11-5 Update: Looks like this Van Tech Honda S90 is back up for sale. It’s unclear what has changed with the bike during the new owner’s care, but it’s now available in Upland, California with bidding up to $2,850 and the reserve not yet met
Post-Sale Update: This Van Tech Honda S90 sold for $2,250 on eBay.
I’m obsessed with the S90, but I didn’t know this existed until today. Founded by Bill Van Tichelt, Van Tech ended up building aftermarket frames for small-displacement Japanese bikes like the Honda S90, Kawi 100/120, Bridgestone 90/100, and more. The main purpose was to reduce weight, but also enable riders the ability to almost ‘hot swap’ engines and suspension work. As they claimed in one of their ads – you can “run a Hodaka this week- and a Yamaha next week – just by changing from one VanTech engine kit adapter to another.”
Based on one Van Tech frame, riders could turn their bike into a cross-country, TT, road racer, or street machine just by bolting on different parts. You could convert an existing bike or build one from scratch. Van Tech became one of the first dirt bike manufacturers in the US, and these little bikes have become highly collectible over the years. Want to learn more? Check out Motocross Action Mag for a more detailed write up on what Van Tech did, though it surprisingly omits a bit about VT’s early success in racing.
From Progress is Fine: http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2012/04/van-tech-frames.html
This specific Van Tech Honda S90 is in restorable condition, though the basic mechanics seem to be fine. The engine spins freely, it has spark, the clutch is ok, and it goes through all gears. The seller has cleaned out the carb and tank, which just leaves little odds and ends for you to take care of, leaving you with a rare period kit bike. Bonus points if you can source Van Tech decals for the tank!
From Progress is Fine: http://progress-is-fine.blogspot.com/2012/04/van-tech-frames.html
Find this Van Tech Honda S90 in Puyallup, Washington with bidding up to $2,250
