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Joined: Oct 30, 2009 Posts: 613 Location: Parker, CO
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 12:07 pm Post subject: My Newest is my Oldest
Just got back from a little extended time in sunny So Cal. Now back here in Colorado with a blizzard raging outside, so can spend a little time posting on my recent activity. I'm aware that most of you think small bore means boorrring but you'll have to put up with this post anyway. I finally snagged the first trail bike honda made (1961 C100T Trail 50), thus completing that entire series of bikes in my collection except for the 1980 CT110 "postie" which are readily available around here.
After much e-mailing back and forth with owner to determine the validity of what he had through photo's and conversation, a deal was struck. Some of you probably know the story passed around the internet on many sites as to how Honda got into the Trail bike business, if not here's a link to one version,
albeit I know it's not accurate either as honda did release the C100T in spring of 1961 with honda paid for advertising targeted for Sportsman who were into hunting and fishing. Field and Stream, Popular Mechanics, Popular Science and even American Bicyclist and Motorcylist to name a few magazines were used to introduce the model.
With help from other forums specific to these models, it was determined to be a '61 frame and motor which also was not a dealer modified version but an actual Japanese imported version. Things like the twin star motor w/ignition coil as part of the AC generator, single tube gas tank with petrol only decal, no reserve postion on petcock, left side speedo cable hookup, brown seat etc. etc... Unfortunately the super rare pea shooter exhaust had been replaced with an upswept muffler which belongs on a late trail 55 (after Sept 1963) Honda made that change due to engines stalling when fording streams. Otherwise very complete and doable restoration. (already located some of the pieces in the UK like early taillight lense)
Now my '62 C100 is bumped from the oldest slot!!
Here's a pic of how it was when I got it. (apologies for the rough condition, but sometimes you got to start with what's available especially at 51 years of age and not stored indoors all it's life)
Showing the incorrect muffler that had some welding done on it as well
A "Trio of Traillies" - All the Honda pushrod models- Left to Right - My 1961 C100T, 1964 C105T and 1965 CT200
Joined: Oct 26, 2007 Posts: 1143 Location: Greensburg Pa
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 4:36 pm Post subject:
Well, from the look of things, I guess you should know what you're talking about. That most definitely must be a dirt bike, look at the size of that rear sprocket!
........Paul _________________ �77 CB550f
�77 CB750a
�78 GL1000
�80 CB650c
�75 GL1000-finally finished
�79 KZ200
68 CB450K1-taking up all my time
Joined: Oct 30, 2009 Posts: 613 Location: Parker, CO
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 5:15 pm Post subject:
That big sproket is necessary with 5hp! It can get you way back in the woods at 2 mph. (great for doing figure 8's in the street too) This was an era when momentum was unheard of to climb a long hill, and air time only happened when you didn't see the cliff. But it could also haul out the meat (300 lbs of Buck strapped to the luggage rack)
Joined: May 28, 2009 Posts: 423 Location: chicago area
Posted: Fri Feb 03, 2012 7:58 pm Post subject:
imagine the wheelies that pizza plate would cause!
there is a thing as too much torque.... even with a super powerful 5hp... lol
however i think i gotta find me one for a 350 or so... if i can get it to fit! _________________ No, actually I DONT sleep much, I have M.A.D.D (motorcycle attention deficit disorder, means i change bikes about twice a year) drink too much coffee, have too much energy and dont do much besides work and motorcycles.
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I finally snagged the first trail bike honda made (1961 C100T Trail 50), thus completing that entire series of bikes in my collection except for the 1980 CT110 "postie" which are readily available around here.
