In September of 2009 I took my first step into collecting vintage motorcycles. This bike had been listed on Monterey’s Craigslist for weeks @ $900 and I struggled with it because, yes it was a 2 stroke, but I had no connection with this particular model. I never had one, nor did I lust after one. I am sure this was primarily because these bikes were not imported into the UK where I was when I discovered motorcycles. But there was something about the way the front end was put together. The symmetry of the twin clocks mounted just above the headlamp was simple and appealing with the wide handlebars stretching out like longhorns. It was an iconic Honda design and reminded me of the CB125 layout- my first big bike. Not to forget it was based on the CR250 dirtbike. Steve McQueen had one. Enough said.
This really needed nothing done to it and, to me at least, is a classic example of something the should NOT be restored- meaning torn down and repainted with every piece cleaned and/or replaced until it resembled something that just rolled off the assembly line. The other choice is to simply retain each part and get it working as well as it should. The end result may not be award winning, but the natural patina is what is most endearing. Mechanically, it was sound, although I was really disappointed with the performance. My first bike was a Honda SS50. It was gutless. It did not accelerate. If the wind was behind you it might gain momentum but I would never define it as acceleration. Therefore, back in the 70’s when all I dreamt about was going fast on motorcycles, and my only experience was a slow 50cc, I regarded a 250 as Big Bike and therefore performance must be mindblowing. It simply wasn’t.
Nevertheless, the motor remained indestructible until late 2012 when I decided one day to run it without the air filter. It sounded faster! It felt faster! But that was fools gold, there was no real performance difference and later, oil started coming out of the crankcase breather which signaled to me either blown crankcase seals or the need for a rebore, or both. At the time I had neither the tools or the time to tackle that project and instead a charming bus driving transgender woman from the local motorcycle museum took on the task. And although she promised me it would wheelie in 2nd when I got it back, it didn't quite, it was a great job.
I’m a firm believer that dogs know more than you think. Mack’s face says it all. “You sure you know what you’re doing? As far as I understand it, this bike was pretty much fine before you took it all apart. No-one’s going to really notice the difference” You're right, but it’s not all about the looks Mack, it’s how it feels while you go about the task of making the machine the best it can be and then relish the freedom to ride it knowing you had something to do with it’s success as a working motorbike. It’s my therapy. "Right............................................snack?"
While the motor was away I decided to strip the rest of itl down- not to restore it, but to simply give it a good clean and make sure the frame was all intact- no cracks or cancerous rust. Taking it apart is really the only way to clean a bike properly, so I dismantled it completely making sure I had photographic evidence of most every move. My job would sometimes launch me across the world creating gaps of weeks in between. Without these photos it could remain dismantled forever.
This lighting and clock assembly comes off in one piece allowing you to turn your dual purpose trail bike into something like the utilitarian sole purpose racing CR250 that Steve McQueen did commercials for and so helped finance the iconic Bruce Brown motorcycle documentary “On Any Sunday”
To clarify ‘patina’ I looked it up and the definition did not match my expectations. Most dictionary’s claim that it refers to a certain colored film on metal, which of course could be the case but in the case of vintage machinery I think it refers to a look of a well used article whose character itself is defined by the abrasion of use....like the worn Honda emblem on the tank.....or think of Willie Nelson's guitar, or Steve McQueens racing boots...
