QuestionI recently inheirited a 1968 CL125A. it hasn't been run since '77 Unfortunately, the key is not to be found. I'd like to by-pass the ignition, rather than spend the money, at least until i can determine whether the bike will even run. Can you tell me how to do this? honda no longer sells anything for this model, & i don't want to pay a premium for parts if this is just going to be problem after problem. I have had plenty of interest in the bike, but for sentimental reasons i'm really hoping i can get it to run...
AnswerNelson, you can get pre-cut keys from Ebay. Take the key number off the face of the switch and search for that key code, on-line.
Wiring diagram info is here:
http://oldmanhonda.com/MC/WiringDiagrams/MCwiring.php#class Use the SS125 diagram.
To hotwire/bypass the bike's ignition switch, you need to jumper the RED and BLACK wires together.
The ignition is battery-operated, so you have to have a fully charged battery in the circuit to run the bike at all. It is a 6v system, so you have to buy the proper battery for the bike. Don't try to jump start it with a car battery or you will just fry the electrics. The rectifier may need replacing, due to age and deterioration.
Reviving a bike that has been sitting for 35 years can be very demanding in time and $$$.
You will need to change the oil, adjust the valves, check compression readings, clean out the entire fuel system from gas cap vent hole to carburetor float bowl. The petcock will have to be cleaned and rebuilt, as does the rather complex and sensitive carburetor itself. Unless the bike was perfectly stored, with no fuel in the system, all the soft parts will need replacing.
After that, you will probably have issues with the fork seals, fork boots, drive chain, tires/tubes, speedometer bushings that have dried out, then all the cables should probably be replaced.
Parts illustrations and current part numbers are here: http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cl125a-scrambler-125-usa_model1039/partslist/ and elsewhere on the web.
Bill Silver
