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Honda · Overhead-cam four-stroke single, wet sump, gearbox shares engine oil, chain drive

TL 125

Library entry covers 1977-1984

19 factory 64 guideline

Published source

Honda TL125 owner's manual, maintenance schedule printed pp.24-26 (ManualsLib 581628 pp.26-28)

Factory owner's handbook. Covers Honda TL125 owner's manual (1976 edition per the finder's note, one year before this 1977-1984 row; intervals in operating days).

83 items for a 1979 model, grouped by interval the way a factory chart is laid out.

How this bike is built (what the schedule is based on)

Engine cycle: Four-stroke
Engine lubrication: Wet sump (oil in crankcase)
Oil filtration: Replaceable cartridge or spin-on filter
Valve gear: Overhead cam, screw/locknut adjusters
Ignition: Battery and coil with contact points
Charging: Alternator / stator with rectifier
Battery: Wet cell (flooded lead-acid, needs topping up)
Fuel system: Single carburetor
Cooling: Air / oil cooled
Primary drive: Gear or chain inside engine, shares engine oil
Gearbox oil: Shares engine oil
Clutch control: Hand lever, cable
Final drive: Chain
Front suspension: Telescopic fork
Rear suspension: Swingarm, twin shocks
Front brake: Drum (or band / stirrup)
Rear brake: Drum (or band / belt rim)
Wheels: Spoked, tubed
Sidecar: No sidecar

Maintenance schedule

1979 Honda TL 125

On the road: every 200 mi

1 item

Check engine oil level

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Each fuel stop on old machines. Dry sump: check the tank hot, engine idling or just stopped, per your manual.

On the road: every 300 mi

3 items

Check lights, horn, brake light switches

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Check tire pressures

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline
Lubricate drive chain

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Lube warm, ideally at the end of the riding day so it soaks in overnight. Sooner after rain.

On the road: every 500 mi

1 item

Walk-around: check nuts and bolts for vibration loosening

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Old machines shake things loose: exhaust nuts, mudguard stays, footrests, tank mounts, battery strap.

On the road: every 600 mi

1 item

Check chain slack and rear wheel alignment

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

On the road: every 1,000 mi

1 item

Check road kit: plugs, points file, master link, tube patches, wire, tape

Pre-ride / on the road

Guideline

Every 1,000 mi or 1 month

1 item

Check battery electrolyte, top up with distilled water

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Wet-cell batteries on old machines need regular topping up, more in hot weather.

Every 1,000 mi or 6 months

3 items

Adjust front drum brake

Brakes

Guideline
Adjust rear drum brake and rod / cable linkage

Brakes

Guideline
Inspect tire tread, sidewalls and date codes

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 1,500 mi or 6 months

1 item

Clean drive chain thoroughly (remove and soak, re-lube)

Final drive

Guideline

Non O-ring chains on old machines: remove, clean, soak in hot chain grease or lube, refit with the master link clip closed end leading.

Every 1,500 mi or 12 months

1 item

Adjust clutch free play, lubricate cable and lever pivot

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 2,000 mi or 12 months

3 items

Inspect, clean and gap spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Grease swingarm pivot

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate control cables and lever pivots

Controls and cables

Guideline

Every 2,500 mi or 12 months

1 item

Change engine oil

Engine

Guideline

Pre-1970 machines: many owners run non-detergent or classic-spec oil with no filter, so short intervals matter. Dry sump: drain the tank and the crankcase/sump, flush the tank and clean the feed and return screens.

Every 3,000 mi or 12 months

18 items

Check and adjust valve clearances

Engine

Guideline
Check engine mounting bolts and plates

Engine

Guideline
Replace oil filter

Engine

Guideline
Check throttle cable(s) free play and return

Fuel and air

Guideline
Clean / inspect air filter

Fuel and air

Guideline

Mesh or oiled foam: clean and re-oil. Paper: blow out or replace. Some very early machines have no filter at all.
Clean fuel tap filter / sediment bowl

Fuel and air

Guideline
Check / set ignition timing

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Clean and gap contact breaker points, oil cam felt

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Adjust clutch pushrod / clutch adjuster

Primary and gearbox

Guideline
Check chain guard, chain oiler (if fitted), rear chain case

Final drive

Guideline
Inspect chain and sprockets for wear (measure stretch)

Final drive

Guideline
Check steering damper (friction or hydraulic)

Front end

Guideline
Check steering head bearing adjustment

Front end

Guideline
Inspect fork seals, stanchions and fork boots

Front end

Guideline
Check footrests, pegs, rear brake and gear lever pivots

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Grease and check center / side stand and springs

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Check spoke tension and wheel true

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Check wheel bearings for play

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Every 4,000 mi or 12 months

2 items

Replace spark plugs

Engine

Guideline
Lubricate brake cam spindles, check linings and drums

Brakes

Guideline

Every 5,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Check cylinder head bolt torque

Engine

Guideline

Air-cooled iron and alloy engines can lose head bolt tension; follow your manual's sequence and whether it is done hot or cold.

Every 6,000 mi or 12 months

5 items

Clean carburetor float bowl(s), check float level and jets

Fuel and air

Guideline

Ethanol fuel varnishes old carbs quickly in storage.
Check charging voltage and regulator / cut-out

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Check swingarm bushes for play

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Inspect rear shocks for leaks and damping

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline
Lubricate speedometer / tachometer cables, check drive

Controls and cables

Guideline

A dry speedo cable whips the needle and eventually kills the instrument.

Every 6,000 mi or 2 years

2 items

Check engine breather and oil return

Engine

Guideline
Lubricate and check automatic advance unit

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 10,000 mi or 2 years

2 items

Compression test (or leak-down)

Engine

Guideline
Change fork oil

Front end

Guideline

Some early telescopic forks are grease filled or use very small oil quantities. Check your manual.

Every 10,000 mi

1 item

Replace chain and sprockets (wear based)

Final drive

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi or 2 years

1 item

Replace air filter element

Fuel and air

Guideline

Every 12,000 mi or 3 years

1 item

Replace points and condenser

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 15,000 mi or 5 years

1 item

Inspect clutch plates and springs

Primary and gearbox

Guideline

Every 15,000 mi

1 item

Replace brake linings / skim drums (wear based)

Brakes

Guideline

Every 20,000 mi or 4 years

2 items

Repack / replace steering head bearings

Front end

Guideline

Many old machines use loose balls in cups and cones. Taper roller conversions are common.
Repack / replace wheel bearings

Wheels and tires

Guideline

Cup-and-cone and taper roller hubs need periodic repacking and adjustment.

Every 25,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Replace swingarm bushes / bearings

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 30,000 mi or 6 years

1 item

Rebuild forks: seals, bushes, springs

Front end

Guideline

Every 3 months

1 item

Engine oil (change)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Change at the initial service, then every 30 operating days or every 3 months, whichever occurs first.

Every 6 months

1 item

Clean battery terminals, check charge and strap

Ignition and electrics

Guideline

Every 12 months

2 items

Front fork fluid (drain and refill)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Change initially after 30 operating days and once a year thereafter.
Check speedometer / odometer against a known distance

Controls and cables

Guideline

Old speedos drift with tire size and drive wear. Use phone GPS over a measured 10 miles / km.

Every 2 years

3 items

Inspect fuel tank for rust, sealer failure, leaks

Fuel and air

Guideline
Inspect wiring, bullet connectors and ground points

Ignition and electrics

Guideline
Inspect frame, welds and lugs for cracks

Rear suspension and frame

Guideline

Every 4 years

1 item

Replace fuel lines

Fuel and air

Guideline

Old rubber and modern ethanol fuel do not mix well.

Every 6 years

2 items

Replace inner tubes and rim tape with tires

Wheels and tires

Guideline
Replace tires on age (regardless of tread)

Wheels and tires

Guideline

No interval set

17 items

All nuts, bolts and fasteners (check security, tighten)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Front and rear suspension (check operation)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Spark arrestor (purge)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Every 30 operating days.
Spark plug (clean, adjust gap, replace if necessary)

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Every 30 operating days.
Valve tappet clearance (check and adjust) *

Engine

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Carburetor (check and adjust) *

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Polyurethane foam air filter element (clean and oil)

Fuel and air

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Every 30 operating days. More often in dusty areas.
Contact points and ignition timing (clean, check, adjust or replace) *

Ignition and electrics

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Clutch (check operation, adjust) *

Primary and gearbox

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Cam chain tension (adjust) *

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Drive chain (check, lubricate, adjust)

Final drive

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Rear fork bushing (check for excessive looseness)

Front end

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Every 30 operating days.
Side stand (check installation, operation, deformation, damage, wear)

Rear suspension and frame

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. Every 30 operating days.
Brake control linkage (check, adjust)

Brakes

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Tires (inspect, check air pressure)

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Wheels, rims and spokes (check, tighten spokes, true wheels) *

Wheels and tires

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.
Throttle operation (inspect cable, adjust free play)

Controls and cables

Factory

Factory: Maintenance schedule (Honda TL125 owner's manual, printed pp.24-26; initial service period = first week of operation; regular service period = every 30 operating days). Intervals are for average riding; severe use or unusually dusty areas need more frequent service. * dealer item unless the owner has proper tools and is mechanically proficient. At the initial service (first week), then every 30 operating days.

Guideline lines: Intervals here are general guidelines for the machine's era and layout, compiled for this app. They are not factory manual figures. Check your workshop manual, and edit any interval in the bike's Schedule tab.