Description
1981 CM 200 Twinstar. British 1st registered. Was for unknown reasons taken off the road in June 1990 and it had not been taxed from then until December 2025!!!
These electric start [plus working kick start] small Japanese bikes are becoming quite in demand now as they are so cheap to maintain with huge parts supply out there. Reliable too if you have a good one.
I only have little history on it apart from it was sold on at 14/ 01/ 2025 to the chap I purchased it from.
He bought another motorbike from an old chap and ended up buying this as well.
I purchased it 7th November 2025 as the seller had about 10 classics and needed more space - don't we all! He didn't have time or space to finish it.
I finally got it on the road for the first time in 34 years - yes 34 years in December 2025. I registered it "Historic Vehicle" for free road tax. It also doesn't need an MOT.
Fortunately, it appears that the bike had been dry stored for those 34 years as the years of copious amounts of grease and oil kept it healthy!!! Had been regularly kicked over as everything was turning correctly.
From January 2025 until now, between the previous owner and myself, it has been recommissioned, degreased and well and truly fettled.
I purchased it for my winter project. I have a [year] 2000 superb large Harley which was a previous project and a 2023 fully loaded Triumph Speedmaster. Plus a modern Morgan car. I'm 68 and active.
Improvements since January 2025 : new carburetor, new rear silencers, new battery, new rear shocks, new chain and sprocket set, all control cables replaced, thorough checking of braking system which now functions almost as it would in 1981, clean oil filter, new oil with flush, replacement rear mudguard - second hand, new seat, hours of degreasing / chrome cleaning / paintwork touch up / polishing.
I have done about 400 miles on it with rides of 60ish miles and it goes like it should: the gearbox is better than my Harley, easy clutch [absolutely no slip] which sweetly engages all 4 gears up and down. The engine/ gearbox is oil tight. Pulls strongly for a 200cc. Probably as it is a twin cylinder. These engines were also fitted in Honda XL and XR trail and trials motorbikes with the "unburstable" word often being used.
As the 2 photos clearly state: the electrics have NOT been messed with which was a really pleasant find. Usually previous owners have cut and bodged with lashings of black electrical tape.
I've had it easy up to 55 mph and probably would do 60. I prefer to respect it and keep it at or under 50mph.
As it doesn't require an MOT but needs to be roadworthy, being diligent I requested my vastly experienced independent mechanic to go all over it and sort a couple of running issues in February 2026. I have a correctly itemised receipt on file for the buyer.
These included an unknown noise which was a dry speedo drive which he well lubricated, replaced the fuel line, refitted the air feed pipe into the carb and added a secure clip, fitted 2 new NGK CR7HS [correct for the bike] spark plugs. Road tested.
He actually works for Colwyn Bay Honda Motorbikes too, technician - very reassuring.
The bike now looks and rides fabulously.
Diligence for roadworthyness in abundance.
I have the original rear mudguard which was previously painted black over the chrome and the original seat which has a small piece of gaffa tape on. These come with the bike if you wish to reinstate to original spec. See final photograph.
I also added a pair of period style mirrors which work well.
It came with 1 key but I managed to have 2 more cut so there are 3 working ignition keys in total. There is no fork lock but where are you going to leave it to be stolen? Take a sturdy push bike lock if it concerns. It is the same keys for the working locking fuel cap.
They say "leave something for the next guy to do". I prefer originality and the transfers which you see are originals. I have sanded and touched up the blemishes lower than the fuel tank transfers. Above the tank transfers, I have treated rust marks and may completely rub down the upper part of the tank this summer with a black gloss finish. I'll leave it for the next buyer to do. I can live with it as is. The inside of the tank is spotless.
Lights, indicators, horn, electric start, speedo, trip, neutral light, indicator light, main beam light ALL work as they should.
As mentioned it comes with 3 keys, Haynes repair manual, recent receipt, DVLA enquiry as on here, V5 in my name at my home address, previous V5.
BONUS: I have it insured through Carole Nash with Agreed Value £1500 at only £56. 91 annual premium!!
You may buy a slightly cheaper one -if you find a cheaper one- but you'll have to buy all of the items purchased for this one-45 years old model .
Why am I selling? Its a cracking bike but I cannot get used to it compared to my larger cruisers. Not really my style of bike. Someone else can enjoy it.
Need more reasons to buy this?
Enquiries welcome. Tony. It a good bike!!
The original ape bars make a really comfortable riding position with no weight on your hands even though they may look odd at first glance but all CM200s came with these bars. I've seen wide trail bars fitted which look fine and may be an alternative option. Should be enough slack in the cables.
Looks like the tyres were replaced also in 2025 by the previous owner. Decent tread with no splits or laminating.
The photos with the old seat show the petrol tank before I tended to it as it was dull and sad.
If it needed doing then it was sorted as I cannot abide unreliable toys.
Will take a close offer but with the expense over the past year on it, the bike is worthy of the asking price. Calculate the parts used plus labour. Come and have a look -maybe a haggle over a cup of tea and biscuits.
Its had all the right parts replaced which are usually well worn out on 45 years old bikes.
As Henry Cole says: " a fair price is when both seller and buyer are happy".
It is a very light bike. Together with the previous owner, we hand lifted it into his van and he delivered it to my house where we hand lifted it out.
You should not be disappointed as it has started 1st time since my mechanic sorted the teething problems. I've tried to enjoy it, it is quite a hoot to ride but its just not my cup of tea.
Is it yours?
I'm 68, a decent sensible retired guy in a decent house in a decent residential area. The sort which you should buy from - they say!!!
Thanks for reading. Tony.
