Thread: First Purchase

Hello everyone i am new to the forum. I have been snooping around online looking at old bikes for years. I grew up riding dirt bikes starting on z50's, DS80, up to KDX200 and KX250. After that i toyed with road bikes had a nice Ducati 748L and then a Harley Springer. Well now I have nothing and have decided to get a bike to bring back my youth that i could also get some utility out of cruising around on sunny days at the beach, some trail riding etc. I figure a Z50 wouldnt have much use since i live in the city so i am looking at CT70's. When i was a little guy (i am 38) my uncle had a green one i dont know the year but i assume '72 or so. Anyway i was looking for some advise on what to look for when purchasing my first CT70. I would buy a refurbished one but not for more than say $1000-$1500 but it would also be fun to have one to toy with and restore a bit. I am not equipped as of now (16 month yr old daughter and another on the way in May) to do a full restore so it would have to be minor stuff like parts not paint work etc. Any input you all could provide would be helpfull i have been watching ebay but not exactly sure what to look for since I am new to the bike as it stands today...but not in my past!

this might help you identify what year you want
Welcome to CT70 Identification Guide

big differences in the model years include shock type (1972 and up have the oil filled shocks for a more comfortable ride), transmission (4 speed manual vs 3 speed semi auto)and turn signals (only on 74-79 bikes)

the turn signals may prove important for city riding

I would defenately suggest buying one that is running with decent paint, with your price range you have alot of options, a running ct70 can be had for around $300, all depends how nice you want it to start with.

Your uncle's bike would have either been a 70-71 4speed or a 75 automatic...Those were the only years that the CT70 came in Green...The early bikes were called Emerald Green and the 75 was Mighty Green. The early CT's from 1969 thru 1974 were painted in Candy Paint. The Candy Paint one of the more expensive and difficult to paint of all the colors.

If you are looking for a restored bike in really nice condition, it will probably be more than $1,500...You can probably find a running CT70 in decent condition for that if you look around. Maybe place wanted ad's on Craigslist, here and on Planet Minis.

When you go to purchase one, check for rusty, bent frames and shock supports. Check that the electrical is in good shape and that the lights work. Check the oil for color as well as the plug. If you can, check compression (150-160lbs) and make sure that there is not smoke from the pipe. Make sure the shifting is smooth...The throttle will probably not return on it's own, thats normal.

This site has a lot of information...If you read past posts you can get an idea about cost for parts and repairs. What part of the country are you in? There may be a member close by that would help.

If you are mechanically inclined, these bikes are not hard to work on. There is a shop manual here that you can download and buy a Clymer Manual...With both of those resources and asking questions here, you can fix just about anything.

Welcome and Good Luck in Your Search.

I live in Bethesda MD right at the DC border. I wouldnt use it much in the city just for fun or to cruise up to American University as my wife is a coach there. More to have and to use at the beach for fun crusing around. I am pretty technically competant so i can handle that type of stuff and would have fun doing so I did rebuild the top end on my KDX250 years ago. Now i can do all of this stuff but dont necessarily know how i just do it and figure it out on the way usually. I'll ask my uncle if he remember what year his was i was too small to ride it so i dont remember if it was auto or manual. from what i have seen getting a chance to inspect it in person may be tough based on what i have seen on ebay but maybe something will pop up. I definately am parrtial to the candy paint i can always run by whatever i am looking at on the forum for feedback as well. thanks for the info!

I think fatcaat (Jarad) is close to you and he knows alot about these bikes...He might have something for sale or know someone who has one close to you that is up for sale.

Check out the for sale section and see if he has anything listed now...

I agree on the ebay purchases...It's very hard to tell...If you can, buy in person unless the ebay seller has knowledge of these and you talk to them...Get lots of pics too.

Yeah I have bought and sold a lot of stuff on ebay sold my Harley there and some high end bikes also bought a few so I know the routine as far as that goes. Thanks a lot for the info...I will be sure to ask for opinions when I find something you guys know your stuff. If you have Jarad's info send it to me i am not sure how to navigate aournd here just yet or maybe he will reply. Man i love old bikes like this I have been obsessed since i was a little guy so this is exciting!

One other question. How hard is it to get a plate for these making them street legal?

You could PM him...His handle here is FatCaat...He is on here often so he probably will reply...Just look up his name,click on it and it gives an option to send a private message. In the meantime, check the for sale section...I know he just listed a motor last night..Clicking on his name also gives you the option of searching his past posts to see if he has anything for sale.

Check your state regullations on what is required to title....Some are easy, some not. You will pay a little more probably, but getting a bike with a title already is a good idea if you live in a picky state.

I am sure MD is bad it is for everything else MVA related. I guess i wouldnt really need it I could probably get by without it. We'll see...

Keep a lookout on craigslist, that is where I found both of mine. But you have to check often because the good deals go quick.

if you like the candy paint it sounds like the 70-71 emerald green would be a great bike for you, the other green (mighty green) is not candy.