CG125 to get going

Windmill John

Windmill John

Veteran Member
Joined
Jun 4, 2022
Total Posts
753
Total likes
328
Location
East Sussex, England
Neighbour has a work colleague with this bike. It had a running problem. It sat with her for a long while and then, three years ago, she left it with a mechanic to work on.
He never touched it and so here we are today.

I was asked do I want it or can I help her. I met with her today. I cannot justify or afford another bike, but also, condition…. Any work would take it way above its value.

She would love to ride it again, so I’ve agreed to clean it up, get it running, MOTd and it goes back to her. I’ll not take money for doing it, it just keeps me off the streets 😊 She has agreed just to cover the cost of anything I might need to buy.

Looking forward to being in the shed with the radio on.

f8563a4d-4674-4a9a-9675-3f81b2a1d374.jpegIMG_4369.jpegIMG_4370.jpeg
 
Well this should be interesting, I've known of the CG125 model for a while but have never seen one worked on. Those didn't make it to the US, so it will be fun to see what you discover. Pictures as you go, please.
 
I tried to leave……. I‘ve half left, it’s a single 😊

Due to costs, no painting or chroming is involved. It’s going to be mostly 0000 wire wool rubbing down and polish.
Proper jobs on any necessary mechanicing aspects, like carb cleaning, servicing etc. I‘m starting at the front and will strip the brakes and fully service and lube. Not part of getting it going, but I want to make sure she has a perfect running bike. The chain case is quite expansive, that might get a spray. But if you get one part very nice, the rest can look bad. I’ll keep it all bad 😊

I like the history of the CG. If I recall, Honda had the CB; cam chain etc. Honda knowing that many owners do not carry out necessary maintenance and to attract the biggest market in the world, brought out the CG. Simple push rods and fully enclosed chain case to reduce owner work. It’s probably meant many have been thrashed, but it made it a great workhorse.
 
Cycleranger said:
Oh, and welcome back. ;) :)
Click to expand...
He never really left... just threatened to. Where else could he bemoan the trials and tribulations of whatever he encounters with whatever bike he decides to work on next. :giggle:

And I say that in as affectionate manner as possible, since we enjoy his trials and tribulations.
 
I might recommend a gallon can of WD40 or other rust inhibitor spray,down in through the spark plug hole also. I've always like the fully enclosed chain case designs;we need them here in the USA also.
:D

I've worked on a good number of cycles that were outside in a salt-atmosphere environment for a few years.
I bought plenty of cans of WD40 and sprayed-down the entire cycle,then used some heavy cotton rags,old clothes(I've got plenty of them)and wiped the whole thing down.
 
I never blow my own trumpet and am always self critical. But if I cannot sort out a CG125 push rod bike, I should be banished from the International Guild for Shed Mechanics 😁

Yes, brass brush is ready…

Oh and I visit boot fairs to pick up sheeting for rags. Torn sheets and brake cleaner, no other tools needed 😊
 
Windmill John said:
I never blow my own trumpet and am always self critical. But if I cannot sort out a CG125 push rod bike, I should be banished from the International Guild for Shed Mechanics 😁

Yes, brass brush is ready…

Oh and I visit boot fairs to pick up sheeting for rags. Torn sheets and brake cleaner, no other tools needed 😊
Click to expand...
Brake cleaner is very powerful;guard your painted and plastic parts because Brake Cleaner will melt them.
 
Last edited:
Brake cleaner is my friend 😊

It’s started! 😳
Plastics bother me far more than mechanics.

Any tips for fixing a side panel fixing, besides replacing? Remember, no painting involved. One of the plastic lugs has snapped off. The lugs that push through the grommets to hold them on.
 
I tried fixing a side panel lug using Milliput two part epoxy putty. This stuff is apparently used by model makers. It made a replica lug quite successfully, problem was getting it to adhere to the plastic panel.

Superfine White Milliput - Specially formulated for the restoration of porcelain and ceramics

White Milliput is recognised as one of the finest materials available for ceramic restoration, and also allows for missing parts to be reconstituted.
www.milliput.com www.milliput.com

Interesting project though. Must be an earlier CG, front drum brake, and presumably no electric starter ? Looks like it has seen a few salty UK winters. CDI ignition, so no contact breaker etc, might be a problem, ie fine when working, not so good by the roadside.
 
1990, so reasonably late; 12 volts though 👍
Wemoto only show a lead acid battery, I’d rather try and find a gel version.

Yes, plastic is a pain. As I said I’d rather not replace the panel as I cannot paint for toffee.
 
Windmill John said:
Brake cleaner is my friend 😊

It’s started! 😳
Plastics bother me far more than mechanics.

Any tips for fixing a side panel fixing, besides replacing? Remember, no painting involved. One of the plastic lugs has snapped off. The lugs that push through the grommets to hold them on.
Click to expand...
I just repaired a few sets of CL175 side covers and if you post a picture of the broken post I can suggest a repair option. I used a two part epoxy meant for plastic repair, which is likely available in the UK too.

Do you still have the broken post part available?
 
I hadn’t taken the panel off, it was hanging.

And now, weirdly, I cannot see a break!
Both grommets are oblong, but if you look at the perfect lug, the one ‘missing’ looks like there may be a part missing!

The actual ignition key holds the panel on at the bottom of the panel (not shown)

IMG_4376.jpegIMG_4378.jpegIMG_4377.jpeg
 
See how the other side is attached if it is the same system, it will give you a clue to what was used at the factory to retain the panels.

Here is a fiche pic from CMSNL and the mounts appear to be different than what you show on your side cover. There is another version with a screw mount on the bottom tab vs the one shown here.

honda-cg125k1-england-f-13-side-cover-tool_big3IMG01171772_e1d8.gif
 
Last edited:
Thanks for that. Both my side panels use the ignition key in the bottom corner of the triangle to open them.

No worries, I will sort it out.

Never a dull moment, it has a Datatool alarm fitted :rolleyes: I've removed it and now need to trace the five wires attached to it. I contact the company and they say they don't know the model, as it was way before they took over the company; they were nice about it though.
 
Windmill John said:
Thanks for that. Both my side panels use the ignition key in the bottom corner of the triangle to open them.

No worries, I will sort it out.

Never a dull moment, it has a Datatool alarm fitted :rolleyes: I've removed it and now need to trace the five wires attached to it. I contact the company and they say they don't know the model, as it was way before they took over the company; they were nice about it though.
Click to expand...

87ab22af-bd4e-4bff-b658-a0edce89f0e9_text.gif
 
Windmill John said:
Yes, I’m on 4-Stroke.net and was able to get the Haynes manual.
It’s a 1990 model, I believe Brazillion built.
Click to expand...
Ok,that's a start;you can trace the color coded wires to that area using the wiring diagram and reconnect the harness w/o that burglar alarm.
 
I purchased a little 1990 Honda NS50 2 stroke back East in 2015' for $600 ! and it also had a burglar alarm wiring into the harness(including the electronic ignition box)and I didn't know about what to do(no key for the burger alarm)so I left it in place before I sold the bike.
 
One reads horror stories in the magazines, folks buying used bikes that had been previously fitted with Datatool alarm / immobilisers, the hassle of picking the loom apart and putting it all back to standard
 
What have I done! 😳😊
It turned out to be not that bad a job removing the Datatool wiring.
The red, black and brown wires were tapped into power, negative (earth) and the flasher unit. All now cut and insulated.
The two white wires were tapped into an existing black and white wire, which I will join and solder tomorrow, or later.
Also, the side panel clip is a removable item! I’ll try and locate one or create something.
IMG_4386.jpegIMG_4387.jpegIMG_4388.jpeg
 
Windmill John said:
I like the way you make it sound so casual, then you tell me you sold the bike with it fitted 😁
Still, you gave me confidence… initially 😉
Click to expand...
I decided the little low mileage NS50 wasn't powerful enough(I want an NS250)so I sold it;I would have removed the burger alarm and re-attached the wires color to color if I had kept it.
I now have a Honda 200cc engine in my little CB125S which serves me well(it's able to keep-up with Interstate Hwy speeds)with a strong,custom luggage rack to carry what I need along with very good fuel mileage.

Nice to see you're connecting the wires back together after removal of that alarm system.
 
I’m sure we’ve seen this before… Took off the chain as it had seized links etc, only to discover when you applied the back brake, it stayed on.
Off with the wheel, clean up the pivot and regrease, all good.
Here’s the brake shaft, devoid of lube, but carrying plenty of furry alloy and rust.
How about the carb accelerator pump shaft…. Lovely!
.
IMG_4394.jpegIMG_4396.jpeg
 
Windmill John said:
Also, the side panel clip is a removable item! I’ll try and locate one or create something.
Click to expand...


Well isn't that a novel design! I guess it needs some flexibility in that one post to allow it to connect and remove without breaking the tab. I have never seen that before, yet I have never seen that model here in Canada.
 
Boom, running. After initially having no spark, tracing it back to the feed that had gone to the Datatool alarm I had removed and realising I'd pulled the bullet out, that goes to the coil, with my tugging :rolleyes:

Anyhoo, discovered a faulty fuel tap, new one ordered and started it from a syringe. Need to get tank on so I can fiddle with the mixture screw.
 
Just received a replacement fuel tap from Wemoto….. it doesn’t fit!
After lots of checking, I think it’s still 14mm, but mine is 1.5 pitch and the replacement is I think 1.25.
Checking loads of options, they seem to be 1.25 pitch, but there are 1.5, but not advertised as Honda.

So, I’ve purchased a 1.5 from Wemoto and will ride over to Wemoto with the first tap next week and compare. Hopefully I can take the fuel tank on the back of my Hunter and then check there.

Has anyone else bought a tap that appears to be the wrong thread?

.
 
Well, new tap fitted…. With a massive glass filter bowl underneath!
I appeared to have a 16mm fitting!
Also, all the world wide models on the CMSL site, none had these weird side panel fittings. I made two out of wood and they work well.
I’ve contacted the owner and said she can collect the bike.
The tick over is a little uneven; read, uneven 🙄 I’ve said try it first, but we can always buy another carb if needed. I’ve cleaned hers, but the corrosion I think has gone a little too far.
I’ll let her decide if she wants new rims, shocks etc. Let’s get an MOT first and see where we stand. It depends on how perfect she wants it.
IMG_0003.jpeg
 
And at the back!…..
Maybe the bike has dipped in the middle 😁
Lets focus on this:
IMG_4370.jpeg
I’ve cleaned them best I can. It’s less than £100 for two new rims and more lacing practise for me 🙄
I’ve done it before, but it is stressful and take a long time…..
 
For a bit more money ( 70 quid each end ) Ebay lists brand new complete CG125 wheels, complete with brakes. Obviously Chinese copies, but even so ..

www.ebay.co.uk

Front Wheel CG125 style drum with brake plate(Rim 1.40 x 18) (Each) | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Front Wheel CG125 style drum with brake plate(Rim 1.40 x 18) (Each) at the best online prices at eBay! Free delivery for many products.
www.ebay.co.uk
 
Windmill John said:
Well, new tap fitted…. With a massive glass filter bowl underneath!
I appeared to have a 16mm fitting!
Also, all the world wide models on the CMSL site, none had these weird side panel fittings. I made two out of wood and they work well.
I’ve contacted the owner and said she can collect the bike.
The tick over is a little uneven; read, uneven 🙄 I’ve said try it first, but we can always buy another carb if needed. I’ve cleaned hers, but the corrosion I think has gone a little too far.
I’ll let her decide if she wants new rims, shocks etc. Let’s get an MOT first and see where we stand. It depends on how perfect she wants it.
View attachment 38333
Click to expand...
Its hard to believe the work and transformation! It looks like a great rider that she should be very pleased with now, plus gets to ride it if she want to.
 
Cycleranger said:
At least you've gotten it to a state where it could be sold for more than scrap.
Click to expand...
Or parts only.
Neglect takes a horrible toll.
I would rather work on a person's motorcycle who intends to keep it.
I've patched-up many a 'flipper machine'.. never feels satisfying when I know they aren't interested in their nice bike,to ride it and enjoy it;sometimes they will try to sell it,while it sits for over a year and they aren't interested to ride it. The bike goes back into bad shape from neglect.

John,I hope a caring person chooses to own this bike and do the necessary up-keep. ;)
 
Last edited:
This looks like a second generation CG 125 (1983-1988) also called "Square CG" aka "CG Quadrada" but I don't think it's a Brazilian model as the warning says "Caution" and as far as I knew all stickers of brazilian models were in portuguese (unless they exported them, I don't know about that). EDIT: Just saw the "Made in Brazil" on the stator-side cover. Heh.
Around here at least it had the "Ecco" carburetor which honda said made her more fuel efficient while not decreasing any performance, it looks like the one on your engine, with the plastic cover and all, in 1985 it got a 5th gear as well.
It's a pushrod engine that can literally run on cooking oil or even no oil at all. These things really outlive their owner.
The bike is notorious for leaking on this thing (I don't know the right english name), if I recall correctly you can take it out juuuuuuuuuust enough where you can change the O-Ring on it (I might be confusing it with another CG engine, but I'm pretty sure it's this one):
1729022725465.png
Also, if you change the oil, remember to clean the oil screen filter.
The drain plug is below the engine while the nut that holds the oil screen filter and a spring is on the side:
1729022872168.png

There's also a rotor that has stuff to do with the oil filter on the clutch side that should be cleaned when changing the oil:
1729022917306.png

I have the service manual, including the wiring diagram and the correct routing of the cables for this bike, here it is - It includes stuff for both the 125 ML and the CG 125, yours is the CG 125, but the engine stuff is pretty much the same.

Manual de servico CG-ML 125 1983.pdf

drive.google.com drive.google.com
 
Last edited:
Thanks CB450DX, just saw your post.
Yes it’s Brazilian, it mentions that on the right hand side of engine.
Yes I cleaned the strainer too. ADDED - I forgot about the clutch side strainer!
Weirdly, the fuel tap size is different to any listed on CMSL.
Also weirdly, every model at CMSL does not show the weird side panel lugs.
I’ll post a picture tomorrow to show what I did, which also works perfectly.
Never thought I’d be using wooden lugs!
 
CB450DX said:
Also, if you change the oil, remember to clean the oil screen filter.
The drain plug is below the engine while the nut that holds the oil screen filter and a spring is on the side:
Click to expand...
I remember those "valve cover" looking caps over the oil screen, had forgotten all about them until seeing that. Clearly been a long time since I worked on any Honda single.
CB450DX said:
I have the service manual, including the wiring diagram and the correct routing of the cables for this bike, here it is - It includes stuff for both the 125 ML and the CG 125, yours is the CG 125, but the engine stuff is pretty much the same.

Manual de servico CG-ML 125 1983.pdf

drive.google.com drive.google.com
Click to expand...
Damn, if only it was in English too, I'd add it to our library.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom