While Honda found success with its small step-through models in most markets, the Japanese marque struggled to sell scooters in the same numbers in the US. Honda looked to change this with the introduction of what it called the “Custom Group”, consisting of four different add-on kits (the Roadster, Rally, Boss, and Student) designed to make little runners like the C100 and CM91 a bit sexier. Said kits were installed at dealerships, and a period advertisement said the Roadster gave you “the big bike look with Honda’s traditional economy.”
I got a laugh out of “Watch the girls rally ’round when you ride up!”
The Roadster kit sold for just $50 in the late ‘60s, (which translates to just shy of $400 in 2018), something of a bargain considering it came with a new top tank, speedo, cafe seat, fender, steering neck, triple clamps, handlebars, and a few other minor odds and ends. Unfortunately the kits were purely cosmetic and didn’t increase power or performance in any capacity. Despite its efforts, Honda would pull the plug on the project by the dawn of the ’70s after poor sales, making them rather rare to find nowadays.
Obviously, this example (VIN: C100E-351906) is equipped with the Roadster Kit, it was restored in 2004 and bench tested but the tank hasn’t seen gas since. It has been on display in the seller’s home. The odometer shows 1,788 and the seller claims that “every part was restored or replaced with NOS and OEM.” The bike is offered on a Bill of Sale only.
Find this kitted-C100 for sale in Dahlonega, Georgia with a BIN of $6,500 or best offer here on eBay.