A tiddler motorcycle is generally thought of as most bikes under 125-cc or so, give or take. Some consider anything under a 250 to be a tiddler, but that’s not me. I love small motorcycles. This 1968 Honda CL90 is listed here on Facebook Marketplace in Bennington, Nebraska, and the seller is asking $1,400. Here is the original listing, and thanks to NW Iowa Kevin for the tiddler tip!
I love little bikes like this, and for me, a 90 is pretty big. Most of mine are 49-cc or so. I don’t need a giant motorcycle or a giant car or truck to feel good about myself or prove anything. I like what I like and couldn’t care less what anyone else thinks about them. I get “Hey, nice kid’s bike” comments every once in a while, and I have to chuckle to myself, wondering what kind of tortured life that clown leads to have to prove their manliness by the size of their motorcycle or their truck. Bennington, Nebraska is about a seven-hour ride home for me on two-lane roads. With a 70 mph top speed, that might be fun, sort of, maybe.
One of my favorite recent motorcycles was a 1965 Honda Sport 65, somewhat similar but even smaller and less powerful than this Honda CL90. It’s unusual seeing turn signals on this one, and not just because 99% of humans don’t have a clue what they are or how to use them. The seller says these are reproduction blinkers, as is the seat. The headlight is from another model that isn’t listed, so the speedometer isn’t currently functioning. Also, the top of the gas tank paint has seen better days. They came in Black, Candy Blue, and Candy Red, as seen here, with silver accent pieces. Hagerty is at $2,400 for a #3 good-condition example, and $1,400 for a #4 fair bike. I think $1,400 is a good deal, given how much I’ve paid for other motorcycles in much worse condition. Or maybe I’m just a meathead.
I would think that most Barn Finds readers could figure out the speedometer issue, and man, those are big turn signals! Anything you can do to stay as visible as possible around the majority of drivers who will be texting at all times while behind the wheel is a good thing. Honda made the CL-series of dual-sport, or scrambler-type motorcycles in many sizes and configurations. The CL90 was made from 1967 through 1969, the sweet spot for psychedelic rock music. Wait, we were talking about motorcycles, never mind. This example doesn’t have a title, but I’ve applied for one on a 1984 Honda Gyro in the past, and it’s an easy process.
There wasn’t an engine photo; my apologies for the zoomed-in photo above. This is Honda’s 89-cc OHC four-stroke single-cylinder, which had 8 horsepower, and it sends that power through a 4-speed transmission to the rear wheel via a chain, as you already know. The seller says it starts on the first or second kick, which isn’t surprising, and there are no leaks. It has new tires, a new battery, a new chain, and a rebuilt carb. At $1,400, this is a good deal, even with the gas tank paint. Take it off and repaint it yourself and you’ll have a fun little bike for shows and riding around the neighborhood.
not the original tail light, missing original air filter can, needs red rear blinkers
Don’t need an engine picture, as you can’t really see a Honda 90 without seeing the engine! Anyway I had an S90 I rode on base during the 1973 oil crisis. I was able to get gas at the motor pool so I never had the hassle of long lines. You can ride these anywhere except on a freeway as long as the speed limit is 50 or less. Add a rear rack and a milk crate (like mine had) and you have a grocery getter too! The prices for these Hondas has sure gone up. I remember when they were practically giving these bikes away,