Description
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 Big Red incorporated tons of trickle-down technology from its larger models to make it attractive to younger riders. Almost fifty years later, the same model inspired a gentleman named Tim Fowler in the Pacific Northwest to go racing on the cheap and it’s led to multiple classes for race organizations around the country.
For those of you that are interested in Tim’s story, here’s a short (11 minute) documentary on how CB160 racing got started in the US.
Our very own Abhi got interested in CB160 racing when he was in Utah in 2015 at Miller Motorsports Park (now called Utah Motorsports Campus) to watch a friend race sidecars and he saw the “160” class do a Le Mans start. A couple of years ago, some Iconic folks went to Laguna Seca for an Aprilia Racers Day event, they went a day early as AHRMA was there and Abhi fell in love with the Le Mans class again. Here are some photos from the event if you’re curious.
Over time the classes have evolved, AHRMA now does what they call “Moto LeMans” which generally includes Honda CB160s, 175s, and 200s.
So Abhi sourced a bike which had some AHRMA history. Per the previous owner, “this was the 2015 Build bike out of Bradley Tech in Milwaukee. The top end was rebuilt a few years ago with 2nd over pistons and a kibblewhite valve train. I put the Highwayman Ignition on it so no more batteries needed. Tires are in ok shape but I’d probably plan on replacing before racing but otherwise it’s a turnkey AHRMA racer.”
A gentleman named Mark Hoedel is a shop teacher at Bradley Tech High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. He runs a program called Build Moto, which “provides students an opportunity to learn technical skills including design, welding, fabrication, repair, machining, media, and more through motorcycle construction.” The CB Abhi bought was from their 2015 program – he tried to speak with Mark to get more history but wasn’t able to make a connection.
The previous owner bought the bike out of the BUILD program and road raced it over a couple of seasons with AHRMA at tracks in the Midwest before rebuilding the motor with the aforementioned 2nd over pistons and Kibblewhite valve train.
Iconic Transport got the bike over to our headquarters, here’s the first time we got it fired up:
After a carb clean, Olly took it for a test ride:
Iconic did a private track day with Volant Vivere at Thunderhill and Abhi took the CB out for a shakedown run, here’s a quick video showing the startup and half of a lap:
The shop then did some additional tuning to the carbs and general maintenance, then Abhi took it to two races in the AHRMA calendar in 2024: Laguna Seca and Barber. Here is a clip of the first race at Laguna – unfortunately the start did not go well as the kill switch was engaged!
Coming around Turn 2 at Laguna Seca:
Approaching Charlotte’s Web at Barber:
This example is VIN: CL1757028866.
The hour meter shows 1.2 hours. It was installed before Abhi raced it at Barber but he confirms that he has only done one 6 lap race at Barber with it since the gauge was installed and our best guess is that the bike was accidentally left on at some point. True mileage is unknown.
Maintenance:
In preparation for the listing, Iconic performed a safety inspection of the bike. Our service department notes the following on their condition report:
Gas Tank Internal Condition: OK/ LINED
Engine Oil Level: OK
Engine Oil Quality: OK
2T Oil Level: N/A
Coolant Level: N/A
Coolant Quality: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Front Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Rear Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Level: N/A
Clutch Hydraulic Fluid Quality: N/A
Final Drive Condition: OK
Headlight High Beam: N/A
Headlight Low Beam: N/A
Passing Light: N/A
Parking Light: N/A
Turn Signals: N/A
Tail Light: N/A
Brake Light (Front Switch): N/A
Brake Light (Rear Switch): N/A
Plate Light: N/A
Horn: N/A
Kill Switch:OK
Brake Pad % Remaining Front: DRUM 60+
Brake Pad % Remaining Rear: DRUM 70+
Forks: OK
Shock/s: OK
Tire Date Code Front: 1123
Tire Date Code Rear: 1123
Tire % Remaining Front: 70
Tire % Remaining Rear: 70
Tire Press. Front: 25
Tire Press. Rear: 28
Battery Standing Voltage: 12.2V
Charging Voltage @ 4k RPM: 13.8V
Running Condition: OK
Notes:
• OIL LEAK (POSSIBLY FROM LEFT ENGINE COVER)
• CB450 BRAKES
• FRONT BRAKE PERFORMANCE POOR
• TACH READS INCORRECTLY
• TANK MODIFIED, PETCOCK CAPPED, FUEL FEED THROUGH CROSSOVER
• RACE FAIRINGS
• REAR SETS
• NO STARTER MOTOR, PUSH START ONLY
• CHARLIES’ PLACE IGNITION AND CHARGING SYSTEM
Modifications:
Motobits rear sets.
Aftermarket exhaust.
Keihin carbs.
Aftermarket clip ons.
3D-printed intakes.
Mexican Flag/Speedy Gonzales-inspired paint job.
Inside of the tank:
It is riding on Heidenau 42S K45 tires with date codes of 1123 and 1123.
There are no keys, ignition is run off of a switch on the right controls and it is bump start only.
Cosmetic Blemishes: please see the album up top for all known cosmetic blemishes. Here is a selection:
Currently located in Santa Monica, California, this Honda is offered on a Bill of Sale only. Have any AHRMA stories or questions about this listing? Let us know in the “Comments” tab!
