Question I bought a 1966 Honda CB160 a couple years ago as a first bike and have fallen deeply in love with it. I used it almost exclusively in town and it was very dependable. About a month ago I began to need it everyday for a 90 mile round-trip of highway driving. It tops out at 60-65 so I was pretty much running it wide open the whole way.
After a few weeks of this, it finally gave up. I was cruising at about 60 then all of a sudden (with no bangs pops or other disconcerting sounds) my top speed was 45-50. When I reached the first stoplight in town it died, refusing to idle unless I gave a considerable amount of gas. I stopped and found that both cylinders were still firing, so I was confused. After it died at a couple more stop signs, I kicked it and the engine was locked.
I have fixed carb and electrical problems, but on major engine failure I am clueless.
Questions:
Do these symptoms point to a specific problem?
Is a locked engine ever worth repairing?
Am I an idiot for pushing this little bike so hard?
I really appreciate your help! Thanks in advance!
BA
Oh, and yes, I change the oil regularly. It is still fairly clean and at the proper level.
AnswerHey Brett...
Man... you're a tuggin at my heart strings!! I love those old bikes. Ok... judging by the description you wrote, coupled with a gut feeling, my first guess is that one of the pistons has a small hole in it. This could have been caused by the ignition timing being slightly off and the running at full speed for prolonged times. Once the hole formed, pieces of metal debris could have scored the cylinder wall and have caused a piston ring seizure. Is a locked engine ever worth fixing? Yes... especially if the rest of your bike is in good condition. Your bike is a classic and there are a lot of guys that would give their right arm to have it. "Am I an idiot for pushing this little bike so hard?"... come on Brett... don't put me on the spot like this (LOL)... Let's just say that your bike is over 40 years old, and she should be enjoying her retirement years... nice Sunday rides thru town (not at full throttle), short hops up to the store... ya know, she worked hard all her life, don't push her so hard now... let her enjoy her retirement. But by no means do this mean she should packed in the garage and forgotten about. Bikes don't like to sit in garages and be ignored. I would suggest finding a non-dealer repair shop (hospital) and have her admitted. When she comes out... treat her nice, spend time riding her, but if you need transportation for a daily 90 mile trip... please consider getting a second bike (younger one). Something like a Honda Rebel 250 is a great work horse that won't cost a lot to buy and operate. Let me know what you decide to do Brett... and good luck!!!
Jack
