Thread: New Guy With A Few Questions

Hello everyone, my names Wade and I just picked up my first Honda mini yesterday, it's a 1979:


If you don't mind, I have a few questions as I've never owned anything like this and am just having not much luck finding my answers on the site.

1) It appears to me that the engine mount on the right side may be missing, the left side looks complete, but this just don't look right. Am I correct:


2) Also, from looking at Hondatrailbikes.com, I noticed that my air cleaner is broke as well, the rubber part coming off the carb doesn't go to the cleaner. But I see a lot of you are using aftermarket pleated type air cleaners, so I'm thinking I'll do the same.


3) The left side case cover has a crack in it, however it seems that it's a cosmetic cover and not something that actually holds in oil or anything. But I've had no luck finding a replacement.

OK, now for the stupid questions:

4) My scooter only has one lever on the handlebars for the front brakes, is there no clutch on these?

5) It seems that my exhaust is also not stock as from what I've read, the 79 came with a black exhaust. In addition, I've read where the frame down tubes and skid plate were deleted on the 1979, but I have them. What gives there?

6) Do the tires have tubes?

7) Is the oil checked when cool or do you let it run for a few minutes, sit for a few minutes and then check?

8) I'm only getting to about 15 MPH or so, and I know this thing should get more. I've got no idea what to start looking for, any ideas or should I just take it to a small engine repair shop?

9) Finally, what's the difference between "KO" and "K1" models

Thanks guys, I know these are probably lame questions for you, but I honestly just don't know where to go to get the answers except here. I appreciate in advance any help I can get!

Wade

These bikes came with automatic and hand clutch models depending on the year. Sounds like yours is an automatic which means you just have to let up on the throttle and push down on shift lever when changing gears. It should be a three speed which means three down to shift from first to second to third. Lift up on the shift lever to downshift back to second to first to neutral. Looks like it rusted through part of the frame where the engine mounting bolt goes through. There is another mounting bolt for the engine up by the airfilter. Yes your air filter cannister looks in pretty bad shape. Yes the tires have tubes in them. Yes you can check the oil after it is warmed up a little . Make sure bike is upright in a riding position when checking the oil. You should get anywhere from 35 to 45 mph out of the bike depending on weight of rider. Sounds like the bike maybe a little tired. Does the engine smoke when running? If so its time for new rings and a cylinder honing. Carburetor may need a good cleaning and intake and exhaust valves adjusted. A new set of points may be in order. Timing may need to be adjusted also. If you have no mechanical experience or just do not want to tackle these things yourself then you may need to take it to a regular Honda mechanic. But be forewarned his time will not be cheap. If you decide you would like to try and tackle these things yourself I would first start out by buying a repair manual . These can be had at www.hondanuts.com or E-bay.
Good luck to you.

1. That is the right hand upper mount, I think. It would have had a very thick washer welded there- it looks like the washer and sheet metal rusted and fell away. That's not good! I think I would replace the frame; there are a lot of them on Ebay.

5. Be glad you have the skid plate; that's what's holding your bike together!

8. The bike should be good for 30-35 mph. But, from the condition of the frame and the air cleaner, I would assume that everything about this bike is in need of cleaning and repair. Clean the carb, change the oil, points, plugs, etc. and replace the airbox assembly, and you should be able to get close. But first, see how much rust there is in the critical areas of the frame. Even 15 mph doesn't look safe with that frame!

Chhers!
John

I also forgot to mention that your muffler and engine guard are from a 1969 or 1970 KO model which was the first production years of these bikes. Looks like the previous owner did some shopping on E-bay. The good thing is that many parts are interchangeable through the years which you can attest to by your current bike. Parts are readily available on E-bay and several on-line stores. I have found that www.hondanuts.com and www.dratv.com are two of the best sites. Again good luck to you.

Thanks for the quick replies fellas. So, if I should consider replacing the frame, do I need to concern myself with what years frame it is, or are they all the same?

I can't say that I'm a huge wrench, but with the service manual, I can pretty much tackle most of those items, I like to tinker.

The engine doesn't smoke at all when running, so I guess that's a good thing. I've seen a few service manuals so I'll be sure to pick up one of those and get started.

I appreciate all your time in writing replies.

Wade

The exhaust & engine/sparkplug guards are not original to the `79 model. Your RH upper engine mount is destroyed, but I doubt that it's a result of rust. The frames don't hold moisture in that area. If anything, they're prone to rusting in the tank area, rear wheel arch and the thin sheetmetal plate below the engine (aided by battery acid leakage. Check inside the frame for rust. You probably won't find all that much. My guess is that the engine mount has been beaten to death by some frustrated numbnuts. Replacement frames are easy enough to find, but that one may be repairable if it's not seriously rusted. The toughest items to replace will be original headlight ears.

If it were my bike, I'd use it as the basis of a custom. You have a complete front end with controls, wiring & switches, both lights and few missing parts. The whole bike looks pretty straight, too. $50-75 should buy your choice of replacement (used) frame or having yours repaired.

The only concern I would have and I am not sure about this one is how the front forks are attached on the frame and how the gas tank fits inside. I have always had the early models 1969 to 1971. The frames are all the same on these. To really see just how bad your frame is, is to disassemble bike down to the frame. If you get a different frame then all the wiring has to be routed through it and it may just pay to get a new wiring harness while your at. You may be able to get away with just some welding on your present frame. Whatever your decision it is definitely shop manual time before you attempt all this.

Here's my .02 cents: The 1979 had many new features not found on the bikes before. This was the first year to have the moto-cross style handlebars. While they don't fold down like earlier years, they also don't bend as easily. I discovered the top fork bridge (the v-shaped thing the handlebars mount to) are different between the 1979 and earlier models so if you want to ever switch to the fold down bars, you will need a new top fork bridge. The electrical switches are also not interchangeable, as the wiring on pre-1979 was internal on the bars and 1979 and later was external. The fenders were first painted in 1979, but early year chrome ones will bolt right up if you want to switch. The engine guard you have was not available on the 1979, but because the frames are identical to earlier years, someone just added one. Lucky for you, as it appears to be the only thing holding your engine in place. Most everything you need (except the frame) to fix your bike is available at DrATV.com. To answer your questions
1.) Others have pretty much addressed this issue. All the frames are the same, so any year will work if you want to buy a replacement. There is also a small hexagonal nut that is missing that goes between the frame and the exhaust mount on that side.
2.) Looks like someone tried to improve airflow by adding another hole in your air cleaner. Aftermarket ones flow much better if you aren't looking to do a pristine restoration. You may need to rejet the carb to account for the added flow though.
3.) Left side covers can be purchased from DrATV reasonably priced. There are no fluids under this cover, but if water gets in it can rust the magneto and cause a loss of electrical power.
4.) The 1979 is an automatic only bike, so there is no left lever. It did have mirrors and front/rear turn signals so those are missing from your bike.
5.) That is not the original exhaust, but they are all interchangeable. Also available from Dr.ATV. The engine guard is not stock so someone just added it on.
6.) Yes the tires have tubes, 4.00 X 10. See Dr.ATV
7.) Oil is best checked when warm, not hot. Hot oil burns skin!!
8.) As stated by others could be lots of things (carb, valves, rings) Start simple by doing a thorough carb cleaning and adjust the valves and go from there.
9.) Dr.ATV's website has a link that will tell you the differences between all the bikes. Fortunately many of the parts are interchangeable.

Hope this helps. And no I don't work for or own Dr.ATV. They just did me very well when I was building my bike so I recommend them to everyone. Keep asking the questions, the only dumb one is the one not asked. There are lots of folks here that are very knowledgeable and helpful. We all were newbies to this at some point.

You stated that it will only go 15 mph. Not knowing it was an automatic clutch, is it possible you never got out of first gear.
If thats the case, I think you are right in the ballpark as far as power.

Originally Posted by Bugandi

You stated that it will only go 15 mph. Not knowing it was an automatic clutch, is it possible you never got out of first gear.
If thats the case, I think you are right in the ballpark as far as power.

ROFLMAO, no, I got out of first gear. I was pretty sure that there was not supposed to be a clutch, but the left switch assembly looks like it had one at one time. The bike upshifts and downshifts well, but once in third gear, it's useless, absolutely no power at all, it's actually faster in second than in third.

Thanks for all the great replies, I'm gonna order a service manual, new frame and start this putty on the road to glory once again. I'm not concerned with putting it back to original, so aftermarket parts are certainly welcomed. Hell, that 125cc engine on e-bay is looking rather tempting!