Truly Original Topaz Orange 1970 HK0

Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
This is a good BIN price in my opinion. If it were near me I would snag it! I even like the candy T. Orange which I usually don't.. What a perfect resto project, it looks unmolested and decent miles for this year 4 speed.

Honda Ct | eBay
 
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red69

red69

Well-Known Member
There are a few on Ebay that look worthwhile right now. Like you, they are too far from me to consider.

Bob
 
J

JustPlanoTexas

Member
Or you could buy this one for $4995 HKOcomp-1.jpg
 
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69ST

Well-Known Member
I'm getting the impression this is a subtle way of asking for another critique. That's okay, if it is but, there's nothing wrong with being more direct. OTOH, if not, then you really should slow your roll...long enough to scrutinize the photos, in detail. This bike is anything but unmolested and has obviously been prepped for the camera. Looks to me like the seller has a reasonable expectation on the market value; a screaming deal, it ain't. If this were within 100 miles and I was horny for an HK0 project, I'd be all-in around a grand. Someone else can pick this one apart...
 
J

JustPlanoTexas

Member
I bet you would have more then $4995 in it when you are done though. Initial cost is a large factor when considering restoring one. This Topaz luckily was finished before all the Honda OEM parts were long gone.Factor that in with a Gunderson motor and Mikes Minitrails paint and you can see where I'm coming from.IMO this Topaz is one of the finest available on the market today and owned by a true Anal restorer(sorry Ufester,lol).
 
Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
Ok, I'll play along...Other than the Armour all on the tires and the missing air box, I don't really see any signs this bike was owned by Dobie Gillis. Critique is always welcome. Always eager to learn from experts... One day I wouldn't mind owning a bike like this, an early 4 speed.




When you consider all the useless crap we spend our money on each day ie; I just got fined by DMV for letting my insurance lapse for 6 days.
Fine:$250. F'n bureaucrats can shove it! $1600 is a drop in the bucket compared to all the useless fees, fines, taxes & BS we've payed through out our lives LOL!
 
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Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
JustPlanoTexas said:
I bet you would have more then $4995 in it when you are done though. Initial cost is a large factor when considering restoring one. This Topaz luckily was finished before all the Honda OEM parts were long gone.Factor that in with a Gunderson motor and Mikes Minitrails paint and you can see where I'm coming from.IMO this Topaz is one of the finest available on the market today and owned by a true Anal restorer(sorry Ufester,lol).
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That is an awesome looking bike JPT...and you are right, getting it into that shape ain't cheap! I never did a resto like that one but I want to someday, just want to find the right model and candidate.
 
Ufester

Ufester

Member
'The way I look at it. as I see everything.
You are here, alive, only once.
Therefore you should fulfill yourself at every chance.
If you can afford it and it brings you enjoyment buy it!

Have fun
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
To Al's thought I'd like to add..."Life is short".

To that, consider what's visible...the entire induction assembly, from airbox-to-port, is some random kludged-together setup; the seat pan has collapsed, holes have been drilled into the tail light bracket (WTF?!) Those parts aren't likely to be replaced for free. How does it run? If it runs like crap, there's a motor teardown & rebuild in the offing. If it runs well, with that bizarro induction setup, then someone knows a lot more than they've disclosed. 1900 miles is more than enough to find all kinds of nastiness and worn parts inside a motor that's been neglected/abused. See any signs of meticulous maintenance?

Rationally speaking, this is a reasonably straight, mostly-complete, bike with an unknown and somewhat questionable history, sans title. Translation...a rough base bike that needs total restoration...the kind of machine that's worth $800-1000 depending upon locale and that's being a bit generous. Add-in shipping costs and this machine, properly restored, starts off with BIG handicap.
 
Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
OLD CT said:
The only thing truly original is the oil in the crankcase. And I think it's a little low on oil...
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Lol! Glad to see, you don't pull your punches OC.
C'mon around these parts, we never see a 4spd K0 like that one, unless they were asking the moon. With no shipping costs you could do a lot worse for this lil HK0.
 
OLD CT

OLD CT

Well-Known Member
Laughter is some really good medicine. Seriously,there is well maintained original and then you have neglected original. This falls into the latter. I really think it's a 500-600 dollar bike and only if it's close. Who armor all's tires on a dirty bike? Not a good idea even on a clean bike. The person selling this is looking for a law suit when a potential customer dumps it on the first turn! OUCH!
 
Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
This HK0 is sold for $1600.00 BIN price.

I guess someone knew that Armour-All washes off.
LOL!

THat sticker on the chain guard looks like a dealer tag to me, that's why i said it's original. Doesn't that look like a dealer sticker to you?
 
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6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Armor-all on rotted tires and clapped-out seat covers is covered in the feebay detailer's handbook. It's the chapter before " The credibility gap - when NOS means something else"...with a forward by RM Nixon.
 
OLD CT

OLD CT

Well-Known Member
Adam,guess it proves there's a ass for every rusty,cracked seat pan! When they see the bike in person,it may be back on ebay. I would be lying if I told you that sticker is legit from here.
 
Adam-NLV

Adam-NLV

Well-Known Member
You guys need to get a new computer monitor. I just got a new LED one and this bike is nice IMO.

Tires and seat covers will always need a change but a nice original paint job, good chrome, zero rust and a matching 4 speed engine will always endure! That WAS a nice bike.
 
6

69ST

Well-Known Member
Have a nice 25" ACER monitor on my desk, shows up a lot of details.

The original CTO is still vibrant on the frame, shock cover (can't see the RH side), fork and parts of the chainguard & swingarm. It's toast, on the headlight bucket. The fork has lots of scratches, the swingarm is a mess. Lower portion of the chainguard isn't pretty either. There are also some bad scars on the RH side of the frame. This is not even close to good enough for "honorable mention" or an "also ran" in a preservation class showing. IOW, maybe okay for a rider with a ton of "patina"...or, more appropriately, needs a complete repaint, because a straight & reasonably complete HK0 should be returned to its former glory.

That describes a nice restoration candidate and those are worth less than the BIN price, to most. Obviously, on that score I am wrong. Any item is worth what someone is willing to pay. Still, this one's going to fall way outside the ROI equation, until market prices rise substantially.
 
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