Description
Additional photos are available here for your perusal.
One of the truly iconic small-displacement Japanese bikes, the Honda CB160 was first introduced back in 1965. At the time, the lightweight class was all the rage, and the Big Red incorporated tons of trickle-down technology from its larger models to make it attractive to younger riders. Along with a tubular frame, a single-overhead cam, and other then-state-of-the-art features, it also boasted an engine that would rev to a sonorous 10,000rpm — all for the price of just $530.
On the road, the little CB tipped the scales at a scant 290lbs. So, despite the 161cc twin’s meager 16hp output, it was still good for a claimed top speed of 68mph. Better still was the fuel economy: one could expect a miserly 75mpg.
Today, many riders remember the CB160 fondly, as it acted as the gateway to their motorcycling fix. The fond memories are more than nostalgia, though, as Cycle World put it best in its period review: “We cannot tell you just how impressive the Honda CB-160 is to everyone who knows motorcycles and has ridden it. Somehow, Honda engineers have gotten the engine balance factor matched perfectly to the frame, etc., and while there is a slight amount of vibration at low speeds, the bike is turbine smooth at 55-60 mph.”
This example is VIN: B1609005402. Abhi acquired the bike from a friend of Adam’s before it was scheduled to go to auction; he had planned to race it at the Barber Vintage Festival in AHRMA.
He took the bike out for a shakedown ride.
Here’s a quick sound check from that ride:
However, he has since decided that the bike is too nice to race and he has picked up another CB160 race bike as a project.
The odometer shows 10,573 miles.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, we replaced the battery, the ignition system (from Charlie’s Place), the regulator/rectifier (also from Charlie’s Place), the steering bearings, and the headlight bulb. We also diagnosed a fuel leak and performed a carb clean.
Steve and Yonni did the work, they note the following in their condition report:
Tire Code Front/ Rear: 5016/5016
Tire % Front/ Rear: 70/70
Tire Press Front/ Rear: 30/30
Brake % Front/ Rear: 70/50+drum
Hydraulic: OK
Oil: OK
Coolant: NA
Low Beam: OK
High Beam: OK
Turn: OK
Tail Light: OK
Brake Light: OK
Plate Light: OK
Kill: OK
Horn: OK
Battery: 12.2/13.0
Notes:
• HEADLIGHT MISSING ADJUSTER SCREW
• TEST RODE SEVERAL TIMES, UNIT OPERATES AS DESIGNED.
Modifications:
Aftermarket exhaust.
Battery tender lead.
Not pictured is a Dyna high-output coil, Charlie’s Place ignition, and Charlie’s Place regulator/rectifier.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Kenda tires from 2016.
The sale includes one key.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located at our facility in Santa Monica, California (please make an appointment for an inspection), this Honda is offered on a clean California title with registration current through September 2023.
Have any CB160 stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
