Picked Up My Project - CM200 Honda

[rickmillertx]

I've been looking for a scooter to play with because I didn't want to spend a lot of money for an "Around town" ride and for a bike to tinker with. I gave up on a motorcycle because they were out of my budget.

Then I saw an old CB125 Honda for sale on Craigslist for a reasonable price. It had some issues but I couldn't resist. I had lunch with SL350 (Mike) on this forum.

He said I'll make you a great deal on my CM200 because I've got more bikes than I can handle.
I know this bike, in fact I have even ridden it a couple of times. Done deal.

Here she is:





All she needs is a battery to be ridden as is. I don't know which way I will go with its future. I'm thinking different handlebars, get everything cleaned up and up to code, maybe add some hardware to mount some baskets for hauling groceries. Literally. Paint job.

Anyway, let the fun begin.

[sKatZ]

Sweet wheels! I'm imagining the baskets right now...

[tshelfer]

Cool! I could really love having a little runabout like that.

[DaveC]

Cafe racer?

[Mossrider]

Smile when you say " Twinstar." Very dependable bike!

[Monkey Wrench Cycles]

Originally Posted by DaveC

Cafe racer?

+1

[rickmillertx]

I like the cafe racer idea, but my main bike is the Ducati so it kind of satisfies my spirited riding desires.

I think my first efforts will be to get it in the best running condition that I can without buying a lot of parts.

It will be fun just seeing how it is all put together.

[rickmillertx]

Battery and 6v charger ordered off internet. SL350 said he has the gear and chain to reconnect the starter so I'll have lunch with him next week and pick that up. He said he has already checked the compression, changed plugs, set points, timing, and adjusted the valves. So all I have to do is change the oil. Then hopefully she will start up.

Also SL350 said he has the original ignition switch so I can reinstall it. The one on it now is from a later bike and it doesn't fit into the mount.

My garage is going to turn into a motorcycle shop Monday. I will be working on the CM200 and also changing the sprockets and chain on my Ducati. I can't wait to get started.

[rickmillertx]

I told my wife I really enjoyed Wednesday afternoon. I spent 4 hours working on my bikes. Got the Ducati's sprockets and chain changed. Then to work on the Twinstar. Installed the new battery, put in the correct ignition switch and tried to re-install the starter sprocket and chain. The sprocket does not fit the teeth on the gear, so I think it must be for a different model. I'll just go with kick start for now.

I fabricated a choke mount so it now works.

Changed the oil then tried to start her up. It took a little work but she finally started and after a warm up period I took off for a ride. Based on the gearing and rpm I think top speed is going to be about 40 mph. I got her up to 40 and it is revving pretty high.

The shake down ride revealed a small oil leak and a speedometer that makes an awful noise so those items will need attention. Also, the front forks have no fluid in them so the seals need to be replaced.

I ordered some different handlebars off e-bay and they should be in next week.

Out on first ride.



More fun ahead.

[CT90RR]

When i was younger i saved a '82 CM200t from a trash pile. Apparently some fellows grand kids used it as a dirt bike and reved it to high. It floated a valve and after a little work I had it running. The body and paint were actually in great shape.
Rode that thing for a few years around the neighborhood before selling it.
Great little town bike. If i remember correctly I think mine was a 4-speed...

Cool bike - enjoy!

[invision]

I think the obvious choice for new handlebars is apehangers.

edit:I've changed my mind. Do this

[focus frenzy]

Originally Posted by rickmillertx

Changed the oil then tried to start her up. It took a little work but she finally started and after a warm up period I took off for a ride. Based on the gearing and rpm I think top speed is going to be about 40 mph. I got her up to 40 and it is revving pretty high.

try shifting!

stock (and that does look like a stock sprocket) if you tuck in tight and hold her wide open they will reach red line at 80mph.

look at the speedo and you will notice numbered lines going around the speedo, these are the max speed in each gear.

stock it may be screaming but it will run 65mph all day long two up. or atleast the one I had back in my youth did run 65 all the way to Ardmore OK and back two up with my buddy. I miss those days

[rickmillertx]

Oh. I thought it was a 3 speed!

I'll check out the speedo to see the shift points. It doesn't have a tach, but by ear, I'm guessing its revving around 7k at 40 mph.

[rickmillertx]

I got the new handlbars installed and took a trip to the grocery store. This is what I bought this bike for. Run errands and tinker.



A rattle can paint job is next.

[Thunderchild]

Nice! I like seeing these older bikes kept in service!

[rickmillertx]

Well, I took off the left side off the engine and replaced the crankshaft seal to stop a leak.

Rode the bike today and, yep it still leaks. So closer inspection and I believe the leak is actually the seal on the shifter shaft. Tomorrow, back to the Honda dealer to order that seal.

I'm also going to start on the repaint of the tank.

[Ayers Garage]

You might try Powersports Plus for your seal. They pretty much kill any locals on genuine Honda parts. They also have a good online microfiche system so you can poke and prod and look up parts for yourself.

[rickmillertx]

Hey, thanks, I'll take a look.

[Ayers Garage]

It looks like they have it for $2.46. Shipping is another 1.99

http://www.powersportsplus.com/parts...ASE/parts.html

[rickmillertx]

Thanks. The original owner of the bike SL350 on TWTEX said he may have an extra seal. If he doesn't have it, I'll order from powersports.

UPDATE: I ordered the seal today. Thanks for the link.