The Honda S90 was produced in Japan from 1964 to 1969. The 'S' stood for super as this was the fastest, sportiest model in a range of 90cc Honda's produced at the time.
The other 90cc bikes in Honda's line up included, the CT90, CL90, CD90 and of course the C90. All the bikes shared the same 90cc engine and similar transmission systems. The table below gives more details :
The S90 was the sports model of the range. It had the 90cc OHC single cylinder engine fitted to a 4 speed manual clutch transmission.
The frame was pressed steel rather than tubular steel to minimise weight and the bike was fitted with telescopic front forks for improved road holding.
The bike was rated at 8hp and was claimed to cruise at 60mph on its 18" rims.
Manufactured 1964 - 1969.
The CL90 was closely related to the S90, but it was designed to travel on unpathed roads. It had a higher exhaust line, and was supplied with 17" wheels and trail tyres.
It was otherwise much the same as the S90 with the same frame, forks and transmission.
Manufactured 1967 - 1970
The CT90 was a true utilitarian vehicle. Its frame was low with the petrol tank under the seat, much like the C90. However it was fitted with trail tyres and telescopic forks. Other features included an additional petrol tank at the rear and a rack, which had an optional cushion for carrying passengers.
For off-roading it was equip with a transfer gear to give 3 low ratios in addition to the 3 road speeds. The bike took the centrifugal clutch from the C90 and so the left hand was free to have a brake lever to operate the rear brake (in addition to a pedal on the right).
Manufactured 1966 - 1979
(Image http://thebrighams.com/)
The CD90 was the replacement for the Honda C200 which had the older OHV engine.
It featured a similar, but slightly heavier fame to the S90 and was fitted with leading link suspension from the C200, C90. It also featured more classical styling than the sports and trail machines.
Manufactured 1965 - 1971
The ever popular C90 featured a frame similar to the CT90 using a pressed steel main section but with a tubular link to the steering head. It used the 90cc OHC engine coupled to a 3-speed auto-clutch transmission.
Along with its associated 50cc, 70cc brothers, the C90 holds a somewhat legendary status as largest selling motor vehicle of all time. Popular due to it's versatility, durability and ease of maintenance.
Manufactured 1966 - 0n.
This particular S90 chosen for restoration was purchased from Pembrokeshire Classic Motorcycles as a non-running project with 3835 miles on the clock.
Click here for details of the restoration.
Some photos on this page have been taken from the internet. Permission has be sought where possible but please let me know if you own an image and would like it removed.
AI Website Builder