Topic: 1972 CT90

[MauiK3]

I shouldn’t even think about this but here it goes.
My Z1 still needs the oil issues resolved and I have not touched it for some time due to a pretty significant front yard overhaul we decided to do for a variety of reasons. The tank is still not done as well. I’m hoping to get back to it in a few weeks.
A fellow here heard I have been dabbling in vintage bikes and has this CT90, 1972. It does not run, likely the carb. He knows he can’t deal with it but wants it to go to someone who can, which might be me. It turns over, gears shift. They are only worth $2k or so in great shape so getting one fixed up could easily exceed that. I have not gone to see it but I may. From the photos I think the air cleaner is gone. CT90’s are pretty cool little bikes, 4 speed box I think. I’ll do some checking around for parts availability..
Do I need another project? No, but does any one of the other nuts on this forum need another? Not likely. I’m nuts.
Why oh why

[Alan F.]

I feel your pain Brother, I've been working on my superfluous CB160 this afternoon, it's the oldest and smallest bike I've ever worked on but it just makes me feel very good for whatever reason. Maybe it's the red frame? I hope your CT90 brings you similar joy.

[ekpent]

 Has he quoted you a price yet and does it have a title ?

[Stev-o]

I'd pass on that unless I had absolutely nothing better to do. But that's just me...

[seanbarney41]

With gas prices where they are, I am actually kind of excited about a CT90 a friend offered me.

[MauiK3]

When I look at it I'll check for a title. I've done some more looking and some of the missing parts are pretty hard to get, might not be worth picking up, the air inlet assembly is missing and I've not found any of the parts.
It's too bad people lose so much stuff from bikes like these.

[CycleRanger]

A bit too much patina on that one, imho.

[Kevin D]

4 speed box I think.

The CT90s I remember had a High-Low range selector below the circled box.
My boss at Bobs Honda lost the use of his right leg to polio but he could still ride. There was a photo of him on a CT90 in deer season, with a deer tied to the rack, the CT90 hauling them both out of the woods.

[ekpent]

There is an early one sitting in a barn close to me where I bought a few other bikes and I remember it had two sprockets on the back wheel, one for road and the other for off-road I assume.

[BenelliSEI]

Actually fun projects. I quite enjoyed the change! My grandson loves it too...... That one does look pretty rough.

[MauiK3]

Yes, I think it would be a difficult project to complete.

[Alan F.]

I guess that narrows it down from a restoration to a custom? And unless it's a keeper, customs aren't worth much.

[grcamna2]

That bike does need the frame PC'd but they're very nice if you don't mind 55mph flat out in high range.
They are a very durable machine and in Low range you can climb any hill even with a load.

[BenelliSEI]

Did you pass?

[RAFster122s]

They are fun bikes, as long as you can safely ride them where you live. Tucson has become quite dangerous for slow scooters and small motorcycles like the CT90. But as has been said...not worth a lot. The salt isn't kind to them as you see. Powder coat it for durability and longevity with the island climate and be careful to not peel it up when using fasteners, thin stainless steel washers can help where you are dealing with clearances that allow it. Cannot easily touch up powder or fix chips and that's the drawback...
DrATV is great source for parts. My C70 when the leg shield is off is similar in design of the frame. Tena Vintage on eBay, Anis, is good about selling good parts from similar models in Thailand... Just make sure with others because some things don't work out...
Carbs can be had inexpensively.
But, like you say, they aren't worth a lot.

The Monkey bikes and the little CT50s and CT70s they are stupid money...
Love the orange ones...

Check with Ohio Cycle on off chance they might have what you seek if you get it...

[MauiK3]

I passed, I just saw too many expensive or unobtainium parts to find.
Maybe I'll just get a new Monkey If I really want a small bike. The Monkey is really well put together.