• Honda XL70 brakes can get dirty extremely fast.Motorcycle Rear Brake Rotor image by Billy Tait from Fotolia.com
  
  The Honda XL70 motorcycle is an off-road bike with a 72cc, single-cylinder motor. Its four-stroke design allowed for top performance for riders, even though the engine was small and lightweight compared to its model counterparts. This motorcycle was manufactured for the 1974 through 1976 model years, therefore remaining models and their parts have existed for a while. Proper tuning and maintenance to this vehicle will ensure a healthy engine and longer-lasting lifespan.
  
  

Air Filter

• Because the gasoline-powered engine used in the Honda XL70 relies on air flow for fuel mixture to ultimately power itself, the air filter is an important part that needs to be serviced on this bike. After a year or so of regular riding, the air filter will start to get dirty, and flow through the engine will start to dwindle. Aftermarket manufacturers, such as Eagle or K&N, have developed a sturdier air filter, constructed of wire-mesh aluminum. This type of filter not only improves air flow and performance, but also lasts much longer than standard filters.
  
  

Oil and Oil Filter

• Just like the air filter, the oil and oil filter on the Honda XL70 motorcycle needs to be serviced at a regular interval to ensure a clean motor. For small engine motorcycles, the recommended time for changing the oil is usually six months or 3,000 miles, whichever comes first. Alternatively, oil can be checked with the dipstick available on the engine itself. Regular monitoring of the oil can catch problems before they arise, like low levels or dirty oil. Honda offers oil filters to replace the dirty filter, but the oil itself can be a complicated process. To determine what oil best suits the XL70, it is important to understand what types of oil work best in the different riding conditions. For harsh conditions, a synthetic oil will last longer in the engine and burn at a more consistent rate than its mineral-based counterpart. However, synthetic-based oil is also a bit more expensive than traditional oil.
  
  

Brakes

• Responsible for ride comfort and braking quality, the brakes of the XL70 have most likely aged considerably over time. Harsh riding and extraordinary circumstances might call for replacement, but regular servicing will make sure these factory parts remain functioning properly. The brake pads will be the first component of the front disc-brakes to wear, and replacing them is cheap and easy. Brake pads are visible without removing any parts, so the condition the pads are in can be seen immediately. Dirt needs to be cleaned from the front brakes as well, as it can interfere with the brake oil used for lubrication. The rear drum brakes can be cleaned easily with a brush and brake cleaner.