Hi All,
I've got a TLR-like frame, without a swingarm on the way and access to a really cheap xr200 with some 'tranny problems'. My goal is to cobble together something similar to what the TLR should be using what parts I have laying around (which is alot).
This thing will be a real frankenbike (see my old Honda XRL) and it probably won't be pretty the first time around.
Here is what is planned:
Frame- '79 XL185- I know it isn't exactly the same but from what I can tell the geometry is very similar. I can always change the steering head angle later on if it needs it. Serious weight reduction on the frame will be required.

Motor- '95 XR200R

Front Wheel: 21" Excel with Disk

Front Forks: crf230 possibly- will use the xr200 front end until I get the newer forks with disk sorted

Rear wheel: I've got a cr125 rear wheel w/disk brake and 18" excel but one of my friends has dibs on it, if he doesn't use it by the time I need it I am taking it over.

I'll probably just throw on whatever smallish gas tank I have at first but I want to make a composite tank/body/seat like the RS200.

This is where I need help from the TLR owners out there. Since my frame doesn't have a swingarm I don't know exactly what swingarm I should use. I have access to about a dozen old twinshock dirtbike swingarms but more than likely none will be as short as the TLR and I'll have to shorten one. Can someone give me the length measurement of the stock TLR swinger from pivot center to axle center?
I also need the length of the shocks eye to eye and the front forks.
Thanks for your help,
DD

Here's the frame I just bought:

so many tabs and useless metal to cut off! My angle grinder and I will become best friends again!

very complicated,if you lived in the states id sell you my reflex.but anyways match the stock steering head angle of the tlr and steepen it about 1 degree this is important next,match the stock peg placement and back 1/2 inch towards the rear wheel,the motor i suggest a heavier flywheel but your on your own on that ,but try to get the smallest counter sprocket possible and go from there,suspension,this is the last thing youll do push on the seat or center of bike.rule of thumb the fork and shocks should compress in unison! good luck and check out b&j racing.com, the length of the shocks are 15 1/2 inches hard to find this where b&j comes in or e- bay reflex shocks are very tall also i will get you an axle to axle wheelbase once you dial in the head angle!this will determine your length of swing arm. frame geometry is crucial for a trials, i live for this kind of shit,also try to match the ground clearance as well,my bikes at my dads so i cant measure stuff for you right away,also the tlr exhaust is another issue,try to get the stock one to fit,trials exhausts are built wierd for a reason

Thank you for the info. I know it is really complicated and it would be easier to just buy a Reflex and mod from there but I enjoy difficult projects. I've read everything I can find on the net for modifying twin shockers and a couple of years ago I attempted to put together a TL250 frame with a xl350 engine but parted it out because money was tight. I never should have sold that frame!
I am actually from the States, I'll be back in 2 months or so.
I recently scored a xr500 engine with a broken kickstart shaft that I'll be putting into a 78-82 Husky frame.

I should add that I don't ever intend on competing with the bike, it's purpose will be the build and playing around.

what does the vin# ? It looks a lot more like a tl200r frame? I have a tl200r,RSC220,RS250ta used and a new 84' RS250ta........don't start cutting yet!!!!

also have an extra TLR200 Reflex swingarm if you need one...

HRC RS250ta said:

It is a 1979 XL185S frame. I might be interested in that swingarm :ride: PM me for how much you want for it.