The sympathetic restoration of the 1970 CT90 is done. There might be a few things added to the build like a new dipstick to replace the original one, and the helmet holder lock that goes on the auxiliary fuel tank bracket. The engine is broken in after the top-end rebuild and service, usually starting on the first kick.
Original yellow paint, touched-up with a can of Honda touch-up paint, original chrome and seat cover. The engine side covers, plastics, and black parts like the footpeg assembly and battery box were re-painted,
The original foil badges on the air cleaner and frame cover were carefully removed and re-applied after the plastic parts were repaired and painted. A medium charcoal metallic was the closest match I could find, and was used on the auxiliary fuel tank in addition to the plastics.
The chrome on this bike is in exceptionally good shape. The wheel rims, brush guard, cargo rack, and muffler on these bikes are often pitted or worse on a bike of this age, but the only place with any visible damage was on top of the cargo rack. It looks like the optional seat pad was used on this bike, and may have caused a couple small spots where the chrome is worn through.
Not perfect, but she sure is a beauty. Honda had a way with color that still works as well today as fifty plus years ago.
The fender bracket for the auxiliary gas tank was also sprayed to match using Honda touch up paint. I am surprised how little fading has occurred on the original paint, and how well it matches. A correct cap for the auxiliary tank was found. The one under the seat has vent holes on the top, but the auxiliary one has holes underneath to avoid water getting in the tank.
Some of the small details like putting new vinyl sheathing on the handlebar control wiring and main wire harness make the difference on this type of restoration.
For years, these bikes did not appeal to me, but this one has changed my mind about them. A really strong running engine, easy to ride, and comfortable, with room on back for a full sized cooler…pretty close to the perfect fun bike.
The foil label on the swingarm and the clear one on the auxiliary fuel tank and the carb instructions are reproductions as well as some of the cables and wire sheathing. All other parts are either restored or OEM Honda parts.The tool kit is complete and was zinc plated. It fits behind the battery cover in the original vinyl pouch.
Some of the imperfection in the paint was left like on this side of the swingarm. Since this is not meant to pass for a complete restoration, its okay to leave some imperfections making it obvious.
New mirrors from Honda, replaced hardware and polished aluminum and original chrome have the cockpit looking fresh.
Only a couple small pits could be found in the wheel rims. Hard to believe it is fifty year old chrome. With the new spokes, seals, re-plated hardware, and polished aluminum hubs, the wheels are like new. The front forks , rear shocks, and tires were already on the bike when I got it, and appear to be in like-new condition. The front forks are not exactly like the originals on the lower portion, and are most likely aftermarket. They work fine and fit just like the originals.
The wear on the rear rack can be seen in this picture.
