A bunch of small details worked out on the Tijuana Trike. The rear seat backrest was slanted forward a little more, and the backrest raised up several inches. A new air cleaner cover was worked out on the engine, a front fender ornament was created, and some other small additions like the Cali license plate on the back.
A Cal-Custom Stromberg type air cleaner was adapted to fit over the cone air filter. A support bracket on the end keeps it from wobbling around. In this case, it is more than ornamental, as the splash from the front tire is aimed right at this area.
The more upright angle of the rear sissy bar, and the taller backrest can be seen in this picture. It makes for a little tighter quarters for the passenger, but the look of the bike is better, in my opinion.
A loop of 4130 moly steel tube was added to the backrest. The way it was before, the upper part of the backrest was sticking up past the sissy bar, and was unsupported. The backrest ends up being pushed and pulled when moving the trike around the shop and loading it in the van, so it needs to be strong enough to take it. The California Board of Equalization license plate blue and yellow plate fits perfectly. The yellow on the plate and sissy bar looks identical!
A morning romp on wet grass. Yes!
The overhead view.
Since there is some jet-age influence on the bike, a jet-like front fender ornament was built from brass to adorn it. Turned from solid brass and then silver soldered together. My drawings are always loose, more a styling representation than an actual plan.
With the tail section and base added, it looks at home on the fender. It is always amazing to me how pictures of the fender without the ornament now look naked to me.
My buddy Alan bought this 1973 CT70 from me a number of years back, and is now looking to sell it. It was given a once-over, with new inner tubes, a carb clean, and all new ignition components. It is a reliable starter and runner. The original paint is faded on the right side of the bike, but the rest of the bike presents nicely.
This bike has been great fun, giving my kids rides around the neighborhood years ago, going on camping trips, riding parades, and much more. When Alan said he wanted to sell it, I was tempted to buy it back, but I already have too many bikes.
Another one coming out of mothballs was this beautiful 1971 Honda ST70 Export model survivor. A lot of the hardware was replaced with new and replated pieces, a lot of the rubber was replaced, and a thorough cleaning was done.
A cab clean, oil change and oil slinger service, air filter, and the usual points, plug, and condenser replacement was done getting her up to speed. A low mile (866KM) example of this bike, she didn’t need much. one kick, and she starts and idles smoothly.
Nothing like pristine original shape, it is only original once.
The engine side covers were the only things re-painted. The candy ruby red paint is still vivid, with no fading detected. Usually, when the chain guard is removed, some fading can be seen between the covered and exposed frame, but not on this bike.