Last fall I had the good fortune of obtaining one of the rarest and most collectible Honda's made. It was a '61 CB92, although titled as a '62, and even though it was looking rather crusty and disheveled (at least when I first saw it) I was determined to finally make one of these historical models mine, price be damned! I was aware, from the start of this project, that there could be no turning back, due to parts scarcity or cost. It would have to be completed with the strictest adherence to originality that I could possibly summons. As expected sourcing parts would be one of the most challenging aspects of this project, and so far it has involved procurement of bits from 5 different continents.
The CB92 Benly Super Sport 125 (B indicating sporting), was first released in 1959 and made until 1964. It should be noted that this model was Honda's first Super Sport. However it was only imported to the US for three years, (1960 - 1962) in very limited numbers. Just over 1000 units, counting the Dealer equipped R version which could be added later in any number of various degrees of completeness, by purchasing the special "YB" (race kit) parts individually from any dealer. No stamping of the frame differentiates a CB92 from a CB92R.
I wish I could have learned more of the story behind this particular bike, but all I really know is that it was owned by the owner of a long ago abandoned dealership in Greenfield, IA. Last registered in 1976, it spend nearly 40 years in this pole barn warehouse covered in dust.
Here is where it aged some 40 years, tucked between a Honda Dream and a Honda S65.
When the owners of the dealership retired, the shop was simply locked up and everything left in place.
Further info on this dealership can be found in various places on the internet, such as this.
http://blog.hemmings.com/index.php/2015 ... the-1980s/
After moving it outside it was hosed off and the condition was more easily evaluated. Considerable pitting on many chrome pieces as well as a yet to be determined amount of severe front fork damage that was amateurishly repaired and halfheartedly concealed by a close, but not accurate rattle can finish which was done on a good portion of the frame as well.
Over a hundred bikes and lots of NOS parts were sold at auction that day, including many project bikes, up to a new never been sold CBX.
Here's a view of some of the bikes in an open field just prior to the start of the auction.
...as well as the Honda CB92
I have to admit, it was the first time I bought a bike and was immediately congratulated by people for the purchase. Or possibly they were just thinking how crazy I was to buy it. Even David Silvers, who attended, mentioned it was rough and way over priced, as were most of the items that day. Anyway, after completing the paperwork, that didn't stop a few people from wanting their picture taken with it, when the crowd had finally dispersed, as I was loading it up.
Here it is, finally loaded up and ready for the overnight trip back to Colorado.
Finally, after getting it home in the early morning and unloaded,
here's a picture showing the last plate of registration, 1976. You can also see the rust damage on the right muffler as well.
The first step I usually take in the restoration process is to go through all the tune-up adjustments, including valve lash adjustment (where I noted the lighter racing alloy retainers had been installed) Followed by cleaning of the carburetor and fuel system as well as changing the oil. This is where I ran into the first issue. Apparently a previous owner didn't have a set of metric wrenches, so the drain plug was sawed and filed to roughly fit an SAE size. To make matter worse it was frozen to the case harder than anything I'd encountered so far. Further destruction of the plug was required to get a tight fit by hammering on a socket and jarring it loose with an impact wrench. Finally with some fresh oil it was fired up to see if anything would be required beyond some new gaskets and seals, such as crank bearings etc. It came to life quickly and actually sounded great with the non-baffled original seamless mufflers.
Here's a video of it's first start up for me.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WoR1IGEfK4o
Stay tuned as hopefully this restoration will slowly come to a successful finish!
