Bolting a Lifan 125 into a Honda CT 110 Trail

Fitting a Lifan 125 can be a cost effective way of replacing a worn out CT 110 engine & also gaining some extra power. But although the engines appear the same, the Lifan isn't a direct replacement. Adaptor kits are available which use two steel straps from the bottom frame mount to the footrest mounts. In this video I attempt to bolt a Lifan 125 into a Honda CT 110 frame using a bottom engine mount of my own design. The video is purely about mounting the engine to the frame & highlights the physical differences between the two engines.

[@stefanm67]

Really useful video and very clear... thank you. I'm considering fitting one of these engines into a 1970 C90E

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks Stefan, I saw engines advertised as direct fit into ct90/110. I made the video to show the difference.

[@catweasle5737]

Thank you. I am restoring my CT110 and am considering one of these engines. The design of your engine mount is exactly what I was thinking. Well done.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks, just need to get the chain alignment right & it should work really good. All the best with your build & yes, I'm old enough to know who Catweasle is haha!

[@catweasle5737]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 Thanks mate and yes, we are showing our age knowing who he is. ha. Great show though.

[@PurpleOnThree]

Very good explanation of the differences....

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks Jodie (hope that's the correct spelling) maybe it will be useful to someone who is thinking of buying one for their CT.

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 I hope so too! May I ask your first name? And it's Jody...there are so many ways to spell it. But I'll answer to anything. My dad likes to say, "Call me anything but late for supper" lol

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

As you saw in another thread Jody, my name is Darren. All the best to you & Tommy G.

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 thank you, Darren! Much appreciated.... We are heading out tomorrow on the bikes 🤗💜🥳

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@PurpleOnThree have a great ride!

[@andyshondaxlsrestorations4733]

Great vid and well explained

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks Andy, these engines are sold as direct fit which isn't the case. Hoping this vid will help people decide whether to buy one or not. Have to say I prefer original.

[@tiolibikes8663]

Very good I may have looked into what you did if I’d seen it a year or so back. I didn’t like the eBay option either so extended the frame out flush on the out side and thick welded spacers on the inside. That way in the future if I go back like I still have the option of cutting / grinding it back to stock. Your way off corse is more refined. There was another disadvantage with my way and had to put the original bolt in to support something like the stand I’ve forgotten what it was.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Yeah there's no right or wrong way just different. What you did sounds a good idea, the twisted metal ebay straps didn't seem strong enough to me.

[@danielbardan5697]

Lifan mounting points will line up with early pushrod (pre ohc motor) mounting points. Had on in a 66 c100 super cub. Just had to notch frame a tiny bit in 2 places to clear the engine case.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Good to know, it's impossible to cover all bikes/engines in one video. I made the video because lots of ads selling the Lifan give the impression it's a direct fit into a CT110.

[@danielbardan5697]

That’s the impression you get from a Honda clone!

[@dynamadnessadventures205]

Great video ride safe

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks Darren

[@johndocbikerestorations831]

Nice work you are doing there. The CT engine is different from most of the other Cubs, it is known as the "fat Harry" engine, it is the same fitting spacing as the C90 6v. I agree that the original is the better option, I have a 68 CT and will keep the engine as it is. Thanks for sharing this. New sub from me

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks for watching & for your support. Fat harry, I've never heard that before. Yeah fitting a pitbike engine devalues the bike. You've got some good stuff on your channel, I've always wanted a CB4oo four. New supporter of your channel here too.

[@johndocbikerestorations831]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 Thanks, and I look forward to watching your videos

[@sscbkr48]

Why choose a Lifan over an ATC125 engine.. It has the dual trans. I'm seriously considering putting one in my 1978 ct90.. more power, 12v, electric start, brighter lights.. as to devaluing a stock 90, done right it's an upgrade and uses the stock mounts.. the drawback is the bash plate arms won't fit, but overall it's .. 😁

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@sscbkr48 atc125 is a good idea, not as easy to find as a Lifan though. Jennies Garage did a series of videos fitting one to his ct90.

[@123edwardzpad]

Thank you.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Glad you found the video helpful!

[@jdisdetermined]

We have a couple thrown together ct90s with with these engines. So far they’ve ran great and been reliable and relatively trouble free when you use good fuel and keep the carbs clean. But I think it should be a last resort in most cases as you’re absolutely decimating the desirability and resale value. Given how valuable these bikes are getting now, it really only makes sense on clapped out/no title bikes that don’t have a lot of value to begin with. Otherwise you’re better off just getting something faster if that’s what you’re looking for and leaving the CTs as is.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Yes, I see bikes with pitbike engines, pitbike front ends etc, eventually you end up with a pitbike... No thanks. I did this video to show the difference because engines are being sold as direct fit into ct90/110 & that's not the case. Thanks for your comment.

[@allanhmelnitski978]

Cool! A stupid question: dont they have any rubber mounts ever? Like 10 to 8 mil tubes inside the brakets or something?

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Thanks for leaving a comment. To the best of my knowledge they are all rigidly bolted in, but with the amount of vibes these little engines put out, rubber mounts might be a good idea!

[@allanhmelnitski978]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 I just had a thought to weld some bigger tubes on both sides, that would fit some proper mounts inside. And then place the bolts trough these. Because my engine was fitted with 8mm bolts through 10 mm engine brackets, and I thought its just missing some rubber gromets... Bought the old bike from some youngsters, lots of botchwork done there previously.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

My plan was not to change the frame in any way so the old engine could easily be refitted if needed. But your idea sound OK.

[@PurpleOnThree]

I like how you pronounce aluminum...I can't say it that way...😁

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Haha I do sometimes miss out the extra i to keep everyone happy!

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Funny enough, I pronunciated aluminum the same way when I was a child because my mom is from Scotland, and I was being raised in Mexico City at the time. Then whentt back to California, everybody said I was annunciating incorrectly. II said they do not have mastery of the English language.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

@@heritagehillsecurity8778 Scotland is a beaut place if you ever get a chance to visit.

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 🤗🤗😂😂💜💜

[@PurpleOnThree]

What is that tool called that you are measuring the differences with?

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

A vernier caliper. They now have electronic displays, much easier on my old eyes! Not as accurate as a micrometer but cheaper & handy for most things.

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 hmmm...I think we may need to get us one of those...thank you!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

If you buy one Jody, I'd suggest buying a stainless steel one, not plastic. They aren't expensive & can switch between mm & inches.

[@leegraves101]

Harbor Freight is a good source for them

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@leegraves101 oh I'm sure it is... I try to avoid harbor freight at all costs 😂😂😂

[@3goldfinger]

What stator has it got in it, 2 or 6 pole

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Can't remember, it's an old scrap engine that had been full of water & the left engine case missing & smashed.

[@UncannySense]

I found a deal on 3 ct110s in poor condition as the previous owner lost interest on a botched rebuild attempt that came with a new piston/cylinder/gasket and seal kit. 1 I am trying to keep original with its hi/low engine using parts from its clapped out donor. But the other CT110 rolling frame no engine I am modifying completely to suit the lifan 125 as a potential on road bike. As much as I like the Honda engine its cost viability for long-term road use when compared to a complete engine replacement is becoming hard to justify. Anyway looking at the diagram showing the lower engine mount adapter, I think I will try something similar but thread tap both sides of the lower lifan engine mount to hold 2 counter sunk allen hex screws with the factory frame lower mount using the original mount bolt and spacer tube... Rest of the ancillaries will be modified to the engine rather than the modification plates I see people use.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Yes as you say rebuilding a Honda is expensive, very quickly becomes more than the bike is worth. Tapping threads & using countersunk bolts is a good idea, it never occured to me to do it that way but I think it's a great idea. Getting the chain line straight is the worst part. Thanks for commenting & all the best with your build. Interested to know how you get on. I've an idea to use part of the pitbike frame that my scrap lifan came with, not sure if it will work.

[@UncannySense]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 The CT110s are more of a hobby side project. I have saved a couple of XL185 bikes from a rusty fate using zongshen/loncin CG250 engines (167fml) I have done a complete project documentation onf the chinariderforums search XL185/CG250 swap. So not my first chonda clone engine swap in a honda frame.

[@pujabelgian]

Why not use an ATC 125M.. has hi/lo and bolts in.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

I'd do that in a flash if I could find an ATC125 engine.

[@kirtham6343]

it will fit in a ct70....Im putting a 125 Lifan in a 68 CT90 ... I bought the 125 for my 70...but I just could not do that to a CT 70. I will do it to a CT 90 tho.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Yeah with the cost of parts to reco an old Honda motor, many people are fitting a Lifan.

[@3goldfinger]

Did you ever get to do it.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

That was a scrap engine I used as a trial. I have an idea for another mounting bracket, but lots of projects & this is down the list.

[@PurpleOnThree]

Share this video with Lifan... Who knows? 🤷‍♀️

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

They fit in pitbikes with engine plates so I guess they won't care.

[@PurpleOnThree]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 I suppose not!

[@3goldfinger]

The Lifan was never made for the CT110, it was made as an all around motor, one fits all sort of. If you want to avoid all the headache, here is what you have to do. The main problem is, that the Lifan is about 30mm smaller in height than the Postie, and when you try to mount foot and gear lever, it will not fit. You do need the mounting plate. The secrete to get it to line up, is to get the motor at the right angle, and the brackets what comes with the kit, doesn't do that. You can do this without the mounting plate. Put in the top bolt, and tilt the motor up, until you can fit the exhaust pipe, when the exhaust fits, you have the right angle. You will need a 10mm spacer in the exhaust to seal tight. The foot peg will now fit, however, the brake pedal will be 30mm lower. However, all this can be avoided, if you lower the mounting plate 30mm, the gear lever will also fit, and the bash plate will line up. kzbin.info/www/bejne/eKCQfoOtnMuZbac

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

I know the Lifan doesn't fit the 110, as I said in the video it's a perfect fit in an old CT70 Dax minibike. I wanted to see if it can be fitted without all the hardware bolted to the engine, this was only about mountings, anciliaries are a whole other thing. If the bike was to be used off road it's important to keep the underside clean, without bolts sticking out to catch on rocks etc. I have seen your video & I think the two twisted plates from the rear mount can be improved on. This was my way of doing it Maybe another video seeing how everything else does or doesn't line up is needed. Personally I'd make the exhaust fit the engine not the engine fit the exhaust. But everyone is welcome to pick & choose what works best for them. Thanks for commenting.

[@gregory8282]

A personal opinion.... If you want a faster bike, buy one. I have 2 Posties, both in great condition. If and when the engine fails, I will spend the money to do a rebuild. To me, as soon as a different engine is fitted, the character and value of the Postie is lost. If you fit a bigger engine, there is also the problem of passing a rego inspection as well.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Fitting a Lifan is a very common mod that many people do to their CTs. Hopefully this video will help them decide whether or not to buy a Lifan.

[@sscbkr48]

@@Free_Ranger_CT110 purist arguments hate any mods!

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Yeah, we're all different, what someone does to their bike is up to them.

[@heritagehillsecurity8778]

Thank you.

[@Free_Ranger_CT110]

Glad you found it helpful, thanks for commenting.