Time to begin another custom small Honda build. Based somewhat on the CT117, built in 2010, there will be similarities, such as the long, low stance, the rear-hinged seat with the gas cap poking through, and low handle bars. With a good bit of the fabrication already done, the plan is to add a few more things like footpegs, engine cradle, exhaust, and possibly a front fairing, before moving on to finishes.
The 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub Custom before and after photos.
Just about done with the 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub custom build. Some photos of the bike in November, 2022, and in June, 2023.
The 1955 Norton Dominator Norsaki build leaves the shop.
An Airbox, Painted body parts, and getting the engine started on the 1955 Norton Norsaki project
Just when you think you are getting close to the end of a build…Some of the details as I sort through an engine that was supposed to be ready to go, add a custom airbox, reassemble the painted bike, and get it all running.
The 1955 Norton Norsaki and 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub builds nearing completion
The 1955 Norton “Norsaki” build, a featherbed frame with a Kawasaki 400 triplets been painted, and assembly will begin shortly. The 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub is assembled and awaiting the oil and gas tanks to return from paint. The seat cover is done on the Norton, and the Cub seat is in the process of being upholstered in the original color scheme.
1967 Triumph Mountain Cub restoration update
Starting to assemble the 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub. Every nut, bolt, and body part has been taken down and addressed aside from the original tank paint. Still waiting on parts to get the engine back together. The wheels are another area of concern. The front fender needs to be worked out. Small touches like a light weight tail light assembly and solo seat are also planned.
Rebuilding Honda Z50 Carburetors, and a pull start minibike for Skratch's Garage.
The 1967 Triumph Mountain Cub Restoration Begins.
The Mountain Cub was broken down for restoration. Every part has been disassembled, cleaned, and inspected. New parts are trickling in. Mostly in a scattered state for now, with hardware out for cadmium plating, the head getting a rebuild, and the frame parts out for powder coating. A few aluminum parts have been polished, and dents were removed from the oil tank. There is always a learning process getting to know a particular bike. There is a lot of information available on the early years of the Cub, and more early used parts can be found as well. The information on the last two years of production (1966,1967) is scant, and things like the primary side cover are proving hard to find in good shape. The T20M Mountain Cub engine was produced during that last two years of the Tiger Cub run. There was a significant engine re-design in 1964 where the engine cases, crank, and side covers were modified enough that they are not interchangeable with later models. Other late model changes included a different connecting rod with a larger crank bearing and pin, something I found out disassembling the engine, as explained below.
1967 Triumph Mountain Cub in the shop for a revival.
The Triumph Mountain Cub was a late sixties iteration of the Tiger Cub. The Tiger Cub, with 200cc’s was dubbed the “Baby Bonneville,” and was well received because it stayed within the 250cc limit for learners permits in England. It was produced from 1954-1968, with street or off road versions. The Mountain Cub was a US only model, produced in 1967 and 1968, intended to compete with small Japanese bikes in the consumer market. It was set up for street or off road, with some models including aluminum fenders, trial tires, tall bars, and stripped down so much there was no side or center stand. This particular Cub has MX-style high handlebars, knobby rear tire, folding pegs, deleted tach, passenger pegs and center stand, a high pipe, battery-less ignition, and a light front wheel with the small hub and an alloy shouldered rim. Not a bad start on an off-road set-up. The front tire, long seat, lights, and steel fenders, however, are more suited for street riding. It is not clear what parts of the bike are original factory parts, or those added by previous owners. The first order of business is to return the engine to original running condition.