1960's Honda Motorcycle fans?

[edward1960]

I just "acquired" a small one cyl. Honda motorcycle. It was found in the basement of an apartment building that is being renovated. The owner of the building gave it to me. (i'm involved in the structural survey) He knows nothing about it and I know even less. I am looking for the serial number (the only thing i've found is only 4 digits long). The only other clue is that there is a student parking sticker for the Univ. of Wis. Madison campus for the schoool year 1967-68 and at least one more under that (maybe two or three)

Any ideas

[edward1960]

A neighbor has identified it as an "S 90"

[TOOLMAN]

you may have the bike Hoffa was last seen riding before he disappeared
could be worth some bucks

[KETCHAM]

Don't know much about them jap bikes but if its old somebody will want it.GOOD LUCK!!!! Kevin

[edward1960]

I'd swap it for a CUb with belly mower in a heartbeat....
I havn't gotten it home so my teenage son hasn't seen it yet.

[trac48]

Edward,
is this your byke
if it is they came out in 1964 and this whas the 1965 new model

[spiveyman]

I dont know if this is the case with that motorcycle being so old, but in my experience, every honda machine I've come across has had a serial number/ model ID tag on the front end of the chassis. on their newer motorcycles and dirtbikes, it is located on the left fork when sitting on the bike ( if i remember right ). four wheelers are on the front too, behind the grill guard if one is on that model. Dont know if this info will help you though! Good luck!

[junkman1946]

If memory serves me right they made up to 160c.c. 1 cylinder street version bikes, two styles I think the C.B. series (tubular frame) and the Dream series (pressed steel frame). Look on the side of the engine/tranny for a stamping that will be preceeded by C.B. or C.L. Dont take this info as gospel its a 40 yr. old memory. But it may be a step in the right direction. Frank

[Lurker Carl]

Honda CB series had the muffler down low, the CL series kept them high on the side.

[edward1960]

Giles,
Yes!

After removing much grime (30+ years of basement dust) I found the serial number S90 132011. I am chasing down some sources to see if I can get any specific information.

Junkman (Frank) and Spivey I found it on the left side about even with the air cleaner on the "body work". I looked and didn't see anything on the fork, but I'll look in the daylight.

Carl the muffler is down low. so far 1965 is the only year for the S90 and then after that (what looks to be identical) CB and CL models.

Now to find parts and a manual

[spiveyman]

Edward - I dont know that you will find anyhting there, but if there was something there, all the others I have seen have been a black and silver vinyl sticker with the ser num, model, year, and maybe some other stuff (sticks out pretty obvious) . I woulnt trouble myself looking for any small writing that may have been stamped in if you dont see the sticker, and I bet since you alrady gathered that much info there wont be a sticker. Look in the light and see what you see, but my info is probably not gonna extend that far back I hope you have fun with that bike though! What a find! Oh, and I'm trying to remember, isnt CUb Bud somehow affiliated with Honda ? I seem to remember him helping Nik with something when NIk got his scooter. Perhaps it would be useful to contact cub bud to see if he has access to any info? I might be wrong, though.

[FCUBMAN]

That was a very sweet little bike - lots of heart, and for its size, pretty peppy and handled well for a Jap bike. Single cylinder, overhead cam chain driven. I've had many of the older Hondas, starting with the step-through 50, on up through the "new" 4 cylinder 750. The 160 vertical twin was the best overall, but my favorite was the CL350 I got new in 1969 for dealer cost. I worked at a Honda dealer then, so got a break on parts and new bikes. Those were the days....

[Donny M]

Don't know if you were aware or not but Honda also makes fine furniture. I just bought a new couch from Honda, it just so happens this new couch has handlebars



The engine in the S90 has been a very good engine. The same design is still in use today with only slight modifications. Steven's 2002 XR 50 uses the same engine design. It must be a good design if the Chinese are copying it Next thing you know, you'll be able to get it at that mart store

[trac48]

Wow!!!!
I am speechless... you have no excuse not to come to Canada

Even if you have to sit on the back seat

[edward1960]

I need to find some knowledgable people and parts next. If you have an OLD honda dealer in your area please let me know. I am told they are most likely to have the bits and pieces I will need.

Thanks Ed