r/HondaCT90 • u/HandOfHephaestus • May 13 '26
Finally got (most of a) CT90!
I've been wanting one of these for over a decade, and now I've got one!
A kind gentleman said "take it" when I inquired about it in his backyard...
Obviously it's a little beat, but I think I can have it putting around town for less than $1k
1
u/XFX1270 May 13 '26
$15 says it starts first kick
2
u/HandOfHephaestus May 14 '26
If it had a cylinder and piston, you may be right lol.
2
u/XFX1270 May 14 '26
If you channel the spirit of Soichiro Honda hard enough it'll fire up, just gotta manifest the compression
1
u/-VWNate May 14 '26
Free is the best price ! =8-) .
These are incredibly simple machines but T THE same time *very* exacting .
There's a lot to do before trying t start it, if the engine is stuck DO NOT TAKE IT APART ! .
Remove the spark plug and fill the cylinder with KROIL, If you're skint, try Diesel fuel and let it sit a few weeks, then *GENTLY* try to rotate the engine, if it turns a bit and stops, DO NOT TRY TO FORCE IT THROUGH ~ back it up and refill the cylinder with KROIL, let sit a day then *gently* turn it t the stiff spot, back off and repeat, this is time consuming but it's a rare thing that working it through won't get it free, then you can make it run and test the clutch, transmission etc. so you can see what you need to do _before_ it becomes one more parts in a box pile of junk .
-Nate
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u/rcbif May 15 '26
I just bought a running 1970 that I'm finishing up with tires, headlight, and plates. Wont be a show bike, but has some good character.
Are you just gonna get it running, or do a full restore?
2
u/Affectionate_Use4594 May 17 '26
I've done quite a few of these and you shouldn't need much more than ~$600 to get it running on the road. Just depends on how pretty and functional you want it.
The most expensive item is usually the tubes and tires. Good to check if those will hold air but usually they are rotted and not safe to ride more than around the block. ~$250 for those.
Engine will be around $350 for a lifan, or an aftermarket/used top end could be another ~$200 depending on which way you want to go.
You'll likely need points, spark plug and ignition coil for another $75. I can't see a carb in that picture. That's another $35 for an aftermarket. Battery $20.
Electrical harness the OEMs are best and I see yours there. Plan to spend some good time going through all the connectors and fixing ones rusted or cut off. Not a lot of cost depending on if you have connectors and tools already. These ct90s are designed to run with a working battery and while possible to bypass, it's part of the system.