New CT 70 owner-Forks on a 72 CT70 K2

[rick56]

This is a cool site, I am a new CT 70 owner. I found a 1972 K2 basket case a kid had that had sat outside on a ranch for years. Most of the bike is there except for the left side of the engine and the stator/flywheel. I have finally got the CT apart and the forks under the covers are badly rusted. I don't have the $$ to do a 100 point restoration, but I'm thinking of wire wheeling the surface rust off and using some rust converter.
The headlight tubes once painted will cover the rust spots and I feel it will be safe. I am leaning towards having the Honda engine overhauled, I am just not convinced the Chinese copies are any good. Does anyone have anything to say about the Lifan motors from experience? My rear brake panel and cam were rusted solid...argh thats $60.00 by its self. I soaked the cam in PB all night and with a few taps of a hammer got it out. The panel cleaned up nicely, all thats left is to polish it with white rouge. I cleaned off the rusted brake cam and greased it, now it works sweet. Thanks for any help in advance from an old Army guy.

Rick

 

[69ST]

As long as the fork legs aren't rusted where the seals contact, you're fine. Otherwise, seals won't last long sliding over rough surfaces - if they'll even seal in the first place. A wire wheel should make fast work of the rust and the metal can even be polished with emery or crocus cloth. You want to keep any coatings thin or the legs won't slide through the lower tree. Disassembling the lowers is a good idea. That will allow you to clean the internals, replace the fork oil with some 15 or 20W fork oil and fit new seals. You'll also be able to polish the lowers, they can be returned to better-than-new appearance. A pair of heavier springs would cap off a K2 front end rebuild nicely.

The brake assemblies respond very well to elbow grease. As long as the pivot pins are solid, you should have restorable parts. Even the arms & cams can be replated.

The engine topic can be a lightning rod. Some swear by Chinese engines, others at them. Honda has the 38-year track record and solid parts supply. Usage should be the first consideration, then fitting that into your budget.

 

[rick56]

ct forks

thanks racerx, I have pulled my forks out of the tree but have not taken them out of the lower tubes. I fear they will be pitted so bad I can't use them. I can find rebuild parts but don't know where to get new tubes. NOS/OEM is preferred. I saw some of your bikes..nice. Thanks

Rick

 

[rick56]

Racerx, I went and bought another pair of 72 K1 forks off E-Bay. I finally got them completely apart and luckily the tubes are ok. Question? Honda sells a special fork seal driver tool. But I hate to spend close to a hundrend dollars for a tool I may use once. Do you know of another option on how to but in new seals? I plan to polish up the lower tube just like my 74 CB 750. With white rouge they look beautiful. Also you say to put 15 or 20W fork oil in, but my manual says to use Dexron automatic transmission fluid? Dr ATV sells front fork springs, I think they are the heavyer ones and since I weight 195 that may be a good idea. Enzo Assainte is rebuilding my motor. So far I'm into a new head, barrell, carb, flywheel and electronics. The whole left side of the engine was missing when I found it. Thanks

Rick M