Announcements

panderingpeter · #1 11 Oct 2007

anyone know costs and good dealers to search out. am looking at the north of morocco really.

any problems with documents taking it down to west africa? (i don't have a license)

pretty easy to learn how to ride one of these things, or not a good idea for a novice (novice in the sense that i've never ridden a motorbike before)

or are there some less powerful or more suitable bikes available in morocco? it just needs to run, easy to maintain, and all that crap, and be capable of running on dirt gravel roads. speeds are not important - 30mph is fine as i want to look at the views!

cheers!!!!!!!!

**oldbmw** · #2 11 Oct 2007

They are tough bikes, i had one ( or rather my wife) never missed abeat in 4 years.
I have to say I like teh honda 125 cc single cylinder bike, the one with the inclined cylinder looks like a Triumph Tiger Cub.

panderingpeter · #3 11 Oct 2007

what's the difference between the c90 and the ct90 : on and off-road?

**Nigel Marx** · #4 11 Oct 2007

G'Day. There is a whole lot of difference between the C90 and CT90, once you get past the motor and frame. The CT has suspension for off-road, meaning proper front forks with almost respectable amount of travel. The rear shocks are more robust. It has at least a four speed gearbox (many have the dual ratio high/low shift, giving a super-low set of four as well as the standard four gears) and the C90 has three speeds. CT90s usually come with better bigger racks (sometime front and rear racks) and a wide-foot sidestand. The motors are the same. A CT90 would be a better bike for the job, but don't go past a C90 if that's all you can find. Mine is dubbed the Honda "TinWing" for the miles it has done without complaint. They can handle most of the rough stuff, as long as you take it easier. They won't climb up the side of a house like the CT will, but they are strong bikes. Here is a link to read about two Dutch guys on a mission!

http://www.honda50.cc/

I'm pretty sure they had Chinese copies of the C90 engine fitted.

You couldn't find a much better bike to learn to ride on. I learnt on one, 40 years ago!

Kind regards

Nigel in NZ

**Joe C90** · #5 12 Oct 2007

The standard c90 is capable of taking huge amounts of abuse, if you can find one that is functioning well, the chances are it will last like that for years!
just keep an eye on the oil level, the rings do wear out, but it will function in a pretty decrepit state.
the 1985 onwards bikes have a robust self generating cdi system, that doesn't require a battery, and the headlamp runs directly on ac, again not requiring the battery. http://www.scarabis.com/Photos/AndyScand07/1240032.jpg

panderingpeter · #6 19 Oct 2007

Thanks, it's certainly something I plan to look out for. I belive they are still making them for the African and Asian market (or at least copied of the Cub!)

I understand that the Hinda Cub is semi-automatic; do you think this would be an issue from a maintanence/reapir point of view or not?

Regards.

**Nigel Marx** · #7 20 Oct 2007

Hi Peter. The Automatic clutch is in effect, to a certain extent, self adjusting so it requires less attention than a standard clutch. While, as it has been said, these bikes are very robust, they don't have a large oil capacity in the sump, so regular oil changes are important, especially in hot weather. My guess is change with good oil, every 3-4000km. At high miles, the ramps in the clutch that the balls travel outwards and force the plates together can develop grooves which means the clutch does not dis-engage smoothly. The symptoms are the clutch not coming free when you come to a stop and the motor stalls. These can be dressed out with sandpaper or file if you are patient.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

**Stu Seaton** · #8 21 Oct 2007

The CT 90 is one fine motorcycle, had two of them and my buddy still owns my first even though I've tried to buy it back. It's now a classic (1972-3?) gosh can't remember now... so he rides it like a friggin historical vehicle. Personally I'd be looking for a mud hole to go play in. The bike never failed to start, oil does need regular changes and the semi auto tranny can get lumpy when it gets hot, but forward momentum never seems to stop. My question is where a new headlamp can be found? Had much fun on a CT90. You will too!