I cant believe that im the first reviewer for this bike! wow.
Ok, I had two of these back in my early days of biking (back in the late 80's...they where old then!)
As my fist bike, it was a dream. It was classic Honda silver and it sounded like a real big bike as it was not a whiney two stroke, no sir, this was a thumping four stroke single cylinder cruise machine. Well, I was only 17 at the time but I thought it was the dogs whatsits.
Ok, so its 100cc so it was and still is leaner legal. Its fairly large for a bike of this type and accomodated my 6ft plus frame in comfort for regular trips between Liverpool and Manchester (about an hours ride each way).
From memory, all CB100's where kick start only (no electric start on these babies). Saying that, they are only 100cc so kicking them over is dead easy.
The clutch cables tend to go fairly regularly. I remember my mate trying to bump start mine as the clutch cable had gone - he broke his arm when it fired and took off with him dragging behind it...oh how we laughed. Anyway, the cables are cheap and should still be available from most Honda dealers. My advice, as with all bikes is regularly lubricate all cables with wd40 or such like. Also, while im thinking about it, make sure you get the brakes serviced after every winter. As with the bigger 250 superdream, the brake systems tend to seize up and once that happens they are a bugger to free. Personally I use a hammer these days but Ive had plenty of practice.
The top ends get a bit rattly after a relatively short time (around 20,000 miles) and cam chains will need replacing before damage occurs. Oh yeah, and check the oil regularly, worn motors go through oil like I go through beer.
I cant honestly remember how far a tank of fuel used to get me but, maintained well, I cant see why you wont get 70mpg out one if you ride it like a vicar on a Sunday..then again what 17 year old would do that, I used to spank mine to death at every opportunity.
Top speed..hmm, about 65 to be honest but its not a superbike. I do remember passing a guy on a GP125 on the way to the Lake District once - oh how he tried to catch me but he couldnt. The GP was every 17 year olds dream at the time as it was supposed to be quick.
The front braking system was a mystery on these bikes. Honda decided to use a front disk (wow, great idea as most older bikes had drums front and rear which where scary because they are cable operated and tend to lock), unfortunately they used a cable operated disk brake and so they where prone to locking at the worst moments like when your barreling towards a red light at 65 in a 30 zone etc. Still, at least the disk eliminated brake fade which was also a common problem with drums.
the electrics where 12 volt so at least you had a good front light and the tyres would usually last a fair few years as they never got hammered with wheelspin etc.
Watch out for 'pepperpotting' on the tank. This is where the bottom lip of the tank becomes corroded from the inside. A seemingly good tank can start leaking petrol from several tiny holes within the space of a very short time. Im sure replacements can be had from bike scrappers fairly simply though.
suspension is adequate although make sure the front forks are rust free - a bit of regular effert with chrome cleaner can stop any rust taking hold. Once rust takes hold, the fork seals can start to leak where the seal is not so good on the pitted metal. The rear shocks go very soft but are cheap to replace and are still available from main dealers if you look hard enough.
So overall, a great little learner legal hack that I wouldnt mind having for a winter bike even these days. Reliable but needs constant tender loving care with oil and an oily rag. Economical and fairly large and comfortable for this type of bike.
Ive not seen one for ages and I go around a fair few cheapo bike shops and meets so Im wondering if there are many left these days. A great cheap alternative to one of these would be an MZ 125 - just as cheap and durable although they dont look or sound as cool.
More details
Purchase Price
£100 or so should get you a tatty one
Performance
Good
Reliability
Good
Customer service
Good
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