Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Honda Tech
Honda Tech Honda Tech Forum - For Questions specific and of interest to Honda riders only.
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
using a honda90 for travelling

Hi folks.
I have posted elsewhere about a small bike for travelling distances/
I have a honda 90 old X reg with 3-4000 miles on clock from new. It is tatty but i have decided to save costs i might use it...even bearing in mind its limitations for speed, etc
questions i want to ask are:
present dual saddle is sore on the rear.can i replace it with the single ones which look more comfortable.
bike is still in its original equipment despite being tatty...so
what do i need to ready it for travelling
can i buy a bigger carrier than the one fitted or wil i need to get hese made up for me
the 6 volt lighting leaves a lot to be desired.Is there any way i could modify /alter this> eg change to 12 volt, upgrade,brighter bulb.
the tank is obviously a small one.....a tankful will only take me so far. as it is intergral with the frame does this mean caring fuel with me.or topping up regular?
it has its standard original tyres on it.with hardly any wear.Will these be okay or do i need to change it?
would screen be a good investment?
any other advice would be welcome..
I might say when i used to use it regular it was always relaibel and never let me down except for the battery which didnt seem to last long.
Thanks in advance.
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
honda 90

More than capable! if you dont mind the slowness........
you mention it is an X reg, that would be 1983? so the tyres are like 24 years old!...change them,,, C90 tyres are not lots of money, same with the tubes, as rubber perishes.
check out ebay item number 170168709191 TYRE COMPLETE PACKAGE DEAL 1 x 250 x 17" Front Ribbed TUBED TYPE Tyre, 1 x 250 x 17" Rear TUBED TYPE Tyre, 2 x HEAVY DUTY BUTYL 250 x 17" Inner Tube , 2 x 17" Rim Tapes for less than 30 quid!!


the seat, do a sheepskin. its easier... plus the dual seat gives you room to move and stretch legs a little. YES screen is a good idea, as is extending the legshields 4" wider with some ally or plastic.

look on here for various pics or do a google search for pics of C90s in "touring trim", if you or a mate have a welder, wont take long to knock up a strong rack. or use BIG pop rivets or bolts and Nyloc washers, its not pretty but easy, cheap and easy to fix on the road.

dunno about the 12v, someone else can answer that one, i know the lights are crap, but a better bulb may help.

just give it a good service, oil and filters, air filter, plug, points and condenser and a new battery......dont forget the tyres n tubes..... check the cables, brakes, and wiring........... MOT it, then explore!

Last edited by Martynbiker; 12 Nov 2007 at 23:27. Reason: added ebay info
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 12 Nov 2007
Dodger's Avatar
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
It Has Been Done - and why not !

Some inspiration perhaps ?

http://www.honda50.cc/
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Oxford UK
Posts: 2,116
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dodger View Post
Some inspiration perhaps ?

http://www.honda50.cc/
I see they upgraded the 50's to 90cc! A good idea, I did the Elephant rally some years ago on a 50cc stepthru and it would hardly go up some of the hills under its own power when loaded up. I think it averaged about twice the speed I'd do on a pedal bike. I've toured on 100's, 125's and similar without any problem but the 50 was just too slow
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
honda 90

i might point out that the seat is knackered..so is it worthwhile restoring or spares place .if they exsist?
if i use sheepkin is that just while riding as a bit of rain and your gonna have a wetter bum?or a proper seat wit sheep skin cover..sorry if i seem so naff!
i have to say the bike has only been used for commuting in the past....shame on me letting it get into a bad state
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
spares.......

Paul, the holy grail of spares for the C90 is called ebay.
if you cant get it on there, it not available.
also Google search for spares , plenty of places in london do spares, ask any taxi (back cab) driver as they use em for the knowledge and usually know of someone who has one for sale/spares/etc.
also look in the LOOT and MCN (motor cycle news)

just remember this......if anyone ever laughs at you, its only cos there jealous. 100+mpg is not to be sniffed at these days.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
spares

i think the immediate need is for silencer and seat and battery..rest il search for
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: N.Yorkshire
Posts: 336
I was just giving you the details of single seat conversions when I realised yours is the older c90.
this does limit the availability of bits when compared to the later 85cc machine. you are stuck with 6 volts unless you do some major surgery, as most if not all were 6v with the points setup.
what weather are you traveling in? in winter the screen is a must have, but the c90 is incredibly robust, I use the cub varient and the abuse it has survived is incredible, even worked fine at -36c. the older motors have stronger drive train, and are totally field servieable.
try www.cub90.co. uk there are loads of helpful folk there.
get a granny stylee shopping basket over the front wheel, this will carry a gallon can, and give you a total range of 180 miles.
__________________
Harley Davidsons,
The most effective way of turning petrol into noise without the side-effect of horsepower
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Have two

Quote:
Originally Posted by Joe C90 View Post
I was just giving you the details of single seat conversions when I realised yours is the older c90.
this does limit the availability of bits when compared to the later 85cc machine. you are stuck with 6 volts unless you do some major surgery, as most if not all were 6v with the points setup.
what weather are you traveling in? in winter the screen is a must have, but the c90 is incredibly robust, I use the cub varient and the abuse it has survived is incredible, even worked fine at -36c. the older motors have stronger drive train, and are totally field servieable.
try www.cub90.co. uk there are loads of helpful folk there.
get a granny stylee shopping basket over the front wheel, this will carry a gallon can, and give you a total range of 180 miles.
Building on that, I would look around for a 12V later version - they are on ebay, for not too much money, quite regularly - and keep the 6V one for local trips.
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 13 Nov 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
spares

Quote:
Originally Posted by Walkabout View Post
Building on that, I would look around for a 12V later version - they are on ebay, for not too much money, quite regularly - and keep the 6V one for local trips.
how do you keep one for trips locally lol
once it was on id keep it one.but thanks for your advice as i wasnt sure if they did a conversion to 12 volts.in the local shop they reckoned it should have been 12 volts already,but i remember buying a 6 volt battery and the light is ugh!.okay for town lights...but wouldn't want to be in any real dark place.....i've tried that one lol!
thanks for the granny basket idea.....i suppose you might need to have a plastic /metal fuel can though!
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 15 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
just do this to it.

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsomeman View Post
Hi folks.
I have posted elsewhere about a small bike for travelling distances/
I have a honda 90 old X reg with 3-4000 miles on clock from new. It is tatty but i have decided to save costs i might use it...even bearing in mind its limitations for speed, etc
questions i want to ask are:
present dual saddle is sore on the rear.can i replace it with the single ones which look more comfortable.
bike is still in its original equipment despite being tatty...so
what do i need to ready it for travelling
can i buy a bigger carrier than the one fitted or wil i need to get hese made up for me
the 6 volt lighting leaves a lot to be desired.Is there any way i could modify /alter this> eg change to 12 volt, upgrade,brighter bulb.
the tank is obviously a small one.....a tankful will only take me so far. as it is intergral with the frame does this mean caring fuel with me.or topping up regular?
it has its standard original tyres on it.with hardly any wear.Will these be okay or do i need to change it?
would screen be a good investment?
any other advice would be welcome..
I might say when i used to use it regular it was always relaibel and never let me down except for the battery which didnt seem to last long.
Thanks in advance.
OR STRIP IT AND DO THIS.........MMMMMMMMMM



I want one, I do , I do. I do!
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
strip it

you wanna buy it an strip it down.........i think the first battle is to get the steering lock to move lol.Tried to move it to back garden and it stuck lol
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Sax, Spain
Posts: 901
cheaper now then?

Quote:
Originally Posted by oldsomeman View Post
you wanna buy it an strip it down.........i think the first battle is to get the steering lock to move lol.Tried to move it to back garden and it stuck lol
that mean its cheaper now then?
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 20 Dec 2007
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: london
Posts: 66
cheaper?

hope cheap is cheap....as said before the engine hasnt done above 9000 mile from new lol
its sat outside my house for 6 year in the rain....but i bet if someone has time it wil be a great runner..mind you might need new tyres,they are the originals lol and a seat! and battery and exhaust.........rest if still there lol
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 27 Mar 2009
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: United States
Posts: 15
or Dratv

Quote:
Originally Posted by Martynbiker View Post
Paul, the holy grail of spares for the C90 is called ebay.
i
or dratv.com

otherwise known as Beatrice cycles on ebay
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 16:58.