1968 Honda CB160 - Refresh - Part 1

[@skycop56]

I drove a CB160 across the USA in 1966, loved it.

[@bobmizen1]

You brought back great memories. This was the first bike I had. The dealer sold it to me, nearly fifty years ago, with really lots of faults. The starter motor wasn't working, the seat nearly came off whilst I was riding it and the battery was virtually dead. Repairing it taught me a lot about motorbikes. It was quite powerful for a little motorbike with great double twin leading shoe front brakes. Thanks for sharing this. Regards, Bob MM. South Wales

[@michaelsams450]

This is definitely one of my favorite bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@50gary]

At 15:30 the close up of the degraded rubber shock bushings also reveals hole in the shock mount(s) to the main frame (on both left and right sides). I would weld those shut for sure plus get rid of those early Japanese splatter BBs.

[@donaldcameron8909]

Bike's cool I do like your shop .

[@crozwayne]

Gonna start on mine this year, built like a swiss watch!

[@michaelsams450]

Very cool. These little bikes are so much fun to ride. Getting tough to find in good condition these days. Thanks for watching.

[@passat47]

Enjoyed your video, reminded of my 1965 CB160 restoration after retiring in 2009. I have a video of my baby after my labor of love...

[@michaelsams450]

These really are great little bikes. Thanks for watching!

[@oscillon]

Looks good! I have a 65 CB160 that has an interesting history. Bought it 15 years ago for my wife to ride when we lived in MA. Sold it when we moved to DC to a bar that used it for decoration. Just purchased it back (along with a CB77 that was also in the bar). They are great little bikes.

[@michaelsams450]

That is an interesting history for sure, and an opportunity that I'll bet most of us enthusiasts wish we'd get someday. I know there's at least one bike I've had to let go of that I wish I could buy back.

[@valticsay6545]

Love that sir!

[@michaelsams450]

Thank you

[@sethyelorda]

Thanks for this video. I’m watching it while sitting in my garage looking at my 66 cb160 and debating if I should try to refurbish it myself or send it to a specialist. 🥴🤷🏽‍♂️

[@michaelsams450]

If it's mechanically sound I would say just ride it and enjoy it. It just depends on what your goals are for the bike. Once you start refurbishing or replacing parts it can be tough to know when to stop, and it can get quite expensive.

[@isaacrichards2040]

Where did you find the side covers? I have a 67 cl160 that's missing the battery side cover. Can't seem to find one that's in decent shape.

[@michaelsams450]

I bought those from Ohio Cycle (ohiocycle.com). According to his website he is semi-retired now but I think he still sells some parts on ebay under the username popshonda. You could also check cmsnl.com.

[@stevenrandall9601]

Enjoyed your video. I have a 1967 CA160 which I am also refurbishing. It appears to have the same engine but with one carb. Do you know if I can use a carb from the CB 160 on a CA 160? Mine is leaking through the overflow tube and I can't seem to resolve. Thanks.

[@michaelsams450]

I don't think a CB160 carb will fit a CA. The CB160 flanges are angled and in addition to that I think the mouth (engine side) of the CA carb is a different shape (slightly oval). I also don't think a single CB160 carb would flow enough for both cylinders on the CA since they are sized and jetted for a single cylinder each.

[@stevenrandall9601]

@@michaelsams450 Thanks so much for your response, makes sense. I'll keep trying to find the cause of my leak!

[@michaelsams450]

@@stevenrandall9601 With leaks from the overflow there are a few common items to check: 1) a leaky float, remove it and shake it to listen for fuel inside. 2) worn needle or seat, remove the needle and check for a ridge around the tip, it's a bit more difficult to check the seat. 3) a cracked overflow tube in the bowl. Good luck.

[@ronhorton9398]

Where can we get a starter for cb160

[@michaelsams450]

Check eBay and ask around on forums. Find a good used one if you can. NOS (if you can find one) will cost a small fortune these days.

[@98katman]

Scratching my chin on buying one. Anything to beware of in one? What parts are unavailable?

[@michaelsams450]

These little motorcycles are a lot of fun, if you can find a good one at a fair price, buy it. I don't see them come up for sale very often anymore. Seats and mufflers are very hard to find.

[@martincrippen3107]

I enjoyed the video. I wonder if you can resist going overboard on the "Clean-up" :) When will we see the next CB77 video?

[@michaelsams450]

I'm hoping the spray paint comes off the cylinders and head without too much fuss and I can just leave the rest alone. I can't make it look too clean or I won't want to bring it to Mid Ohio anymore. I'm hoping to be able to start the CB77 next week. The weather looks promising. That will be the next video. Other than that I just need to paint the tank and then she's all done. Finally!

[@cambo1200]

It seems like every VJM bike I get has bent fork ears. I’m starting to think they came from the factory that way!

[@michaelsams450]

This was a weird one, they are both bent the same amount as if something hit the headlight straight on but the bucket itself has no signs of an impact. I suppose the original headlight could have taken the hit. Who knows, a lot can happen to a bike in 50 years. Thanks for watching!