Description
1978 Honda 49cc CB50 J
This 1978 Honda CB50 J has been owned by me for 29 years and for the last 15 years it has been stored ready for overhaul and restoration.
My daughters, in their early teenage years, used the machine for fun off-road at various motorcycle events until it stopped due to no spark. Hence the storage.
Upon dismantling the machine, the no sparking problem was diagnosed as a faulty stator plate, which was repaired, including a new set of points.
The engine was also overhauled, replacing the piston rings, valve stem oil seal, cam chain and sprockets.
A new gearbox sprocket and drive chain completed the mechanical replacements.
The fork seals were replaced and bellows fitted, as one of the fork legs shows sign of surface wear through the outer plating. The forks do not leak.
Due to 'previous life' accident damage, the headlight glass and rim, rear view mirrors and the front indicators were renewed with non original items. The indicator unit was found to be faulty and has been replaced with new.
It was obvious that at some stage in the machines life, the back, lower mudguard had been damaged beyond repair, so a replacement was made.
The centre stand spindle was replaced and the bushes sleeved, and an oversize swinging arm spindle made to overcome the wear on the original.
The two side panels were repaired and the blue paintwork re-sprayed in an original colour match, all with new decals.
The seat has a tear approx 20mm long in its raised back and the cover has an 'aged' pattern on its top.
The front wheel hub, spokes and rim have been painted due to corrosion to the chrome on the rim, the rear wheel hub and spokes have been similarly treated. This rear chrome rim has cleaned up, but is by no means perfect.
It retains the chunky tread pattern tyres suitable for field work, but the set of normal road tyres are available. These may have age hardened over the years.
The exhaust pipe retains the original restricting plate at its top end, together with the associated inner baffle pipework.
The MoT Inspector asked how the bike went and I advised that it was not very quick ( an indicated 30mph max ). He suggested removing the restricting mechanism and me loosing 5 stone, the first I have not done and the second is unlikely.
The bike is MoT'd until October 2019 and is on SORN. DVLA have advised that after March 2019, the machine can be re-classified as a Historic Vehicle.
