CL160 or CA77 Restoration

JasonandMichelle · Post by **JasonandMichelle** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 4:21 pm

Hello all,

I'm a newbie to the greatest extent. I've worked on motorcycles (1980's Yamahas, 1990's Buells, and 2000's Harleys). I've rebuilt them, I've completely disassembled (and put back together) a running 2002 Sportster, and I am quite handy with a set of wrenches (Mechanical Engineer by degree).

Ok, that's who I am and what I know. I am currently looking for a restoration project, and this will be my first restoration. I am looking at two different bikes, mainly because of my discomfort with the unknown. I want to do a restoration, but am unsure as to what it will take. I'm looking at a 1967 CL160 or a 1969 CA77. I would prefer the CA77, but the CL160 is in better physical shape, not to mention I have no idea how to rechrome parts, or who to go to for help.

HELP! Any ideas, advice, comments? I have been creeping the forums for a couple weeks now and have read a lot of interested things, but I finally got up the courage to ask!

OldStan · Post by **OldStan** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 5:51 pm

Welcome to the forum. If you need a lot of chrome work done it will be expensive, and it's not a do-it-yourself type thing.

I'm not sure about the CL160, but there's a wealth of information here on just about anything you need to know about the CA77 if you do searches. What you don't find answers for someone here will probably be able to help you with.

JasonandMichelle · Post by **JasonandMichelle** » Thu Jul 28, 2011 6:23 pm

From what I've heard, people call the CL160 the "Baby Dream". It looks almost identical, but is a 161 (I think) Motor.

Thanks for the response. I hope to pick up either bike this weekend, snap some shots, then ask for advice!

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 1:41 am

Welcome to the forum, you are in good company.

CL160 is a scrambler style bike created when the original CB160 did not sell well in the US. The "baby dream" was the CA160. CL and CB have tube frames, the CA has a pressed steel frame

Your choice depends upon what you want to do with the bike afterwards. The CA77 has a larger (305) engine so it will be more useful for longer rides. The CL160 will be fun around town and on dirt roads.

If you are worried about the amount of work required then go for the easiest one first time around. It is very easy to lose interest on big restoration jobs until you understand the effort required.

Post some pics and we'll be able to advise you. Completeness and condition are both important when choosing a bike to restore.

G

JasonandMichelle · Post by **JasonandMichelle** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:24 am

I'm trying to post pictures. I know there are several posts/topics regarding posting pictures, but here we go.

Also, I was incorrect, it was the CA160. He also has a CL something or other, but I wasn't interested in it.

Please let me know if you notice any dealbreakers or conversely, if you see any great attributes.

G-Man · Post by **G-Man** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 11:00 am

That looks pretty reasonable. Worst part appears to be that someone has chopped the back off the rear fender.

G

JasonandMichelle · Post by **JasonandMichelle** » Fri Jul 29, 2011 11:17 am

G-Man,

Would you say that's a deal breaker? I love the look of the full fender, but do you think that should change my mind?

He says there's good compression, everything checks out on the voltmeter, but the points are bad so there's no spark.

Is $400 reasonable?