have been renewed, the improvement was going to be remarkable in itself.
On a technical level, what has been improved is the exhaust system inside and gas flow.
POST-TRIAL CLASSICS
This Honda TLM 260R is part of what we popularly know as
post-classic trial bikes
. These are bikes that already have a rear monoshock and disc brakes, but maintain air cooling. As contemporaneous bikes we have the Yamaha TY, the Beta TR34 or the Gas Gas Halley that we already brought together in this
test of post-classic trial bikes
.
The Honda TLM 260R is a noble and intuitive bike. It doesn’t stand out for a great response, but for its sweetness and the great inertia of its mechanics. This makes it an easy-to-ride, fun and predictable bike. He rides well riding and enjoying his poise.
It is curious how Honda, even in its 2T models, which could be characterized by being very nervous or electric, inherit the mood and elasticity of a 4-stroke mechanical, their great passion.
Therefore, the Honda TLM is a different and very exclusive bike, with all the incentives to enjoy the classic trial with technical virtues such as disc brakes or a better damping system compared to a classic motorcycle, something that is appreciated in the area.
Marino is the true father of this project, in which time and a lot of effort have been invested, not only technically, but also to get the original parts of the bike, which have arrived from various parts of the world after a lot of research.
Therefore, from here, we want to give the good to the trainer and future owner of this jewel that wears very particular colours of Rothmans, an iconic sponsor of Honda throughout this decade so relevant and productive for our sport.
Restoration by Marino Racing.
