1965 Honda 50cc Super Cub

[Frank Lee]

Be careful, some of those fasteners are funky JIS sizes- not standard and not metric.

[user removed]

Actually I had absolutely no problem with any of the fasteners Frank. It's maybe the only vehicle I have ever owned that you could completely disassemble and reassemble with the took kit that came with it. Even had a feeler gauge for the valves and points and a pocket in the kit for the feeler guage.

I got a cheap Chinese screw driver setup from Lowes for a few bucks. One of those with about twenty different phillips bits and a large diameter handle that gives me good leverage. Never had a problem with JIS heads as long as you match the bit to the screw.

I have not touched the points so far, might get a condenser just in case, my CB350 lost it's condenser and I know just what that feels like but I could still get home.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

Got the title and tags today. $48 total for two years, no more expenses to operate.

Still stumbling trying to just maintain speed but I could be lugging it, looking for hghest bsfc in a 50 cc engine!

I feels like the ignition is breaking down, I'll wait for the battery and see if that does it (already ordered YUASA OEM). If that doesn't clear it up I'll replace the condenser and clean-set the points.

regards
Mech

[elhigh]

At one time I had a Yamaha V70, essentially a cover version of the original song. Nice bike but it had a serious need for parts local suppliers didn't have and weren't willing to help me find.

*******s.

This was pre-internet, so I got fed up and dumped it. Mistake, but there it is.

Nice bike, Mech.

[user removed]

Ordered two Michelin 2.25x17 tires with tubes and rim strips from Motorcycle Super Store. Total including shipping is close to $85. The tires were $25 each, not bad.

regards
Mech

[Frank Lee]

Still stumbling trying to just maintain speed but I could be lugging it, looking for hghest bsfc in a 50 cc engine!

Max mpg is at 19 mph; 4300 rpm and 1,168 ft/mn piston speed. The 1000-1200 ft/mn piston speed "rule" seems true enough, often enough, that I use it for guidance when no BSFC chart is available. Eh- I don't even look for BSFC charts- I just calc the piston speed range. So optimal mpg speed for the Honda 50 should be 16-20 mph.

P.S. I don't recall the source but I read a claim for 348 mpg at 19 mph; so that didn't come from my piston speed calcs but it sure seems to confirm them.

[user removed]

Looks like the top gear range on the speedo is 15-40. Sounds right Frank, but right now it won't run without stumbling at that speed.

Battery is here but the rear tire is off. Rear brake pivot was almost frozen but it loosened up nicely with a little oil. Rear axle was clean as new and bearings looked good. Chain is good also and rear sprocket looks good.

I'll need to pull the flywheel to change the condenser and or points.

I'm sure the front brake pivot is close to frozen and when I put the front tire on I'll get a little oil on that pivot and free it up as well.

I read that it was supposed to go 43 MPH on the original specs, on 49cc and around 4 HP.

regards
Mech

[user removed]

Ordered points and condenser today (ebay). Local dealership told me they should be able to pull the flywheel, which you have to do to get to the points-condenser (but not to adjust the points). They even offered to contact the gent they sold their obsolete tools to if one of their 40 pullers would not work. They have a tech that has worked there for 25 years and the Passport was the last similar scooter built and sold in the US.

Glass bead blasted the rear wheel spokes and hub, as well as the rear brake and sprocket assemblies. Cush rubbers look like new. Got the left side cover off for the flywheel pull and points replacement. One of the screws was a bear and took some hammering on the bit to break it loose. The cheap bit set I had bought for a few bucks had one that was a perfect fit, even held up to some healthy hammering. I had to lean the bike over against my inversion table to get enough of a push on the screwdriver to break it loose.

While I was at the dealership I checked out the closeout tires. Picked up a Dunlop K627 in 130/90/15 for the GZ250 for $59.95. It was made in Japan in early 2010. The original (2004) Metzler that was on the bike when it was made is very close to an inspection failure. I like those guys and they have always helped me fairly so it's nice to help them get rid of old inventory. I'll probably wear the tire out in two years riding.

Someone has put an electric motorcycle on both the electric and gas bike sections of the garage. I don't think I can beat 350+MPG, but it seems like 150+ might be possible.

regards
mech

[user removed]

Waiting for parts, spread out in the garage. Valves adjusted, wheels and spokes glass bead blasted, clear coat on any rust spots on the inside of the rims where the tires and tubs will be, hubs clean with new clear coat.

Parts should be here Monday. I'll put it together except for the left side cover and carry it to the dealership to get the flywheel pulled so I can replace the points and condenser.

regards
Mech

[Daox]

You can glass bead blast chromed parts without removing the chrome?