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Honda CT70 Engine Swap

Discussion in 'Motorcycles' started by MatthewMay1, Mar 24, 2015.

  1. Mar 24, 2015 at 3:24 PM
    #1
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    I have a 1980 Honda ct70 3 speed semi-auto and am looking to swap in a Lifan 125cc 4 speed manual. So far I have this on my list to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Lifan-1P52FMI-K-Engine-Complete-Motorcycle/dp/B004Q1Z8JM
    Looks like it should come with everything I need, except the clutch handle and cable. My question is, can I buy a clutch cable and handle for any model ct70? I'm not sure if they even made a manual model for 1980. Any info would help a lot!

    EDIT: View completed project here:
    https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/1980-honda-ct70-engine-swapped-build.386267/
     
    Last edited: Aug 8, 2015
  2. Mar 24, 2015 at 3:31 PM
    #2
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    If you look close you can see mine in the background here:D

    [​IMG]

    But to your question, if its the same length and is adjustable then yes, but isn't the clutch handle welded to the stock handlebars?
     
  3. Mar 24, 2015 at 3:36 PM
    #3
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Thanks for the reply. I'm not sure if it is welded or not. We have two ct70's and one ct90, all of which do not have the clutch handle. I could weld a handle assy on, that's no problem. I just don't know about what cable to buy
     
  4. Mar 24, 2015 at 4:23 PM
    #4
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    Ohhh I gotcha I just read you said it's the 3 speed semi. Mine is the 4 speed with a clutch. So yes you can buy a handle and cable. " Dime City Cycles " has some cool handles you could look into that clamp on. ( welding onto the stainless handlebars is not a good idea ) and the cable can prolly be found on eBay but again it needs to be short enough. If it's to long it won't be able to be adjusted tight from the clutch to the handle.
     
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  5. Mar 24, 2015 at 5:06 PM
    #5
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Here's some pictures of my handlebar. I'm not really sure how to go about adding a clutch handle here.

    IMG_3521_zpsahx2dhj8_ac0aa57f551244454535f8404797690787a4e589.jpg

    IMG_3522_zpszgsmpm38_89a69707d6ee245bb69bd230f813dfe823b0da40.jpg
     
  6. Mar 24, 2015 at 7:47 PM
    #6
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    Separate the switch and grip and place the couch lever in between them. I think I may have a clutch lever that would work if you want it
     
  7. Mar 24, 2015 at 8:00 PM
    #7
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    You mean slide the switch assy in and install a clamp on clutch between that and the grip? I found this:
    http://www.dratv.com/lesicllebr8.html
     
  8. Mar 25, 2015 at 1:53 PM
    #8
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    Exactly except the link you posted is just the lever not the clamp kind. You need a lever and clamp together
     
  9. Mar 25, 2015 at 2:58 PM
    #9
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Didn't I post what I would clamp around the handlebar? Then the lever goes on it separately
     
  10. Mar 25, 2015 at 3:13 PM
    #10
    2stroketrush

    2stroketrush Well-Known Member

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    My bad didn't see that. Yup that should work
     
  11. Mar 26, 2015 at 7:37 AM
    #11
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Awesome. So now all I need to find is a black clutch cable. Lights will come later. Thats easy. This is my current list:
    http://www.dratv.com/lesicllebr8.html
    http://www.dratv.com/lelefiunpu1.html
    http://www.amazon.com/Lifan-1P52FMI-K-Engine-Complete-Motorcycle/dp/B004Q1Z8JM

    Edit: just found this: http://www.dratv.com/clcaforunlea.html
    Edit edit: not sure if that cable works with t he 125 engine.
    Regular ct70 cable: http://www.dratv.com/clcta.html
    Head light bulb: http://www.retrobikes.com/proddetail.php?prod=103-025
    Battery: http://www.ebay.com/itm/12V-Battery...L-BS-/231471299223?fits=Make:Honda|Model:CT70
    Turn signal bulb: http://www.retrobikes.com/proddetail.php?prod=103-024
     
    Last edited: Mar 26, 2015
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  12. Apr 6, 2015 at 1:44 PM
    #12
    euro911s

    euro911s 'Plays with Toys'

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    I used to have a a TRD supercharger on the Tacoma, converted back to NA when I bought the Tundra. The SC was tons of FUN!!!
    Thinking about sticking the spare 110cc motor for my wife's Trail-90 in one of my 70's :D

    Here's my perfect stock '69 Z50

    69-z50a-2.jpg


    … and the Z50 I normally take camping. Thinking of doing the 88cc bump up kit and the 4-speed conversion to this one, cause it only does 30mph now … :(

    z50-3 3-14-15.jpg
     
  13. Apr 6, 2015 at 7:33 PM
    #13
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Nice bikes! I have a newer Honda 50 also. Looks just like those, just a different handlebar design
     
  14. Apr 15, 2015 at 10:02 PM
    #14
    Matic

    Matic The "OFG" Baby!!!

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    OME 881 coils with OME nitrochargers shocks up front. TC UCA's OME Dakars with extra leaf in the rear. Warn 8000 winch with 80ft custom braided synth line. Custom 60ft synth extension. All pro tube bumper, Hi-lift jack, Safari Snorkel, Wilco tiregate. 2019 Jeep JLUR.
    Just saw your link.
    Had a blue 4 sp, clutch Honda 70 trail growing up. Loved it!!!
    I have a few pics but there at my folks place in indiana. I'll get some in July when I go up home.
    Used to ride with my friend who had an Indian 50. Great memories.
     
  15. Apr 16, 2015 at 6:27 AM
    #15
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Awesome! I'm currently trying to figure out what all I need for the 12V conversion
     
  16. Jun 5, 2015 at 2:29 PM
    #16
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    Bump.....Think I am going to keep it 6V and get a conversion kit. I called CHP here http://www.hondaminitrail.com/ct70.html and got a list of everything I need with the exception of the engine itself.
     
  17. Jun 26, 2015 at 8:57 PM
    #17
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    I think I have this all sorted out now. The rest of my necessary parts should arrive tomorrow. I'm excited to build something other than my truck for once. It may be time to start another build thread soon! :D

    2a089090b3e6ee1c6f57fd28ab55b4b8_0b6c15646161047fd6334f652e08493a3ab4d9c8.jpg
     
  18. Jul 28, 2015 at 9:01 PM
    #18
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    12v conversion is pretty easy. I have swapped motors in alot of these horizonal honda style bikes. Currently have a chinese z50 with a lifan 110 and a chinese ct70 with a 125.

    Either way for the 12v conversion, really all you need is a 12v regulator / rectifier (which that 125 should of come with) then upgrade all of the bulbs from 6v to 12v and a 12v battery.... thats it.

    And dratv will have pretty much every odd and end you will need. Bought a couple of things from him.

    From my personal expirence i find that the 110cc's with the over square design to be a much more forgiving more and easier to make quality power.... the undersquare 125's like above take a little more fine tuning to extract the power out of em as they are not as rev happy, they do make more torque down low though.
     
  19. Jul 28, 2015 at 9:03 PM
    #19
    MatthewMay1

    MatthewMay1 [OP] I'm an amateur professional.

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    I have forgotten to update this thread. I actually got everything installed and the bike runs and drives perfectly. The only problem is that the headlight is not getting power, but I think I know what I need to do to fix that. I am running on a 6V system right now.
     
  20. Jul 28, 2015 at 9:08 PM
    #20
    nd4spdbh

    nd4spdbh Well-Known Member

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    ^ Awesome to hear! lil mini bikes are great, i always take the z50 camping
     

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