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CT90 Honda - Daughter's new project

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JPSmit

JPSmit

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Partly a bragging post and partly a question.

A few months ago my daughter came home from school having "discovered" vintage bikes. (Her dream bike is a Royal Enfield - and yes she knows they still make them.) More than actually driving one (she doesn't even have her car license) she wanted to restore one. She is a history major (senior) and realized that reading about history and getting your hands dirty with history are two different things. She wants to restore artifacts and thought a bike would be good. Long story short last week she bought a basket case Honda CT90. It's an early one (1968 as far as we can tell) and needs a lot of work. The engine is in pieces and there are a fair number of broken/missing parts. That said the point of the exercise is to restore one so it is exactly what she wanted.

I am thrilled. My daughter has always been interested in things mechanical (sort of) but am delighted to have a project together. Was sorting parts last night and explaining 4 stroke engines. We later were around the work bench with the head from the Vauxhall on it and she started pointing out the valves. Not a big thing but a new learning.

I know parts are readily available (dirt cheap on Ebay!) and manuals online but, anyone have any experience with small Hondas? It would be wonderful to have a point of reference for some of this.

thanks for listening to a proud dad!
 
One thing to make sure of -- some early Hondas used JIS screws. Similar to metric, but not the same (different pitch to the threads). I had a '66 S90 for a while, and it had JIS screws. Your daughter's CT90 probably doesn't, but really depends on the year.

For your reading pleasure:
https://www.drooartz.com/index.php?page=58

I'd love to add a CT90 to the stable some day. Little motorized mountain bike, too cool.
 
Sounds like it'll be great fun!

The thing I've learned so far is you have to be teacher, parent, cheerleader and pal all at the same time. Patience is definitely a virtue here. Also, I've had to constantly remind myself that my daughter isn't as strong as me, so things that are finger tight for me still mean wrenches to her. I had a good chuckle at her expense the other day when she went to go pick up a cast iron exast manifold.
 
Drew, thanks for that - I wasn't aware there was a "Japanese version of Whitworth" - cool bulletin too - amazing what you can find on the interweb.

Jody, I know what you mean. You forget that what is obvious to you isn't always obvious. I remember years ago my father dragged home a boat for me to "restore" I left the way it came because I didn't know what to do - it's a lesson I hope not to repeat.

Greg - thanks too, I had found the first site (has manuals too) but not the second.

As I type this I realize my challenge is not to take over the project. (nah I'd never do that, I don't have control issues... :crazyeyes: )
 
A friend here has begun to acquire some "newer" Honda 550 and 650 "Interstate" versions. I think he's now up to six of the things. Water cooled, shaft driven. Very interesting. He's a former Norton Commando rider, found these Hondas can be really cheap by comparison.

I'd think the CT90 will be a good intro and a "do-able" first resto, JP. I've been a "mentor" on a few projects. Sit on your hands, offer advice on tool techniques and be supportive. Only jump in if you see she's about to hurt herself or damage something. :wink:
 
JP, wish my daughter would go that way.
She wants a Ducati for her first bike
 
Clever girl!!!
 
DrEntropy said:
I'd think the CT90 will be a good intro and a "do-able" first resto, JP. I've been a "mentor" on a few projects. Sit on your hands, offer advice on tool techniques and be supportive. Only jump in if you see she's about to hurt herself or damage something. :wink:
Click to expand...

Good advice Doc, will do my best.

DNK said:
JP, wish my daughter would go that way.
She wants a Ducati for her first bike
Click to expand...

I very deliberately steered her to a small bike, partly d=for simplicity but mostly to keep her off highways and speedy vehicles. Maybe one day but not now. That said she loves the look of the CT90 - just quirky enough so, we're happy.
 
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