Honda CT125 - knowledge appreciated!

[Deviant Esq]

Well, been a while since I've posted around these parts, since I've been bike-less for the best part of two years... but today that changed when I picked up this little beastie:

<a href="http://s3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/SiRedge/Bike%20Stuff/?action=view&amp;current=CT1251.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y89/SiRedge/Bike%20Stuff/th_CT1251.jpg" border="0" alt="Honda CT125" ></a>

It'd been sitting around in a shed for who knows how long - it used to be used to get around on a farm. I don't know any of its history, although I do know the guy who used to own it, so I plan to find out more. Anyway I went and inspected my prize this afternoon, and much to my surprise, it started after only a few kicks once petrol had been added!

It's missing both front levers, and generally in the brief look around I had, things were a bit sticky and stiff, but it looks fairly straight and complete. I'm planning on tidying it up a bit :niceone:

Does anyone know anything useful about these? A shop manual would come in useful if anyone has access to one?

I don't think it's ever been road registered, and I'm not sure if I will go down that path with it, but just out of interest, what would it need before it could be?

Any assistance/knowledge appreciated. :apint:

[FJRider]

Vinned, indicators, ... and levers. Assuming the brakes, and the other lights work ... to pass the WOF.

[Deviant Esq]

So very little required - thanks.

Turns out I was wrong about the 1977 thing... this from Wikipedia:

The 1976-1985 Honda CT125 is a 125cc fourstroke motorbike which was designed for farm use. The bike is actually an XL125 with a more 'comfortable' seat. These bikes are very reliable because of the small fourstroke engine. The CT125, which takes its engine from the TL125 with different gear ratios, also has lower gearing than the XL125. The first two gears are spaced very close together for low speed operation. The CT also came with a chrome rear rack, a steel handlebar/lever protector, engine guard, sidestand guard, a smaller 19" front wheel (XL125 had a 21"), and a unique enclosed chainguard that completely covers the drive chain. The seat is also shorter and the bike is only designed to carry one person, not two. Also specific to the CT125 are the large mudflaps front and rear. The frame is painted Shiny Orange as is the tank and sidecovers. The XL had a black frame. The CT125 also has a welded on bash plate on the bottom of the frame.
The CT125 was also exported to the USA for 1977 only.

[FJRider]

The two lower gears are because it was for FARM use ... as are what the wide mud-flaps are for ....

[cbfb]

Here's a manual (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8ODLPFUxFTpNTdkNWIzNDktY2Q3NC00MTY4LWFjY 2EtZTk5ZTQ0YjQ4MWM2&hl=en_GB) for a 1979-1987 XL/XR/TLR125-200, hopefully have what you want in it. Good luck.

[Deviant Esq]

The two lower gears are because it was for FARM use ... as are what the wide mud-flaps are for ....

Yeah it says as much somewhere in there - the two lower gears make sense for low speed stuff on uneven terrain, as do the mud flaps. Still, I'm betting it would lend itself well to the urban commute too if asked to - hell, it can't do worse than half the scoots on the roads already!!


Here's a manual (https://docs.google.com/leaf?id=0B8ODLPFUxFTpNTdkNWIzNDktY2Q3NC00MTY4LWFjY 2EtZTk5ZTQ0YjQ4MWM2&hl=en_GB) for a 1979-1987 XL/XR/TLR125-200, hopefully have what you want in it. Good luck.

Thanks for the link - downloaded, I'm sure it'll come in handy for when I pull it down and get my hands dirty! :niceone:

[FROSTY]

That engine has been around since adam was a cowboy. Its a variation on the origonal CB125 engine from the 70's.

[J Brick]

Hi there, I have recently begun a similar project as you. I was wondering if you had any issues getting the CT onto the road due to it being a farm bike? Or is the process the same regardless of why it was brought into the country.
Cheers

[SMOKEU]

On an old bike like that you could be looking at over $1,000 to get it road legal.

[ktm84mxc]

Clymer do a great manual for the early SOHC Honda singles, your CT can trace its parentage back to the SL100/125 of 1974, this is one of the all time great engine designs and is still in production in many forms the CRF230/150 to begin with. The CT was sold here as a farm model/bike to compete with Yam AG's, Suz Tf's etc. Econo Honda will be able to help with your parts inquires.

[CRF119]

I can tell you that the engine will never die! we were given one 15 years ago because somebody snapped a spark plug off in the head. Got that out gave it a hone and new piston rings and it hasn't stopped going since.