You all know I love the Honda S90, and it’s been a little while since I’ve featured one. This is definitely on the higher end of the price spectrum, but how many one owner bikes do you see for sale from 1965?
The 90c motor pumped out 8 horsepower, allowing for a top speed of up to 55 mph when piloted by a very, very small rider. 90 mpg was easily possible, making this an economical (and beautiful) commuter bike, as long as you don’t need to spend any time on the freeway! Back in the 60s, the state of Nevada had requirements for motorcycle riders between the ages of 14-16. They couldn’t own a bike more powerful than 6.5 horsepower, and they had to stay under 35 miles per hour – though the latter was not regulated by the bike and had to be controlled by the rider him/herself. Though the Honda S90 produced 8 hp, Honda denied having more than 6.5 hp at the rear wheel, amusingly done so in a letter to a Honda dealership in Nevada to counter complaints by the Nevada Highway Patrol that the motorcycles were too quick.
This example was purchased new but the original owner in July of 1965, and it has 5,021 miles. At some point long ago the bike was put in storage, but the seller started a 4-year restoration in 2008. Part of the work included a NOS speedo, and that currently shows 52 miles on it. As you’d expect, everything is said to work and it’s got a clean title.
Find this S90 for sale here on Craigslist for $3,950 in Colorado.
This bike-uriousity brought to you by Tom S!