Old Bike Australasia – July 21, 2019

28 :OLD BIKE AUSTRALASIA

Once dismantled, the task of identifying what could
be saved and what needed to be recreated began.
The seat had been incorrectly recovered but the base
was usable, so that became an item for the uphol-
sterer, in the correct red and black with white piping.
As to be expected on a motorcycle that has
spent its life bashing and crashing over jumps and
bumps, the suspension needed serious attention.
New bushes were made for both the front forks and
rear swinging arm, and a new brake pedal spindle
made to replace the missing one. Footrests were
remade in the correct style, and the rocking pedal
gear lever was refurbished. One item that was
beyond saving was the exhaust system, so a new
set of pipes were bent and a heat shield made
from scratch to exactly match the original.
Front brake and clutch levers are unique to the

model and had to be remade, along with the

handlebars which were still on the bike but in poor

shape after being straightened numerous times. The

friction steering damper was also still in place but in

need of a complete rebuild. Likewise, the front and

rear suspension units, also unique, were internally

worn out but reclaimable after much precision

machining. The outer covers were first panel beaten,

then built up with copper before being chrome

plated. The side covers for the fuel tank were also

copper and chrome plated.

Fortunately the engine, with its 180º crank, is

substantially similar to the early C70 and C71 types

(without the C71’s electric starter) and CMS hold

vast stocks of spares for these, so most of the parts

needed came straight off the shelves. Cycle parts

including the mudguards were able to be saved

after much work, and finished, along with the

frame, swinging arm and fuel tank, in the rich red

common to many early Hondas.

The result is an absolutely stunning rescue of a

very tired old paddock basher that could well have

ended up as scrap. Marnix and Sebas have gone to

the finest detail to ensure every component is now

exactly as it left the factory – recreated as necessary

or painfully restored. The RC70 now forms another

historic link in Honda’s history as part of the

amazing CMS collection. 

HONDA RC70F

Marnix Deibert and

Sebas van de Broek,

the men responsible

for the stunning

RC70F restoration.