Honda’s CT70 was introduced in 1969 as a larger version of the popular Honda Z50 “Monkey Bike”. The initials CT were an abbreviation for “Cub Trail,” a small trail bike designed to be inexpensive to buy, simple to ride and easy to work on. It capitalized on Honda’s already achieved reputation for being practically indestructible – if you kept oil it! Located in a storage building in Newport Beach, California, this pair of CT70s from 1969 are available as a pair here on eBay where the starting bid of $3,995 has yet to be made.
The CT70 is sometimes called the “Dax” because its pressed steel frame made it look a bit like a Dachshund dog. That frame was strong and less expensive to make than tubular steel. The bike’s little 72 cc engine is mounted below the top section of the frame and is an air-cooled, single cylinder, four stroke unit with a single overhead cam, carburetor, and two valves. The handlebars were designed to fold down so the bike could be easily transported.
In the U.S., the CT70 could be registered for road use in most states because they were largely considered street legal. The CT70 would remain in production for 25 years (1969-94) and spawn several variations, like today’s 125cc Honda Grom. Both bikes offered by the seller were both built in 1969 and are said to have been off the road for 40 years. They dropped out of the California DMV system years ago, so only a Bill of Sale will be provided to the buyer. One is said to have only 3,000 miles of the odometer; we don’t know about the other one.
The seller says that both bikes are complete with motors that turn just fine, so nothing is seized. I suppose they could be purchased for parts, buy why not try to get both running again. Or borrow from one to aid the other. Hagerty offers a resale value estimate on these bikes, starting with $1,400 for one in Fair condition. The seller may be optimistic on his perceived value of these machines, putting a minimum value of $2,000 on each one. But if you’re a Honda enthusiast, perhaps restoring these bikes are a journey worth taking.
As a dork freshie i wanted one so bad! I traded my late dads’ 63 Buick Le Sabre for anon running one. Older dude had gotten a better deal! smirking as he was trying to get the car unstuck in the mud where it was going back to die. die it did blew the timing chain while he was revving the engine back and forth. He left it where it died. I made a couple bucks getting it towed to the junk yard. never got the bike running. no win situation.
I started out on a blue 69 Z50 minitrail, which seemed upscale for a mini at the time. The CT70s were much faster and sounded tougher than the 50, but my dream was an SL100.
I owned mini trails, z 50’s, ct 70’s sl70’s, sl100’s, xr80’s, xl100’s, I loved them all.
Who new prices would be this high.
Seeing a restored green one go for over 7k today on BaT makes me think he may get his 4K.
They may be worth 12 to $1,500 in Good running condition but no way what they are asking…
One just recently sold at auction on Hemmings, it went for over $11,000!!
I’ve heard “fallen out of the system ” on some desirable cars from cal before but don’t know if that’s a real thing. Any Californiaites to know about that? I think you still need a valid title, no?
I have a blue 1970 ct70 ! I came across it in a old barn, while going thru it with the new owners to see what all was in it ! This Honda was back in a corner and it is exactly like the one I had when I was a kid.
It was even the same color !
I asked if they had any use or plans for it and they said I could have it, and that the title for it was in the house ! Needless to say I put it in the back of my truck, got the title, took it home and it’s almost perfect cond.. I bought a new carb. and batt. for it, and absolutely everything works perfect and starts with one kick ! I’ve been offered $3500 for it and turned it down !
Everyone that see’s it ask if it’s
4-sale !
I own a blue one that I turn down $3500 for, mine is real close to perfect and with a title, so I think these are a deal if you are looking for a ct70. Mine is a 1970 model !
I own a 1978 CT70 that has less the 600 miles on it (Barn Find) and 1972 CT70 that I am in the middle of restoring. The replacement parts are getting harder to find and the price to rebuild is getting to close to resale values. The asking price is way to high for 2 bikes that are in dire need of restoration. But it is in California…….good luck.
These are bringing high prices in good condition…
… because it’s expensive to restore them. In this condition, they better include all new OEM rubber parts and cables at the very least as part of the price.