Big Brother 160?

[Steverinomeiste]

Hi Everyone:
I looked at this engine on Craigslist as a possible spare for my 150. I'd read on the forum of the feasibility of swapping the more modern 160 in the case of having a toasted 150 motor. When I got an up close look at the engine I noticed it was more modern than I thought. The owner had taken care to store it properly, and it turned over with good compression, and the oil looked good, and,... he was asking just one hundred dollars. So I bought it. Now my question is. Just what do I have?
Steve

[ByTheLake]

Cool. You have - 2 carbs instead of one, 7 extra CCs, and improved cylinder cooling from the separation of the cylinders by the camshaft chain tunnel, and (I'm fairly sure) more traditional aluminum cylinder cooling fins instead of the cast iron in the 150. The experts out here describe the 161cc engine as being smoother and stronger.

Worth the $100, in my opinion. Nice catch.

Now, I've never touched a 160 engine, so Spokes or Smithers will have to weigh in on the real details.

[Spokes]

You have a CB160 engine. The engine that fits the CA95 frame is a CA160. The CB160 engine, I think, has a different mount at the head. The 6 million dollar question is: Does a CA160 mount fit a CB160 engine? I would bet that the CA160 wire harness will work for the CB160 engine. But you will have to use an external throttle as you will be running two carbs. IF you could fit it onto a CA95 or a CA160 frame, you will have a screamer. $100 is a great deal.

[ByTheLake]

You have a CB160 engine. The engine that fits the CA95 frame is a CA160. The CB160 engine, I think, has a different mount at the head. The 6 million dollar question is: Does a CA160 mount fit a CB160 engine? I would bet that the CA160 wire harness will work for the CB160 engine. But you will have to use an external throttle as you will be running two carbs. IF you could fit it onto a CA95 or a CA160 frame, you will have a screamer. $100 is a great deal.

Ah, so even if it mounts up, the dual carb setup might pose a challenge against the CA95 frame. Not much room for the air filters, huh.

[Spokes]

Yes, I think it would be tight fit at the carbs...but if one is creative with some metalworking and machinist skills, it could turn out to be very cool. It would be something to think about for a future bike build.

[Jetblackchemist]

Done.

[Smithers]

It's doable. I remember a guy did it but he just had to get creative with the air filters. That's a good deal on the engine indeed. That engine is a strong one. It just depends on if you are up for a little challenge. It shouldn't be a big deal.

[Steverinomeiste]

Thanks Guys!
This is very interesting stuff. With what you've told me about the clearance issues I think I will just see if I can find an old CB bike that needs an engine. i looked at some early CB's online and they are pretty nice looking bikes. After reading the posts I went back down to the shop and compared the two engine's upper mounts and I was amazed I hadn't noticed the 160 has two through bolts verses the 150's single bolt. Here are pics of the different mounts.
I've got my 150's engine back together with the 125 crankshaft in it and mounted back on the bike. I didn't get any spark when I cranked it over so I took a look at my wiring and it is so old and dingy that it was hard to even tell the colors apart. I ordered a new harness and it arrived yesterday. Any install tips or is it pretty straight forward?
Thanks Again!
Steve

[Jetblackchemist]

Done.

[Spokes]

The CA160 top engine mount will fit the CB160 engine. The CB and CA160 engines cases are the same, thus they will fit the CA160/95 frames.

[Smithers]

If you want to ride that 150 much you will surely want to put that CB160 engine in it! It would be worth it trust me. BUT if you have any desire to restore a CB160 at all then hold onto that engine and put it together with a chassis someday.

I have dreams of doing such but all I have is a fuel tank so far. I think I'll put it up for sale because I just have too many projects. I just see those guys club racing the CB160's and get jealous. But they have some extreme amounts of time building their engines with custom parts and tuning so I'll never have the time to take it to that level.

[Steverinomeiste]

Hi Everyone
Last August you identified an engine for me that I bought through a craigslist ad. The listing described it as a Honda 160 twin and I checked it out as a spare for my CA95. It was a complete CB160 engine with carbs and good compression and it was only one hundred dollars. After learning from forum members of the mods I would have to do to make it fit I decided to try to build a CB160. Here are two pics of my progress. It will be black and silver/gray. I had the frame, swingarm and center stand powdercoated medium gloss black. I am in the process of painting the other black pieces in a high gloss. The fenders and side covers will be painted the silver/gray honda used back in the day. Since none of the motorcycle scrappers send nuts and bolts with the pieces I buy I am using all chrome fasteners. I know it's not factory stock but they do match those pretty chrome bolts Honda used to clamp down the handlebars.
I am really enjoying riding my CA95 and I am planning on riding to work again this week. I popped the inspection cover off the chain guard and I was surprised how loose the chain had become after only 140 miles. I had to remove a link to get a proper adjustment.

[Spokes]

I think you will be amazed at the power difference between the CA95 & CB160It's also smart to check an old bike's vitals routinely.

[Smithers]

That CB is one awesome looking motorbike you have there. You absolutely stole that engine for $100. I mean... he got good money for his door stop. It goes both ways. What a great little bike.