That Feeling of Motivation… (And How I’m Finally Acting on It)
We’ve all been there—those bursts of motivation that can often be lost when something more important comes up. Sometimes they last a day, a couple, or even a week. For me? This was lost, and almost forgotten for almost a year.
Life has a funny way of piling up. Between my Honda Wave, the C65 rebuild (more to come soon on that), the plated Street Cub, and the test mule ‘82 sitting in the corner, there’s never enough time (or energy) to give each project the attention it deserves. And that’s before factoring in the real priorities: my two boys, my wife, and the day job that keeps the lights on.
The result? Projects in the workshop collect dust. Dreams and ideas are left on paper. But no more—it’s time to make some moves, and make some ideas and plans come to life.
The Plan: A Methodical (But Functional) Overhaul
First step? With a clear, actionable list. No vague ambitions—just concrete steps to get this two-wheeled machine back on the road, hopefully, without bankrupting myself. Here’s the breakdown:
- Wheels, Suspension & Brakes – Going bigger, better, and way more aggressive.
- Body Panels – The want for overseas parts and the shipping nightmares that come with them. (overnight parts from Japan, anyone?)
- Engine Swap – Because 100cc is boring.
- Finishing Touches – Where I could inevitably go overboard.
Let’s dive in.
1. Wheels, Suspension & Brakes – Upgrading from “Mild” to “Wild”
The stock Honda Wave 100R runs humble 17” alloys with drum brakes—fine for puttering around, but I want more.
A few years back, I salvaged a Canadian-spec CBR125R (RIP, front-end collision victim). Pic 1, Pic 2, Pic 3
Its rear wheel—complete with disc brake—was spared, so I grabbed a matching front to complete the set. Now, I’m grafting them onto the Wave.
The catch?
- Wheel specs: The CBR’s 17×3” front and 17×4” rear are twice as wide as the Wave’s.
- Forks: The Wave’s drum-brake forks have to go. I need disc-compatible lowers—or a whole new setup.
- Swingarm: Stock is fine, but fine is boring. I could modify it… or go wild with a +1-2” extended arm and a disc brake tab.
Brakes? Oh, this gets tricky.
- Front: The Wave’s disc-brake models (Wave 125 model) use a 220mm rotor. The CBR’s are 275mm. Adapter needed. And with that, might as well source a radial mount 4 pot caliper.
- Rear: The Wave never came with a rear disc, so I’m borrowing from the Grom/Monkey/CT125 family (190mm rotor vs. the CBR’s 220mm). Another adapter.
As for the shocks? I could play it safe with standard OE replacements… or splurge on Öhlins/Nitron/Racingboy. (Guess which way I’m leaning? Hint: a nice compromise inbetween)
2. Body Panels – The Shipping Nightmare
Good news: The Wave is ubiquitous in Asia, so parts are plentiful.
Bad news: Getting bulky, fragile panels shipped to North America is expensive. My contacts in Malaysia can do it—but they are nervous for me when quoting freight costs, it may not be worth it. It’s almost always is never worth it, but I’ll mostly likely go for it.
Options:
- Refresh what I have: Sand, paint, and repair broken tabs. (But it’s missing pieces, and I want a clean slate.) Current state here
- Full replacement: New panels, inside and out. Just gotta bite the bullet on shipping.
Decisions, decisions.
3. Engine Swap – Because 100cc is for Lawnmowers
Let’s be real—the stock 100cc rotary-shift engine is… adequate. But “adequate” doesn’t put a grin on your face.
Enter the ZS212 4V:
- Stock Wave: ~9 HP, tops out at 110 km/h (68 mph).
- ZS212: ~23 HP, potential for 180 km/h (112 mph).
Do I need to hit a max of 180 km/h? No. But do I want the power to choose chaos? Absolutely, always choose chaos!
4. Finishing Bits – Where I Could Lose All Self-Control
This is where things get fun (and expensive).
- Exhaust: Custom-built with an O2 bung for a wideband sensor. Maybe with a lean towards an EFI swap, if I’m feeling extra.
- Carb: A SmartCarb could save me from EFI headaches and be more realistic.
- Asian-market goodies: Leg shield basket, Nose basket, Malaysian front license plate on the front fender. Just a few thoughts off the top of my head.
- Extras: Steering damper (because why not?), custom rearsets (passengers need not apply), digital dash display, and a bunch of Thai-look parts* (anodized hardware, bright colors).
At that point, the only limiting factor is my wallet—and my family’s patience.
What’s Next?
Parts lists are being made, then finalized. Malaysian contacts are on speed dial. And my little workspace is about to become a very cramped, busy place.
Stay tuned—this build is happening!