Topic: 1965 Honda Cub c100

[Slow2]

I know that this is the SOHC owners club and it’s purpose is the fours. But I’ve stumbled across a 1965 Honda Cub c100 that is complete except for the motor. The owner wants $300. It’s in really good shape except for the motor. About 80% of the motor is missing.I’ve been trying for the last week to find a motor, or get any info about this Cub. I can’t find an active forum or recent info. I’m trying to decide if it’s worth fooling with. Any advice/info would be greatly appreciated. I apologize for putting this post here but y’all are the smartest Honda folks I know. Thanks!!

Ed Bruton

[Gurp]

Welcome.

I'm not very knowledgeable on those myself but I'm sure a few of the members here are. Sounds like a super cool project can't wait till you get a few posts under your belt and can post pictures of it!

Sent from my LE2127 using Tapatalk

[Lucien Harpress]

I'd say go for it.  I've got a '68 Trail 90, which is broadly similar (all the Cubs and Trail bikes of that era were sorta based off the same motor, with minor differences depending on model).  My reasoning it twofold-

1. If the Cub is like the Trail 90, they are getting super-collectable.  So the price, for what you get, is quite reasonable.  For comparison, a decent Trail 90 will run you about $1500 these days.

2. Honda made a MILLION of these things.  While getting your specific motor might be a challenge, the little one cylinder engines show up all the time.  There's usually a small pile or two at swap meets, and people like to give them away cheap.  You may need to do a bit of swapping and building to get a complete engine correct for your bike, but they are dead-simple to work on.

They're also fun as all get out to ride.  I think I have more fun on my 90 than any of my other bikes.

[RAFster122s]

Depends on how early the cub motor is…if it is the pushrod design skip trying to make it original…
Better to drop a clone engine in for a bolt on solution or fit a C70 or CT70 motor in it…

DrATV.com is a good supplier of parts.

But, given the work you describe unless cosmetics of body are great I would give less than $300…
Rear shocks and rebuilding front suspension are probably in order…
They are fun bikes for slow rides on Country roads or secondary city streets that are lightly traveled.

[Slow2]

Yep, it’s the pushrod engine. Where would I find a clone? I’m pretty experienced at finding parts and building CB750’s but this thing has given me a headache!! The body parts are in good shape, but not exceptional. Are there other Honda motors that are a drop in exchange? This thing has/had automatic centrifugal clutch, foot shift three speed with no clutch lever. However, I’m not stuck on making it original. Just something to putt around on at a reasonable price. Thanks!!!

Ed Bruton

[bryanj]

Not 100% but i think any step through 50cc has the same mountings

[Deltarider]

The Cubs are legendary. See that documentary: the ten greatest motorcycles ever. It's the most sold vehicle with a combustion engine on the planet.
I don't remember which model it was, but at first it was not admitted in the Netherlands, in spite of the great characteristics: quiet engine and very good mileage. The reason? We had this silly law that all mopeds - in those days officially called: bicycles with auxiliary engine - must have pedals. Honda was not interested in making a special serie for the Netherlands and so we were left deprived for many, many years. Such a shame!

[grcamna2]

The Honda C70 'Passport' came here for 4 years(1980-1983')and I think that 72cc Honda engine/trans assembly(it had 12 vts. and electric start)is very close to what you want. I've seen many of them around back East and quite a few were parted-out. The later ones had factory CDi 'pointless' ignition.

[Gibbon]

Hi.

Here in New Zealand the Honda Cubs are quite collectable and tidy examples sell for upwards of $2000. The early push rod versions more so.
The Cub's, Trail's and Monkey bikes all use the same mountings for the engine and there are 10's of millions of them. I doubt it would be difficult to find a later OHC engine unit. A common modification here in NZ is to fit a Lifan 125cc unit.

Find a replacement engine and ride the Cub, it will make you grin.

I have found that parts are not difficult to find. Ebay has many sellers that sell genuine and / or reproduction parts. CMSNL in Holland has good part lists and diagrams and a good selection of parts.
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-c100-general-export_model11340/partslist/
 
 
 

[Lucien Harpress]

If you're not dead-set on originality finding a motor is even easier.  Most of the mounting points match up (it's only two or three) and if the original motor is a 50cc upping it to 70 or 90 is a great upgrade.

[bryanj]

Careful with the 90.
The 50 and 70 are similar engines with magneto ignition, points inside the flywheel.
The 90 has points on end of cam, different charging system and needs a battery to start

[grcamna2]

The Cubs are legendary. See that documentary: the ten greatest motorcycles ever. It's the most sold vehicle with a combustion engine on the planet.
I don't remember which model it was, but at first it was not admitted in the Netherlands, in spite of the great characteristics: quiet engine and very good mileage. The reason? We had this silly law that all mopeds - in those days officially called: bicycles with auxiliary engine - must have pedals. Honda was not interested in making a special serie for the Netherlands and so we were left deprived for many, many years. Such a shame!

Delta,did your country ever receive the C310S model with pedals after Honda decided to export them ?

[Deltarider]

Yes, we did. I do not know when though. It's 49cc. All Mopeds in The Netherlands are 49cc by law. Even 1 cc more and it will be a motorcycle and will need a license plate.
In my schooldays mopeds were all about 'image'. The model you choose, was a statement. The Austrian 2T Puch with high rise handlebars became very popular with alternative people. The importer (Stokvis) must have realised that and had ads like (see pic below). My next door neighbour has one and rides it every weekend to his little holiday home. He is allowed to ride it from Friday 12:00 till Monday 12:00 only due to legislation on emissions.

[RAFster122s]

C70 will blow about every lamp in lighting system if you have a dead battery or no battery. The charging system is a odd design with battery as a load device to regulate things to certain extent. A secondary coil activates when lights are on. 25w headlamp is pretty feeble and expensive to replace whole unit.
John Pardue makes lots of electrical upgrades that are very useful and good. Regulators, LED lights, LED headlights, etc.
The C70 motor is a good motor and can be overbored reliably. Dratv.com has kits for that...
Most you can expect mph from C70 motor is gonna be around 40 if you are lightweight.
The OHC motor design is reliable and easy to maintain. Just have to change oil frequently as the heat breaks the oil down faster than in SOHC4.

[BenelliSEI]

Here’s a really nice 1966 C65 for sale. I bought a 1970 Triumph T100S from this gentleman +30 years ago. He does very nice work, it’s still running strong!

https://cvmg.ca/Motorcycles-For-Sale/13258321