72 CT 70 - Should I bite?

[Jim]

Found this on craigslist, doesn't run, needs work, $100
http://abbotsford.en.craigslist.ca/mcy/1737388692.html

I always thought these were neat little bikes, could take it on as a project (after the cl350 is done). He's asking $100, but it is non running with no registration and it looks like other then engine work it would need quite a bit of tlc / parts (a seat for example) to get it looking good again. Thoughts?

edit: adding pictures for when CL ad disappears
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/ct702.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/ct701.jpg

[FastDoc]

Found this on craigslist, doesn't run, needs work, $100
http://abbotsford.en.craigslist.ca/mcy/1737388692.html

I always thought these were neat little bikes, could take it on as a project (after the cl350 is done). He's asking $100, but it is non running with no registration and it looks like other then engine work it would need quite a bit of tlc / parts (a seat for example) to get it looking good again. Thoughts?

If it could be plated and/or registered I bet a Lifan engine would slip right in there if you couldn't get the Honda motor running. Then you could part out the Honda motor on eBay and the project might pay for itself.

[Jim]

That's a good idea... I bet most of the parts are compatible... I should be able to get it plated, it just takes some time doing a title search and involves a notary. I forget how much the whole process costs, maybe $30 plus the notary fee...

[FastDoc]

That's a good idea... I bet most of the parts are compatible... I should be able to get it plated, it just takes some time doing a title search and involves a notary. I forget how much the whole process costs, maybe $30 plus the notary fee...

I'd bite. :D

[katoranger]

Buy it. Those parts bring big money. The lifan engines bolt in too and lots of china knockoffs for the rest of the bike.

Allen

[MICRider]

Bar none the best bike I ever had was a 1972 Honda CT70. Though mine was the faster red model :). Still have it at my parents farm and am thinking I might bring it in and restore it for my son. Not sure if I would have it done by the time he graduates though...

[phil]

lifan bought the rights to Xerox that bike the lf110 and i have bought ct70 parts for it so yes bite and bite fast and hard

[Weldangrind]

I'm guessing by the email address that it's at Mission Motorsports. I wonder why he wouldn't fix it himself? Odd.

Anyway, I noticed that Gio has been selling the 125 pit bike engines at auction instead of buy it now, so they're very cheap these days.

Jump on it! Got a truck, or would you like a hand picking it up?

[Jim]

Hey guys, sorry for taking so long getting back to you guys on how things turned out...

I rode my bike over to my parents (old Triumph 3 speed bicycle, I think it's about 16km), and borrowed my dad's truck. Went down and picked it up, I ended up paying $80. Apparently it needs ignition stuff, there is some that is not good but he gave me some spare parts for that too... To be honest I don't know about ignition stuff so it will be a learning process.. The engine turns over and it seems like there is compression, shifting works. It needs a few small parts here and there, and good cleaning up.

MICRider, faster red model :lol: maybe I can make an upgrade :P

Phil, I wasn't aware of that, I knew Lifan had pretty much identical bikes, but I didn't know they had the rights, interesting stuff, thanks.

Derryk, you are correct, it was at mission motorsports... I've never heard of them before, I was also wondering why he wouldn't fix it himself but it sounds like he just isn't interested? He said he bought it site unseen for $100 and it was in worse shape then he figured, so he just wanted to get his money out of it. It didn't really look that bad to me, unless the motor is completely hooped, but then the gio auctions you mention sounds like a good alternative... I looked at the gio auction for one of those motors, the worst part is the $45 shipping since they don't allow local pickup. Also, thank you very much for the kind offer to help me pick it up :)

Unfortunately it's just gone into the barn at my parents place for now, hopefully it won't be too long, but I've got to get done with the cl350 that I've been dragging my heels on. I'm going to be painting the frame and various pieces very soon then it should start going back together.

Thanks again everyone, I'll keep you posted as I progress with this little bike.

Going to do some searching for a shop manual.

Judging by http://www.hondatrail70.com/ct70id.htm it is a CT70K1 Trail 70.

[AZ200cc]

You just made money jim, Parting it out will bring You a good profit. Fixed will also.

[Weldangrind]

Cool! Can't wait to see it.

One of the benefits to the 125 is the CDI ignition. Your troubles will be over if you go that route.

I've got the flywheel puller in stock if you need it.

[SpudRider]

Nice find, Jim. :) Please post some photos as you restore the bike! :)

Spud :)

[Cal25]

I would look into a new 125 to put into it. No points to deal with and lots more power too. I look forward to seeing this project develop!!

[FastDoc]

That little guy would boogie with a 125! :D

[Jim]

Here's a bit bigger picture... Still not much to look at though.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/JimsBikePics003.jpg

I've removed all that ratty tape from the seat, but the cover, the foam, and the pan are all junk anyways.

I may tinker here and there, but it should be mostly off to the side until the 350 is done.

[2LZ]

That's a good idea... I bet most of the parts are compatible... I should be able to get it plated, it just takes some time doing a title search and involves a notary. I forget how much the whole process costs, maybe $30 plus the notary fee...

I'd bite. :D
Me too....rare birds here. Very costly. 8O
What's 100.00?........4-36 packs at Wallmart? 8)

[Jim]

In Canada Walmart doesn't sell 36 packs :P

[Weldangrind]

When the time comes, you could look to Lifan for parts (like a new seat). I think that Darwin still has the Lifan version parked out in front of 3-D.

You could make your own Hondifan like Wild Alaskan. :lol:

[Jim]

Yeah I had that in mind... I don't think Coast to Coast has any more of these but I could be wrong. I think they've switched right over to the Xingyue products? I believe X-Rage carries a version of this bike, as well as a few others I'm sure. There is also a ton of Honda parts for this bike available on eBay. :)

[Weldangrind]

Coast to Coast is still showing them on their site: http://www.coasttocoastmotorsports.com/cart/products.cfm?cat=Dirtbikes

[Jim]

Well I guess I will have to check in with them, I thought they were all Xingyue now, xingyuecanada.com I haven't talked to them in a while since I don't have my atv or bikes anymore.

[Jim]

Quite a few more on craigslist...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744434082.html $700 - comes with parts bike

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/rds/mcy/1744364641.html - $875

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744627581.html - $900

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744739684.html - and the winner is... $3500... "Why buy a new Chinese monkey when you can get this cool vintage one?", because you will potentially save between $2500 and $3000... Though it looks to be in remarkable shape, it's still quite a pile of money...

[katoranger]

$1500 for a nice clean example is reasonable.

Good runners in good condition are $500-1000 usually here.

Allen

[SpudRider]

Quite a few more on craigslist...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744739684.html - and the winner is... $3500... "Why buy a new Chinese monkey when you can get this cool vintage one?", because you will potentially save between $2500 and $3000... Though it looks to be in remarkable shape, it's still quite a pile of money...
Those people don't belong in Vancouver, they belong on Wall Street! 8O :lol:

Spud :)

[TurboT]

Quite a few more on craigslist...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744739684.html - and the winner is... $3500... "Why buy a new Chinese monkey when you can get this cool vintage one?", because you will potentially save between $2500 and $3000... Though it looks to be in remarkable shape, it's still quite a pile of money...
Those people don't belong in Vancouver, they belong on Wall Street! 8O :lol:

Spud :)

The Wall Streeters might learn a thing or two about us here. We live in Vancouver, B.C. --- B.C. = "Bring Cash"

Everything has become over the roof expensive here.

[SpudRider]

Quite a few more on craigslist...

http://vancouver.en.craigslist.ca/pml/mcy/1744739684.html - and the winner is... $3500... "Why buy a new Chinese monkey when you can get this cool vintage one?", because you will potentially save between $2500 and $3000... Though it looks to be in remarkable shape, it's still quite a pile of money...
Those people don't belong in Vancouver, they belong on Wall Street! 8O :lol:

Spud :)
The Wall Streeters might learn a thing or two about us here. We live in Vancouver, B.C. --- B.C. = "Bring Cash"

Everything has become over the roof expensive here.
I have heard rumors to that effect; I am sorry to hear you confirm them, Turbo. :(

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Yet another thread drift, but our cost of living wouldn't seem so high if we weren't taxed to death.

[Jim]

Speaking of which, apparently the BC citizens initiative has reached 500,000 signatures, with 72 of the 85 ridings already meeting the elections BC threshold of 10%. I think the initiative will be successful in obtaining 10% in each riding, however I don't think it will actually stop the HST. I think the one thing Gordon Campbell has said that you can actually believe is that it doesn't matter how many signatures are collected he is still moving ahead with the tax.

[Jim]

Turns out I can order quite a bit of what I need from http://hondaminitrail.com/ct70.html and the prices seem pretty reasonable. :) Should be a fun project after the cl350... Going to get a sand blast cabinet before I start one way or another though.

[SpudRider]

Turns out I can order quite a bit of what I need from http://hondaminitrail.com/ct70.html and the prices seem pretty reasonable. :) Should be a fun project after the cl350... Going to get a sand blast cabinet before I start one way or another though.
The Hondaminitrail site is a very nice find, Jim. :) Indeed, the prices aren't too bad. ;)

Spud :)

[Jim]

Yes, I'm especially happy to see the spark plug guard on there, only $20, I couldn't find one with good chrome or re-chrome one for that... I will have to go over the bike and see what I need to order.

I need a seat cover, but I may get it on eBay. I need that spark plug guard, seat foam, plastic battery area cover thing-a-majigger, and a grommet for where the wiring exits the frame near the steering neck. Not sure what else yet.

[SpudRider]

Indeed, the C198 spark plug guard is a beautiful reproduction. :) You hit the jackpot when you found that vendor, Jim! :D

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

I'm in the mood for a blasting cabinet again as well.

There's one at Harbor Freight on sale for $119.00, but they'll also accept a 20% off coupon (like the one in Hot Rod). It would totally be worth the drive to Everett.

[SpudRider]

I'm in the mood for a blasting cabinet again as well.

There's one at Harbor Freight on sale for $119.00, but they'll also accept a 20% off coupon (like the one in Hot Rod). It would totally be worth the drive to Everett.
Are you talking about this blast cabinet, Derryk?

http://www.harborfreight.com/40-lb-capacity-floor-blast-cabinet-93608.html

Spud :)

[Jim]

If that was on for $119 with another 20% off (or not even) I would be all over it...

I'm looking at a similar model from KMS I believe, but it is a friend/relative who has it, and he doesn't like it. He apparently has tried to sell it in the past but had no takers, now he says I can just have it but I said no, I'll buy it... He insists I take it and give it a test run first, but I imagine I will be happy with it.

From that HF ad, I read the review, and the second one seemed like good advice. Seal it up at all the seams with caulking, and use a good shop vac for a dust collector. I think he didn't like his because it doesn't do the dust collecting, so some modifications and it should do the job.

[TurboT]

I'm in the mood for a blasting cabinet again as well.

There's one at Harbor Freight on sale for $119.00, but they'll also accept a 20% off coupon (like the one in Hot Rod). It would totally be worth the drive to Everett.

I don't think you have the room for it. 8O 8)

[Jim]

Spud, I found the cabinet W&G was referring too, it is this one, http://www.harborfreight.com/abrasive-blast-cabinet-42202.html I don't know why, I didn't find it the first time I looked. It looks better then this bench one from KMS http://www.kmstools.com/bynford-benchtop-sandblast-cabinet-1472

Doing some research, these guys don't recommend the sand reclamation kit I mentioned in my other post, http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=231494 they say go with a shop vac.

This topic is also pretty cool http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144777&highlight=tech+blast



For the record (so I remember)
What if I don't have the vehicle's registration document?
If you bought a B.C. Registered Vehicle
Ask the seller to provide you with the Vehicle Registration. If the seller has lost or misplaced the Vehicle Registration, ask him or her to go to an Autoplan Broker's office to have it replaced.
If you are unable to contact the seller or last known registered owner, you must request a vehicle records search. To request one, you must write a letter to:
Driver Testing and Vehicle Information
ICBC
154 - 151 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
State in the letter that you are requesting a search for the last registered owner. The letter must also include:
proof of purchase, which can be a completed bill of sale, a Transfer/Tax Form (PDF), or a Notarized Statutory Declaration.
a $7 cheque, payable to “ICBC.”
your signature
For more information, please call:
604-661-2233
toll free 1-800-464-5050
If you bought a non-B.C. Registered Vehicle
Ask the seller to provide you with the vehicle registration from the vehicle's home jurisdiction. If the seller has lost or misplaced the document, the seller must replace it from the vehicle's home jurisdiction.
If you are unable to contact the seller or last known registered owner, bring your original bill of sale and vehicle to your Autoplan broker. The broker will investigate further.

[Weldangrind]

You found the right cabinet Jim; sorry I forgot to post the link. I've used one just like the benchtop HF unit before, and it worked really well with glass bead and a Shop Vac. Didn't think of a respirator though. 8O

I enjoyed those HAMB links. There's a guy named Groucho on the first link that I've chatted with before on another board. He builds awesome cars, and I even have an old Hot Rod mag with his 'Vette on the front.

[Weldangrind]

I'm in the mood for a blasting cabinet again as well.

There's one at Harbor Freight on sale for $119.00, but they'll also accept a 20% off coupon (like the one in Hot Rod). It would totally be worth the drive to Everett.

I don't think you have the room for it. 8O 8)

I'll thank you and my wife for not ganging up on me. :lol:

[Jim]

Wow, this is what it SHOULD look like :D
http://www.thumpertalk.com/forum/garage.php?do=viewattachment&attachmentid=82574

I also made up a list of most of what I figure I need for it, aside from paint, I'm looking at around $300 I think.

[phil]

i think i have that blaster and (just use sand it works cheaper i dump all the desiccant i get in too ) and i like it well, take my advise it will be a labor of love. to get the frame cleaned up on my z50 i used "dads easy spray" trust me i tried everything on a tuffer job its the best and its at better flooring +
hardware stores here and its also reasonable, one last warning dont start a price tag you wont want to know, mine took a couple of years, and when your done i want to see yours :wink:http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu181/hallsauto/P1010006-1.jpg (http://s646.photobucket.com/albums/uu181/hallsauto/?action=view&current=P1010006-1.jpg) its all honda except for a few case bolt,yes correct tires and rear fender and i dont even want to know $ or time it was my first bike 1971 i got second hand

[Jim]

Wow Phil, you did an amazing job on that, it looks great :)
Do you have a before picture?

Which blaster are you referring too, the bench top unit Derryk was looking at or the floor model?

[Cal25]

Thats a great little z50!

I have been considering a blast cabnet for a while. After looking over the homemade model, I am now considering it instead. I have access to a donor barrel here at work. I think it would have moer room inside than the cometial units too. I could put it together for quite abit less than the commertial units as well.

[SpudRider]

Wow, this is what it SHOULD look like :D
That's a nice little bike! :) You should have a lot of fun aiming for that high mark. ;)

Spud :)

[SpudRider]

...its all honda except for a few case bolt,yes correct tires and rear fender and i dont even want to know $ or time it was my first bike 1971 i got second hand
You did a beautiful job, Phil! :)

Spud :)

[fishman10]

I am in awe ,Phil I just tried buying one of those to fix up, but not to that spec. It is awesome ,sadly the person has declined my offer.It ran but was very abused.Your resto is amazing!

[Jim]

Picked up the cabinet today from my dads cousin. It is similar to the bench top model Weld&Grind is looking at. The light in it isn't working, and I want to put some new gloves in it, but hope to test it out soon. :)

[Jim]

Ok so I'm waiting on some parts for the 350 so I tinkered a little with this one.

I have some parts for the ignition, but the parts on the bike, and the spare are not the same... I may be able to take the two, and turn it into one, but I don't know much about the ignition stuff so I'm going to do some research. I can buy all this stuff new if I need new pieces.

This is what the side on the bike looks like,
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/onbike.jpg

This is what the other one looks like
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/spare.jpg

The plate is different, but the coils look the same... I was in the process of taking the coils off of there to put on the other plate, but I figured I have to deal with the wiring behind the plate, so I decided to do some more research before taking it apart. I have a copy of the service manual so I'm going to look that over, and maybe read up on dans mc course about this stuff.

Like I said though, I can get this stuff all new if I need too.

I took the seat off...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/ct70.jpg

As you can see, the pan isn't much good... But I think I may blast it, then get my dad to show me how to weld some patches on it, and then maybe do some fiberglassing... Either that or look for a cheap seat, but I haven't seen any on ebay yet.

I took the torn up cover / foam off. I kept the chrome seat molding, it has a small bend but should be recoverable.
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/pan1.jpg
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/pan2.jpg

I also found that the stator (?) / counter sprocket cover is cracked, and should be replaced, though, since it doesn't hold any oil or anything, it's not too important I don't think.

http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/cover.jpg

Anyways, that's all for the 70 for now.

Oh, I also wrote up the letter to do the title search.

Edit,

Just looked at the mini trail site,
http://hondaminitrail.com/GIFS/164.jpg
I can get the stator kit for $28.50. :)

Got a bit of a parts list going...
http://i60.photobucket.com/albums/h32/truckgotstuck/parts.jpg

[Weldangrind]

Those two stator plates aren't that different. They both hold a coil, a set of points and a condensor. Now's a good time to replace the o-ring around the plate. This one might be the same: http://www.chinariders.net/modules.php?name=Forums&file=viewtopic&t=7678

That's a good deal on the stator kit, although I'd consider swapping to electronic ignition while you can. I hate points.

Good luck with that seat. A new Lifan pan and seat might be the best option.

If your Dad has a TIG welder, he could likely weld up the crack in the stator cover and you could then polish it. Don't even try if it's magnesium, only aluminum.

[SpudRider]

Will a Lifan seat work? I would not relish trying to repair that seat. :(

Spud :)

[Jim]

W&G, I could be wrong, but the one not on the bike, behind the coil is open, and the one on the bike looks to be solid, unless there is a plate behind it, but I thought it looked like one piece? Either way I'm going to have to take it off I suppose... I may see if I can make it work by putting the two together into one.

About the points / electronic ignition, I don't know what all is involved in switching, but I figure I was going to leave it mostly stock... I'm ignorant to ignition stuff in either form, I guess this bike (or the 350) is going to be a learning process in that department.

I ended up buying this seat for about $130(CDN) shipped... http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190404933740

It is correct for this year of the bike and includes the chrome too.

I had originally thought of getting foam and a cover, and fixing the pan or finding a pan, but that would cost probably at least $75 plus shipping, before sorting out the pan... This way it's all there and all new, and I don't have to worry about fitting the cover on or repairing my damaged seat chrome.

That side cover, I believe is aluminium, but not certain right now. Though if you look at the bottom closer to the right you will see another chunk missing... I can get a new cover for $45, if I feel like later on. First I want it to be functional :)

[SpudRider]

You bought a nice seat, Jim. :) I don't blame you for not wanting to restore the old one. ;)

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Not sure about the stator plate Jim. I'd have to see them both out of the bike.

Good choice on the seat. Totally worth it.

[Jim]

Well I figured the pan was junk, but it would be something to practice blasting and welding... and fiberglassing... etc.... etc.. etc on. But the foam and cover was not something that could be saved, the pan, probably after all that would have still been junk, and this one is all there, so we'll see how it looks on the bike. :)

I wrote out the letter to do the title search, once that comes back I have to send a registered letter to the last registered owners last known address... 2 outcomes are favorable... They get it, sign the papers, and send it back... Or the letter is returned as undeliverable and I can move forward getting a title.

If they get it and say hey, no way I'm not signing that, then I guess I'd be out the bike... I did a vin search against stolen vehicles though and nothing came up, so I don't think it should be a problem. Also it is likely that the last owner won't still be at the address the bike is registered too so it will come back as option 2 that was mentioned.

I'm not sure what happens if the title search doesn't find a last registered owner... But we'll see how it goes.



Derryk, I'll probably drain the oil and pull the plate out one of these days and have a look. :)

[Cal25]

Any updates?

[Jim]

Yes update... I finished getting registration, I took a bit longer then necessary.

So what I had to do was send the "bill of sale" that I got when I bought in with a small fee ($7) to ICBC to do a record search...

From ICBC
What if I don't have the vehicle's registration document?
If you bought a B.C. Registered Vehicle
Ask the seller to provide you with the Vehicle Registration. If the seller has lost or misplaced the Vehicle Registration, ask him or her to go to an Autoplan Broker's office to have it replaced.
If you are unable to contact the seller or last known registered owner, you must request a vehicle records search. To request one, you must write a letter to:
Driver Testing and Vehicle Information
ICBC
154 - 151 West Esplanade
North Vancouver, BC V7M 3H9
State in the letter that you are requesting a search for the last registered owner. The letter must also include:
proof of purchase, which can be a completed bill of sale, a Transfer/Tax Form (PDF), or a Notarized Statutory Declaration.
a $7 cheque, payable to “ICBC.”
your signature
For more information, please call:
604-661-2233
toll free 1-800-464-5050
If you bought a non-B.C. Registered Vehicle
Ask the seller to provide you with the vehicle registration from the vehicle's home jurisdiction. If the seller has lost or misplaced the document, the seller must replace it from the vehicle's home jurisdiction.
If you are unable to contact the seller or last known registered owner, bring your original bill of sale and vehicle to your Autoplan broker. The broker will investigate further.

I sent in the search but ICBC told me my bill of sale was incomplete so I had to get the notarized statutory declaration... I think it costs around $30 from the notary. It is an unregistered vehicles and missing signatures declaration, I believe ICBC sent me the form when they told me the bill of sale was incomplete. You just fill it out and explain you bought an old motorcycle to repair for however many dollars from who and that you did pay for it, but the seller did not have registration. You mail it in to ICBC and they will mail you a paper with the last registered owner, and I believe some instructions. You then send a registered letter (I believe with a copy of the notarized form and something.... ICBC will tell you what, to the last registered owner. Keep the receipt for the letter. Then you either need to wait a specified time and if it hasn't been returned you can take all your papers to ICBC and register, or if it returns undelivered you can take it to ICBC to register. Otherwise the outcome you'd want would be the owner to sign the bike over and send the papers back, but they usually aren't at the same address anymore and you just get the paperwork back. It just takes time waiting but it really isn't a big deal.

[Weldangrind]

Thanks for that explanation Jim. I feel better about buying an old Trail 70 or 110 and going this route.

Maybe when the kitchen is done. :D

[Jim]

I think the only way it could go bad is if the previous registered owner lived at the same place and refused to sign, but I've done this twice and my mom has a few times as well (for the old metropolitans), and we haven't had any problems... I'm not sure how it would work if it turns out the bike hadn't been previously registered, that may require a provincial inspection.

You can also do a free stolen vehicle search here http://www.cpic-cipc.ca/English/search.cfm

[katoranger]

That actually sounds pretty painless. I am going back to "the pile" on Tuesday. If the CT70 I saw is still there I will probably pick it. Maybe it could be my commuter.

[Weldangrind]

See Kato? You just needed a little prompting from your support group. :lol:

[katoranger]

I resisted on Friday. It was tempting. So if it is still there on Tuesday I am suppose to have it. :lol:

Only problem is that I will stick it away and take about 3 years to actually do anything with it.

[SpudRider]

See Kato? You just needed a little prompting from your support group. :lol:
That's why we are here; we are "enablers." :lol:

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

"Enablers" sounds like we're trying to get him drunk. We're facilitators. :lol:

[SpudRider]

"Enablers" sounds like we're trying to get him drunk. We're facilitators. :lol:
You can employ a euphemism if you like, but the end result is still the same. ;)

Spud :lol:

[Jim]

:lol: :lol:

Yes it is really not a big deal here to go through just some time waiting... Not sure how the process would work in your state. Good luck at the mower pile :)

[katoranger]

With a bike that old. No problem at all. Bill of sale and $18 I would have a tag.

Jim, the one in the pile makes what you started with look like a new one.

[Jim]

Yes the one I have isn't too bad off, I haven't done anything with it yet except the seat, still gotta finish the 350...

[katoranger]

We will see what happens tomorrow. Plan to go over in the morning. At least there is alot of china knock off parts for the CT 70.

[Jim]

Well a local china bike dealer is selling motors for $130. 70cc, 90cc, 110cc, or 125cc. Now I need to decide if I want to rebuild the old engine, or buy a new one and put it in. I spent a bit of money buying a stock looking seat, I was planning on keeping the bike stock appearing. Changing the engine will end that. But that will also free me up from having to make everything look original, which could save some cash. Or I could do what Stew was going to do and put in a new engine for now and swap the old one back in later. The engine doesn't come with wiring, electronics or carb though. I would also need to choose the size. I need to consider the costs of getting the original engine going, versus the cost of the new engine and components. Opinions?

[FastDoc]

I'd go with the biggest inexpensive Chinamotor that fits and save the original in a box in case the next owner wants to rebuild it for origianlity. Personally I'd rather ride and the Chinamotor will be easier, faster to implement, higher performing, and likely more reliable.

[Jim]

Very good points :)

I don't know what the stock motor needs aside from stator components, so what it would cost to fix is an unknown.

For resale, if I put a Chinese motor in it, it's going to not be worth as much as if it was in top shape with stock parts, but I don't know how much it would be worth anyways.

Insurance wise, if I did it stock, it could have collector plates like the cl350 and have cheaper insurance. However having collector insurance limits where I can take it, I wouldn't be able to commute to work on it. As well, on such a small bike, insurance costs should be relatively cheap anyways. Also, if I had it as a collector vehicle I need to have a non collector vehicle insured. If I were to insure this regularly, it could be the normal insurance vehicle that allows me to keep collector plates on the 350.

I also want to get the best mileage I can out of it, but such a small engine, the 70 may not be much better carrying my weight then the 110 or 125.

The bigger engine would probably be nicer, but which would fit the bike best, a 110 or a 125. Stew put a 125 in his. I don't know if the engine guard bars fit with the bigger engine, or what else may need to be changed. As well, weld was mentioning problems with the higher compression possibly breaking kick start components, maybe the 110 would be a better choice?

[FastDoc]

The other guys will know better but I thought as long as you're below 140cc you're OK. Sounds like the Chinamotor is what will work best for you. :D

[Jim]

It should work I think. It would move things along quicker (once I begin working on it), however, it could be more costly. If I stick with the Honda, I know I need a stator kit and a 6v battery. My estimate is between fifty and eighty dollars. It may need more then that to run good, I don't know.

If I go the china motor route, I need a motor, a carb, a wire harness, a 12v battery, cdi, new lights, new fuel valve, and may need other components I haven't thought of. My estimate for that is between 200 and 250, but that's just pulled out of the air. $130 for the motor is really my only known cost. Definitely a deal on the motor though. Oh and I may need to modify the exhaust or get a different one.

Then again, if I use the china motor I could possibly make some money back selling the Honda motor if I don't worry about putting it back in.

I'm sure you guys may have noticed I'm a bit cheap... It was easier when I was broke, I have a bit of money now in the bank, not much, but I'm not waiting on a paycheck either. I do have money to pay off though but the bank won't take my money until next year now. Hopefully I will get my apartment paid off by the end of January next year. That's a driving factor of my thriftyness, I don't like to spend money I already owe on another debt. I also don't want to invest too much more into a project then I could get back when I'm done with it.

So to sum it up, the china motor sounds like a good easy solution, but I'm still on the fence due to the financial aspects of it.

I should add I need to check if they have the appropriate motor, I suppose I would be looking for kick start only, manual or semi auto isn't a big issue though. I don't know what they have available without electric start.

I wonder how fast the 70cc would go with a 160-190lb load on it (lower end is where I need to get back to after a lazy winter). The roads on the way to work are up to 70km/h.

[katoranger]

I think a 70cc will propel you to 70km/h. That is about 40mph I believe.

The exhaust will not line up correctly on the larger engines. You will need to make small brackets to move the rear hanger forward about an inch.

The engine bolts in though. Your stock carb will work on the 70-90cc okay. Will need a larger one for the bigger engines.

I would guess about 90-100mpg.

Personally I would go with a 125.

[SpudRider]

I must admit I don't know much about the CT70. However, I am inclined to agree with Doc and Allen. I would install one of the new, larger, Chinese engines. As the old proverb states, "there's no replacement for displacement." ;)

Spud :)

[Jim]

I checked with the insurance agents, if I go from 70cc to 125cc the insurance for six months goes from about $140 to $300 and something, more then double. Apparently 110 would be the same rate as the 70 though. I think it would be better to stay at 110 or less.

[FastDoc]

Boy that's rude. I don't get it but I guess it's all about the money. Sounds like a 110. I doubt you'll miss the extra 15cc. Lose 10 pounds and call it even! :wink:

[SpudRider]

Boy that's rude. I don't get it but I guess it's all about the money. Sounds like a 110. I doubt you'll miss the extra 15cc. Lose 10 pounds and call it even! :wink:
X2. :roll:

Spud :)

[Weldangrind]

Jim couldn't afford to lose 10 pounds; he's very fit.

I'd choose the 110 just for the insurance savings. The truth is, if you decided to use a 125 and call it a 110, nobody would ever know (especially if you ground off the displacement reference on the head). The only real benefit would be that the 125 is more likely to have a clutch.

[Jim]

I need to lose 40lbs not 10 :P I've put on a fair bit since last summer.

[MICRider]

Don't forget as well that you need to either modify your original footpegs or pick up a set for a chinese bike. I went with a new set from GIO, that way I didn't have to butch my old pegs for when (if) I put it back to stock.

I would have a good long look at your original engine before I drop in a china engine as there might be nothing serious wrong with it... Stator kits are dirt cheap from DRATV and easy to replace. Top end rebuilds are a snap as well. I butched the heck out of mine when I was a kid thinking it was this and that wrong, on hindsite I think it was probably nothing more than a bad battery :(

Edit: I forgot to mention as well, the factory crash bar/skid plate wont fit with a chinese engine unless it's modified.

[Jim]

Thanks for chiming in Stew :)

I went down and had a look. They didn't have any 110cc with kick start, they were all electric start only. I think maybe I will just work on the stock engine. If I need more power later I've seen big bore kits for them and other such things.

[MICRider]

Thanks for chiming in Stew :)

I went down and had a look. They didn't have any 110cc with kick start, they were all electric start only. I think maybe I will just work on the stock engine. If I need more power later I've seen big bore kits for them and other such things.

Good call I think, they really are simple bikes to work on and not too much major usually goes wrong with them. DRATV is really good to deal with and if you try to order everything you need at once (if possible) if really cuts down on your shipping. I think the majority of problems with these little bikes turns out to be something electrical. If you have compression and you can get spark it will run.

[MICRider]

Check out this ebay auction!
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/?cmd=ViewItem&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649&item=280821236073&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

[Jim]

Wow! I wonder what his reserve price is.

[katoranger]

I still have a parts engine here too. It doesn't much left, but if you are missing something let me know. Also have a few swingarms, wheels, and some misc pieces.

[Jim]

Thanks :) I don't think I need a whole lot, and I probably won't get to it until summer. I only brought this back up because I saw the sale mentioned on craigslist. If they had the right 110 for me I might have gone that route, but I'm not too opposed to using the Honda. Once it warms up a bit I need to make sure the cl350 is working good, I need to deal with the trailer and hitch for my car, and my 72gmc pickup is in the shop taking up space. I want to get those out of the way. The ct is nice because it won't take up space. :)

[katoranger]

It probably fits in the trunk.

[Jim]

It probably would :)

[MICRider]

Lol, mines in the basement right now :lol:

[Jim]

Any further progress?

[MICRider]

Any further progress?

Sadly no, I'll have to get my butt in gear though because spring isn't that far away now! I think I have everything here to make it a runner now except for a few misc bolts that I'll have to pick up. Then, to cobble up a bill of sale and try to register it maybe! Though it doesn't matter to me if I get it registered or not, I'll just be happy to see the old girl under her own power again (and in one piece!) :D