Project

[MarveHomeAlone]

Hello All,

So I’ve joined in response to being set the challenge by the other half to provide her with a reliable two wheeled run around for commuting and general pootling round the lanes of Derbyshire. As well as giving me the opportunity for a project to tinker with . So quickly arrived at a Honda Cub being the ideal candidate to achieve both goals, as well as being aesthetically pleasing.

So currently in the process trying to find a CX project bike to start the ball rolling. Then do a full refurb, as well as upgrading the engine. The options which I see are:

- stick with the (probably) 90cc engine and fettle that
- swap in a Lifan engine - A bit wary of this option but does seem to be quite popular and maybe more reliable than I thought.
-swap in a Innova 125 engine and necessary components. I know it’s been done, but with a lot of frame cutting and welding. Plus I can imagine the brakes might not be up to the job (?). So I think this is not an ideal option.
-get my hands on a 100cc ish Honda engine from abroad and fit that. Highly dependent on the model/year of the bike I end up with on how easy this is I assume.

Or then the wildcard is, get an Innova and restyle it to look more like a Cub.....

Anyway happy to canvas opinions and already happily trawling through the forums.

Cheers,

Martin

[knapdog]

^^^^^^ For me it's a no-brainer. If the 90 engine is in good nick then stick with it. If not then have no fears at all about putting a Lifan 110 engine in.

[MarveHomeAlone]

Thanks for the advice Knapdog!

[cozi70]

I like the idea of the cub styled Innova.

[MarveHomeAlone]

Anyone had any experiences of owning an Japenese Mail service MD90? Good experience? How much commonality is there with the C90 (Thinking ahead for spares etc or possibly swapping to larger wheels). Just another option on the eBay table.

[wightegi]

Off topic ,or is it have you looked at the new CB125F ?

viewtopic.php?f=37&t=36671

[Harps18TV]

I have an MD90 & a 1990 Cub & I use the MD most as I prefer it & may even sell my Cub! The down side is the spares position but a lot of the parts are common - the problem is there is no parts list printed but there are suppliers that can let you know what will fit I`m sure. The up side is it`s Honda & hopefully will not need much. There`s also the added draw of heated grips & better suspension.

[125erCrazy]

I have an MD90 & a 1990 Cub & I use the MD most as I prefer it & may even sell my Cub!

give me a shout if you do as I'm only up the road it might be tempting

[MarveHomeAlone]

Cheers Harps! I think you might have swayed me into putting MD90s onto the potential list too. Out of interest though what factors make you say that you might just prefer the MD90 over your C90?

[Harps18TV]

Hi Marvel, it`s built better than the Cub (in my opinion) all steel like the originals apart from the side panels. wider smaller wheels - I cut my teeth on Lambrettas, single seat & a huge rear rack. Stronger suspension to take the day to day work of the postie who bumps up kerbs & generally mistreats things! The seat is a bit firmer than the Cub & I`m pondering a top thingy to make it a bit more comfy. I`m not sure if the Cub is a bit bigger if you`re leggy so you can slide back on the seat but I`m just shy of 6 foot & quite happy with the MD size. Heated grips are ace if you do ride all year & the indicators have an unobtrusive clicker to remind you they`re on. Stand is better & there is a much better side stand. I`ve only used the Cub side stand once as I got the bike out of the garage & the wind got it & two indicators were broken- I can`t see it happening with the postie bike. There are a couple on *bay at the mo, so you`re almost spoilt for choice. I got mine from 7 Seas in Dewsbury & it was bought from a pic on *bay & couriered to me & it was so easy & 7 Seas were good to deal with. If you were nearer you could have a go & see for yourself. Christmas is getting closer......................