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Honda Trail Mail

Hi Kenny, I didn't take any before and during pictures, I wished I had though. I just didn't know how much work I was going to do on it though. When I bought the bike I paid $150.00 for it and the tires were dry rotted and flat, the paint was oxidized and pinkish, the carb was completely disassembled and in a coffee can. The bike was in storage for alot of years prior to me purchasing it and just covered in dust, probably why it was preserved so well, no rust anywhere other then surface rust most of which has been polished out. I had to bid on a carb on ebay to get the stock pet cock assy for the carb before I could rebuild the carb. Once I did and the motor ran fine and gears were all good I continued on to where I am now. This is all original paint and emblems that have been hand polished along with polishing all the chrome which my son did. Everything that has been replaced is just like the original or nos. One handle bar was bent but I used the advise from your web site and put a steel bar in it and was able to put it back to original position with no visible indication it was ever bent.As you mentioned I did not get anything re-cad plated though, I just cleaned up what was there. My son and I enjoyed this project so much that we intend to find another and do it again. This bike will go down to our lake house to pleasure ride on the roads. Your web site is great and I got alot of good helpful advise on how to address different issues on this bike for your site and that is why I sent you pics. of the bike. I just thought you could add a picture of the bike to your site somewhere since you were instruemental in the final product. Thanks for all the help and please let me know what you decide. Keith A. Rowe

My son Blake and I bought this bike in Texas and spent the last month and a half polishing and restoring this bike to this point, motor and tranny untouched except for carb and paint on the cases. Everything else has been gone through, it was a great original bike but alot didn't work, the paint on the frame and decals are all original and once polished good, really came to life. Everything now works and starts on first kick usually.

Kenny, thanks very much. I was able to win a really nice 1970 CT70 off eBay the other day, after several failed attempts, so I’m very thrilled. My plans now are to have Enzo do an engine rebuild and then I figure I’ll really be in business.

I had a Chinese knock-0ff- the Jincheng panda trail rider (didn’t know it was Chinese until it arrived), and it was fun until it stopped working. Brad@oldhonda was useless; wouldn’t support it, now it’s dead for lack of a stator. It’s basically going to have to be given away for junk. Nice, huh? After 1300miles…?

Anyway, thanks for getting back to me; All I really wanted was a real CT70; I learned my lesson big-time. I feel like now, with the purchase of a bike to restore, that I’m sort of part of this community of people who really love and appreciate Honda mini-trails.

Take care,

Barry Nitikman

Just bought off of Ebay to replace my memories of my 1972 Auto four speed Sapphire Blue one I received when I was 13!(CT70 K1?)
Can't wait to baby this bike and show my 11 year old son how to care for and ride it! I am thrilled this one has a clutch because my neighbors always used to beat me on their 1971 Green Four speed straight-shift Trail 70!!! Thanks so much!
Lisa

Thanks alot Ken! You've now hooked me back onto an addiction I thought I kicked in 1972! I'm taking delivery of a 71' next week, and for some odd reason, my wife is not happy! Who can explain such things? Super site, and thanks for bringing back the best memories of my life!

Rich Rykowski Oxford, Ct.

Hi,
I have really been enjoying cruising around your Honda website, great work,
Thanks!
I found a Honda Dax 70 at a garage sale last weekend. It didn't look too
nice, but after talking to the guy, I bought it. It has been gathering dust
in his garage for 32 years, and has only been ridden one time, one trip
around his back yard on grass. 0.9km is the correct mileage. It looks much
better now that I have washed it. The condition is not quite as nice as it
looks in the pictures though, the small scratches and chrome pits don't
show up in the pictures. I bought a Honda 90 from him too. Pictures are here:
http://www.sonic.net/bbdon/honda/

Anyway, I don't want to keep it too long because it is too nice to ride, so
I will be selling it. Could you let me know what you think it is worth? Do
you know anyone who is looking for a new Honda 70?
Have you seen any New Honda minicycles sell before on ebay? Lots of
questions, sorry. But let me know what you think, no hurry.
Don Coffman

Dear hondatrail70 ,

Congratulation for your site , the best trail site on internet. I'm a
honda trail Ct70 fan and I send you this message for asking if you can
accept to put a link of my site on your page. It contain many pics of my
CT70 and those of my friends mini trail. I hope you will accept my request.
Thank you to have taken the time to read my message.

The adress is www.minitrail-forever.fr.st

P.S Please answer me for the response. Thanks

Dany Tremblay

Hi Kenny!

I just wanted to drop you a line on what a terrific job Enzo has done rebuilding my 1971 CT70 engine. The engine was a true basket case!

Within three weeks of sending it Enzo returned what to me looks like a factory new engine! Best of all he tested it with the new carb to be sure it runs perfect prior to sending it out. The engine cranks with just one hand push on the kick starter!

I couldn't be more pleased. Thanks for a great web site and thanks for hooking me up with Enzo!

Tom Busey

Atlanta

Thank you so much for making a wonderful web-page.

I have finally found a monkeybike after 15 years. I'm 26 years old now.

Price was fair, but in no running condition.

After some tank cleaning and carb work, I got her running.

By the way stones are effective to shake and bake a new tank.

All the old rust and black very sticky stuff came out.

So now remains the carb tuning.

Any ideas on that one?

Thanks yet again.

I'm not ever gonna sell this bike.

When you found a true love, I hope this will last for life...

Sincerly Klas

Sweden.

Kenny, just wanted to let you know what I have recently purchased. I got a
72 z 50 from the scrap yard. $60.00, it was stuck. I got it running and
all is good with that one. I just purchased from e bay a 72 gold ct 70h
frame. It has the forks and swing arm and shocks. I paid $21.00 for it.
It is in much better shape then my red one. I have all the parts to make a
bike other than the motor. I found a guy on cycletrader that sells motors.
I will get the motor last. I do not yet have a gold one. It will make a
nice addition. I have a buddy that has a green 71 ct 70h. It don't run. I
am working on trading him one of my blue 74 runners for it. The case has a
small chip out of it by the flywheel. Can I fill this in with jb weld and
file it smooth? It is on the center lh case. Do I paint this silver or
not? Thank you

Lindstrom, Mark

Kenny, (I'm guessing) only found that name referenced in e-mails from
someone writing to you that you posted.

WOW! what a web presence! Got to your page from Jeff Reiders page in
Clackamas OR. who lives nearby where I'm at after seeing some of his stuff
on ebay. This only as a result of finally finding a CT70 for my 7 year old
son. I thought it would be a great little starter bike for him as I
remember a couple of friends in my neighborhood were fortunate enough to
have some in the early 70's when I was a kid.

Any way I stumbled on this one at a rural auto repair shop on the side of a
highway I rarely frequent. Immediate breaking, hard right turn Clyde! I
bought it on the spot after some easy negotiating. Not until a few weeks
later did I learn enough to suspect what I had. Then I talked to Jeff. I
haven't been able too hook up with him yet, but I thought I'd run a couple
questions by you if you'd like to write back.

This bike is original (not perfect but damn nice). It had 987 mi. on it,
perfect seat, only one ding in the left rear shock tower and some paint
(mainly headlight bucket) and decal fade. Hell, if I have the right
information, it's got the original tires and there in good shape. He
suggested that I not let my kid ride it, but I don't have the heart. For
one reason or another he's only put 50 or so mi. on it over the past 45 days.

I'd be happy to send you some photo's if you'd like and I'd like to get an
idea of it's value and what would be the best thing for me to do with
it. I guess if I need to shelve it I will, and find him another one. The
rain is just around the corner. By the way, I see you're partial to the
four speeds, but I wanted the three speed auto to get him going. It
shifts well, doesn't smoke or burn oil. It needs a carb rebuild, some
polishing of the usual parts, paint on the wheels and an exhaust system to
be significantly nicer, but not fully restored. I'd be interested in your
thoughts. Thanks.

Colin

P.S. I'd be happy to send you the serial# and stuff. If I recall correctly
the manufacture date is 10/69 so it is an early one.

Hi,

Your site is great!!! I have a 1969 S90, which has quite a few things
in common with the minitrails. Specifically, tarnished aluminum wheel
hubs. I'd like to clean them up again, but dont want them looking too
shiny. I will try the things you've suggested, but i have a question
about the clear coat. What do you use to apply it? how thick?

thanks a lot,

Rebecca

Just wanted to send some greetings to one hell of a site.

I just, actually today purchased a 1976 Honda 70 Dax, at an auction.

I am 26 now, and since I was five years old I have been dreaming of a minibike.

Grew up in Sweden, and one of my friends dad, had two z-50.

So today I went to the auction to see what kinda bike it was, and what condition it had.

I ended up paying 360 dollars for it, in no running condition.

No ignition key whatsoever.

But all in all, the bike was looking good, it hasn´t been running since 92.

So it is up to the future to decide.

One thing is certain, I won´t sell this bike for all the money in the world.

Sincerly Klas Svahn

Sweden

P.S I went to the auction for some steel rims to my van.

Four brand new whitespoke cost me 25 bucks.

Althoug the bike gave me more satisfaction. *LOL*

Kenny,

I finally found my diamond in the rough. I was bidding on a 1967 Honda Z50M
on Ebay, and a gentlemen from down south of here emailed me stating that he
had a 1967 Z50M for sale that he purchased brand-new in Belgium, and moved to
the US 15 years ago.

A little skeptical, I emailed him back asking for his phone number and some
pictures of the bike. He emailed me over pictures and called me later in the
evening. Very nice man, and only speaks moderate English.

Here's the great part of the story. The bike he was selling was a true 1967
Honda Z50M, French Model, one of less than 200 ever produced by Honda Japan
for the French Market. I couldn't believe my eyes. It needs some work, but
is worth way more then the $2,500 I paid for the bike, and once it is
restored, I will have one of the most sought-after, rarest Honda mini's ever
made. If you see one of these bikes in person, you will definately want one.

Once I get the bike in-hand next week, I'll email you over some pictures to
post on your website. With the help of some of my Japanese Friends, and some
others who are experts in the Z50M field, it should be fully restored within
the next 12 months. I think I will put a webpage together to track my status.

In the meantime, here are some pictures of the bike that were sent to me by
the seller. The only non-original items are the seat, exhaust, and it's
missing the speedo cable. All easy items to find... Yahoo.

Hope all is going well in Trail 70 land. Now I have a matching bike to my
1997 Honda 30th Anniversary Monkey.

Dan Smith
Overland Park, KS

After many hours of ponder, The Mini Trails have been put to rest. The
Finest collection of Impeccable Honda Mini Trails in the World.

Seriously, IN THE WORLD !

1986 All Chrome 50 (Never been run)

2 CT 70's 1 - 4 Speed and 1 - 3 speed

1 1970 K2 50

3 1969 K1 50's

All Original and Beautiful.

I will send you a better picture when I get the lights on them.

It's amazing how many parents come in and say,
" I use to have one of those " or " That was my first Bike "

Thanks to my good friends for their help

Jan Harde in CA., Steve Swain in CA. and Kenny Miller in Florida.

Look under the bikes in the frames and see the original brochures

3D2

Kenny:

I have got to hand it to you, your site is by far the best on the internet. The free listings are great, its great that you do things so quick for people like me. Its people like you that make the hobby enjoyable. Thanks, David

Hello Mr. Miller:
My name is Ray Fetkovich Sr. I have just bought a 1979
CT 70 Honda Mini Trail bike.I've been wanting one for
nearly 30 years.I am now 61.
What I am trying to get is a 1979 manual for my bike.
The reason I'm trying to be so specific is the fellow that I bought the bike from was trying to renew the wiring
with a multiple year manual and could not match up the wiring colors.Anyway,the headlight is burned out and the rest of the wiring is incomplete.I would like to make the bike road ready but I need a 1979 manual-so I was wondering if you could help.
Thanks: Raymond G. Fetkovich Sr.

Kenny

Thanks for all your help through your web site and e-mails concerning my
CT70 restoration. Enclosed is a photo. I am now starting a z50 restoration.

Joe

Hello,
I have recently purchased a Honda Trail 70 CT70H, 4 speed. The year
stamped on it is 11/70. Can I find parts for this? Are they
interchangable with years close to it?? I paid 150.00 for this one and it
turns over, but I can't get spark at the plug. Probably the points, it's
been sitting long. A few cosmetic parts are missing, but most is there and
in pretty good shape. I felt that was a good deal, so I bought it. Any
information that you can help me with for finding parts would be
appreciated.

Thanks,

Todd Anderson from Indiana

I have been messing with z-50's for a while now and just aquired my first
ct-70. I finally found an H model, which is why it took so long for me to
get into the ct-70's.
Anyway I cannot figure out what year of bike it is. It is an orangy color
and the Mnf. date is 6/70. Vin # CT70H-111015. The decals look just like
your '71 green H model. I know you are probably very busy and I would
appreciate any help you might offer. Thanks, Ryan.

hey buddy,

your site really is great and i cant express how much i really appreciate how much work you put into it. i was considering selling my half finished resto of a 1971 honda sl70 until i came across your site, i now am almost finshed with a 100 point resto on my sl70 and bought a ct70 to ride and it needs very little to run like new!! besides thanking you for inspiring me to follow through on my resto, thus creating my new favorite hobby (i dont know what i would do without these little bikes now!!!), i was wanting to ask you if a 3 speed ct70 head would work on an h model engine (keeping the same piston and cylinder).

i bet u stay pretty busy but if you could let me know, i would greatly appreciate it.

thanks so much for the inspiration,

dan

Kenny,

Wow, thanks for the quick reply. Sometimes web sites are so old, the person that put them together is long gone. Good to have someone to talk to about this.

On the motors, I understand. I like your deal of sending it out to Dave Tucker to do the work for you. For us though, we will want to rebuild the motors ourselves as a part of the project. The scouts would learn how internal combustion engines work and get to see what is inside an engine. Truthfully, we will have about 10 scouts ages 14-17 putting these bikes together so we can all work together in breaking these down. We will have access to a shop with all the tools and even welding available. Also, we have until next summer to get everything done. It will be nice to have something to do during the cold dark months in the winter.

On the engine thing, is there anything I should know like the pistons are some odd size that they don't make rings for anymore and we will have to bore them out to a larger size? I am hoping that things are still readily available and from your web site it sounds like about the only thing not readily available is the seat cushion and handlebars.

Thanks again for your help. When (if) we proceed with this, we will send in some picturres!

Arny

Very nice work on your web site! I am very impressed with your restorations. I have begun a search for a mini trail to buy for my husband. He had one as a child, and I would like to find one just like it for him. From the picture I have of his and what I've learned on yours and a few other web sites, the blue Z50 on your web site is exactly the bike I'm looking for. If you're interested in taking a look, here is a picture of the one he had:

<<cropped Honda 50.jpg>>

His was a 1970, and a Mr. Mark Schmidt of http://minitrail.freeyellow.com/ has kindly identified it for me as a 1970 Z50A K2 Mini Trail.

I would very much like to buy one of these bikes for my husband (and, eventually, our sons), whether I have to buy it and restore it or find one already restored. Any information or assistance you could provide would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you,

Lani H.

I am getting started rebuilding a few a these little buggers and have the
opportunity to get a CT 70 4-Speed from a fella. Can you tell me how much more rare these bikes are? And would it be better to purchase the 4-speed over a 3 speed that he has. I can buy the running and ridable 4-speed for $500.

Also, Have you been using the House of Kolor Candy paint for all your bikes? If so, I'm sure that is what I will go with. Does House of Kolor have a website?

P.S. Your website is very informative and helpful. Excellent place. Keep up the good work.

Thanks,
RM

Thanks so much for the web site. I bet I come here at least twice a night and 10 times on the weekend, thanks for the t-shirt and the brocures.
Im a 44 year old mini-trail freak.......keep puttin!

Ronnie......thanks again

Kenny,
My name is Dave. I've written you before, maybe you can help me again. I'm
restoring a 73 HK1 ct70.
My problem is I can't get fire to the plug. I've got great spark at the
points, new points, condenser, even a new coil. All the lights work and
everything, but the only thing that happens at the plug wire, when I gap it
to the frame, is a very weak spark. Since this is fresh paint I removed the
brand new coil and scratched up the little shelf it sits on to make sure the
ground is good. Any suggestions would be great, because I've run out of ideas
except to buy another coil.

Thanks,

Dave in Atlanta,Ga.

Kenny,
Hey man what's happening? Haven't spoken in a while, as a matter of fact I haven't been playin' with my minis in
over a year. Just came by your site today to find a whole bunch of new stuff since I was here last (probably about a
year ago also). I did find something I wanted to comment on since this is directly up my alley. On you site in your
Green bike resto area I found this statement:

"I am starting to look at reproduction parts this way, it may not be perfect like I want, but it's better than nothing.
My only thing is, if you're going to spend the time to make it, why not make it correct?"

The answer to "why not make it correct" is this, many times a restoration product can not be duplicated using the same
methods that the original manufacturer used due to cost limitations of small reproducers. Honda (or Chevrolet in our
case) had very deep pockets compared to the little guys that are reproducing parts for our classics. Many times, small
reproduction companies find alternative methods of manufacturing that may not create exact reproductions, but may come
very close. These alternative methods allow reproducers to keep cost down and run lower numbers of units than the OEM
usually did (Honda made 500,000 seat pans, Lyle only makes 200 at a time). The result is at times a reproduction that
works but isn't always exactly like original.

Hope you doing well,
Steve Flanders
BROTHERS Mailorder Industries, Inc

Greetings! My name is Jerry Walsh and I am an adult collector of small
displacment Honda motorcycles and over the years have looked for a web
site as comprehensive as yours. Thank You! I have just recently
purchased a Ct70KOH with just 386 actual miles. Original owner was in
his late 70's when I picked it up from him early this spring. I noticed
you posted the the month of manufacture and production # for one of your
CT's. The serial # of my little bike is CT70H112673. Can you tell me
from that info when this was manufactured and which production # it is?
Bike came with all documents including warranty policy and maintainace
schedule booklet. Needs just cleaning to be close to 100% concours
condition. I will need to purchase a few items for it in the near future
and your site will be the first place I look. Thanks again for any help
you can give me on those numbers, be safe. Jerry.

Hi, good looking website and excellent bike restorations. I thought I would write and tell an amazing story about one of my mountain rides on my CT70 that tested the durability and reliability of the bike and myself.

Well lets start with my bike: it's a 1971 CT70HK0 with about 2000 miles with no modifications or problems. My ride started a couple of miles west of Cottonwood Lake, Colorado at a National Forest campsite (Elevation about 9000 feet). I started at around 2:00 PM that afternoon for a 6 mile ride to the Continental Divide ( Elevation about 13,500 feet). It was quite easy for about a mile until the terrain really got steep (I was wide open in first gear only going like 5 mph). I continued until I reached an alpine meadow where I could go a decent speed of 15. But before I knew it, it got steep again and I was back to good ol' first gear. The engine didn't die but it was not performing at maximum because of the extreme altitude. With some knowledge of how the carb worked I decided to move the needle clip up a couple of notches to lean the mid range power. And I was surprised of how well it worked. I would estimate getting back at least another horsepower for hill climbing. So I continued for about another mile or so until the trail stopped around 13,000 feet. I wanted to go farther up but up this high there was no way I could drive over or around boulders the size of Volkswagens. Well going down was much faster and easier for the bike. I think I could have gotten up to 50 Mph going down some of those slopes. But only insane people would do that. Especially because there are dozens of blind corners where collisions are very likely, and unfortunately happen. I returned to my campsite within an hour and a half.

Well, if it sounds like fun I would recommend this type of riding for very experienced riders only. Also here are some pointers that you could post on you site for people who are interested: Re-jet your carb for the altitude you will be riding at, buy a bigger rear sproket and a longer chain for it, make absolutely sure your muffler is the stock "Forest Service Approved Spark Arrester" otherwise you might get fined or worse yet start a big ass fire, also carry a radio, and for protection a good size pistol in case of a bear encounter, and finally, wear long pants and a helmet. I know riding on the street and on flat ground is easy and hardly dangerous on a CT70, but up here in the middle of the mountains if you wreck and hurt your head it will take a while for help to arrive.

Thanks for your time,

Jason

Hello!

I went to the dump today and found a blue honda trail 70 in the pile (it had caught on fire. The fire originated in the battery box and caught the gas tank and seat. The carburator is toast). I grew up on one of these and was excited to see it thinking my 11 year old son and I could rebuild it to some extent and he could experience the same thrills I did. As I viewed your web site today I'm finding out that there are a lot of people restoring these old jewels. I'm not interested in bringing this thing back to mint condition, just to nice running condition for my kids. I want to buy a manual but I don't know what year it is. How do I find out? The number engraved on the bike is CT70 136527. Does this give me any indication of the year? Thank You.

Scott

Back in 1973, when I was 11 years old my Father bought me a CT70. Oh the fun
and enjoyment I had with that thing!! The original price was around $350.00
brand
new. Now, 26 years later, I have resurrected the same bike for my 11 year
old. As I
got older, and started driving cars, my Father and I carried it down the
basement,
and there it has been ever since. This spring my son discovered it and asked
if we
could fix it up so he could ride it. I agreed and we began to bring it back
to life. It
didn't take much to get it running again. A new battery, an oil change, and
fresh gas
was all it took to get it running again!! With only 2,024 original miles the
bike is in
excellent shape. It is our interest to restore it to original condition. I
have included a
picture for the enjoyment of everyone. please put it, and maybe my story out
on the
web.

Thanks.

TOM PEACOCK

your web-site is very good, in fact it has inspired me to "get off my butt" and restore mine which has been sitting for years

Michael Sanders

Torrance CA

HEY GUYS. SURE WAS NEAT WATCHING YOU TWO PUTT OUT OF THE WOODS BEHIND THE CUMBERLAND STORE ON TUESDAY 25TH. BROUGHT BACK SOME OLD MEMORIES, LOOKING AT THOSE TWO CT70S. ALSO LIKE THE T-SHIRTS, AND WILL PROBABLY GET ONE. I HAVE ALWAYS REGRETTED GETTING RID OF MY THREE OLD HONDAS, CT70, Z50A, XR75,. ALL WERE PRETTY CHERRY WHEN SOLD, 20 YEARS AGO. GLAD I GOT TO MEET YOU, AND WILL KEEP IN TOUCH. THANKS FOR THE SMALL TIME WARP I WENT THROUGH.......MAKES ME WANT TO FIND ANOTHER TRAIL70 EVEN MORE. TOM WALTER, FT. MYERS, FL.

Just wanted to say thank! for your website and the input you've given me. I am having the BEST time with my ct70! I just bought a 4sp green to restore also. Thanks!

Thanks Kenny; I adjusted both of the screws as good as i could.
Ive got it to where it runs pretty fair, and idles pretty good.
Sometimes it idles alittle high then settles down to a point where it wants
you to hold the throttle to keep it going.
Im really learning the ins and outs of the adjusting processes now.
Although with 3 Ct-70`s and one ST-90, the neighborhood will never be the
same again. I mess with them every day it seems. I guess a 38 year old dude
riding a minibike down the street is justification for a clown suit purchase
and a Kiva shriners membership. haha.
gotta love it.

Someday im hoping Goodyear will put out a good thorn-proof tire for these
minibikes like they do for fourwheelers. Ive got a field full of these
stickers and im getting tires full of them.
I then spend 20 minuites pulling thorn heads out of the tires after a ride.
My Greed 1971 4 speed is all together since David Tucker did my hotrod 82cc
BigBore kit and total rebuild on the motor...Im not going to paint it till
the summers over. I still havent found a chain guard for it. I replaced the
seat with a Classic Honda repro one and put one of the repro rear racks on
it. I like them fine. The racks ( ive got two of them so far ) have no rust
on them they just have small dents i believe from the metal bending
processes. I think due to the manufacturer not having some padding on the
vices they were using to hold the assembly while they were working on it.
Its not near as bad as the ad states they are on Classics web site.
If i were anal about it yea i could sand them out and just rechrome it but
its fine for my rider.
Well back to work teaching these young Marines about the Avenger weapon
system, and Stinger Missles.
see ya
Take care ill talk to ya later.

Ranes E. Rollins
USMC
El paso, Texas

Hi, great site. I commend you for doing what myself & my Honda parts manager/buddy/Honda mini enthusiast freind always say we should do. Were always saying that these Ebay guys are all crazy, selling stuff hat available at the dealer. I'm a certified Honda nut. I own 10 bikes from road to motocross to mini. I have it easy. I started working at the Honda dealer around the corner as a teenager (15 years ago) & I still go there every day. My good freind is the Honda parts manager at the mom & pop dealership. I have it easy, & it drives me nuts to think that there are guys getting rooked becuase they know no better. So much stuff is available from Honda & that's what makes restoring these bikes fun. I have several mini's & have done several "rescue's" of CT70's. I call them rescues because I have been lucky enough to get ones with paint good enough to leave alone. I rebulid everything around them though. I have some input that I would feel would be helpful to you regarding a few areas of restoration. I'm a certified Honda tech from way back & motorcycles are my life. Live eat & breath them. I also have some computer background & would like to make one suggestion regarding the web site itself. I don't know how many e-mails a day you get, but I want to help. I don't want my input to fall on deaf ears, so all i ask is that you reply me & let me know my input will be read by you.

I was just commenting to my freind that you perform your restorations in a manner that is so close to mine, it's actually a little spooky. This is the reason I'm offering to give some small tips to make your site even better. Hope to hear from you, Enzo.

Hi, I love your web site. I check in a couple times each day. I have 4 running ct 70's. All are 73 and 74 model years. I recently bought 2 more parts bikes. Both were made in 9/71. Does this make it a 72. One does not have forks. The one without forks is a ct70h. I am going to re do this bike. Do you know, will the forks off the 3 speed be correct for the 4 speed. I am going to get a motor. I found a guy in Oklahoma that sells complete running motors with carb for $100.00 My brother is a body man, and he is going to paint the frame swing arm and forks. I have wanted a 4 speed ever since I seen one on this site. I did not know there was such a thing. I want to have one bike perfect. I also have a 69 blue/silver z 50 and a 70 red/silver z 50. Is the 9/71 ct 70 h a 71 or a 72. It is candy red color, at least it is under the stickers. I have the tank and enough to make a good rolling chassis this summer. Then I can do the rest in my basement this winter. I live in Minnesota and the winters can really got boring. Please help me with the ? on the year and if the forks will work from the 3 speed to my new project 4 speed. I got both bikes for 25 buck from the local Yamaha dealer. He was cleaning out the junk and had it in a pile to go to the scrap yard. I was in the right place at the right time.

Thank you

Mark Lindstrom

Worthington MN.

I found a 71 Trail 70 in my aunt's garage. She said it was from my cousin
who passed away quite some time ago and said I could have it. I didn't know
what I had my hands on until I went on the web. Well, it still had the
celophane clear wrap on the honda logo on the side, had 755 miles on the
engine, mint condition seat and looked to be in overall excellent health.
After kick-starting it a few times, the engine sounded like it would fire,
but it just wouldn't. I started cleaning it, the chrome shined up real well
to my amazement and I got down to the mechanical side of it. Everything was
working, original spark plug still fired, valves moved, piston moved, but
for some reason it wasn't getting gas to the engine. So, I took the carb
apart, and it was amazingly clean. Little dried gas but overall perfect. I
still couldn't figure out what was wrong with it, so my dad and I took it
apart one more time to try and figure the damn thing out. Apparently, you
probably know this, but there's a screen fuel filter on the bottom right of
the carb housing. This screen was clogged solid with a crusty material,
which explained why the bowl wasn't filling up. Cleaned that out, slapped
the carb backed on, and it fired and idled perfectly after the third kick.

Just thought I'd let other people know who may have the same problems on a
bike that sat for 28 years that if it doesn't seem like it's getting any
gas- it isnt'. Check the fuel filter screen- it's real easy to miss and it's
probably clogged.

Thanks for your time, and please pass this along to other people on your
site.

Hey guys i love your site and i think it is the best one on the net. I have a orange 1970 ct-70 and 2, 83 ct-70's including lots of parts, a couple years ago i bought the last original kickstart from honda which came from Vancouver. Last week my boss opened his shed at work and in their he had a 1983 xl-185 in absolutely mint condition! It has 1800 km on it from his daughter and it does not even have a scratch on it! I bought it for $750(canadian). When i get it all cleened up i was hoping that you guys could post the pictures along with my minitrails just to show the awsome original codition of the bike. PLease mail me back.

I was looking at ur site and it's very interesting and was wondering if u would b willing to acquire a 1972 ct 70 for free. It doesn't run at the moment and needs a little bit of work, but if u want it it's urs if u want it. I don't know where u live in the states but the minibike is in Quebec city, Quebec. It may b to far for shipping or pickup. Let me know if ur interested. pascalbernard@rogers.com or phone at 613-834-3687

Pascal

HI Kenny,
I just thought I would try asking you a quick question. I just received a
1972 CT70H that shipped to me in pieces in a bunch of boxes. I was told it
needed a coil. I had one of those and put it in and got the bike back
together, however it is hard to start. If I have the choke set just right
and give it almost full throttle at start up(3/4 shut) it starts, idles and
runs fine. Of course, to get full power it should be running with the choke
off. My question is have you run into a similar situation where no matter
where the carb is tuned (air/fuel screw is at highest rpm, idle good,
throttle slide in 2nd notch from top) that the bike just bogs when choke is
off? Just wondering if you had something to point me towards. I have cleaned
the carb out, but not rebuilt it.

P.S Awesome website and I use the manuals I bought from you all the time.

Thanks,
Tom

Hey,
heres a place that has candy paint
http://www.color-rite.com

Carl

Email: carls@surfsouth.com

Webpage:
http://www.geocities.com/carlshonda70s/

Hello,

I'm living in Holland(netherlands) and I'm restoring a trail 70 bike. My question is do you now the colornumber of the green ct70 you have(emerald green). This is because I want to let my bike also paint this color.

Another question, is this a mettalic color or a non mettalic color?

If you have some anwsers on these questions it would be very great.

Thanks,

Jouri van der Meijden

Your mini trail website is the greatest! I don't want to make any costly mistakes while restoring my CT 70 so I'd like to have the motor rebuilt by a professional. Dave tucker is mentioned on your site, how can I contact him?

Thanks

John

Your web site is the best source i've found yet, keep up the good work!!! Now down to business. !!!HELP!!!! My girls are 7 and just found out I have a trail mini in a corner of the garage. This thing was given to me by my fauther-in-law years ago for the girls. It is a soft tail style bike with no speedo and a copper,gold kinda paint(original i think) but that's all I know about it.

The frame # is z50a-5017027

The engine #is z50ae-5016877.

1. Any idea of what year it is?

2. Where do I find parts such as a carb rebuild kit, points, coil,ect.?

3. Is this thing a 4 cycle or 2?

I'm good with mechanics but this little thing has me stumped. Anything you can do or tell me would be a huge help!

Again the site is awsome and thanks!,

Travis Jackson

Your shirts look fine but what I really like is the very professional way you set up your web page. I did pretty well on ebay for a slant guard K0 at $348.00 running & complete. I have found that you really have to be careful since digital pictures look better than real life.

As for your broken K0 start/stop switch, I have actually taken one apart & replaced the toggle part- no one would ever know & it saved me lot's of $$. Well, I won't burn any more of your time. My girls last count was 28 minitrails, so that keeps me busy. I have to agree with you about getting them all dialed in- you don't even want to sit on them!! Lets get some riders & just have fun!!!!!!!

Are we obsessed or just kids for life ?! Keith

Hi guys, I wanted to email you and express how impressed I am with your
restorations. So much so I have decided to restore my KO. I hope you dont
mind my brain picking, I wanted to start out with the painting of the frame
but didnt realy see where you had acquired the side decals that you
talked about that is identical to OEM Honda. Can or will you please help me
locate them? I will be happy to keep you posted and even email picturs if
you like.

thanks! Duane hatton

p.s. I will be attending this site quite often.

Hi,
Your page is fantastic!

We have a nice little collection of QA, Z, and CT bikes plus a few nice
muscle cars...we just like vehicles I guess. However, we have too many now
and need to lighten the load.

I have an incredible bike that someone like you would definitely appreciate:
'71 Green CT 70 H with 300 original miles. I bought this bike from the
original owner and it comes with the original title and her signed affidavit
to authenticate the mileage. I have the original manual also and it is 100%
original, including tires, cables, grips, etc.

The owner grew up in a well to do family and the young lady, age 15, recieved
the bike as a gift from her dad. Shortly thereafter, she got her drivers
license and cars took over. The bike is 100% original. It is very nice but
not perfect like some of your bikes that were correctly cared for (inside
homes, regularly polished, etc) but it was well kept, hardly ridden and runs
perfectly.

Let me know if you might be interested in purchasing the bike. I would like
someone that would really appreciate such a find to add it to their
collection. I'm not looking to set an Ebay record on price but won't give it
away either. If you have an idea on what you might pay, let me know. Also,
if you don't want it, let me know and I'll get it ready for sale. I can take
some photos this weekend and send your way.

You are being given the first opportunity on this bike, thanks, Mike.

Hey Kenny,
Something I discovered Saturday, you may or may not know.You can get dual
element taillight bulbs (6 volt) at pep boys. They are sylvania 1154. On the
back of the package it says 1154BP. On the front at the bottom right hand
corner 6.4 volts.    2 for $3.14 quite a savings over the web prices of 2.75
to 6.75 each. Just wanted to pass it on. Post it on your site and save some
people some money, if you want.
                                                                       Dave
in Atlanta

Hi,

I just picked up a CT 70 4 speed, serial # CT70H 2018552 w/ a manufactured date of 3/72. I don’t know if that means anything, but everyone seems to include it in their info. I got it for $100.00. It runs (sort of) and is basically complete and original.

I would like to make a restoration project out of it and would really like to do it right. I was going to order the assembly and shop manuals but wasn’t sure which ones to get. Can you let me know, please.

Based on your advise, I sent an email to Dave Tucker regarding the motor, but there are a lot of other things I could use direction on. Stuff like how to repaint with that cool semi-transparent red (that’s the original color), where do I get the parts like reflectors and handlebars, etc? Do you have that stuff? I could sure use some advise.

I know you’re probably very busy and get this kind of inquiry all the time, and I hate to trouble you, but I’m unsure where to look for advise and I don’t want to destroy this VERY COOL little scoot. (By the way, I was around when they first came out, and old enough to remember it!) If you could spare me a couple of minutes I’d sure appreciate it.

Thanks a million,

Bob Floyd

To whom this may concern:
I wanted to write an e-mail on how much I enjoy visiting your web site on
Honda trail 70. I have been riding motorcycles all my life and have 4 bikes
now.
I remember as a kid riding Honda trail 50 and trail 70. Although my current
bikes are a lot larger, I will never forget how much fun those small Honda
Trail bikes were. I really enjoy watching your videos..
Thanks again for the memories
Wayne

Just wanted to let you know how much fun I'm having thanks primarily to your site. I thought it would be really neat to get a CT70 for my kids (yeah, right) so after several weeks of searching and only being disappointed, I finally found a 1970 CT70H that looked like it was in good shape. After FedExing a Cashier's Check and driving 1,000 miles round trip to pick it up, I discovered that it was in great condition. I'm 37, 6' 7" and 250 lbs and I look like a parade clown riding it, but I'm having a blast. Just like the mpegs posted on your site, I feel like yelling "Yahooo" every time I ride it. My wife says it was worth it just to see the grin on my face each time. My son (almost 3 years old) loves to ride with me on it and declares it "cool" over and over.

Thanks

Hi,

Just found your site, WOW!! I think it's very cool that you have information on the parts and warning suggestion on where not buy. Based on this I bought a 1971, 3 speed with 2,473 miles, if the parts were not available I would have had second thoughts about taking on a restoration project. I always wanted one of these bikes when I was a kid but could never afford it and my dad was a "motorcycle are dangerous" guy. I just fulfilled my dream last night when I purchased the above mentioned bike.

A question: What would you recommend the amount of mileage that would require a motor to be rebuilt all things being relative?

A suggestion on your heat shrink tubing method. I work with this stuff for aircraft wire harnesses and your right, a lighter will work just fine. We would use a hair blow dryer industrial grade to handle the large lengths of wire harnesses, but a home light duty one will work just fine. With this tool you are assured not to overheat/burn the tubing.

Thanks again for the detailed site and information.

Regards,

Chris Smith

Just a short note on how much I enjoyed your site.
I was a 1968 Trail 50 minibike rider in the early 70's
I still have a scar on my right leg from falling on the front fender
because I could not reach the foot controls properly. I could only shift
or brake depending on which side of the bike I leaned over to. I soon
discovered I could use the front brake to slide the front wheel on loose
gravel. This was fun until I eventually lay the bike down and my leg
landed on that distinct metal front fender to produce a gash requiring 9
external plus a few dissolving internal stitches creating the scar on my
upper right thigh that i still sport to this day almost 30 years later.
Latter in the 70's i snubbed the old trail bikes in favor of an XR75. I
now wish i had an old classic CT70. I was directed to your site by a
search for info on the Honda trail bikes as a few have came up for sale
hear in Canada.
Great Job I will be dropping by your site from time to time. I hope I
can get in on a restoration project myself.
Regards
Robert McFarlane

Greetings from Houston, Texas.

I stumbled onto your website yesterday...I am completely blown away! I'm supposed to be paying bills this morning, but I have had trouble logging off your awesome website to take care of business.

When I was 12 years old (back in 1970) I bought my first Honda, a blue 3-speed Trail 70. Now, at 44, I am obsessed with these little jewels. I own a mint 1971 Candy Gold 3-speed (bought from the estate of the original owner who had bought it brand new as an adult in 1971), and an EBAY nightmare, a complete ' 71 blue 3-speed (minus the speedo cable).

I was wondering if you could give me a quick bit of advice...the blue Ebay bike does not run...it is in "average condition". Do you think I would do better putting the bike on Ebay as a whole unit, or would I come out better disassembling the bike and selling each piece individually? I realize you have not seen the bike...any general thoughts on this matter would be much appreciated!

Again, your website is increcible, and I look forward to visiting it regularly!

Thanks,

Louis Miori

Hello This is the best site I have found for Honda CT
70 restroation. As a kid in 1978 I saw 2 ct70s out by
the road. I stopped and asked the lady if they were
selling them. Her reply was they were waiting for the
junk man to pick them up(so the story begins), I
walked the 2 bikes home 1 mile each way and then got
my bicycle back(worthless when motorcycles are
concerned). A lot of walking. My father said they
would never run but withen 2 days and a little timing
help the fever was born. I now own a lot of parts as
well as 7 minitrails (some good some bad). I want to
restore one to road condition and this site has helped
me to save money as well as time, Thank You
Stastmann

Hi Kenny! I ordered a new t-shirt and am looking forward to wearing it on my 34 year old body-with pride.
I would also like to know if you (or do you know of) have a ct70 ko-new or mint brake pedel for sale. I put off buying one from Lyle (classic honda) and now they are discontinued! Mine is worn on the textured part, so it wouldnt look that good even if I re-chrome.
Any help would be appreciated. Mike-Calif.

Hi,

I just bought my first trail 70 today since 1982. I am 10 again. Shirt looks super. I think I found a new hobby and reason to be in the man shed! Grinning!

Harry Freeman

Hi, Just sorta stumbled across your page. Realy nice and informative. As a youngster in the early 70's I wanted a CT70 more than anything in the world. I always found the kid in the campground that had one. I would have traded my little sister for one. Unfortunately I had no takers, and of course I had the mother block " you'll get hurt on one of those. So fast forward 25+ years and I was searching for a project tp do with my son, and a friend offered me a old mototcycle. I went to get it and it turned out to be a 1975 Honda ST90. I'd never seen one before, but since I was 20% bigger, why shouldn't my bike be bigger?. This little guy had sat unattended in a barn for almost 15 years, but it was love at first sight. I got it home. and began the process. Iy took 3 trips to the car wash just to clean it up enough to take it apart.
Well fast forward a few years. I asm in the final stages of putting this bike back together. Unfortunately, I'm in Omaha, NE and the bike is in my basement where I can't start it. The first day of Spring out it, (not sure if it a he or she yet.) comes.
I've discovered that the ST90 is sort of a forgotten child in the Honda family. It seems that everybody wants the 50cc or 70cc bikes.
I could go on for hours about this little bike, but my main reason for writing is I have the Service manual for this bike. If anyone contacts you looking for one I will gladly make them a clear copy. Because of space, I'm not into part dealing, but am always looking for a better part to put on my own bike, so I would prefer to trade parts for a copy of the service manual.
I've met some really good people who are really into these old bikes. I will continue to read you restoration info. If I can be of any help to an ST90 fan please send them my way. I have a copy of an article about a guy who took 2 50cc engines and made one
twin V, (2 cylinder engine). It was very interesting

Geoff

Hey Kenny,

I sent a few people a link to your page today and I checked out that shirt you told me about. I remember seeing the front of it but I did not know that you were going to have stuff on the arms and the back, that shirt is super nice!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

P.S.

Thanks again for the ads!

Jeremy Polson

Logged into your web-site a few weeks ago and I`m in the process of restoring a CT-70.

I`m taking advantage of all the tips and links throughout your site. Everythings been so

helpful. Eventually I`ll send you some "before and after" pictures of my project.

One page mentions you`ll be getting in some t-shirts with the green CT-70.

ARE THEY IN AND AVAILLABLE? "That`s the color I`m painting my bike!"

Once again my copliments on a great site for us Classic honda enthusiasts!

Shawn,

Hi,
You have an excellent site on the web. I am looking
for a good condition trail 70 and I find they are
around $1K to $2K. I am considering buying a new
reproduction by Panda?. How do these compare? I have
noticed some of your horror stories of buying
fixer-uppers and wonder if a brand new, licensed by
Honda, trail 70 is a good alternative. What do you
think? Do you have a source and price for these?
Thanks. Hey, do you think a big strong 7 yr. old can
handle a trail 70 or should he start out with a 50cc?
Thanks again!
David

Dear Sir,

My name is Max Fabbri and I am Mechanical Engineering student at Cal Poly
State University in San Luis Obispo, California. I am concentrating in
mechanical design and will be graduating in the Fall of 2002. Every senior at
the university must complete a senior project or thesis towards the end of
their instruction displaying the wide array of skills that were acquired
during their years at Cal Poly. I will be graduating with a 3.0 GPA and will
want to have an awesome senior project completed and working.

My project will consist of the design, test, and build of a motorized bike
cruiser. I have acquired an old 1965 cruiser frame, crank, rear sprocket, and
tires. The project will consist of a number of design factors. A small 2-
stroke single-cylinder engine will be mounted to the downtube of the cruiser
frame. The rear hub will have to be machined and rebuilt to accommodate for
two sprockets, one on the right side for the original chain drive from the
pull of the crank and pedals, and the other sprocket on the left to be the
main transmission drive for the engine. Finally, the assembly will have to be
tested for frame flex, centroid positioning, and vibration characteristics.
These components are all available to my use except for a reliable engine and
gearbox transmission.

Throughout the previous 4 months, I have been frantically searching the
internet (Ebay.com & other online auctions), local motorcycle junkyards, and
my mechanical engineering friends for something that could be of use. I am
specifically looking for Honda CT-70, CT-90, and Z50 K2 minitrail engines, all
which are difficult to come by because of their high demand. These would be
the ideal single cylinder engines because their dimensions coincide with the
available space on my project and their 3 or 4 speed transmissions would be
ideal for me to run the machine at the calculated engine rpm and wheel speed.
I am hoping you guys could possibly give some type of deal with that type of
small 2-stroke engine with either a centifugal-type clutch or gearbox
transmission in aiding with my senior project. It would be a great help to my
cause since I trust any engine coming from you would be more reliable
than one purchased from an unnamed source on the internet or junkyard.
Furthermore, I think the project will be difficult enough, and having to deal
with a faulty engine would be even a bigger pain.

I thank you for taking the time to read my request and I look forward to
hearing from you soon.

Best regards,

Max Fabbri

Hi ,

I'm a MiniTrail fan from Singapore.

Will you ship to Singapore ?

What will be your rates for shipping by Fedex?

Derrick Tan

Just wanted to let you know I love your site. I have 2 1972 Hondas that I bought from my best friend. I remember riding them when we were 10. One is a CT70 and the other is a CL100. The 100 only has 405 miles on it! It was put up with gas in the tank, but I drove to Guntersville, Alabama, today and picked up a new tank. I need to get it painted and put on. The 70 has around 1900 miles on it and my 10 year old rides it practically every day. I need to get him off of it since people are fixing them up and getting good money for them. I have the original receipt where his dad paid $300 and something for it in December, 1972. Any web sites you know of where I can find paint codes for bikes of this vintage? I’m attaching a picture of the 70 for your enjoyment.

Dave Harrell

This Shirt is Great!
My name is Neil Rodrigues and I would like to order one. How do I go
about it?
My E-mail Address is Neil_Rodrigues@yahoo.com
My address is 1136 Capri Drive, Campbell Ca. 95008-6007

This Minitrail Websit is great! I grew up with a Z50 K0 and my friend
had the 1971 CT70. I currently pruchased a PANDA Trail-Rider (1991-94
CT70) and am in the process of turning into a full blown Honda Model.
It now looks like the Blue CT70 on the shirt. The bike has an auto
clutch but with a 4-speed tranny!

I am 43 years old, and part of the Classic Japanese Motorcycle Club:
www.cjmc.org.

Please tell me how to go about getting one of these cool shirts.
Thanks, Neil

I am going to start restoring my 1969 mini trail 50. I am wanting also to buy another 50 off e-bay or somewhere around here whereever I find one. If I find one on e-bay what is usually a ball park figure for shipping? Do most people break them up for you, or do you get a trucking company to crate them and ship them to ya'lls place. Just wanting to get an idea of what is the best route to take.

Thanks

Trev

Also is the 1971 trail 70 the most common being restored?

Hello,

my name is Scott Michaud and I was wondering if you could you could tell me how to redo my CT 70 1984, as in were do i start how much it would cost and so on...so if you could get but to me as soon as posible, it would be grate,

my e-mail adress is

srjm17@hotmail.com

I've attached a picture of my Honda 70.

hey...your site is by far the BEST for my purposes. i am 15 and i live up in CT. i recently picked up a 71 CT70 H for free from a friend's neighbor. it is the same thing as you project (the green one) it has the original honda rear rack which i hear is extremely hard to come by. anyway...the bike was very rusty, the rims were seized up, the motor was locked up tight, etc, etc. i have gotten into a restoration but not to the extent of yours. i sandblast anything that needs paint. i found it strange that you used the same paint as i did. i did the paint myself with the house of kolor candy green. the color seems a little more yellow than stock but looks beautiful. i have enclosed some pics (kind of crappy). please let me know what you think so far and if you think it is worth it to have the rear rack rechromed.

thanks,

ryan semeraro

I really like that T-shirt. It had a very nice picture of the CT-70!
The graphics are well conceived! The T-shirt would make a nice gift. I
thank you for telling me about it. Have a nice day, and a Merry
Christmas! Thanks again and,

Sincerely,

Dale(North Dakota)

Just cruising your site and wanted to let you know i have a very original(90%) 1972 honda ct 70h(manual 4-speed) that is the candy yellow special. It has original chain and sprockets and tires, fenders, body, paint etc and is in very good condition. I recently did a somewhat mild type restoration, it as an aftermarket left engine case(flywheel cover and the carb got new gaskets, new battery, new fuel lines, comes with lots of extras-parts motor,original engine gasket set, original carb gaskets and filter are good shape. bike runs good and is not perfect but is in very nice original condition. I was informed by my wife after purchasing a new KTM that something must go, so I am asking 1400OBO for all. Also have exhaust pipes and silencers in mint condition(original boxes) form old hondas and Yamaha bikes included(3).Also have three brand new rear sprockets for it included.call for details at 219-362-0307 or i can be reached via e-mail at msimpson@niia.net. I just decided to sell all and thought I would try t

Dear Sir,

First allow me to thank you for sharing your amazing website. It is the best source of information on the web for minitrails!

I became a customer of yours today by purchasing the mini trail shop manual & assembly manual.

I could have bought slightly cheaper elsewhere, but I want to support you in thanks for your great site.

I own a 1969 z50a K1 from my childhood and your site has inspired me to have it restored.

Would you please answer this question (which I will keep in confidence), with all your experience if you had to choose, for a motor rebuild would you send it to Mr. Tucker or Mr. Alderton?

What instructions do you give the rebuilder? For instance, I noticed on Mr. Tuckers site he mentions "painting" the motor, it seems to me it should be polished? What instructions would you recommend to go along with an order for rebuild?

Thank you for your patience with a novice, I suppose you get asked all sorts of stupid questions from people like me : )

Kindest Regards,

Eugene Wolff

Sebastian, Florida

Your comments seem right on and I did see your bikes. You've run the
whole gambit on EBay so I'd say you've become somewhat of an authority
on such things. Once restored the value and chance of getting one
again would be hard to attain. Money certainly doesn't matter unless
it gets really out of hand. %^) My CL450 has about 7K into it over
10 years, I wouldn't take 10K for it since I've never seen one as nice
as mine in so many years. I can not do restorations commercially, it
become too personal and an attachment (call me crazy, it's ok).

Your collection is gorgeous and I hope to attain similar quality (it's
not really that hard). The trick is being consistent and not being in
a hurry. I emailed Dave about engine work and hope to hear from him
soon. I saw a few on EBay that look similar to mine but the prices
are lower. %^( But no worries, I'm beyond hope right now. I've got
a good powder coater, welder, chromer and now the real question is
paint work and insuring I can get all the decals I need.

Thanks so much for the feedback and time. I do know several bikers in
my area that desire these little bikes and now that I have one, I can
now blow my tax return on getting it back to showroom condition. The
real interesting tid-bit is that my new old bike came from the same town
I lived in during the time I lusted for one of these at age 16. Maybe
that was the clincher for me.

Again thanks so much, I may bother you from time to time but not much
I promise. Just another CT70 clown pulling through the learning curve.

Regards
R Beaver

Hi,
Just a quick note from a seriously fanatical female Honda collector :)...I
wish there were more of us! Thanks for an interesting and well done site!
Yes, I'm trying to recapture my childhood as well. I received a new '69
Minitrail 50 for my 9th birthday, then owned the incomparable '73 XR75...now
why didnt my parents have the foresite to keep those??? My current
collection, started just a year ago, now includes the following:
'75 MR50 (incredible original bike) photo attached
'71 CT70 in Gold (obligatory CT70 entry) in fair condition tho only 3000
miles on it
'73, '74 & '75 XR75s (this is how the insanity started!)
'74 XL125 (first year for this model, 3023 original miles and in great
conditon) most recent acquisition.
I just found a '72 XL100, original owner, 300 miles, local bike. Going to
purchase this weekend...wish me luck!
Regards,
Sandra

Kenny,

We come down your way in June every year, we go to Sanibel/Captiva for a vacation.

Here are some pics. before and afters. I found this scooter in Seattle and shipped it down via forward air. You know the drill. It was 95% complete, running sort of, seat pan cracked in half and cables all shot.

The kids and I stripped it down to the frame, and repainted it, had the motor rebuilt, new cables and a bunch of new parts and 2 months later we had a "Like New" 1970 CT 70.

We had to get a new sprocket, the H sprocket wasn't the right one.

Joe

Hy everybody, I'm Enrico, a fan of italian minibikes and monkey bike.

I'm the proudly owner of one Z 50 M French model y.1967, completely original as new, buyed by my uncle in 1968, and one Z 50 y.1977 in restoration.

I will be very pleasent to take contact with your club, to excahnge information and news.

If you want you can see my french model in the attacched files

T.Y.

Enrico.

Address: Enrico Mirani

Via Emilia Parmense n° 6

29100 Piacenza

Italy.

Hey Kenny,

Yup this was my "first" bike and kept it. I knew someday I would be
able to fix it up and that time came this summer when I (just as a
lark) typed in "sl70" on eBay showing eBay to a friend. Then I
couldn't stop thinking about it and the next weekend I was cleaning out
the shed and ready to restore my little buddy.

I've made a few mistakes and purchased some junk that I shouldn't have,
but I guess we all do that. I think the goal of your site and any SL70
info I can share is to help people get a better "jump start" on the
process and not see it as the potentially daunting task that it can be.
I've also found lots of SL folks that don't want to share knowledge,
and that sucks. I know a guy that won't tell me where he gets his
tanks and side covers painted because "the guy is really busy". Yea,
well... I want to help others and have nothing to keep to myself that I
can think of. I'd paint them myself if I had the time, I've shot most
everything, includng Imron before. We need to keep these little bikes
alive and kickin'!

Dave's awesome. He says you're pretty cool too. I have that second
motor to send him, and a third from a beater eBay bike that I may try
and get him to tweek some HP out of for me. I'd never do that to "my"
engine tho.... ;-)

Lyle eh? Ok, I will check it out. I otta sell you you my 3rd SL that
I bought as parts/spares! It's going through all the steps the other 2
are, just a little slower- actually, no never mind. The fork ID badge
is trashed so that won't do.

Dave redid the carbs with all new stuff- they are dialed and good to
go. It's just that the externals are not 100% and I didn't expect them
to be from Dave, that's not his thing. I just want at least 1 really
nice looking carb. I have been collecting carbs so I would have some
"stock" to work with, and the two Dave did were from my SL70, and an
eBay carb. I will send you detailed pics, perhaps you could give me
some advice instead. I'd just rather have somebody who "knows" do it
right than my memory and what I "think" it should look like. I'd sure
apprecate you taking a stab at it tho. Pics to follow in the next day
or so.

Thanks for the speedy reply. I'm out to the garage to get some stuff
lined up to be sent for rechroming.

-Doug

Kenny,

Paint codes are a problem, I do not paint the frames, I powder coat them, Lyle Mirsky has already pre-mixed colors that he sells as a kit, but I doubt that he will give up the paint codes that he uses...

My tanks are custom painted and the painter matches the powder 100%..

SORRY,,,,, Jan...

P.S. I must get 20 emails a month asking me for paint codes as well, and I kind of would stay away from that anyway, as if you or I recommend a color code, and the guy gets it painted and then says it is off, and blames us for the error ???

I have seen Lyle's Yellow, and either the guy who painted it or something but the color had to much green in it.....MY OPINION !!!

HAVE GREAT HOLIDAYS my friend...

Hi Kenny

Thanks for mail, I found your info about Forward air very interesting, and have checked a little around it, but unfortunately they have no terminal close towhere the bike is. The seller of the bike has got a good price from a hauler company, they said approx 200.- USD from Humboldt Iowa to Ft. Lauderdale, I think I'll go for that one, because then it could be shipped directly from there to Norway. Would love to go riding with your bike during my next visit, I will contact you later when I have planned my next trip. By the way, there is a company which has got new luggage carriers for CT 70, do you know anything about the quality of these parts? Hope you enjoy life in Florida, see you soon again.

Regards Eivind

I am a great fan of your web site and a CT70 collector. I have heard a lot of stories about where people have gotten their bikes but I have a better one! I was talking to a friend of mine the other day and was telling him about my bikes (I have 2 KO 70s). He said ya know I buried one of those last month. He had just bought a farm and he tore down the house, in the garage was a mini bike but it didn’t have an engine so I throw it in the hole as the bulldozer was covering it up.

After a bunch of qualifying questions I summed up that it was a CT70 KO possibly a 69 model and it was completely intact except for the engine. The area where he buried it was pretty big and he could only guess where it was. I called the bulldozer operator and he had a pretty good idea where it was. He said that it was about 4 feet down and in an area where there was a lot of soft dirt not much concrete.

So I hired him to come and try to dig it up. After about an hour digging with a back-hoe we found the taillight and could tell how it was laying. After about another hour of digging with a small shovel we freed it and hauled it to the surface.

It is complete except the engine and even still had air in the tires. I brought it home and hosed it off. It appears to have a very slight bend in the frame that makes the back tire track off center. It is very slight and will probably be ok. I was wondering if you have heard of anyone that would attempt to straighten a frame?

I have video and photos of the excavation it you would like to see them. Please let me know if you know of anyone that could do the frame thing. I hate to trash it because it has such a great story!

Thanks

Jack Quirk

Hi Kenny, I would like to know what you would do in my situation. I am prepping A tank for the paint shop and The tank never leaked Until I used a 3 step process in removing the inner rust and coating the tank with this coating product called kreem. I now have the tank rust free and am in the process in coating it as i speek. After the 1st step in removing the rust i now Have several tiny holes on the right side and right lower sides of the gas tank! Will this coating be enough to seal the holes before I send it to the Body shop for Sanding and painting of the tank, or should I have it spot welded or filled in with a liquid type steel hardener or what should i do in this situtation as I do not want any problems when i have it painted and finished??

Any info on this Would be Greatly Appreciated as This Tank is Visually in Solid Condition and would like to use this tank because it is the original tank that was on the bike,

Thank you And hope to here from you soon,

Joey

Hi Sir,

GREAT website! I have a Z-50 K2 (red/white) that I got from a friend of mine
in my area. It is not running, and is missing some parts (complete headlight
assembly, ditto the tail light, front and rear fenders, muffler and air
cleaner. Most of the rest seems to be there. WHY do people take this stuff
off? I have never understood this! I want to restore the little bike, as it
is really too good to part out or scrap, and I feel it deserves another shot
at a better life with someone who appreciates it. It will be a long term
project for me as I have time and funds, it is something I want to do RIGHT,
to keep, not sell.
Any help is appreciated.
I had my first Mini-Trail ride on a red/sliver K0 back in 1970, and always
wanted one, just never got around to it.
I also have a fully restored '71 Bultaco Alpina 250 (just completed). I
really love old bikes.

Regards,

John Kelinske
Houston, Texas

Hi all,

Great web site. I too just picked up a CT70H similar to yours. Only 1300
miles. I wont even tell you how little I paid for it. It will make you
sick. The model # is CT70H-2003637. What can you tell me about that number?

I also have a rattle in the speedo area. The speedo is the same one you
have. I havent been able to make it go away. It drives me crazy. Please
let me know if you figure out how to fix it.

Keep up the good work.

Mark Foht

Hi Kenny, Hey thank you for your Input, And yes I will agree, I love The Honda trail bikes and Have never had so much fun working on them! Im not into it to make a prophit either, Its just that When your Budget is Kinda tight, sinking in alot of cash into a complete restore job I just would like to be able to at least get my money back in case of an emergency that I would have to have a quick buck is all.

I just Picked this bike up just now here in southern ohio where i live as I saw it from the road sitting beside a garage in the country, I payed 50.00 For it And it is My 1st z 50 k1 ' 69 model trail bike, I plan on Restoring this Gem completely to original mint condition, I am Pretty familar with the ct 70's But I am new to the z 50,s and look forward to starting this Restoration around Spring time,But Will have to gather alot information from proffesional Restorers like yourself and Lyle at classic honda to stear me in the right Correct Direction in fixing this bike up.i Really thank you for all your time,And I Appreciate your input information,and advice, I have Included you a couple pics of the Bike I just Brought home today as I feel like a kid at Christmas time with a toy that is Broke at this moment hehe.

Thanks...

For the memories. When I was a kid back in the 70's, I was obsessed with owning either a CT70, or a Suzuki Trailhopper. Have seen some pics recently of the Trailhopper on the web(never saw one in real life). I didn't know they were just 50cc's, and butt ugly. I only knew of them from Boy's Life ads ("Dear Dad..."). Maybe you remember. They sure looked great in the ads. I'll probably get a copy of the ads, just for nostalgia.

But my childhood neighbor had 2 CT70's, I guess around '75 (the yellowish green ones). We were never allowed to ride the second one (his dad's).

Damn, was I jealous! We rode that one bike all the time. Most of the time, I was on the back, but I could successfully take the controls now and again, by incessantly begging.

I also had another neighbor who had a somewhat beat-up one (the throttle control would slide off the handlebar). He was gonna sell it to me for around 50 bucks, but I couldn't sell my parents on the idea. And believe me, I tried. And tried. And tried.

This was back in the 70's, back in the middle of Pennsylvania.

Fast forward to 2001. I now live in Los Angeles. Did a random search on the web for info about these bikes, just for the helluva it. I was very pleasantly surprised to find so much stuff. I especially liked the Frankenbike restoration info. Believe me, if you ever think you were too detailed in the description, you weren't!

I don't know if I'll ever restore one. It would probably be more practical to buy one of the 1990's era CT70's. In fact, I found one in a Cycle Trader out here, for $1250. Not the same as the older ones, but will suffice. Or, will it? My obsession builds....

Thanks for putting up your site. It is appreciated.

CRINZ

P.S. I remember a '90's Popular Mechanics article about boosting the CT70 power with some sort of Nitro thing... do you know what I'm talking about?

And... I've got an old photo somewhere of the bike I've been talking about... it's one of those that you had to put in a slide projector... The bike was brand new when I took the picture. Don't know if anybody would be interested.

Hi Kenny,
I'm the guy from Chicago that you let use your shock fixture. I was wondering
if I might asked you to lay out a step by step assembly for a 1972 CT70 HK1.
I am starting and I thought that you would be one that can provide some
experience in the assembly of this bike since you did a number of them. I
just started the assembly and mounted the steering stem and the front shocks
with the headlight.
What does your experience? Can you recommend a good way to support the bike
during this assembly process!
I would appreciate any bullet points in the complete process.
Thanks,

Bill Borowski

Hello Kenny, I shure Will! And thank you For The Info on the '69

I Talked to A guy Last night And he was saying or confirmed that The Early Production ' 69 ct 70s were released towards the west coast first {Calif} and Were equiped with Nitto Tires, And later productions were equiped with bridgestone trail 10 Tires. Also he noted that The ' 69 Bikes were Not Equiped with the Removeable Points Cover at the time, but Were introduced in the early making of the ' 70 model KO's for More Convienence to the Owner And Maintenance on the Bike.And then the Removeable Points Cover was Discontinued in the late '70 productions. My '69 Does not have the Removeable Cover, It looks Just like the shapphire blue '69 That Was on ebay a Short time ago, I saved the Auction number so I could look at it and compair to My Bike Item # 1632040669

Thank you For the info and your time, I will Send you Some pics of several of my Little Honda Trail 70's that I Currewntly Own And Collect,

Thanks For all!!

Joey Mader

"Ohio"