New Member Old Story

[Steverinomeiste]

Hi Everyone,
I am Steve from Oregon. I've been searching for years for one of these old Baby Dreams. My first bike was a Baby Baby Dream, an early 60's 65cc Sport I think it was called. I bought it for 50 dollars when I was twelve back in 1971. The previous owner had bobbed the fenders, so when I bought it I didn't even know what it had looked like before the wing clipping. The thing that really set my mind on getting a ca95 was when I was about 10 my big sister's boyfriend had a brand new one, black. It was beautiful. He kept it spotless. Whenever he showed up at our house he made sure to tell me not to touch it. And I didn't.
I finally found this bike just about 10 miles from home. Since it was so original I was just going to do what it needed to get it running because It has only 800 miles on it. But there is a reason for the low miles. After I got it running again I noticed something that sounded like a bad rod bearing. So I pulled the engine and pulled the crank, and yes, I need to replace the rod bearings. So at this poiint, since I am this far in. I am going to to a complete resto.I attached a photo, hopefully it shows up.
Steve

[ByTheLake]

Hello Steve, and thanks for sharing your story. It's interesting how people seem to have old Honda stories to share.

Given how complete your machine is, you won't have to do as much parts hunting as some of us have.

Post pictures as you go, and welcome aboard.

[kartgreen]

Welcome aboard ! Looks like you have a great starting point for a restoration , it's a shame about the engine bearings though . Keep us informed of your progress ,hope it's fun for you !

[Sam Green]

Welcome Steve. At a glance, your bike looks like the early model with later exhaust system.
When you start work on the crank, beware of buying one of the many reconditioning kits offered on Ebay. They claim they are for CA95 but are in fact for the C95 only. (two bearing crank) like this. http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-C92-C95-C ... ba&vxp=mtr
Good luck with the rebuild.

Sam.

[Steverinomeiste]

Sam
You are right on about the early model with late exhaust. It's got a gash in the right muffler because the early style kick starter is still on in it. I am going to need to get the later kick starter if If I keep the late mufflers. Where can I get the correct rod bearing kit or set for the CA95?

[Jetblackchemist]

Odd that the bearings are bad with only 800 miles on it, but time spent sitting can cause all sorts of gremlins; like Lakes wooden air filter

I thought flat mufflers were a feature found on the early models

[Steverinomeiste]

Hi Jetblackchemist:
Someone added the late pipes. The kick starter hits the right one. I've got the crank out. I had a mechanic friend look at it today and he confirmed my suspicion. When I hold the crank vertical and slap the left rod it spins absolutely silently, same test with right rod and I get a sssssssssss, sound. He said that little sound gets amplified a lot when the engine is bolted together and running. I sure would like to find a good crank and rod set. I only took it for one short ride with that troubling sound and it sure was fun.
Thanks
Steve

[rhodemon]

I know this is the least of your problems, but you can straighten the kick starter arm a bit by laying it on a solid piece of wood like the end of a 6x6 or even a tree stump and whacking it with a brass hammer in the middle of the arch. The idea is not to destroy the chrome plating, hence the soft hammer and the wooden anvil.

[Spokes]

Google " Mr. Crankshaft in Kentucky" He is well known for rebuilding crankshafts for dirtbikes. He is a master. If you speak with him tell him Chip (from at the time..Bowling Green) sent you.

I sent him a CA95 crankshaft that had a bad bearing, just for his sample files. He does not like to do street bike cranks because of the liability.

But... Have him break apart the crank, match the bearings, assess the condition of the crank in general. If all is well and you order the new bearings, have him send back the parts and have a machine shop re-press the crank and rods. (all they need is a 20 ton hydraulic press.)

THEN..send it back to Mr Crankshaft to have it balanced. This way he is not liable for any issues. This the service he offered me.

Otherwise a good used crankshaft is the ticket

[Steverinomeiste]

I really appreciate this information, now I have a direction to proceed. I have Monday off and am looking forward to getting started. Here is a picture of where I am at right now.
Steve

[Steverinomeiste]

Here is my Honda in pieces. Hope to get going on my crankshaft problem Monday.

[ByTheLake]

Another restoration in progress, thanks for the picture, Steve. It will be interesting to follow the progress on the crank, and thanks, Spokes, for the crankshaft service tips. I hope I'll never need this type of service, but it'll be good to know where to turn if I ever do.

[Larzfromarz]

The bike looks like a great starter Steve- You'll have a bunch of fun. I am amazed at these bikes every day. Best of luck the folks here are great resource.