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Honda CG125 1979 - realistic restoration project?

I'm might be having another breakdown, but I'm tempted by this Honda CG125 coming up for auction near me. No reserve on it.

One owner, it has sat unused since it's first MoT in 1982 when it had covered just 279 miles. It comes with the original bill of sale, V5, 1982 MoT, dealers wallet, workshop manual and service book. Apparently 'the engine turns freely', although I suspect that means without the engine running.

I have no experience in the restoration of bikes, but this one looks in quite good nick, considering the year. I'm going down to look at it next week with a view to bidding on it, and am wondering if anyone's done any bike restoration and can advise what I should be looking out for. There seem to be plenty of CG125s still running, so I guess parts can be obtained.

Is this a realistic project for a newbie?
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There are copies of cg125s (I think the sang Yong wolf for one)

There certainly used to be plenty of new parts available, check out David silver spares (if the company is still going)
They were a good source of most things honda, and I assume still are.
 
If it does turn over, and it looks sound, I would be tempted at the right price.
The forks are shrouded, so might not be too bad underneath.
I am slightly swayed by the fact that I learnt to ride on one.
 
I’ve never restored a bike let alone been on one, but that is the type of project I’d go for if the selling price wasn’t unreasonable just for the fun of seeing if l could do it. This side of the pond is only having online auctions so far and people being pent up has driven prices to ridiculously high amounts, hope you get a good deal if you go for it.
 
Apparently 'the engine turns freely', although I suspect that means without the engine running.

It means the engine won’t start, but you can turn it by hand meaning the engine isn’t siezed. It’s sat so long it’s not advisable to kick it over and try and start it. Oil will be in shít order, seals and gaskets could be perished and your spark plugs are now just plugs.

Looks like a great starter project for the novice. I doubt there’s any specialised tools needed to strip it.

Get a tripod for your phone so you can video stripping it. Expect a mouse nest or two and your wiring loom could be fucked, but checking it is all part of the learning curve which you can gain off YouTube.
 
Do you want to get it into running order for you or "Just left the factory in 1982" condition ?
The first one should be readily achievable, the second might take longer, more cash and time.
 
no more than 800 pounds
but its likely the billy big bollocsk will big the price up, then try and sell it on ebay for thousands
the frame is pressed and welded steel, you need to identify whether it has corroded in the structural areas
spares are no problem, but to keep the machines value only use origional parts
David Silver Spares will help
also keep any parts you remove as patterns or in case you ever sell it
its a fairly simple OHV engine with a rotary oil filter, I would simply pour oil in it with the plug out and turn it over, then change the oil, any sign of water in the oil and its a rebuild job
make sure the toolkit is with it, they often get nicked while in the auction house by the anorak brigade, its under one of the side panels


or just buy a new one
12 volt electrics
better lights
better brakes
electric start

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no more than 800 pounds
but its likely the billy big bollocsk will big the price up, then try and sell it on ebay for thousands
the frame is pressed and welded steel, you need to identify whether it has corroded in the structural areas
spares are no problem, but to keep the machines value only use origional parts
David Silver Spares will help
also keep any parts you remove as patterns or in case you ever sell it
its a fairly simple OHV engine with a rotary oil filter, I would simply pour oil in it with the plug out and turn it over, then change the oil, any sign of water in the oil and its a rebuild job
make sure the toolkit is with it, they often get nicked while in the auction house by the anorak brigade, its under one of the side panels


or just buy a new one
12 volt electrics
better lights
better brakes
electric start

View attachment 477859

Raised eyebrow here - why water in an air cooled job ?
 
heres one that running and rideable and its only 1500 quid
 
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