Motorcycles

Building a battery pack from LG Chem li-ion pouch cells - Project Dream-e part 3

Submitted by Dan on Sun, 02/07/2021 - 13:06

Here's how I took ten 4p modules of LG Chem pouch cells and turned them into a 20s2p pack for my 1967 Honda CA160 classic motorcycle that I am converting to electric. I'll need a 72v battery back that can continuously supply around 50 or 60 amps to my 4kw QS hub motor. These used li-ion cells should to the job!

How (not) to make a DIY seat for a motorcycle/ATV

Submitted by Dan on Tue, 04/19/2016 - 14:59

For my This Old Three-Wheeler project, a 1973 Honda ATC90, I needed to make a seat. I didn't care much about looks, I just needed something function and inexpensive. That's why I decided to try and make it myself. For my 1974 Honda CL200, I had a hot-rod upholstery shop make the seat and they did a terrific job and the seat is gorgous. This seat, however, is not.

homemade motorcycle atv dirtbike seat diy honda atc90

Free! Honda CB200 CL200 Owners Manual and Workshop Service Manual free downloads

Submitted by Dan on Thu, 04/23/2015 - 14:00

Don't know why I didn't share this sooner! The Factory Service Manual (FSM) is a MUST!! It's also called the Workshop Service Repair Manual. The owners manual is nice to have too. It's also fun (for lack of better word) to find that the two documents contradict each other on a few things. For example, the owners manual says to tighten the cam chain by putting it in TDC first, while the FSM says to do it while the engine is running. I do as the FSM says.

Evaluating Old Honda Twins - Six Easy Steps

Submitted by Dan on Thu, 01/15/2015 - 12:27

I am reposting this gem of information for HondaTwins.net. The origintal article is here - http://www.hondatwins.net/.../evaluating-old-honda-twins-six-easy-steps.html - but as you can see is has been removed. It was an invaluable piece of information for me as a beginner, so it is my hope that other beginners will find this and get the help they need. Below is the transcribed article, all credit goes to someone by the name of Bill (who, I believe, was badly injured in a wreck and he deleted his account, very sad.)

Vintage Scrambler Build, part 1

Submitted by Dan on Sun, 02/09/2014 - 19:21

I love my 1974 Honda CL200, but some features are just... dorky. And what they're doing in Japan with old Hondas and Yamahas inspired me to do the same with mine. So what started off as a mild, stock-ish restoration project, began to steer in the direction of darkness when I decided to add some bratstyle/tracker styling cues. One thing led to another, and the next thing I find myself doing is bobbing the rear fender.

Motorcycle Side Cover Repair

Submitted by Dan on Sun, 02/09/2014 - 14:57

I'm no expert in automotive body repair, just an amateur with a camera and a desire to do things my way. Sure, I could take it to a pro, but I like the idea of learning how to do things myself, which provides me with confidence and gusto. Or I could try to find one on ebay, but they're so rare these days that it will cost a gigabuck and it's likely to be just a cracked, brittle, and broken. What fallows is my attempt at repairing them with a few supplies from the hardware store and willingness to learn and take risks.

How to refinish aluminum

Submitted by Dan on Sun, 02/09/2014 - 14:20

While restoring my CL200, all the aluminum had to be refinished: the engine side covers, wheel hubs, and fork tubes. Honda originaly covered them in a clear coat to protect from oxidation, but over the years that clear coat turned yellow, and any scratches and nicks allowed oxidation to creep in and crawl around. The result was a very ugly, very tarnished surface. Here's how I cleaned them up.

Whelp, I found her, my dream bike: Honda CL200 Scrambler

Submitted by Dan on Sun, 02/09/2014 - 13:18

For as long as I can remember, I've had my eyes peeled for a sweet old motorcycle. Not a Harley, not a crotchrocket, just a nice, standard motorcycle. And from the 60s or 70s. Well, I think I finally found her: a 1974 Honda CL200 Scrambler. Turns out it's a rare bird–it's the much less popular, "scrambler" twin to the CB200. 1974 was actually the only year they made them! It features high pipes for better off-road clearance, the moto-style bars, and off-road styling cues. I dig it!