Vintage Honda S65 rideable restoration Episode 1: A first look

Hey Everyone!
Lets bring this backyard-find, back to life!!!
This is one of my latest projects, a Honda S65. I picked it up in the fall, and have been debating on whether to dive into a restoration, or cut my losses and find something else a little less "rough."
I plan on doing a video series on bringing this old bike back to working condition. I'm not planning on making it pretty, but I want it to be safe and reliable.
**Any and all advice, comments, and info is appreciated. I know very little but I am keen to learn!**
Thanks for coming along for the ride!
-Dave

[@stellarproductions8888]

The more you film that motorcycle, the more I get Mustie1 vibes. lol - But you know what? We could use another one like him on KZbin. And Dave, you most certainly have been upgrading yourself, not just your tools and shop, but your camera as well. Oh my gosh, your vids are looking so good on my 4K TV in 4K, yes sir! HAHA - I can't wait to see you take a deep dive into this. Just know, Mustie1 wouldn't let a seized engine stop him. The only way he'd call it quits, is if the metal got so destroyed by rust, that it is just not fixable at all. It will be interesting to see how you make on this one. Your awesome Dave, I've really missed you buddy, so glad your back!

[@Rattletrap2]

x2 on the Mustie1 vibe! LOL

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks for the kind words, of course!

[@welshmanbob3889]

Unfortunately I was around in the 60's and remember my neighbour owning a blue one and using it on his daily commute to work. Never let him down. Looking forward to your rebuild series.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Unfortunately? I’d say that’s awesome!

[@lyndatomlins3448]

Great condition ; small bikes in US appear to have been lightly used. I would not restore it cosmetically, just do mechanicals. This model was a hopped up factory job ; big valves, bigger carb; rev to 10K. I have had mine to 55mph. Nearly all S 65 Hondas appear to have been sold in US . Only small numbers elsewhere. I think in US at time they could be ridden at young age, maybe no licence? Also peppier than std small Honda. Always surprised in these videos how little is known about bike concerned, but gives viewers chance to be 'know it alls'. Cheers.

[@mattbradley9256]

Thank you

[@DavesSmallEngines]

You’re welcome, Matt!

[@carlsmallmotors1114]

For something that is 53 years or older looks pretty darn good A tiny bit of work and a tiny bit of money you got yourself a gorgeous bike

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I can’t wait to show you in person!

[@thomasjohnson9768]

Keep up the good work Dave.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Thomas!

[@nashguy207]

This is going to be a great series!!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I hope!

[@rogerboutin4612]

I have just acquired one of these bikes, been in the family since nearly new. Similar condition to yours, engine kicks over at least but cosmetically similar. Really looking forward to watching and learning from your journey! Cheers from Canada! Roger

[@adnacraigo6590]

A lot to do but I am looking forward to seeing it restored.

[@markdevine929]

Looking forward to watching the rebuild

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Thanks Mark!

[@ns4wsm]

Should be interesting, never seen one 👌🏽

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Me neither!

[@kvn95240]

Thanks

[@ToddAdams1234]

You need to do a total ground up rebuild and rehab on the bike, and when you do this check your wiring for continuity and broken wires and connectors. Yes that’s going to be a VERY long term project, especially considering the age of the unit. Fun to ride and REPLACE parts, not to find or build them. Have fun and good luck with this endeavor.

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I’m working on it!

[@waynestefinashen239]

Nice to see you doing videos on other things than chainsaws. Should make a very good multiple set of videos. Keep up the good work, the OLD MAN at Eliminator over and out!

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Cheers Wayne! Thanks for watching!

[@rizingsonmotorcycles1240]

The S65 you are planning to restore is either a Japanese domestic version or came from Canada. Frame numbers for American market started S65AAxxxxxx. Tail light also tells me it is a domestic version. Speedometer has also been changed. An S65 was my first bike in 1965 and I still currently own a couple of them including the one my best friend bought in 1966 at the age of 14. Fun little bikes! Here's a link to my start up of my '66 S65. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJase4V-r8uMl68

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Hey Rizingson!!! Thanks for the info. I am in Canada and this is a Canadian bike, I believe.

[@RealNoor]

Hey I just bought a house that has one of these in the garage. Where do I find the VIN?

[@hosocat1410]

In Asia I have seen men carrying their wife and three kids, plus a week's worth of groceries on those bikes. Wife on back, three kids on gas tank, and wife hanging onto bags of groceries! World's greatest engines...go honda!!!

[@carlsmallmotors1114]

May need a little bit of paint may need tires may need tlc but can't bet the price so I here lol

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Yes Sir!

[@emmettking8675]

are you still planning on continuing this series?

[@tomploeg2260]

I'm seeing a big bore kit in the near future

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Maybe a Lifan 140?!

[@seanmcgillicuddy956]

Patina Dude ..

[@DavesSmallEngines]

Yes Sir!

[@vascopires2045]

chp motorsports deals in old small bikes

[@DavesSmallEngines]

I’ll check it out!