Wanted opinions on this CB175

[5haun]

Hi folks. I'm considering buying this bike and, as it's situated a few hours away I won't be able to examine it before purchase. Please weigh in if you have thoughts:

Honda CB175 1972 | Trade Me Motors

1972 Honda CB 175 twin Rego on hold (untill 25/11/26) NO WOF Cheap rego, being 50 years plus old. Does go, but sold as is where is. Great do up & for restorat...

www.trademe.co.nz

This one is also an option. It's cheaper (and I'm certainly not rich) but not so much of a classic:

Honda Cd250u 1990 | Trade Me Motors

1990 Honda CD250U Speedo In miles works out to be around 40kms Starts runs well Strictly as is where is New vtnz wof Rego one month Neat little bike in good co...

www.trademe.co.nz

I'm told that prices here in New Zealand are high compared to the rest of the world. I'm retired and am looking for a fairly light bike that should last a decent while, as a fine weather runabout and back up in case my 1985 Honda City AA car is off the road for any length of time. I can do a lot of mechanical work myself so what's most important to me is parts availability.

Thanks.

 

[stl360+450]

I guess 4000 NZ dollars is about 2380 US dollars. I feel like that would be high for that bike here in the States.

The seller guarantees nothing and provides no maintenance history. I recently purchased a parts motor for a 350 project and it tested at roughly 165 psi compression on each cylinder. I considered using the motor untouched, but decided to play it smart and inspect everything and replace all the seals and gaskets. The cam and followers were all completely shot and I ended up doing a full top end rebuild as well as cleaning out the cases. So, running doesn't necessarily mean it's in good shape

I feel like that price would be for a bike you could just start riding, not one on unknown mechanical condition.

I know some folks in Australia have purchased bikes imported from the US. Is there any chance something like that exists where you are?

 

[EzPete]

The CD is by far the better bike, in better condition, will cost far less to maintain.

The 175 is a shocking overestimation of value. I might bite if it was missing a digit off that price.

 

[5haun]

Thanks for the replies stl360 + 450 and EzPete. What do you guys think of this CB400 then?

Honda Cb400n/t 1981 | Trade Me Motors

This bike is a CB400N that appears to have been retro fitted to become a CB400T, the tank, side covers, seat and rear guard appear to be CB400T whilst the frame...

www.trademe.co.nz

It's an odd bike, a mix of T and N models but with the N engine (6 speed box and 9 extra HP over the T). I wish it had a kickstart but you can't always get what you want.
I appreciate the input. Edit: Some research shows me that when this bike was sold here in NZ most Honda bikes and cars were assembled locally from 'CKD' (Complete Knock-Down) kits as a way of bypassing tariffs on imported vehicles. As the CB400N came out only 9 months after the CB400T I'm thinking that this bike came off the assembly line as a hybrid N/T.

 

[5haun]

I guess 4000 NZ dollars is about 2380 US dollars. I feel like that would be high for that bike here in the States.

The seller guarantees nothing and provides no maintenance history. I recently purchased a parts motor for a 350 project and it tested at roughly 165 psi compression on each cylinder. I considered using the motor untouched, but decided to play it smart and inspect everything and replace all the seals and gaskets. The cam and followers were all completely shot and I ended up doing a full top end rebuild as well as cleaning out the cases. So, running doesn't necessarily mean it's in good shape

I feel like that price would be for a bike you could just start riding, not one on unknown mechanical condition.

I know some folks in Australia have purchased bikes imported from the US. Is there any chance something like that exists where you are?

Yeah the price of the 175 is high but it seems all bikes are here compared with the UK and US. A CB175 in good condition sold for NZ$6,500 last month.

I have no idea about importing a bike. My situation is I've recently retired, am quite poor but find myself with a fixed income and stable and secure housing - as a renter that's something I've not had for a long time. I also have a double garage here, only one car and about NZ$5k savings. I've haven't had a bike for over 30 years but have been increasingly missing riding. My back is shot so I'd want something fairly comfortable and not too heavy. Also cheap to run because, as I mentioned I'm not rich. (I'd also need to buy a helmet and some riding gear out of that $5k...)

Cheers.

 

[5haun]

The CD is by far the better bike, in better condition, will cost far less to maintain.

I agree. However in my research I've found that it has a rather odd (for Honda) engine with a lot of parts unique to that bike and unavailable.

The 175 is a shocking overestimation of value. I might bite if it was missing a digit off that price.

I hear ya! I have a soft spot in my heart for Honda 175 twins though. I used to live on Norfolk Island in the Pacific in the 1980s and when I was there I bought a CD175. I look back on that bike fondly. Our prices are high here, a sweet tidy original CB175 sold for NZ$6,500 on that site last month and I'm thinking this seller saw that auction. I'm considering a CB400 now, link in my other reply if you care to tell me what you think of that?

Cheers.

 

[ancientdad]

Thanks for the replies stl360 + 450 and EzPete. What do you guys think of this CB400 then?

Honda Cb400n/t 1981 | Trade Me Motors

This bike is a CB400N that appears to have been retro fitted to become a CB400T, the tank, side covers, seat and rear guard appear to be CB400T whilst the frame...

www.trademe.co.nz

It's an odd bike, a mix of T and N models but with the N engine (6 speed box and 9 extra HP over the T). I wish it had a kickstart but you can't always get what you want.
I appreciate the input. Edit: Some research shows me that when this bike was sold here in NZ most Honda bikes and cars were assembled locally from 'CKD' (Complete Knock-Down) kits as a way of bypassing tariffs on imported vehicles. As the CB400N came out only 9 months after the CB400T I'm thinking that this bike came off the assembly line as a hybrid N/T.

I don't know if I buy the "hybrid" theory on that bike, Honda didn't really do that in later years AFAIK, and shipping partially disassembled bikes to qualify as "parts" to avoid vehicle tariffs goes back to the early '60s when Honda first started shipping new bikes to the US. In the late '60s Honda did have a few models that early in their production still had some leftover parts used from previous models (early JDM CB350 comes to mind) but that wasn't usual.

The SOHC 400/450 models are solid bikes and despite a bit more internal engine complexity (balancers) and an early electronic ignition (CDI) that will eventually fail strictly due to age of internals, they seem to be quite reliable and many parts are still available. And we have @Maraakate's brand new reverse-engineered replacement CDI units available for you when that happens as well as lots of knowledge here for the model itself.

Brand New CDI for CB400T/CM400T/CM400E/CM400C/CB450SC

Thanks to a kind donation from Jim I received 5 broken CDI units as was able to use these to successfully reverse engineer the CB400/CM400 manual series CDI. CURRENT STATUS 08-07-2024: Ready for your order. Direct contact via PM, E-Mail or direct order though Hondamaticparts.com preferred...

www.vintagehondatwins.com

That bike looks decent and pretty original aside from non-original paint and mufflers/silencers. Story of swapped tank and sidecovers seems by a PO likely based on unused bolt holes in the frame below the rear section of the seat, though I know little about these bikes aside from what I've learned through the forum, I was out of Honda dealerships by the time the SOHC twins came out. I will say the starter clutch issue would require a full bottom end rebuild as the starter clutch bolts directly to the crankshaft. It has modern tires on it and the good news is the original airbox (and resulting proper rideability and performance) is there, hasn't been thrown out in favor of crappy pod filters that would have you chasing your tail rejetting forever.

 

[5haun]

I don't know if I buy the "hybrid" theory on that bike, Honda didn't really do that in later years AFAIK, and shipping partially disassembled bikes to qualify as "parts" to avoid vehicle tariffs goes back to the early '60s when Honda first started shipping new bikes to the US. In the late '60s Honda did have a few models that early in their production still had some leftover parts used from previous models (early JDM CB350 comes to mind) but that wasn't usual.

The SOHC 400/450 models are solid bikes and despite a bit more internal engine complexity (balancers) and an early electronic ignition (CDI) that will eventually fail strictly due to age of internals, they seem to be quite reliable and many parts are still available. And we have @Maraakate's brand new reverse-engineered replacement CDI units available for you when that happens as well as lots of knowledge here for the model itself.

Brand New CDI for CB400T/CM400T/CM400E/CM400C/CB450SC

Thanks to a kind donation from Jim I received 5 broken CDI units as was able to use these to successfully reverse engineer the CB400/CM400 manual series CDI. CURRENT STATUS 08-07-2024: Ready for your order. Direct contact via PM, E-Mail or direct order though Hondamaticparts.com preferred...

www.vintagehondatwins.com

That bike looks decent and pretty original aside from non-original paint and mufflers/silencers. Story of swapped tank and sidecovers seems by a PO likely based on unused bolt holes in the frame below the rear section of the seat, though I know little about these bikes aside from what I've learned through the forum, I was out of Honda dealerships by the time the SOHC twins came out. I will say the starter clutch issue would require a full bottom end rebuild as the starter clutch bolts directly to the crankshaft. It has modern tires on it and the good news is the original airbox (and resulting proper rideability and performance) is there, hasn't been thrown out in favor of crappy pod filters that would have you chasing your tail rejetting forever.

Thanks a lot for the considered reply ancientdad. I'll think on it a bit more tomorrow and then may phone the seller.

 

[ancientdad]

Thanks a lot for the considered reply ancientdad. I'll think on it a bit more tomorrow and then may phone the seller.

Here is a project thread for a CB400NB from a wonderful member who left us too soon, it would give you quite a view of the bike disassembled.

https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/threads/my-cb400nb-restore.212/

 

[5haun]

Here is a project thread for a CB400NB from a wonderful member who left us too soon, it would give you quite a view of the bike disassembled.

https://www.vintagehondatwins.com/forums/threads/my-cb400nb-restore.212/

Thanks! It's almost 1am here so bedtime for me. I'll read the thread and study all of the pics in great detail tomorrow.

Cheers.

 

[stl360+450]

The CB400 would appear to give you much more for a comparable price to the CB175. This would make me consider offering a lower amount to the CB175 seller than the asking price.

I totally understand wanting to stay within a budget. I would try to be as patient as you can be in terms of watching these listings for the best match with your goals and desires.

• Are you interested in projects or only bikes that can be ridden with a minimal amount of work?
• Are you in a position to make repairs to keep a vintage machine going? Tools?
• Are there other market places in New Zealand you can tap into? I guess here in the US, Facebook marketplace is very active along with Craigslist, but there are also auction sites like Bring a Trailer.
• Are the higher prices there related to these bikes being older? Would you get more for your money with a newer bike?

My theory has always been to buy cheap bikes that don't run or barely run and slowly bring them back to life. This wouldn't give you backup transportation right away and might cost more than a running bike in the long run. The benefit is you would have a hobby and eventually the satisfaction of reanimating an old machine.

I hope you find the right combination for your current goals and constraints.

 

[boddy]

The CB175 has a lot of miles if the speedo is original to the bike. It seems over priced as others have pointed out, but that is probably the NZ market. I think that engine has been apart before as there is a mix of hex head and JIS screws on the engine cases. The head also looks like it has been painted with no over spray, so my theory is the engine was out of the frame when painted and as far as I remember the head and cylinder were never painted from the factory. The seat lock is missing which is why the seat is sitting at an angle.

Personally, I would offer much less than the asking price if you are set on getting the 175.

 

[Flyin900]

Forget that 400 bike. The starter clutch is acting up as seller noted. It is a full engine teardown to get to the starter clutch assembly located on the crankshaft. It is a big job and likely costly repair on a way too expensive bike with that issue.
Personally I would keep looking and pay more for a bike that is ready to go and in better condition both in riding, running and cosmetic wise.
Buy the best condition one you can afford vs doing any work of an unknown amount and costs. Even free bikes aren’t free. They can have huge costs involved in resurrecting to a riding and well running bike.

 

[5haun]

The CB400 would appear to give you much more for a comparable price to the CB175. This would make me consider offering a lower amount to the CB175 seller than the asking price.

I totally understand wanting to stay within a budget. I would try to be as patient as you can be in terms of watching these listings for the best match with your goals and desires.

• Are you interested in projects or only bikes that can be ridden with a minimal amount of work?

Ideally I would like the minimal work option but finances might make me choose the other.

• Are you in a position to make repairs to keep a vintage machine going? Tools?

I have most non-specialist tools. Wrenches, sockets etc. I also have a good knowledge of engines (gearboxes not so much) as I grew up fixing old stationary engines as a hobby.

• Are there other market places in New Zealand you can tap into? I guess here in the US, Facebook marketplace is very active along with Craigslist, but there are also auction sites like Bring a Trailer.

People keep telling me I should look at Facebook Marketplace but I don't use facebook and have heard a few horror stories about people being ripped off / outright robbed doing deals on marketplace. The site I use is regulated and you have legal recourse if things go pear-shaped.

• Are the higher prices there related to these bikes being older? Would you get more for your money with a newer bike?

Newer bikes are still expensive here but bikes that are over 40 years old in NZ only cost NZ$70 a year to register for the road. Newer than that are NZ$700 a year. (It's related to universal health insurance and claims by motorcyclists covering accidents.) So a bike that's newer than 40 years old will cost an extra ~NZ$600 a year for however many years it's got to go to 40 years old. That adds up quickly, especially for someone in my position.

My theory has always been to buy cheap bikes that don't run or barely run and slowly bring them back to life. This wouldn't give you backup transportation right away and might cost more than a running bike in the long run. The benefit is you would have a hobby and eventually the satisfaction of reanimating an old machine.

I could do that. My biggest fear is spending good money on something and then finding when working on it that it needs a part that's no longer available. (Which was part of my reason for joining here.) I'm still sore over parking a beautiful Triumph Tigress 250 scooter (4 stroke parallel twin) then selling it for peanuts as the clutch was shot and every bike shop I spoke to said parts were unobtainium, It was a decade later that the internet came along and I discovered that it could have been repaired and that there were businesses in the UK that manufactured parts for these old machines. I loved that scoot. It'd do 75mph on the flat and was cheap to run.

Also I'm an invalid, shot back, had spinal fusions but still in pain every day, too much to do much most days. I have demands on my low-pain time as it is (living alone and looking after a house and 1/4 acre section). I wouldn't mind SOME repair and maintenance work as I enjoy working on engines and mechanical stuff but I'm hard-limited on how much I can do.

I hope you find the right combination for your current goals and constraints.

Thanks. I really appreciate your input and the input I'm getting from this group.

 

[5haun]

Forget that 400 bike. The starter clutch is acting up as seller noted. It is a full engine teardown to get to the starter clutch assembly located on the crankshaft. It is a big job and likely costly repair on a way too expensive bike with that issue.
Personally I would keep looking and pay more for a bike that is ready to go and in better condition both in riding, running and cosmetic wise.

Thanks. Good advice. I didn't realise it was such a big job to fix that starter clutch. I looked up how to fix them (generally, not specific to this bike) but it didn't show how much I'd need to pull it down to get to it.

Buy the best condition one you can afford vs doing any work of an unknown amount and costs. Even free bikes aren’t free. They can have huge costs involved in resurrecting to a riding and well running bike.

Yeah that makes sense, thanks.

 

[5haun]

The CB175 has a lot of miles if the speedo is original to the bike. It seems over priced as others have pointed out, but that is probably the NZ market. I think that engine has been apart before as there is a mix of hex head and JIS screws on the engine cases. The head also looks like it has been painted with no over spray, so my theory is the engine was out of the frame when painted and as far as I remember the head and cylinder were never painted from the factory. The seat lock is missing which is why the seat is sitting at an angle.

Personally, I would offer much less than the asking price if you are set on getting the 175.

Thanks boddy. I can't believe I hadn't zoomed in to those pics and seen now badly wallered-out some of those JIS screw heads are. I'm learning a lot here.

 

[EzPete]

Ideally I would like the minimal work option but finances might make me choose the other.

I have most non-specialist tools. Wrenches, sockets etc. I also have a good knowledge of engines (gearboxes not so much) as I grew up fixing old stationary engines as a hobby.

People keep telling me I should look at Facebook Marketplace but I don't use facebook and have heard a few horror stories about people being ripped off / outright robbed doing deals on marketplace. The site I use is regulated and you have legal recourse if things go pear-shaped.

Newer bikes are still expensive here but bikes that are over 40 years old in NZ only cost NZ$70 a year to register for the road. Newer than that are NZ$700 a year. (It's related to universal health insurance and claims by motorcyclists covering accidents.) So a bike that's newer than 40 years old will cost an extra ~NZ$600 a year for however many years it's got to go to 40 years old. That adds up quickly, especially for someone in my position.

I could do that. My biggest fear is spending good money on something and then finding when working on it that it needs a part that's no longer available. (Which was part of my reason for joining here.) I'm still sore over parking a beautiful Triumph Tigress 250 scooter (4 stroke parallel twin) then selling it for peanuts as the clutch was shot and every bike shop I spoke to said parts were unobtainium, It was a decade later that the internet came along and I discovered that it could have been repaired and that there were businesses in the UK that manufactured parts for these old machines. I loved that scoot. It'd do 75mph on the flat and was cheap to run.

Also I'm an invalid, shot back, had spinal fusions but still in pain every day, too much to do much most days. I have demands on my low-pain time as it is (living alone and looking after a house and 1/4 acre section). I wouldn't mind SOME repair and maintenance work as I enjoy working on engines and mechanical stuff but I'm hard-limited on how much I can do.

Thanks. I really appreciate your input and the input I'm getting from this group.

FB Marketplace can actually be a decent source around that price point. It would be worth exploring just a a point of comparison. It’s just like any private party deal, really. If the paperwork checks out, and the item is as described, you make the deal. If not - don’t. If safety is a potential concern, any respectable seller would be willing to meet you at a police station or similar type of setting for the transaction.

What do the CMX-series bikes go for out there?

 

[5haun]

FB Marketplace can actually be a decent source around that price point. It would be worth exploring just a a point of comparison. It’s just like any private party deal, really. If the paperwork checks out, and the item is as described, you make the deal. If not - don’t. If safety is a potential concern, any respectable seller would be willing to meet you at a police station or similar type of setting for the transaction.

Yeah, makes sense. I'm getting more and more disillusioned with people... I like having an intermediary and don't mind paying a little more for that.

What do the CMX-series bikes go for out there?

I'm not familiar with them. Checking Trademe the new ones go for NZ$12k and the cheapest second hand one (2022) is 7.5k. Searching teh webz I see that in '86 and '87 there was a CMX250 and 450 that looks like it'd suit but I've not seen one for sale. A lot of those cruiser style bikes didn't come to NZ back in the day.

I'm thinking that I might be best served taking longer looking for a bike. I'm not getting any younger or more 'able' though and winter's coming.

Cheers.

 

[5haun]

Yeah, makes sense. I'm getting more and more disillusioned with people... I like having an intermediary and don't mind paying a little more for that.

I'm not familiar with them. Checking Trademe the new ones go for NZ$12k and the cheapest second hand one (2022) is 7.5k. Searching teh webz I see that in '86 and '87 there was a CMX250 and 450 that looks like it'd suit but I've not seen one for sale. A lot of those cruiser style bikes didn't come to NZ back in the day.

I'm thinking that I might be best served taking longer looking for a bike. I'm not getting any younger or more 'able' though and winter's coming.

Cheers.

So I searched more widely and found this on marketplace:

Maurice Davidson

FOR SALE 1989 Honda cmx 450 Rebel bobber. NZ registered as 1989 but is a 1986. Only 14 in the country, registered. Hard to find parts for but Malcom at Anaconda in Te Aroha has been a legend. New...

www.facebook.com

Still 3 years away from being cheaper registration though and still 4.5k. He says only 14 in NZ. I don't know if that's the early CMX450 in general or the bobber style. I think it's applies to the model as there's no way I know of to search the NZ register by other than year or model.

Cheers.

 

[Flyin900]

So I searched more widely and found this on marketplace:

Maurice Davidson

FOR SALE 1989 Honda cmx 450 Rebel bobber. NZ registered as 1989 but is a 1986. Only 14 in the country, registered. Hard to find parts for but Malcom at Anaconda in Te Aroha has been a legend. New...

www.facebook.com

Still 3 years away from being cheaper registration though and still 4.5k. He says only 14 in NZ. I don't know if that's the early CMX450 in general or the bobber style. I think it's applies to the model as there's no way I know of to search the NZ register by other than year or model.

Cheers.

Same issue as I noted above with that model having starter clutch issues. A rare bike even up here where the smaller cc CMX250 was built by the boatload over lots of years. The CMX 450 were only 1986 and 1987 production years with many unique parts to the model.

Most starter clutches are outboard on the Honda motors and relatively easy to fix. The 400/450 series went with an internal one on the crankshaft. Full motor out and tear down needed to replace the system. The maIn starter clutch body also has been NLA from Honda parts now for years too.

This is what that model should look like not that BS he is peddling.

 

[5haun]

Same issue as I noted above with that model having starter clutch issues. A rare bike even up here where the smaller cc CMX250 was built by the boatload over lots of years. The CMX 450 were only 1986 and 1987 production years with many unique parts to the model.

Thanks for the info.

Most starter clutches are outboard on the Honda motors and relatively easy to fix. The 400/450 series went with an internal one on the crankshaft. Full motor out and tear down needed to replace the system. The maIn starter clutch body also has been NLA from Honda parts now for years too.

Just my luck! Even if I could get away with just rollers, pins and springs I'd hate for my first motorcycle repair in decades to involve splitting a crankcase. If I was going to do that then I'd consider at least replacing the timing chain, tensioner and maybe rings and a hone (depending on findings). That's getting expensive and time consuming assuming all parts and gaskets are available.

Cheers.

 

[Flyin900]

Thanks for the info.

Just my luck! Even if I could get away with just rollers, pins and springs I'd hate for my first motorcycle repair in decades to involve splitting a crankcase. If I was going to do that then I'd consider at least replacing the timing chain, tensioner and maybe rings and a hone (depending on findings). That's getting expensive and time consuming assuming all parts and gaskets are available.

Cheers.

Like I noted even a free bike is never free. I restored both those CMX 450’s years ago. The CMX 250 may not use the same starter clutch system. You would need to check a parts fiche for the location on the smaller motor.

 

[5haun]

Like I noted even a free bike is never free. I restored both those CMX 450’s years ago. The CMX 250 may not use the same starter clutch system. You would need to check a parts fiche for the location on the smaller motor.

Now that I got started on marketplace I find this and it's only 45 minutes away!

Facebook

www.facebook.com

CB400N in boxes for $400. Maybe I should start there, see about assembling an engine...

Cheers.

 

[5haun]

This is what that model should look like not that BS he is peddling.

View attachment 58029View attachment 58030

Wow that's a sweet bike. It'd probably be easier on my back to ride than a CB too.

Cheers.

 

[stl360+450]

I'm thinking that I might be best served taking longer looking for a bike.

Looking is half of the fun. Take your time and hopefully you will know when you've found the right machine.

 

[Flyin900]

Now that I got started on marketplace I find this and it's only 45 minutes away!

Facebook

www.facebook.com

CB400N in boxes for $400. Maybe I should start there, see about assembling an engine...

Cheers.

MMM that one would be a possible money pit. I personally now will never touch something that I didn't take apart myself. I just learned a lesson on doing a bike that was mostly assembled, yet with serious parts and mechanical issues. It turned into a restoration money pit for the owner and a never ending source of problems.

I have restored over 50 Honda bikes in the last 20 years and if I learned anything, it is buy the best one I can afford that is completely unmolested/modified. It offers the best opportunity for the least amount of issues for me personally. Other members go a different route for sure. It seems that everything is expensive to buy bike wise where you are located. So parts will be likely sourced from other countries and it becomes a real expense for the parts and especially the shipping if your paying in US dollars for example.

Here is a bike I am selling presently in Canada that is around $3800.00 Canadian as an example. It has been completely sorted and any needed parts replaced with just 12000 original kilometers.

 

[Richard Pitman]

I'd buy the CD250u.

Still has the 1970's looks, but the engine is much more modern inside. Much better bet as a sole daily rider. Puzzled by your comment about the engine being 'rare', AFAIK it's a twin carb version of the single carb engine found in the CB250 Nighthawk, plenty of those across the world.

( Anyone spot the comedy front brake torque arm on the CB175 ?)

 

[boddy]

( Anyone spot the comedy front brake torque arm on the CB175 ?)

Yup, why put one piece of strap metal when you can mount two

 

[5haun]

I'd buy the CD250u.

The price is certainly better. However as I said elsewhere in this thread here in NZ if a bike is 40+ years old it gets cheaper road registration - to the tune of $600 a year less than if it's 39 years old or younger. This bike's 3.5 years off that so I need to factor in an extra $2,100 registration over the next few years over an older bike.

Also NZ has strict laws regarding selling a vehicle, that it has to be road legal and fit for purpose, safe to be driven away (or you can face serious consequences). If it's not you opt-out of this law by including the words 'as is where is' in your ad, essentially saying they take no responsibility if you get on the road and have a serious accident. This guy goes a step further and says "Strictly as is where is". That was a bit of a red flag for me. Usually if the bike's legal (and this one is with current WOF [Warrant of Fitness] and registration) you don't use the 'as is where is' thing.

Also I'm a bit of a grammar snob and when I checked the guys profile he lists his favourite quote as being "If its to loud your to old!~". That's likely a 'me problem' though. I'm not keen on the handlebars but I could change those. I don't think they're standard but those and his fave quote makes me think maybe it's been thrashed?

Still has the 1970's looks, but the engine is much more modern inside. Much better bet as a sole daily rider. Puzzled by your comment about the engine being 'rare', AFAIK it's a twin carb version of the single carb engine found in the CB250 Nighthawk, plenty of those across the world.

Hmmm... I can't find it now but when I googled the model number to learn more about it I read where someone had rebuilt one of these and they found very little commonality in parts between this and other models and couldn't get parts that fit. Maybe I shouldn't believe everything that I read on teh webz. Thanks for putting me straight.

The CB250u is closer to me than the others I've considered, about an hour's drive so I might contact the seller and arrange a viewing.

Cheers.

 

[5haun]

MMM that one would be a possible money pit. I personally now will never touch something that I didn't take apart myself. I just learned a lesson on doing a bike that was mostly assembled, yet with serious parts and mechanical issues. It turned into a restoration money pit for the owner and a never ending source of problems.

I was thinking along the lines of:
I'd get my hand in working on these engines - it's been years
It might be a good source of parts
It's not a lot of money if I decided I was wasting my time, maybe I could sell parts.

But you're right.

I have restored over 50 Honda bikes in the last 20 years and if I learned anything, it is buy the best one I can afford that is completely unmolested/modified. It offers the best opportunity for the least amount of issues for me personally. Other members go a different route for sure. It seems that everything is expensive to buy bike wise where you are located. So parts will be likely sourced from other countries and it becomes a real expense for the parts and especially the shipping if your paying in US dollars for example.

Here is a bike I am selling presently in Canada that is around $3800.00 Canadian as an example. It has been completely sorted and any needed parts replaced with just 12000 original kilometers.

View attachment 58033View attachment 58034View attachment 58035View attachment 58036

If that bike were local to me I'd buy it today, even with the exchange rate. Shipping and then getting it certified for NZ roads puts it way out of my reach though.

Cheers.

 

[5haun]

I'd buy the CD250u.

Still has the 1970's looks, but the engine is much more modern inside. Much better bet as a sole daily rider. Puzzled by your comment about the engine being 'rare', AFAIK it's a twin carb version of the single carb engine found in the CB250 Nighthawk, plenty of those across the world.

In that listing it looks like it's a single carb. (I know Wiki says it has twin carbs.) I'm having trouble finding out definitively. Some things I find the owner says single carb...

Cheers.

 

[Richard Pitman]

The CMSNL fiches all show that engine as being twin carbs, but a single carb would actually make life simpler, especially as they are only claiming 20bhp, which seems low.

Interesting to read about the NZ licencing laws. Forgive me for saying this, but I'd always imagined a country where you drove on the correct side of the road, where there was hardly any traffic, plenty of Morris Minors and Austin A35s in regular use, and the cops just smiled at Bert Monro blasting around on his Indian streamliner, no worries about rules and regulations.

We actually have it easier in the UK. Once a vehicle is older than 40 years it doesn't require a road fund licence or annual MOT inspection, just need to sign up free of charge with the DVLA once a year, and insure the vehicle ( for peanuts ) to legally ride it on the road. In practice, you can buy a pile of parts, chuck them together, fill in a few forms, send them off to the DVLA with a few photos and a date of manufacture letter from the VJMC, and end up with a legally registered bike on an historic reg plate. See my SL175 lookalike thread . My CB600 is only 28 years old, so I have to tax and MOT that bike every year.

 

[5haun]

The CMSNL fiches all show that engine as being twin carbs, but a single carb would actually make life simpler, especially as they are only claiming 20bhp, which seems low.

Yep. At this stage of life I'd rather a single carb bike. I'm not after every last horsepower and would rather have a less revvy ride than I enjoyed yesteryear. Also easier to maintain.

Gah! I had just decided to contact the guy (after spending the day searching for info on the CD250U) and I see he's ended his listing! It was due to run until next weekend so I thought I was fine for time or I would have contacted him sooner. Unfortunately once a listing is ended contact details are no longer displayed so I can't get hold of him. I should have screen-shotted the listing earlier. What a waste of most of a day searching teh webz.

Interesting to read about the NZ licencing laws. Forgive me for saying this, but I'd always imagined a country where you drove on the correct side of the road, where there was hardly any traffic, plenty of Morris Minors and Austin A35s in regular use, and the cops just smiled at Bert Monro blasting around on his Indian streamliner, no worries about rules and regulations.

That's what it was like when my family came here (from the Cotswolds) in 1973. It's not like that anymore. My first 'car' was a Hillman Husky with a side-valve engine. It was NOT fast! (My first bike was an ex-farm bike Kawasaki G4TR 100 when I was about 13.)

We actually have it easier in the UK. Once a vehicle is older than 40 years it doesn't require a road fund licence or annual MOT inspection, just need to sign up free of charge with the DVLA once a year, and insure the vehicle ( for peanuts ) to legally ride it on the road. In practice, you can buy a pile of parts, chuck them together, fill in a few forms, send them off to the DVLA with a few photos and a date of manufacture letter from the VJMC, and end up with a legally registered bike on an historic reg plate.

Yeah I've been following a youtube channel guy rebuilding an Austin 7 and was amazed at how he could road-test it after just throwing a seat in it.

See my SL175 lookalike thread . My CB600 is only 28 years old, so I have to tax and MOT that bike every year.

I've just found your thread and am reading it with interest. My cousin had an SL125 back in the late 70s and it was a nice bike. I'd rather have a twin though.

Oh well I'm having a break from researching bikes. Thanks a lot for your input.

Cheers.

 

[crazypj]

I'm right with you on bad back, retired and broke.
I have a much easier time with clip-on bars and rearsets, takes a load of weight off lower spine where all the 'hardware' got bolted in