Ok, let me preface this by stating that I was lazy, unmotivated and got sidetracked with life, a new baby boy, and everything that surrounded that. But now, I’m hoping to get rolling on this again and aiming to finish it ASAP.
The idea.
As of writing this, in 2024 Honda Canada has yet to allow the sale of the C125 Supercub, a bike which I am fully ready to buy, I have always wondered what it would be like to build a retro cub and outfit it with a big motor, front disc brake, fresh repaint, document the overall cost and compare the two side by side. Something along the lines like this.
Now, at the start of 2023, Honda Canada has released the CT125. A very close product to the C125 (albeit with a stark visual difference) and the price of an eye watering $6500.00 all in, with taxes and fees out the door.
As seen in this Facebook Marketplace listing.
Due to this, I want to rebuild a retro cub with modern components, that will perform as good, if not better than the modern day CT125.
As mentioned, I will try to document every single cost associated with this restomod and hope to have it cheaper and perform better than the CT125.
The challenger.
This 1968 Honda C65. I chose this bike out of all the others in my collection, as it’s the only one I have that is of a two piece frame design. Where the fuel tank and the frame actually separate into two pieces. I’ve always like the styling of the two piece frames, and when they’re properly restored, look fantastic.
This modded C70 with disc brakes from malaysia.
For those that don’t know, the C65 is the predecessor to the modern C70’s. The only difference was the engine, everything else is practically the same. As it was a bike that was built and sold from 1965 up till 1969, which was then replaced with the C70.
The 65cc displacement engine was a 3 speed, overhead cam, alloy head, iron cylinder engine. It produced a whopper 4.5~HP.
The wheels, brakes and suspension are all the same as you’d see on C70’s in and around the world. 17 x 1.4/1×6″ wheels, 100mm braked drums, 300mm rear shocks/suspension, and leading link front shocks/suspension
Click here for photo and cost updates
The ideal parts list, build breakdown.
Chassis/Suspension
Frame/Swingarm
- Stock C65 frame, refinished to be as new as original
- Standard swingarm, to accomodate 300mm rear shocks
Fork
- Standard leading link fork, modified for wheels
- Standard internal cub shock absorbers
Wheels/Brakes
- Aftermarket, rear 17 x 3.5″, front 17 x 3.0″ with disc brake hub
- Rear drum brake, standard 100mm brake shoes
- Front 200mm disc brake with 2 piston calliper
- Cable actuated front disc remote master cylinder
Engine/Drivetrain
- Lifan 140cc 4 speed manual motor
- Performance exhaust, low slung (TBD)
- 26mm Carburetor
Handlebars/Controls/Electrical
- Standard handlebar modified to accommodate 22mm controls
- Aftermarket left side controls with clutch lever, aftermarket right side controls
- Aftermarket digital Cub cluster
- Moto Gadget M-unit blue, for keyless ignition and operation
- LED front headlight
- LED turn signals front and rear
- LED rear tail light in stock fender mounted housing
Misc.
- Custom solo seat
- Aftermarket frame side covers
- Original 1968 C65 Legshield
- Original 1968 C65 legshield cargo basket from Singapore