Hello,
OK here is my first post. I just picked up an ol heap today. I've been staring at it wondering if it is a candidate for restoration, or not? I'm not new to restorations (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2CbbsvOqL0k for the last bike I did.), but I'm new to old Honda street bike restorations.
What I picked up is a 63 CL72. Frame #CL721002846, eng #CL72E1002841. The PO tells me the gearbox had locked up when it was parked in the mid 80's. He has pictures of himself riding the thing way back in the day. It was his dirt bike.
Prior to picking it up, talking to him over the phone he warned me that the original tank was not available now. He'll try to get it back, but I don't really expect to ever see it. The tank he has on the bike is what prompted me to write this post. When I first knocked on it it sounded like it had a fair amount of Bondo in it. looking into the tank I was surprised to see it was a fiberglass tank. Were these available from the aftermarket of the time? I'm hoping somebody can fill me in on who made this tank.
If the exhaust was not rotten through in the headpipes I'd be more thrilled about a full resto. What do you all think? Better off just parting this one out?
Rusty Heap With a Glass TankRusty Heap With a Glass Tank
Does the engine turn over, or is it frozen? Did you get the correct aluminum fenders with it? The fenders are quite spendy, and a full engine rebuild will set you back some coin as well as an exhaust system and fuel tank. You could go the custom route with it, or if you have the time and money, anything can be restored. Where are you located?
davomoto I have a box of stuff that came along with the bike. Fenders, kicker, and associated stuff. Without the kicker and no shifter mounted, I did not bother to see if it would turn over. I always assume the worst. The motor will have to come apart one way or another. That doesn't bother me, but re-chroming ando or replacing much of the cosmetics almost promises it will be spendy. Any restoration can be a money pit for sure, so I was just getting the feel for what it is going to take. it appears most everything is available, so I need to just make the decision on if it is going to be worth it to me, or should I pass on it and use it for bartering, or maybe just part it out to finance other projects. I have plenty of time to think about it. I'm still curious about the tank? Were these glass tanks common? Remember, I'm an old dirt bike guy..... By the way, I'm in the high desert of SoCal.
Alloy TankIf G-Man's "hunch" is right, and your new find has
one of the rare aluminum alloy gas tanks, you have a real bargain!
Nope, it is fiberglass. I've done many spanish motorcycles and dealt with glass many times. It may have had the alloy tank, but not for now. The PO claims his brother has the original tank, however he is unavailble at this time due to health problems. Like I said I doubt I'll ever see the original tank. His brother had it to paint it, evidently for years now. Check out in the pictures of the glass tank. Any info would be appreciated.
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