Minibike Texas update.

Nothing but Honda bikes getting done around the shop. A set of 1970’s Z50’s finally rolled out of the shop, a 1980 beater Z50R gets a new life, a 1992 Z50R left with a new owner, and a 1972 CB175 is revived and getting a little freshening up.

Something about these years of Z50 is just perfect. They were the last Minis Honda made with lighting, and that resemble full-sized street bikes. The candy colors and chrome on the earlier models is just beautiful. The Tupperware bikes that followed might perform better, but have none of the charm.

Something about these years of Z50 is just perfect. They were the last Minis Honda made with lighting, and that resemble full-sized street bikes. The candy colors and chrome on the earlier models is just beautiful. The Tupperware bikes that followed might perform better, but have none of the charm.

Primary colors. Each of these bikes is fully restored, with performance mods on the blue 1973 and yellow 1976 models.

Primary colors. Each of these bikes is fully restored, with performance mods on the blue 1973 and yellow 1976 models.

108cc stroker kit, race head and cam, big bore exhaust and carb, 4 speed tranny and heavy duty clutch. The swingarm and front forks are extended, and Takegawa rear shocks, plus some of their wheel goodies went on the bike.

108cc stroker kit, race head and cam, big bore exhaust and carb, 4 speed tranny and heavy duty clutch. The swingarm and front forks are extended, and Takegawa rear shocks, plus some of their wheel goodies went on the bike.

With the extended fork legs and swinger, plus the taller tires, the wheelbase and ride height are a little better suited for the added power.

With the extended fork legs and swinger, plus the taller tires, the wheelbase and ride height are a little better suited for the added power.

The 1972 was done as a stock rebuild, with only some small changes like a chrome-plated triple tree top clamp.

The 1972 was done as a stock rebuild, with only some small changes like a chrome-plated triple tree top clamp.

This poor 1980 model Z50R was rode hard and put away wet. The drain lug was stripped, the brake arm was badly bent and had gouged out a significant hole in the clutch cover, there was a huge hole in the bottom at the muffler can, missing kill switch, a crappy seat cover and beaten tank graced the top, but other than that, it was all there, and in reasonable shape.

This poor 1980 model Z50R was rode hard and put away wet. The drain lug was stripped, the brake arm was badly bent and had gouged out a significant hole in the clutch cover, there was a huge hole in the bottom at the muffler can, missing kill switch, a crappy seat cover and beaten tank graced the top, but other than that, it was all there, and in reasonable shape.

There was also a bad bend in the handlebars, and the rear wheel was trashed out with rust and an ugly hub. The brakes were not functional because of missing brake arm components. Someone coated the tank inside with Kreem, but only put it on the bottom half of the tank…destined for early failure. In the process, they apparently ruined any chance of saving the tanks original paint by spilling acetone on it (the purplish discoloration is the telltale giveaway.) I can usually push the dents out from the inside, touch up the paint, buff it out, and add new decals to get a surprisingly good rider-quality piece, but this one was a little too far gone..

There was also a bad bend in the handlebars, and the rear wheel was trashed out with rust and an ugly hub. The brakes were not functional because of missing brake arm components. Someone coated the tank inside with Kreem, but only put it on the bottom half of the tank…destined for early failure. In the process, they apparently ruined any chance of saving the tanks original paint by spilling acetone on it (the purplish discoloration is the telltale giveaway.) I can usually push the dents out from the inside, touch up the paint, buff it out, and add new decals to get a surprisingly good rider-quality piece, but this one was a little too far gone..

A new set of tires on a pristine set of original paint wheel halves and hubs, fresh axles and hardware, reproduction seat, plastics, and handlebars, new clutch cover, straightened brake arm, a stock carb to replace the Chinese one it came with, a repainted exhaust from another bike, repaired kill switch, and new ignition components made a monster difference, and a sweet little rider. At this point, she starts easy, idles smooth, and has plenty of power.

A new set of tires on a pristine set of original paint wheel halves and hubs, fresh axles and hardware, reproduction seat, plastics, and handlebars, new clutch cover, straightened brake arm, a stock carb to replace the Chinese one it came with, a repainted exhaust from another bike, repaired kill switch, and new ignition components made a monster difference, and a sweet little rider. At this point, she starts easy, idles smooth, and has plenty of power.

A buyer for this bike showed up almost immediately, and wanted an 88cc big bore kit. With the new kit, this bike is smoking fast and a thrill to ride.

A buyer for this bike showed up almost immediately, and wanted an 88cc big bore kit. With the new kit, this bike is smoking fast and a thrill to ride.

A restoration from a number of years back, this 1992 Z50R left with a new owner. People ask me why I don’t advertise the bikes for sale, but the answer is there are a lot of tire-kickers when it comes to an item that is a toy instead of a necessity, and the serious ones will actually seek you out.

A restoration from a number of years back, this 1992 Z50R left with a new owner. People ask me why I don’t advertise the bikes for sale, but the answer is there are a lot of tire-kickers when it comes to an item that is a toy instead of a necessity, and the serious ones will actually seek you out.

This was one of the smoothest running Z50 engines I have had. It just seemed to almost whizz as it was accelerating, in a smooth, almost linear fashion. I was sorry to see it go, as it was the only stock restoration of this era that I owned, but the additional space in my shop is what I am after.

This was one of the smoothest running Z50 engines I have had. It just seemed to almost whizz as it was accelerating, in a smooth, almost linear fashion. I was sorry to see it go, as it was the only stock restoration of this era that I owned, but the additional space in my shop is what I am after.

This 1972 CB175 was sourced out of Colorado five or six years ago, and is just now getting a revival. The bike was started fairly easily, thanks to whoever put it away last. They drained the tank, carbs, and crankcase, avoiding the fuel system nightmares that are so common on old bikes. The plan is to switch out the rusted wheel set for a used pair in better shape, install a nice set of used front forks that came with the bike, new tires and seat cover, all new ignition components, a battery, and a good clean and detail. The mufflers were taken off years ago to rob the header portion for the Cabracer360. Another used header set was found and will go on with the original low mufflers.

This 1972 CB175 was sourced out of Colorado five or six years ago, and is just now getting a revival. The bike was started fairly easily, thanks to whoever put it away last. They drained the tank, carbs, and crankcase, avoiding the fuel system nightmares that are so common on old bikes. The plan is to switch out the rusted wheel set for a used pair in better shape, install a nice set of used front forks that came with the bike, new tires and seat cover, all new ignition components, a battery, and a good clean and detail. The mufflers were taken off years ago to rob the header portion for the Cabracer360. Another used header set was found and will go on with the original low mufflers.

The spokes on both wheels were badly rusted, and there is surface rust on some chrome parts, but the new wheels will solve that.

The spokes on both wheels were badly rusted, and there is surface rust on some chrome parts, but the new wheels will solve that.

1965 Triumph TR6SRT build update, a custom tail light fixture, 1979 Z50R refresh.

Getting a lot of random things done in the shop. A bunch of re-arranging and cleaning, finishing some bikes, and building here and there, in between (mostly when parts show up.)

The engine is finally done aside from the ignition. There were so many worn-out parts on this engine. The entire primary is new, and all the shifting mechanism, bearings and bushings were replaced in the engine and tranny. The side covers were all replaced, as well as the shifter and kicker. New oil pump, cams, followers, pistons, valves, guides, and springs, engine bolts ,washers, and nuts, new bottom drain plugs, inspection covers, and oil pressure valve rounds out the list.

The engine is finally done aside from the ignition. There were so many worn-out parts on this engine. The entire primary is new, and all the shifting mechanism, bearings and bushings were replaced in the engine and tranny. The side covers were all replaced, as well as the shifter and kicker. New oil pump, cams, followers, pistons, valves, guides, and springs, engine bolts ,washers, and nuts, new bottom drain plugs, inspection covers, and oil pressure valve rounds out the list.

Still need shocks to get it off the table. The shocks need to be 14.5 inches to get the stance right. At this point, a pair of Racetech shocks is being considered.

Still need shocks to get it off the table. The shocks need to be 14.5 inches to get the stance right. At this point, a pair of Racetech shocks is being considered.

One piece of tubing off the oil breather needs to be put on, and the oil system plumbing will be done.

One piece of tubing off the oil breather needs to be put on, and the oil system plumbing will be done.

The brakes are done, front and back. The folding pegs are on and the exhaust brackets are being worked out. A set of Norton Commando rubber shock mounts in the frame passenger peg brackets are being used to make the rear tailpipe bracket.

The brakes are done, front and back. The folding pegs are on and the exhaust brackets are being worked out. A set of Norton Commando rubber shock mounts in the frame passenger peg brackets are being used to make the rear tailpipe bracket.

The Ceriani front end is on, with a fork stop on the to-do list. The fender is a 1965 alloy reproduction. Rubber bumpers on the fork brace keep it in place for now, but there will be supporting struts added.

The Ceriani front end is on, with a fork stop on the to-do list. The fender is a 1965 alloy reproduction. Rubber bumpers on the fork brace keep it in place for now, but there will be supporting struts added.

A little fun. This was started a while back, and I just moved it along a little farther. Obviously an exhaust clamp, there is a glass lens from a WW2 US navy airplane, and an LED light fixture in there as well.

A little fun. This was started a while back, and I just moved it along a little farther. Obviously an exhaust clamp, there is a glass lens from a WW2 US navy airplane, and an LED light fixture in there as well.

To attach the LED and the weather boot, a custom threaded nut was made with a concave surface to fit the domed rear of the fixture, and a ridge that secures the lip of the boot.

To attach the LED and the weather boot, a custom threaded nut was made with a concave surface to fit the domed rear of the fixture, and a ridge that secures the lip of the boot.

The domed back is made from a cymbal scrap.

The domed back is made from a cymbal scrap.

It is very bright. Though a single filament element, the brake/running light brightness will be controlled by diodes and a resistor in the lines.

It is very bright. Though a single filament element, the brake/running light brightness will be controlled by diodes and a resistor in the lines.

This 1979 Z50R came through recently for some engine work. A stock top-end refurb was done, and a new Z50J model muffler replaced the stock rusted unit. The heat shields from the 1979 model fit perfectly

This 1979 Z50R came through recently for some engine work. A stock top-end refurb was done, and a new Z50J model muffler replaced the stock rusted unit. The heat shields from the 1979 model fit perfectly

Finishing the 1970 Honda CT70 custom and the 1972 Honda Z50 Cafe racer.

It did not take too long with so many of the parts on hand. Although mostly stock in appearance, there are custom touches that set it apart from the stock ride. The 108cc engine with race head and heavy duty clutch is the biggest modification, doubling the stock horsepower. Wider aluminum wheel rims, heavy duty rear shocks, tighter front fork internals, slotted brake pads, a grab handle, and the heel-toe shifter round out the list.

It did not take too long with so many of the parts on hand. Although mostly stock in appearance, there are custom touches that set it apart from the stock ride. The 108cc engine with race head and heavy duty clutch is the biggest modification, doubling the stock horsepower. Wider aluminum wheel rims, heavy duty rear shocks, tighter front fork internals, slotted brake pads, a grab handle, and the heel-toe shifter round out the list.

This bike is the same color and model my buddy had when I was a kid. Though I never got the chance to ride his, it was stuck in my memory like a first love. The Honda candy colors and chrome are still like jewels to me. The styling, while a little wonky to some, was smooth 1970 pop culture gold. A bike almost anyone could ride (and wreck) without too much trouble. The paint, while less than perfect, still looks fine for fifty years old!

This bike is the same color and model my buddy had when I was a kid. Though I never got the chance to ride his, it was stuck in my memory like a first love. The Honda candy colors and chrome are still like jewels to me. The styling, while a little wonky to some, was smooth 1970 pop culture gold. A bike almost anyone could ride (and wreck) without too much trouble. The paint, while less than perfect, still looks fine for fifty years old!

With the small nicks and scratches, there is little fear of messing up a perfect restoration. The saying is; “a slice off a cut loaf is seldom missed.”

With the small nicks and scratches, there is little fear of messing up a perfect restoration. The saying is; “a slice off a cut loaf is seldom missed.”

An online buddy, Kirrbby, set me up with a nice used speedo, some fork extensions, and a side stand. Some of these parts are getting really hard or at least, expensive to find. So many parts in this picture are still available from Honda, like all the throttle parts, triple tree hardware, reflectors, top beauty trim, knobs, grommets, straps, and electrical parts. Even the horn is a brand new Honda piece.

An online buddy, Kirrbby, set me up with a nice used speedo, some fork extensions, and a side stand. Some of these parts are getting really hard or at least, expensive to find. So many parts in this picture are still available from Honda, like all the throttle parts, triple tree hardware, reflectors, top beauty trim, knobs, grommets, straps, and electrical parts. Even the horn is a brand new Honda piece.

Even with the custom parts, the rest of the bike was put as close to stock form as far as the parts selection. All the rubber and hardware was replaced with OEM Honda parts.

Even with the custom parts, the rest of the bike was put as close to stock form as far as the parts selection. All the rubber and hardware was replaced with OEM Honda parts.

Honda knew how to make a sexy little bike!

Honda knew how to make a sexy little bike!

The front forks were slightly bent, binding the forks enough that straightening was needed, This is the rig that did the job. No paint was disturbed in the process.

The front forks were slightly bent, binding the forks enough that straightening was needed, This is the rig that did the job. No paint was disturbed in the process.

The last moments on the assembly table. There is always a little excitement when one finally moves from the table to the ground.

The last moments on the assembly table. There is always a little excitement when one finally moves from the table to the ground.

The “Golden Boys.”

The “Golden Boys.”

Since we are doing gold, it seemed appropriate to trot this one out.

Since we are doing gold, it seemed appropriate to trot this one out.

Stay Gold.

Stay Gold.