Topic: CT70 information?

[GroovieGhoulie]

Where would I go to get info on these little bikes?

My dad just got two in decent shape plus a spare engine and seven boxes of parts (one brand-new exhaust, a new seat, six handlebars, 10 cylinders/pistons/heads, seven carbs, tons of misc parts, etc).  He wants me to help him work on them while I'm home on leave for Christmas and might give me one to take home.  He said one runs rough, and one doesn't run but wants to.  Says they're "automatics" as they have shifters but no clutch or clutch lever?  Didn't think that little bike would have a clutchless box.    He said the spare engine had a regular clutch and gearbox though, and that interests me.

Any input on these little machines?

[Bob Wessner]

Did a quick search and found this. Not sure since I didn't try to join and it is restricted to members. Good luck.

http://autos.groups.yahoo.com/group/ct70minitrailclub/

[GroovieGhoulie]

Thanks!!  I'll check it out!

[busidit]

You must check out Beatrice Cycle - "DrATV"
I think he only deals online but he has everything you need and is a pleasure to work with.

Have fun

James

[Bill Vaughan]

Groovie,

I restored one of those last year for my Nephew.  Great little bike.  Also did a Z50A for another Nephew.

Your right about the tranny - it's clutchless (actually centrifical).  The shift pattern is opposite of traditional motorcycles, so it takes some getting used to.

Northeast Vintage Cycle is a great resource for both parts and advice.  You can download parts lists and information from their website:  www.hondanuts.com

There's also a service manual available from Clymers, I beliieve.  Most Honda dealers have them in stock.   Very helpful.

Be sure to inspect the cam chain and guide rollers.  They are the weak link on this bike, but all the parts are available.  The rectifier is also a problem, but there's a modified part made by Honda that's much more durable and plugs right up to the original connection.

Good luck and feel free to post any question you may have about it in the future.

[Kevin D]

The early CT70s had the automatic clutch only, as did some other small Hondas, Trail 90 CT90, Step thru CM91, step thru 50. I'm sure they were trying to keep it as easy as possible for the beginning rider. Later, they offered the CT70 with either auto or manual clutch. I think the auto clutch was more popular.
 
My generous boss at the Honda shop GAVE me one, for a season, if I would just ride it at the local minibike races. It fit in the backseat of my Mom's small car with the bars folded down. I was a lousy rider, but the bike was clearly superior, and we sold all we could get.

[cb650]

They werent auto only.   When growing up I had a 74 that was a 4 speed with a clutch.  After it craped out dad bought me a 76 3 speed no clutch. It is most likely still running today.




                                Terry

[Gibson]

Never heard anny of those had a manual clutch those are one tough little bike real hard to find now.

[cb650]

My sister has a sweet 82 that we bought new.  Too bad here brat ass kid is gonna tear it up.




                   Terry

[Gibson]

On the plus side you'll get a really good deal on it.

[fordmancrp]

The manual clutch 4-spd models are CT70H and I noticed on Ebay that these usually bring more money than the automatics. Ebay is a good source for parts and parts bikes for these cool little bikes.