Honda cb175k6, 1972 re-build

[Rex]

Yes, what is it with Honda C50s etc? Every time the old "what is a classic?" comes up you can bet some $%^ will nominate a C50. A well-made and long-lasting little engine doesn't make up for the horrible gear change, awful ride and ugly looks.
And that's before we consider the rusty frames which kill 'em all in the end.

[iansoady]

I really don't care whether it's called a classic or not and I don't know why people get so wound up about it. Cambridge dictionary says: "having all the characteristics or qualities that are typical of something" and I think the C50/90 has that to excess.

Doesn't mean I want one though.

[Rex]

In my view "classic" implies at least an element of "I'd love that" otherwise you're into choosing a dictionary definition which happens to fit the bike in question, and that's too dry for me.
 You and me both don't want a Honda C50.

[Terrotmt1]

Spent all morning tweeking and painting as much of the original parts as possible. Endless tasks!
Previous owner did a lot of messing with this bike and some parts are not right to the year of the bike, 1972, but all part of the fun.
My Thailand sourced side panels came today, so pleased I bought the nos one I found on Monday!
They would need a lot of massaging, so will be done next year!

Having a go at the air filters now, missing some parts of course.

As to Classics, dead right one has to tweek a heart string when seen to be a classic.
Also, Mini is very cruel to mention a French motorcycle so soon after my success with one...lol!

[mini-me]

Massaging Thai panels? happy ending sir? ooooh get him,

My C90 did the job it was bought for until I realised just how bad it was for the 21st century, but you should read the Cub website, they are all deranged. ..And deluded.

Like these 175 Hondas,they did the job, until they packed up.

Used to sell them new in the early 70's, a steady seller for the get you to work crew, the CD 175 was  fugly but went on and on. Considering how many were sold, not many left as the tin maggot got them and they became worthless.

[Terrotmt1]

Project bikes are hard to find despite so many of them made and sold.
USA bikes arrive but not many of these smaller twins.
Parts are generally findable, but the costs mount up.

Nicer way to spend time than on a Terrot!

[Terrotmt1]

Been let down by the chroming man, latest date is 18 Sept, we shall see..
Paint progressing well for a DIY stab at the job. Will have saved a fortune.

LOTS of other stuff done in prep for the build up to continue, but stuck without the chrome.

[mini-me]

nice clean workshop you have there.

I presume with your masochistic tendancies you sleep outside unde a corrogated sheet?

[Terrotmt1]

Nah, on top of course!

Tidy garage?
Yep, as an apprentice taught to clean up end of the day, not ott just tidy up, rubbish out and find the 13mm spanner that keeps on getting lost...

My last Honda was a tease at the end, bloody thing would not run on both carbs, one pot hot, other cold and next try the opposite, all about the balance but a vert fine line to get it on both cylinders, great when sorted mind.

Painting the tank today has been a bit nerve wracking, never my strongest skill.

[Terrotmt1]

At last the painting is all done.
Decided to stick with my interpretation of the Honda original design and also to clear coat the tank and side panels with fuel resistant clear which gave an amazing gloss finish.
This DIY/rattle-can approach has saved about £500, cost has been just over £100, plus the challenge of doing metallic for the first time every is all done.

Life will delay any further progress for a while so I hope my chrome man will deliver the goods and progress will move into overdrive.
Chrome will allow all the front suspension to be installed and lots of other details, assemble the cables and then to all the lighting.

Time then to get it going and balanced, nearly done then! (as if....)

[Rex]

Your timing has sadly slipped. By the time the chrome comes back etc you won't want to ride it anyway for a few months.
I know the feeling. I have two bikes which should have been on the road May/June were put on hold due to powder coaters and chromers closing for months. One's done (on the road last weekend) and the other is probably going to be finished in a couple of weeks...hopefully.
I'm hoping for a nice Indian Summer (if you can still say that?) to check and ride it before the Winter.

[Terrotmt1]

I think you are dead right!
The 4 weeks went to 7 and now 10...
I thought my progress on this re-build would be quite slow, but I seem to be progressing quickly.
Wife thought/hoped it would keep me busy far beyond Xmas 2020, but I expect about end Nov or sooner.

Someone I know has asked if I would rebuild his Honda 250 engine from the same era, but not sure I want that responsibility.
Another has asked if I would rebuild his Honda too, whole bike.

They are a bit of effort but so nice to deal with, but I prefer a simple life, but without delays!

[Rex]

Rebuild someone else's engine or bike? No thanks!
I used to do little jobs for people years ago for beers, and you always get the inevitable "ere, since you put a new front tyre on me bike six months ago the stoplight bulb has blown twice...what have you done to it?"
Like you, I wouldn't want the responsibility/take the crap if things go wrong.

[mini-me]

too bloody right Rex, been there done that.

"here, my main bearings have packed in,"

"well whats that got to do with me?"

" you mended a puncture on it last year, and my mate says............................................."

and there are those  out there that think I exaggerate.

[Terrotmt1]

Chrome man is still silent after his 2nd promise. I think I will have to go and remove the parts and find another once I've spoken to him (I hope) on Monday. Totally stopped due to chrome being 4 weeks late.