Honda CT70 Lifan swap twist throttle help needed.

A

American180

New Member
Hi all, I'm new to the forum and CT70's. I bought a 1970 that I want to restore to stock and it came with a 1972 parts bike. I purchased a 71 titled frame and I'm going to use the 72 parts and make a restomod build for the street. I bought a Lifan 125 with 4 up semi auto transmission and ordered the smooth handle bars. I thought they would be better for adding a twist throttle but could if I'm wrong, please say so.
So that takes me to my question. I've been spending days trying to figure out what twist throttle to order. Trail Buddy has sets for this application but they have a lot of unnecessary switches. Can anyone tell me or link me to a good throttle they used with the Lifan 125 engine? What length throttle cable should I look for? What brake perches did you guys use? Any pictures of peoples set ups would be helpful as well. Thanks in advance.
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Welcome aboard!

What you're about to undertake has a number of "roll-your-own" type modifications. Most will be very easy. However, some will depend upon your skill set.

You will be using a clamp-on style, RH brake lever, as well as a clamp-on, external, twist grip throttle assembly. Happily, those are the norm; it's the OE Honda parts that are oddball, proprietary, items. Take your pick, as far as the actual specimens. Anything made to fit 7/8" handlebars should be fine and that's among the most common diameter...if not the most common. Since street riding is part of your plan, you'll need a LH mirror mount, or clamp-on mirror assembly. Both are readily available and inexpensive. You can go through just about any bike parts catalog and find something that'll work. Here's one example. Look through the rest of the page and you'll find other, similar, options for both sides, along with pretty much everything you might need to complete your setup.

There's no way to know what cabling you will need, too many variables. That said, assembled cables can be modified, if they are long enough. Sometimes all that's needed is a little more stick-out length, easily obtained by clipping a few coils of outer sheathing. I usually make my own cables, to fit custom applications, not the cheapest way to go but it eliminates the guesswork.
 
kirrbby

kirrbby

Well-Known Member
You do need to consider the switches tho. If you buy all separate components, vs all in one type parts... For a street bike you'll need turn signal, headlight, and horn switches at the minimum. Plus, twist throttle, brake lever(s) and mirror mount(s). All in one...left and right might be the best option.

You might just have to live with a extra function, or two.
 
A

American180

New Member
Thanks for the replies. I was on the fence about adding turn signals, since the 71 didn't have them but you guys are right, It's best if I have them. Plus I need a mirror.
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
If you're going to add turn signals, then I'd suggest going with a complete Lifan wire harness + controls + 12v regulator/rectifier & flasher relay. Here's a video that should apply directly and since it's so recent, you'll likely get the exact same wire harness.

I'd go for a LH bar-mounted lever perch, mirror perch, switchgear (HL, dimmer, turn signals and horn) unit. TB should have one that's plug & play with the wire harness...saving you some time & detective work.

As for the turn signals themselves, there are any number of options. Since you'll be running a 12v system, you can use just about any of them...including an electronic flasher relay, which is dead-reliable - unlike the old bimetal/mechanical type, which depends on exact bulb loading (for current draw) needed to heat the bimetal strip to get a normal flash rate. You can also go with LED turn signals. An LED license plate frame, or LED bolts (to mount the plate) are a clean, easy, & reversible way of adding rear signals. Up front, I'd strongly suggest mounting the signals themselves...whichever type you choose...to the handlebars. That'll keep them out of harms way.
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Thanks, however, it's Mike who nailed it in this video installment. I don't always agree with him and I'm sure he'd say the same about me...fair is fair. That said, I don't see how you could get much more specific information for your project than this, credit where credit is due.

If you run into hiccups trying to adapt things like your OEM keyswitch, I should be able to provide specifics. I've done a number of unusual custom wiring conversions, ranging from nearly stock to full-wave 12vDC power, with a 3-lead harness/7-lead keyswitch combo, plus LEDs, electronic speedo, and lighting relay...plus a lot of variations between those extremes. These electrical systems are all pretty basic; they just don't always seem so, especially if it's your first plunge in the deep end of this pool.
 
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