Spokes Custom Salvation Project

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

I am looking forward to this.

[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

This should be fun, Chip. Given the state of the current bike, there's no harm in making a pure custom machine from it.

Looking forward to the updates.

[Sam Green]

Chip, the front fender is not that easy on the C model.
On the sports model, it rises and falls with the wheel as it is attached to the brake plate and a dummy plate on the other side.
The only way to achieve this is to take the stays from the fender to the front axle.
There was a sports fender on Ebay a while back but it was a static fender like the OEM unit but without the side valences on it. It looked a bit strange when fitted, well away from the wheel like a MX fender.

Sam.:)

[Spokes]

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[Larzfromarz]

Spokes and I think similarly (Sorry Chip) and I just finished the first round of stripper on a black CA160 soon to be my interpretation of a CB92. The rear fender has already been chopped and I believe I'll run without a front fender and maybe run a slightly larger wheel.
I have a CB160 head and carbs to use (we've had this discussion before) and maybe I'll move to the 175 cylinders I have. My intention is to have it done for when I get to meet Sam in the spring and seek his "race bike " approval.
I'm not sure what I'm doing yet with the tank but have "not so good" scrambler tank I may cut up (as seen).
I also hope to box in the area in the down tube frame and move the battery into the cavity with the electrical stuff. I have plans to make new side covers (we'll see how that goes).
Still haven't decided to go with my scrambler pipes or more authentic looking Dunstall copies.
BTW the engine in these pics is now in the hands of its new owner and a White Ca160 with Bucos and it is getting some miles on it. Happy camper!:)

[Spokes]

Great idea about the tank. I have salvaged the mounts off of CA95 tanks and transferred them to other tanks, so that's an idea to fit that scrambler tank.

I have always liked the solo seat look, but the CA's just don't lend themselves to a functional spring type seat. I removed the shock mount & post from my donor frame. The pics below show the progress so far.
http://www.fourwheelforum.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=1055
http://www.fourwheelforum.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=1056

The seat will be mounted on a separate forward mount. The mounts will be welded. The frame will be sandblasted after the metal work is done.

[ThunderMcAwesum]

Hey Larz
Could you take a few pictures of how your rear turn signals are mounted? I'm trying to add some to my CA95. Thanks!

[Larzfromarz]

Yup there are as many ways to do it but search some of Spokes' threads and you'll see his custom stuff. The bike in my pic is actually the 160 slightly different in the fender arch. The -95 had provisions for the factory ($$$) signals, the 160 turn signal bracket just bolts the fender arch. These (the turn signals) will be removed from my bike and you are welcome to them-
PM your address and I'll send them out to you if you want them.

[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

Very cool seat pan and springs. I like how you repurposed the shock mount parts - will definitely be a one-of-a-kind. It will be very interesting to see how they all tie together in the finished product.

Thanks for the update.

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

Hi Spokes
I've been stumbling onto a lot of CB160 parts lately and now I have several nice looking hub/wheel assemblies, some with the axles in place. My problem is the components are stuck together. I've been shooting PB blaster in the seams but I have not had any luck so far breaking them down. How do you separate stuck hubs/drums?
Thank you
Steve

[Larzfromarz]

Jumping in here- I'd suggest a large brass drift after the obligatory soaking in (insert here).
Very likely the inner bearing race is seized to the shaft (duh). Expect to replace the bearings, over the counter sealed unit work the charm. Driving in the direction of the brake hub should at least get the assembly out of the wheel hub.
Since the hubs are cast be careful around any edges where they would tend to be weaker.

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

Thanks Larz! Thanks Spokes!

[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

If you need a hand moving, I believe Sam is still in the States. Looks like a great place to settle down.

[Larzfromarz]

Sam will be in my neighborhood this weekend racing the 750 auto- looking forward to meeting with him and congratulating him on his win (you are going to win ...right?)
L

[Steverinomeiste]

Thanks for the update. I will stay tuned.

[Sam Green]

Sam will be in my neighborhood this weekend racing the 750 auto- looking forward to meeting with him and congratulating him on his win (you are going to win ...right?)
L

I'll be doing my best Larry, you can bet bon that.:D:D:D

Sam.:)

[Larzfromarz]

I'll be looking for you tomorrow. :)

[VegeKev]

Best of luck Sam ;)

and Larz....how bout some action photos?? :)

[Larzfromarz]

You bet Kev I'll take all my camera and battery will stand for... but I'll probably load the bulk onto the facebook page and only highlight Sam's win here ;)

[VegeKev]

Following on Spokes suggestion :rolleyes: on fitting a custom front fender....here's my attempt....
I used a polished stainless fender for a CB100 which I eBay'd out of Vietnam. I removed the rivets holding the stays, manufactured new stays out of 1/4" mild steel and 1.5mm galvanized plate....all held together with 5mm stainless bolts and acorn nuts

Not quite finished but nearly there....;)

[Spokes]

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[VegeKev]

So will I spokes ;)

It shouldn't as it is connected only to the hub and axle so it will move with the wheel (I tried to copy the same idea as the CB92). I hope I've given the rear stay enough clearance to miss the bottom of the fork when suspension is fully compressed!

[Spokes]

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[Colorado66]

Nice looking shop! You've done a lot from looking at the previous pictures.
That bike you're working on sounds really interesting. Will you paint the rims red?

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

I ve got some CB160 pieces. I will do a little comparison today to see if they match up. They should.
Steve

[Steverinomeiste]

Will these work for you? If you want them pm me your address.
Steve
https://mail.google.com/mail/u/1/#inbox/146836bbdd6691d3?projector=1

[Steverinomeiste]

I just looked back at your post and you want original. I don't think the CA95 had the mirror mounts. So, it's your call.
Steve

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[VegeKev]

Lookin good as usual Spokes ;)
The army green looks shmick!

[ByTheLake]

The wheels look fabulous - looking forward to seeing the bike come together.

What is "mudded in"? Body filler?

I'm enjoying this build.

[Spokes]

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[Colorado66]

Looking great!
The wheels came out really nice!

[Spokes]

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[VegeKev]

Thanks Spokes!
Real information is worth it's weight on unobtanium!....thanks for making It real
:)

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

How appropriate that we got an update on your CA95 Army Bike on July 4.

While I'm not sure that our beloved Benlys would have been the most durable of machines on the battlefield, I did take mine to visit my sister yesterday, a 20 mile round trip that included 3 miles of dirt roads and a lot of hills.

Thanks for the update, Chip - it's fun to watch the CA95 Army Bike's progress. When will the machine gun turret be installed?

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Colorado66]

This is looking real sweet!
Do you think you would ever put a sidecar on?

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

Love the color, Chip. Bike is looking good.

Is there much travel in those seat springs?

Looking forward to seeing the updates, as always.

[Spokes]

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[Michaelclark50]

Looks great. Can't wait to see the black engine!

[Steverinomeiste]

Looking forward to a pic of your bikes all lined up when this one is done Chip. It would make a very cool poster.
Steve

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

I'm headed over to your album right now. I had to google the Shadow, looks a little like a Harley. Does it go Potato Potato Potato?

[Spokes]

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[Sam Green]

Looking good Chip, can't wait to see another wonderful recreation from your hands.

Sam.:)

[Spokes]

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[Sam Green]

I've never been one for liking a bike painted all one color especially black but in this case, you are showing what a Benly might have looked like had the Army got their hands on one. hahaha A couple of old Jerry cans converted to hard bags might set the whole thing off and prove useful into the bargain.

Sam.

[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

The ammo boxes will look great, and will fit the Benly's small proportions well. Really looking forward to seeing them on the bike.

Are you keeping this Benly or doing the charity thing again?

[Spokes]

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[Sam Green]

We are on the same page Sam! But the plan is to use ammo boxes like these:
http://www.fourwheelforum.com/picture.php?albumid=90&pictureid=1111

Two have been ordered. I had my fabrication guys copy Buco Bag hangers out of heavy plate steel. I will share some pics once I get the bags mocked up.

That'll work Chip.;)

Sam.:)

[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Excellent chip! I love it! Can't wait to see it finished. Would go well with my ural gear up :)

[ByTheLake]

I really love the whole concept - can hardly wait to see it together. The ammo boxes on the side is pure genius. The olive-drab wheels with knobby tires remind me of the old Jeep wheels in WW2.

[frappy]

Very tasteful. Keep up the good work.

[Steverinomeiste]

It will be fun to take it to a show then stand and listen to the conversations.

[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Chip, if you do find an old set, will you take some photos of the muffler tear down and repair? I plan to do the same. Haven't decided whether to repair and rechrome or get them Jet-Hot coated black. I've used jet hot in the past, excellent product, workmanship, and good prices.

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Interesting idea chip. Works well if the plan is to paint them. Reminds me of an old aviation windshield repair technique using saftey wire to repair a crack. And that's an approved method! Definitely more than one way to skin a cat.

[ByTheLake]

Loving it, Chip. Keep the pics coming. Is the pink bicycle in the background yours?

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

Beautiful pictures of a Beautiful bike in a Beautiful setting.

[ByTheLake]

Looking good, Chip.

What's that black stuff on the ground? Here in northern Michigan, we've not seen pavement in ages.

[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Heres a left side muffler for $25 starting bid on ebay:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1963-Honda-CA95-Benly-Touring-150-Exhaust-Muffler-Pipe-Left-Side-Baby-Dream-/121608810785?hash=item1c50733121&vxp=mtr

I have a rough right side I can send you for helping me out with that switch.

William

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

I'm so excited to see this come together Chip!! Great work!

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

Thank you for the update Chip. That motor is beautiful. It makes me think about how little some Honda motors have changed in 50 years.
Steve

[Spokes]

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[ByTheLake]

Looking great, Chip. I really like those ammo boxes.

Is the shifting issue clutch-related? I need to revisit your recommendation to sand/polish the threaded clutch actuator, since mine is hard to pull.

I forgot ... is this bike getting sold when it's done, or are you starting a Georgia militia?

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Ahh, glad to hear you got it straightened out chip. You wouldn't happen to have any old blown headlamps laying around would you? I'm frankenstein-ing an LED headlamp. I inadvertently broke the glass mid tinker. I need one to salvage the glass from.

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Neat stuff Chip. Out of curiosity, what did you use to paint the rubber knee pads green?

[Spokes]

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[Roberd42]

Good to know. I never had much luck with paint on vinyl or rubber.

[grubsie]

I have been watching this thread a lot Spokes. That is turning into one sharp scoot.
I can picture a soldier blasting down a dirt road in his uniform, helmet, goggles and rifle strapped to his back. Awesome.

[frappy]

Chip, I too like the way she's turning out. You might've mentioned this before, but what type of black coating are are you planning to put on the header pipes? I know my local powder coating shop has a ~1,500 degree matte black coating that is suitable for header pipes.

Now on the subject of knee pads; I think it must be the tiny microcracks in old rubber that prevent the Xylene thinned paint from chipping off. Say, I wonder if instead of leaving the tank panels gloss black, it might give a nice cohesive yet contrasting look if they were painted the same color as the ammo boxes? That way, the drivetrain would stand out in all its lovely blackness, but the tank panels would have another color to tie-into within the bike's color theme. It might prove to be a nice contrast from the body color and matching knee pads, yet not detract from the motor.

Otherwise, how're things coming along, have you got her on the road yet for some testing? Keep up the good work!
Dane

[Spokes]

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[Steverinomeiste]

Spokes
Not to be too pushy but I really hope you will post a YouTube too.
Steve

[Sam Green]

Looking awesome Chip, it's a credit to you Sir.

Sam.:)

[frappy]

Thanks for being receptive to my feedback. Some folks might get offended, but to me it's an collaborative and iterative process. I know I appreciate others input when I'm working on a project. I might not follow their advise, but at least I try to keep my ears open.

So everyone, now there's a good reason not to throw away those old knee pads - keep them for your next custom project. Good stuff!

I'm excited to see the process you use to age those pipes. Do you have the chrome stripped off in preparation for the treatment, and use old used/blackened oil as opposed to fresh new oil?

Are you planning to share the process to build your 6V LED signal (winker) bulb units, or has it been documented somewhere else?

When you solder the double filament bulbs, do you just leave a splotch of solder in the center for the middle contact on the socket? Have you successfully used these bulbs in other 6V winker applications?

Done 10 days? Chip, you are a man on a mission!

[Spokes]

No Longer Available

[Steverinomeiste]

It never ends Chip. Little did I know when I took on the CA95 that you giuded me through I would three years later be doing a big and little brother CB160 and CB77 project. I really hope to finish those before Thanksgiving and then I have a final CB160 after that. I have to do the third CB160 to use up all those parts I bought a few years ago.

[Spokes]

I appreciate the "never end's" comment!

I don't think I ever explained why and how I got involved with these small Honda's.

I was 13 in 1965. I lived in a small Ohio town. (back then) One warm summer day I hitch hiked to the local Gulf station. The road was so deserted that I actually walked the whole distance. The reason I went to the station was for BBQ chips and a Pepsi, a flavor combo I like to this day.

At the station was a black 1965 Honda CA95 for sale. The owner just bought it and was drafted into the military. He had two weeks left before leaving. He wanted $150.00. At the time a new CA95 cost $425.00. I had $150 in my savings account. At that time anyone could buy a vehicle for cash. I bought the bike, without telling anyone. I rode the bike home, scared to death I was going to get caught and thrilled.

I hid the bike behind the house.

Well, the next morning when my father found out, the poop hit the roof. My father hated anything Japanese. He was livid and to think something Japanese was on his property made him crazy. My sister had an Econoline and got the bike off the property. She sold the bike for $325 and returned my $150!

I was heart broken and got shafted by my sister to boot........

Fast forward to 2006. Winter was approaching in lower Michigan, I needed a shop project and remembered my old heart break. I thought hey! The old man's dead, I'm a big boy, I want my Honda back.

So it goes I found and restored my 1st CA95. She was a 1965 and I picked it up in Wooster Ohio. The rest is history. Indeed it never ends....

[Roberd42]

Glamorous story chip! There's a reason we all mess with certain vehicles or whatnot. I love to hear a story like this.

[grubsie]

Here's another military benly to add to your build. You could call this one a prototype.

http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/5125181612.html

[Spokes]

Thanks! Within the next two weeks we will see a comparison to the one posted on Craigslist and mine when I put it on eBay.

[frappy]

Here's another military benly to add to your build. You could call this one a prototype.
http://hudsonvalley.craigslist.org/mcy/5125181612.html

That little mud guard on the front fender looks like a good idea, but I don't know about adding the weight of those ammo boxes over the front wheel!

I don't think I ever explained why and how I got involved with these small Honda's.

Good stuff, Chip... A near-new Honda CA95 for $150 bucks - you were getting deals way back then, just like you are today! These little Honda's are truly close to home for you. (My story a bit less romantic.)

I bought my first Honda in 1976 when I was 16 y/o, but my Dad went with me to buy it. It was a 2-year old MT250 that cost me $400 and I still own the bike to this day. My Dad fought in the Battle of the Bulge, so anything German was less than welcome in our house! A Japaneses motorcycle was OK. Besides, it wasn't a British POC or a Harley which he despised because of the Hell's Angels being so prevalent out here in 1960's California.

Nice of your sister to pocket the $175 profit on the sale of your CA95! "That's a lesson for you, Chip" - they probably said.

I restored my MT250 back in 2007 after both my Mom and Dad passed away. I got into the CA95s in 2011 when a friend gave me (although did I offer him the $50 he paid for it) a 1960 Tokyo Rose CA95 basket case. Now I have a handful of CA95's along with other Japanese motorcycles that I ride and enjoy restoring.

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[frappy]

Thanks for sharing the final pics of your creation - it looks just great! Also, the picture is a bit fuzzy, but your "ready for duty" emblem/logo is a very cool custom touch. Say, I thought you were gonna darken the header pipes? Also, I notice you don't have any baffles in the mufflers. Do you plan to install a set, or will the bike run fine without them? Nice job integrating the rear rack and ammo box mounts for sure. An excellent restoration overall - plus, you spared another Benly from the metal recycler!

[ByTheLake]

Excellent work, as usual - thanks for the pic, Chip. I'm glad you posted the close-up pic of the tank badge ... I was trying to figure out what it was in the other pictures but couldn't tell from the distance. The ammo box saddle bags were a great idea.

I also enjoyed the story about your first CA95. I had a similar experience with a 1960 Peugeot moped that I bought and hid at the back of the garage. I convinced my mother that the engine didn't run and I only used the moped as a "bicycle". I'd peddle the "bicycle" until I got around the corner, at which point I'd fire up the engine and take off.

[Steverinomeiste]

I hope you have a chance to post a youtube of it before it goes to a new home. I've watched the video of custom CA95 quite a few times. Very enjoyable.
Steve

[Spokes]

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[grubsie]

Amazing bike, amazing work. Most people would have left that bike for dead but you and your imagination saw a diamond in the rough. Be sure to let your wife know that her work on the seat really makes the bike.

After all that work, I would have a hard time letting it go. Someone is going to be very happy with it. It would make a great raffle item at a VFW or something like that.

In the future, I would love you to create a thread, in baby steps, how you set up the directionals and where you get the parts for them. They really look slick.

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[grubsie]

Awesome video Spokes. After watching it I just had to take mine out for a spin. These bikes are so much fun. While I was buzzing around, I kept thinking about how much fun and lucky someone is going to be with that bike.

[Steverinomeiste]

Thank You Chip
For posting the video. I put it on my favorites list.
Steve
I finished the Scrambler I agreed to refurb in trade for the SuperHawk. I won't make that mistake again! Here are some videos.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HqEvfVLFG8A
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g29gNS6g6yw
I am getting close to finishing the SuperHawk now. I hope to done by Thanksgiving.

[Spokes]

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[Spokes]

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[grubsie]

Are you sure wasn't caused by loose "Spokes"? (Smirk) or maybe caused by a small WW2 land mine?

Great photo by the way. Man that bike looks slick.

[Steverinomeiste]

Beautiful photo Chip

[frappy]

Whomever purchased your bike sure got a good deal on a cool, unique, and well-sorted CA95.

[Spokes]

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[frappy]

"...twisted creative thinking mode..." LOL.
Say, are you planning to document your upcoming '67 CA160 build here? I for one vote to go ahead and do it - of course only if you want to. It really is the next generation kissing cousin to the CA95 and shares many similarities. I guess one could say the also 4-spd '68 (only and last year of the sloper motor) CD175 is also the following generation to the CA160 and another close relative of the CA95 - again so similar we could almost bend the (not a CA95) rule if nobody objected. My 2 cents.

[Spokes]

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[rum-rum]

amazing bike spokes a real eye catcher.with all your messin around with the benly ,have you ever changed sprocket size.i added an xtra tooth on the front and made a big difference.if it is calm and flat ,I have had her up too almost 120 kph.sppedo is out some,I'm sure but it cruises real nice at 90 kph,not revving to crazy. I have put over 100 miles on it in the past weekend and havin a blast with it.thanks again for the tank panels and help.good luck on your next project.i have started looking for the Honda c76 as my next project...rob