There’s something special about micro-displacement trail bikes. So many of us have a sentimental attachment to these little machines as a lot of riders spent time romping around on these as kids, for a lot of people this was their first experience on a motorcycle. Restored examples of these machines aren’t very common and the direction this CT70’s builder took is pretty unique as an emphasis was clearly placed on performance. (Albeit it begs the question: why not just start with a bigger bike if performance is the goal?)
This 1970 Honda has undergone a massive transformation starting with the the addition of a ported and polished Lifan 140 featuring race cam and stiffer valve-springs. A tuned 26mm OKO carb supplements the new powerplant along with a cool but somewhat out-of-place GP-style exhaust. A new triple-tree, front disk-brake and Adelin master and levers all help keep the little Honda in check. An upgraded rear-hub, minor swingarm extension and 420 DID chain with 17/37 sprocket round out the performance-oriented modifications to this CT.
The Honda also sports a good deal of cosmetic changes. A chromed frame and spark-plug guard were added, as was a digital backlit speedo (in Kph not Mph). A freshly powder-coated rear-rack was mounted above the bike’s “old school brake-light with blue diamond”. According to the seller the frame still boasts its original paint with the CT’s original stickers.
This fascinating little scoot supposedly gets up to 70mph (with 270lb pilot) with the potential for even more speed with some re-gearing. The seller says in all this motor has only 4-hours of use under its belt and that the little CT is registered and plated with its period-correct blue and yellow plate. It doesn’t pretend to be all original by any means, but this CT example is a charming and unique little bike nonetheless.
You can find this modified and restored 1970 Honda CT70 for sale here on Craigslist in Los Angeles, California with a price of $4,000.