C90 ownership

[ThunderGuts]

Seriously tempted to get one before petrol becomes confined to the history books. Cheap to run etc., as far as I can tell basic mechanics that can be easily worked on and cheap insurance/tax too. OK, so prices are inflated a bit these days compared with what they were (circa £1500-2000 to get a decent one seemingly). I realise there are inherent limitations, e.g. speed, basic suspension, brakes etc.. but I'm not approaching it as an efficient way of demolishing miles, more about a leisurely pace and enjoying everything around me. Are there any real-world tips/things to know about owning one before I take the plunge?

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TG.

[stinkwheel]

Worst point is that they are a thief magnet.

Rear shock mount area/up under the rear mudguard on the pressed steel frame is prone to corrosion. Most will have had this patched and welded up by now.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ThunderGuts]

Cheers. Yes I'd heard about that area of corrosion; it does put me off an eBay bike unless I can get to it to view first (or cash on collection I guess).

Thief magnet? Well I kind of assumed being a small bike it'd be attractive, but are they any more desirable than any other small bike? I guess an informed thief would know they're potentially more valuable. It'd be stored in a secure garage and I already have a ground anchor installed from my old bike, so it'd be well pegged down.
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TG.

[P.]

They are stupidly easy to steal. That is their appeal, field bike extraordinaire.

[jeffyjeff]

I think it would be pretty cool to own a piece of moto history like that. Always was attracted by their style, simplicity, ease of service. Good luck to you. Hope you find a clean, unmolested gem.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NunNe-8MtXI
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History shows again and again how nature points out the folly of men - BOC

[slowasyoulike]

They are great little bikes, but unfortunately scene tax has made them disproportionately expensive for what they are. As has already been said, they are scrote magnets and they can indeed rot to death round the rear shock mounts, but that aside are pretty tough. I agree that modding them (especially turning them into those hideous beardy cut-down things) is a bit futile; all I've done to my 1988 bike is fit CG125 shocks instead of the useless, undamped originals which pays dividends.

Unless you're particularly wedded to the classic C90 shape etc. I would suggest an Innova - you'll get the same sort of laid back riding experience for a much smaller outlay. The Innova is a better bike in every respect: disc brake and tele forks up front, an extra gear and a few more cubes, electric start, slightly better lights etc. The early carbed ones can be had really cheaply now and represent a bit of a bargain.

Failing that, if you've got £2250 to spare I could be persuaded to sell my 1967 CT90...

[ThunderGuts]

[A100man]

Bizarrely you might find you can pick up an S90 cheaper than a C90.. Thin on the ground though.
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Now: A100, GT250A, XJ598, FZ750

Then: Fizz, RS200, KL250, XJ550, Laverda Alpina, XJ600, FZS600

[Easy-X]

So the C90 has some retro-chic? Mmm... but everyone else has realised that too and so the market has priced them accordingly

Surely if you just want to take the world at a leisurely pace then any 125 would do the job, e.g. the aforementioned C125. Also beware the rose-tinted spectacles of "...I remember this from my youth" as a few ppl I know have chased this recently and finished up with "...and I'd forgotten how awful they were [relative to a modern bike]"
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Husqvarna Vitpilen 401, Yamaha XSR700, Honda Rebel, Yamaha DT175, Suzuki SV650 (loan) Fazer 600, Keeway Superlight 125, 50cc turd scooter

[UncleFester]

We have an early 90s one in that lovely metallic red colour, done about 3000 miles and is pretty much mint. Hers not mine, kept because she likes the noise it makes and the way you have to ride it.

I haven't ridden it and have no intention of doing so.
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Module 1 and 2 passed - October 2014. Happy owner of a 2017 Z1000SX, ex owner of a YBR125 / CB500 / VFR800.

[slowasyoulike]

[stinkwheel]

The best bit is when you ride them fast downhill through some corners and you brace your elbows against your knees to act as a crossbar and reduce frame flex.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Bhud]

When they were available for £350-£400 (yes, I once bought one, with MOT, for £400 delivered) from former candidates of the London "knowledge", they seemed more attractive. Now, looking at Ebay, I'd say you'd prefer something like a CB350, for that sort of money. Just my opinion, mind. There are dual carriageways... The old C90s do have a lot of charm, anyway. There's nothing quite like that speedo staring back at you. Nice throaty little engines.