Where can I get parts?
The single most common question on the CT-90 list is "I just bought this great CT-90, but I need to find some parts." First, let me say that
I, The Turtle, do not stock or sell parts, new or used, for anything.
Don't ask me.
I barely have enough for myself.
Useful sources for parts for the CT-90 are, in order:
Your local Honda dealer:
That's right, most Honda dealers either have in stock or can order many mechanical parts for Hondas as far back as 1968. The CT-90 and CT-110 shared many mechanical parts with other similar size Hondas. The dealers should have a microfiche containing parts for all the K-series CTs, and even if they don't have it, they should be able to give you the part number. We've heard many reports of Honda dealers who are uninterested in helping find parts. They appear to be more interested in selling generators, ATVs and Valkyries. This is not the case with most Honda dealers, mind you -- it appears to be mostly newer dealers in rather yuppified areas -- but if you're stuck with one of these dealers as your only local dealer, check out the web. Honda maintains a very complete listing of motorcycle dealers, and many will sell parts over the web. Dealers are not much good for cosmetic parts or large parts such as complete engines or frame parts. In fact, even when they were current, these parts were hard to find at dealers. However, you should be able to find all mechanical parts such as pistons and rings, bearings, points, plugs, bulbs, etc. Honda dealers stock or can order mufflers for the CT series, but remember that the 1970 and earlier bikes had chromed mufflers which are no longer available. Mufflers are the most commonly asked-for parts, along with rectifiers, but you will experience sticker shock at typical dealers with both. Still, if you want CT parts, check the dealer
first
and be pleasantly surprised at all the stuff they
do
have.
The net:
many used-bike dealers and motorcycle recyclers now have websites. When a Honda dealer goes out of business these days, resellers often swoop in and pick up a truckload of parts at a bargain and they often resell them on the net. Do a search for "NOS Honda parts" and you'll be surprised what you find. One of the best sources of parts is
eBay
, the online auction site. Every day of the year, dozens of new, used and NOS CT-90 and CT-110 parts are listed on eBay, and while sometimes the bidding gets out of hand, often bargains can be had. Check there for cosmetic parts such as the plastic frame covers, fenders, seats (used, NOS and reproduction), cables, wiring, tires and tubes, and all manner of used parts. I've bought hundreds of dollars' worth of CT-90 parts on eBay and never had the slightest problem. If you have an unusual CT-90, or you're looking for a "parts bike" eBay can also be excellent. "Parts" quality bikes can be had for a couple of hundred dollars, and if you only need part of the bike, you can dismantle it and sell the leftovers.
Off-net motorcycle recyclers:
there aren't as many of these as there should be, but they do exist. They're usually listed in the Yellow Pages under "Motorcycle Parts/Used and Rebuilt". Look for ones which specialize in Japanese bikes... if you call a BSA or Harley dismantler they won't give you the time of day, and rightly so. Even Japanese dismantlers probably will not have many CT-series bikes. The reason is twofold: first, many bikes arrive at the recycler because some jackass put them through a wall at 80mph hotdogging it, and, well, most CT-series bikes just plain defy "hotdogging." Second, their immense strength and slow speed means most dead CT-90s die a slow, quiet death in a barn somewhere, if they die at all. Thus, not many get parted out. The number of original-condition CT-90s from 1969, 1970 and 1971 is truly amazing. Almost all the Harleys you see from that period have been rebuilt or restored.
User groups:
that's right, ask around. They sold a lot of CT-90s, and a lot of bikers who have moved on to another bike may still have one around somewhere. I sometimes think that there are more CTs in garages and barns and bushes than are actually running somewhere. Off-road meets, local dirt-bike tracks, you name it. Ask around; everyone has heard of the CT-90. A lot of people still have them.
Local ads:
you'd be surprised how many CT-90s are sold locally in newspaper ads or the pennysaver. They're not always labeled correctly... a lot of people list them as "HONDA 90 MOPED" or "small honda dirt bike, looks like a big moped," and of course you should check any ad that specifically says "Honda Trail," though you'll encounter lots of Trail 50s and Trail 70s.
Again, your DEALER should be your first call. After that, check eBay. After that, check your local paper or want-ad sheet. Check the Yellow Pages. But don't email me, The Turtle.
I ain't got none.
Now that you've read this,
click here to take a look at our list
of known sources for CT90 and CT110 parts.
Last updated:
05/11/2002