Honda CT70 Engine Rebuilds: A Comprehensive Guide

When it comes to classic motorcycles, the Honda CT70 holds a special place in the hearts of many enthusiasts. Its iconic design and reliable performance have made it a beloved machine for generations. For those looking to bring their beloved CT70 back to its former glory, a professional engine rebuild is often the key. Our motto, "Rebuilding Memories," truly embodies our passion for restoring these vintage bikes to absolute mint condition, as if they had just rolled off the showroom floor!

The Art of the CT70 Engine Rebuild

A full engine rebuild for a Honda CT70 is a meticulous process that involves the complete disassembly of the engine cases and transmission. Every component is inspected, cleaned, and either restored or replaced with high-quality parts. This ensures that your engine doesn't just run, but runs with the reliability and performance you expect from a factory-fresh machine.

What's Included in a CT70 Engine Rebuild?

A comprehensive rebuild typically includes a wide array of services and new parts to ensure optimal performance and longevity. Here's a breakdown of what you can generally expect:

• Complete Disassembly: The engine is taken down to its individual components.
• Cleaning and Inspection: All parts are thoroughly cleaned and inspected for wear or damage.
• New Seals and Gaskets: All rubber seals and gaskets are replaced to prevent leaks.
• New Oil Seals: Critical oil seals are replaced as a matter of course.
• New Gaskets: A full set of new gaskets ensures a perfect seal.
• New Oil Dipstick: Often replaced for a clean and accurate reading.
• New Valve Covers: These are typically replaced for a fresh look.
• New Clutch Plates: Essential for smooth gear changes and power delivery.
• New Main Clutch Springs: These work in conjunction with the clutch plates.
• New Exhaust/Intake Seals: Crucial for proper engine breathing and sealing.
• New Piston and Rings: Options for standard bore or various overbore sizes (.25, .50, .75, or 1mm) are usually available.
• New Wrist Pin and Keepers: Essential for connecting the piston to the connecting rod.
• New Cam Gear and Chain: Ensures proper timing for the camshaft.
• New Intake & Exhaust Valves: Replaced for optimal sealing and performance.
• Valve Seats Cut/Valves Lapped: This process ensures perfect sealing of the combustion chamber.
• Cylinder Rebored and Painted: The cylinder is machined to the correct tolerance and then coated with high-heat paint.
• New/Replated Hardware: Fasteners are either replaced or professionally re-plated for a factory-correct appearance.
• Honda Correct Color Painting: Engine side covers are repainted in the authentic Honda colours.
• Electrical Components: This can include new coils, condenser, points, and electrical plugs.
• Rebuilt Stator Assembly: Specifically for CT70 and Z50 3-speed automatics, this includes new coils, points, oil seals, o-rings, and a cleaned backup plate.

Optional Upgrades and Services

Beyond the standard rebuild, several optional services can further enhance your CT70's performance and aesthetics:

• 3 to 4 Speed Auto Conversion: A popular upgrade that provides an extra gear for improved cruising ability. This includes new gaskets, oil seals, a new shift drum, and a new 4-speed transmission.
• Auto to Manual Conversion: For those who prefer a manual clutch, this conversion includes new manual clutch components, a new engine side cover, gaskets, oil seals, and a clutch housing with plates.
• Carburetor Service: A show-quality rebuild includes cleaning, new jets, a new metering valve, new gaskets/O-rings, polished or new hardware, and leak testing. Prices vary by model, with CT70, CL70, and SL70 costing $145 for a show-quality rebuild.
• Clutch Rebuild: For the CT70, both automatic and manual clutches can be rebuilt, typically including new clutch plates, new main springs, and a cleaned clutch housing. Prices range from $79 to $89.
• Head Rebuilding Service: This involves complete disassembly, cleaning, new intake and exhaust valves, machined valve seats, a new exhaust seal, and a new spark plug. For CT70 models, this service costs $175.00.
• Cylinder Rebuilding Service: Includes sandblasting, overboring to the next size, painting with high-heat paint, and a new piston, rings, wrist pin, and keepers. This service is priced at $160.00 for CT70s.
• Brake Hubs Reconditioning: Both front and rear brake hubs can be sent in for complete disassembly, sandblasting, priming, painting, new bearings and seals, and a high-temp clear coat for $350.
• Wheel Rims Reconditioning: For CT70s, all four rims can be sandblasted, primed, painted with Honda Cloud Silver, and clear-coated for $195.00.
• Front Shocks Rebuilding: This service includes disassembly, cleaning, repainting, new OEM seals, re-zinced springs, new spring spacers, rubber boots, trim rings, bolts, washers, and drain bolts. For CT70s, this costs $250 per pair. Fork tubes are not included but may be available at an additional cost if yours are unusable.
• Brake Panel Polishing: For CT70, this service includes cleaning, polishing, new brake shoes, new brake springs, a new speedometer seal, high-temp clear coat, and re-zinced hardware if sent with brake panels, for $225 for both front and rear panels.

Warranty and Quality Assurance

A testament to the quality of work, all engine rebuilds come with a 6 month or 3000 mile warranty against defects in materials or workmanship. This warranty is crucial for peace of mind, though it's important to note that it is void in cases of intentional abuse, ingestion of debris (such as running without an air filter), or running the engine without oil.

To further assure customers of the quality, all major rebuilds include digital photos of the restoration process on a USB drive at no additional charge. This allows you to document the transformation of your motorcycle.

Special Considerations for Aluminum Parts

To preserve the original look and integrity of aluminum parts, they are NEVER sandblasted. Instead, a meticulous three-step cleaning process is employed: parts are cleaned with solvent, blasted with a special media designed for aluminum oxidation removal, and then finished with a special solution to achieve a factory-fresh appearance. Only painted parts are blasted with Aluminum Oxide, primed, and then painted.

Test Runs and Shipping

Before your meticulously rebuilt engine is shipped back to you, it undergoes a rigorous test run for approximately an hour. After the test, the oil is drained and carefully checked for any metal debris, ensuring the internal components are functioning correctly and without issue. Engines are shipped WITHOUT OIL, so please remember to add the appropriate amount before your first start.

Pricing and Deposits

The cost of a show-quality engine rebuild for a CT70 is typically $1399.00. A deposit is usually required to commence work, with the amount varying by model. For the Honda CT70 and CT70H, the deposit is $200.00 USD.

Example Pricing Table: Engine Rebuild Deposits

Frequently Asked Questions

Does CT70 use cookies?

This information is not directly related to the CT70 engine rebuild services provided. Website cookie policies are determined by the website's owner and are typically found in a separate privacy policy or terms of service section.

Does a rebuilt Honda engine come with a fork tube?

No, a rebuilt Honda engine does not typically include fork tubes. Fork tubes are part of the front suspension system and are serviced separately. The provided information mentions a "Front Shocks Rebuilding Service" where fork tubes are not included, and new ones are available at an additional cost if yours are unusable.

What is the warranty on a CT70 engine rebuild?

All engine rebuilds include a 6 month or 3000 mile warranty against defects in materials or workmanship.

How are aluminum parts cleaned?

Aluminum parts are cleaned using a three-step process involving solvent cleaning, special media blasting for oxidation removal, and a final cleaning solution, ensuring they are never sandblasted to preserve their original look.

Are engines shipped with oil?

No, engines are shipped WITHOUT OIL. You will need to add the correct type and amount of oil before starting the engine.

Restoring your Honda CT70 is more than just a mechanical task; it's about preserving a piece of history and recapturing the joy of riding. With expert rebuild services, your classic bike can once again be a source of pride and adventure.