Honda Twinstar CM185t/CM200t Technical Info
ACH
This is ALL I could find on the Honda Twinstar 1978/79 CM185T, 1980/82
CM200T bikes on the web. Please post any web sites with
any technical info on this bike.
"Yes, tech info is readily available. Google for CD200 or CM200." I
tried searching google and could not find any technical
information like adjusting the valves/cam chain, setting timing, and
helpful information on trouble shooting on mechanical
and electrical problems like I see with bikes like the HONDA C70
Pastport, and other small bikes on the web. Yes, I can order
the service manual but I would not use 80% of what's in it. Just the
chapter on tuneup. Spec's on the settings can go
along way in doing a tuneup. Also electrical/wiring diagrams.
-----------------------------------------
The Honda Twinstar (CM185T'78) was sold in 1978. Two colors were
available: Candy Antares Red and Candy Sword Blue. The fuel tank and
side cover stripes were white, gold, and black. The "TWINSTAR" side
cover decal was white. The engine was a 181cc parallel twin OHC with a
4- speed transmission. The serial number began CM185T-2000014.
The CM185T'79 was sold in 1979 and came in the same two available
colors: Candy Antares Red and Candy Sword Blue. The gas tank and side
cover pinstripes were gold. The wide stripes were red. The "twinstar"
side cover decal was gold. The engine was a 181cc parallel twin OHC with
a 4- speed transmission. The serial number began CM185T-2000014.
The Honda Twinstar CM200T'80 was sold in 1980. Two colors were
available: Candy Presto Red and Candy Holly Green. The "TWINSTAR" side
cover decal was gold. The "CM200T" side cover decal was white and gold.
The ignition used points and condenser. The electrical system was 6
volt. The engine was a 194cc 4-stroke OHC parallel twin with a 4-speed
transmission. The serial number began MC01-2000028.
The CM200T'81 Twinstar was sold in 1981 and was available in two colors:
Candy Bourgogne Red or Candy Sword Blue. The "HONDA" and "TWINSTAR"
emblems and outer pinstripes were gold. The "CM200T" decal and inner
pinstripes on the red bike were blue while on the blue bike they were
red. This year the bike had a CD ignition instead of breaker points.
Also it had a 12 volt electrical system instead of the 6-volt of the
previous year. There was a chrome grip pipe behind the seat. The engine
was a 194cc OHC parallel twin linked to a 4-speed transmission. The
17-digit automotive style serial number began JH2MC0104BM100001.
The CM200T'82 Twinstar was sold in 1982 and came in just one color:
Candy Muse Red. The "HONDA" and "TWINSTAR" emblems were gold. The gas
tank and side cover pinstripes were maroon. The "CM200T" side cover
decal was also maroon. The rear shocks this year are 5-way adjustable.
Like the previous year, the electrical system was 12 volt. There was a
chrome grip pipe behind the seat. The engine was a 194cc OHC parallel
twin linked to a 4 speed transmission. The serial number began
JH2MC0109CM100001.
HONDA CD185T
78-80, 183cc, 4-str ohc twin, 17bhp, 75mph, 75mpg,
141kg (310lb)
Update on the CD175 which retained its reliability, was less economical
and had a quick rot chassis. Build quality astonishingly poor for Honda.
HONDA CD200
80-85, 194cc, 4-str ohc twin, 16bhp, 70mph, 100mpg, 132kg (290lb)
Early versions afflicted with camchain problems, later Benlys were
tougher but slow. Soft handling; flimsy
back wheel, squidgy shocks, lacks ground clearance,
etc. 12V version preferable. Check state of the spark plugs as cheap
engine alloy strips threads. Avoid bikes with excessive vibes. Poor
running may be down to
a rusted tank and poor fuel supply. Easy to upgrade
the suspension.
HONDA CM200
80-85, 194cc, 4-str ohc twin, 15bhp, 70mph, 80mpg,
136kg (300lb)
Custom version of the CD, slower and drinks more fuel but better build
quality. Handling fuzzy at the front and loose at the back, but its easy
to grin and bear it. Motors run to 35k without serious probs, after that
expect camchain, valve and gearbox hassles. Avoid vibes, smoke and top
end rattles.
HONDA CM250
81-84, 249cc, 4-str ohc twin, 25bhp, 85mph, 50mpg, 170kg (375lb)
Custom twin that didn’t inspire but mild state of tune meant engine
lasted well (early ones had piston problems), while chassis was better
finished than the SuperDream. Electrics react badly to British winters,
with a lot of cutting out, and the rectifier can burn out. Usual front
disc brake seizure becomes so bad with age that alternative front ends
are often fitted. Lacks the comfort and general usability of the
SuperDream but lasts for over 50,000 miles. Good ones rare.
Clymer Honda Twinstar, Rebel 250 & Nighthawk 250: 1978-2003 (Clymer
Motorcycle Repair)
# Paperback: 312 pages
# Publisher: Clymer Publishing (December 1, 2002)
# Language: English
# ISBN: 0892878495
-----------------------------------------------
Honda CD/CM185 200T & CM250C
2-valve Twins
UK CD185T Benly 180cc 78 - 79
UK CD200T Benly 194cc 79 - 85
USA CM185T Twinstar 180cc 77 - 79
UK CM200T Custom 194cc 80 - 84
USA CM200T Twinstar 194cc 79 - 82
USA CM250C Custom 234cc 81 - 83
ISBN: 1 85010 359 3 BOOK NO: 057
--------------------------------------
The Twinstar is a custom version of the CD200 Benly. If it says
Twinstar on the panels, it's a grey import, probably from the US - UK
models were just badged as CM200 (we never got the CM185).
The engine is incredibly tough. Utterly unbelievable. They just don't
break, as long as you keep changing the oil. The camchain is a duplex
(twin-row) chain, believe it or not.
Electrics - the six-volters are pretty crummy. The electric start
works, but the lights and especially the indicators are a bit weak. 12v
ones are much better and had electronic ignition too. Look for crappy
chrome, crash damage, knackered head and swing arm bearings, and that's
about it.
Yes, tech info is readily available. Google for CD200 or CM200.
Yes, Honda used essentially the same engine in the later Rebels. The
earlier CM250 (withj the six-valve heads) is totally different. It's
the old Super Dream lump. Note: not the new/current Super Dream lump.
It's just totally different. Anyway, the Rebel and CD/CM200 lumps are
very similar.
It's a better bike than either the Kawasaki or the Yamaha. It's still a
very basic and dull bike, but it's as fast (or slow) as either of those
two and much, much more long-lived.
------------------------------------------------
The six volt electrics mean you don't really have adequate lighting for
modern
road conditions at night. The motor is, indeed, the predecessor to the
CM250
Rebels and Nighthawks. The handlebars will hit you in the knees at
anywhere
near full lock in low speed, parking lot situations. You're MUCH better
off
with a Nighthawk. Parts availability, lighting, horn, riding position,
and
ability to keep up with modern traffic are all MUCH better than the
Twinstars.
If you *must* buy a Twinstar get the later 12V model and for Ged's sake,
change
the handlebars out the first day!
Bryan
"ACH" <hod...@nf.sympatico.ca> wrote in message
news:42A0FB...@nf.sympatico.ca...
> Honda Twinstar CM185t/CM200t Technical Info
>
> This is ALL I could find on the Honda Twinstar 1978/79 CM185T, 1980/82
> CM200T bikes on the web. Please post any web sites with
> any technical info on this bike.
>
Oh and did you try calling your local dealer? Maybe go buy a manual?
Perhaps ebay:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=35580&item=4553127850&rd=1
That took 30 seconds to find.
Bryan
Tim Morrow
>
> Honda Twinstar CM185t/CM200t Technical Info
>
> This is ALL I could find on the Honda Twinstar 1978/79 CM185T, 1980/82
> CM200T bikes on the web. Please post any web sites with
> any technical info on this bike.
Why don't you just buy the workshop manual on eBay? That's where I bought mine
when I got my Twinstar, and that's where I sold it after I sold the Twinstar.
They come up extremely regularly. Plus, they're CHEAP.
--
Tim Morrow, Herndon, Virginia
'04 FLTRI Road Glide
'99 Speed Triple
'72 TR6RV Tiger
DoD#2244 RCOS#7
http://users.erols.com/tomorrow
http://www.reeky.org/gallery/Tim
High Plains Thumper
news:42A0FB...@nf.sympatico.ca:
> Honda Twinstar CM185t/CM200t Technical Info
>
> This is ALL I could find on the Honda Twinstar 1978/79
> CM185T, 1980/82 CM200T bikes on the web. Please post any
> web sites with any technical info on this bike.
>
> "Yes, tech info is readily available. Google for CD200 or
> CM200." I tried searching google and could not find any
> technical information like adjusting the valves/cam chain,
> setting timing, and helpful information on trouble shooting
> on mechanical and electrical problems like I see with bikes
> like the HONDA C70 Pastport, and other small bikes on the
> web. Yes, I can order the service manual but I would not
> use 80% of what's in it. Just the chapter on tuneup. Spec's
> on the settings can go along way in doing a tuneup. Also
> electrical/wiring diagrams.
That book you feel you have little use for covers electrical
troubleshooting and other topics. You may not do a case
split and teardown, but you may end up replacing a cam chain
or piston rings, or removing head to have valves ground.
Comes in handy when you need it. $25 US for a book is
affordable.
> It's a better bike than either the Kawasaki or the Yamaha.
> It's still a very basic and dull bike, but it's as fast (or
> slow) as either of those two and much, much more
> long-lived.
It is to a person what it is. It has its own personally,
like it or not. Some like in Hawaii have a cult following
with it. There, you don't need anything more to get around
the island.
> The six volt electrics mean you don't really have adequate
> lighting for modern road conditions at night. The motor
> is, indeed, the predecessor to the CM250 Rebels and
> Nighthawks. The handlebars will hit you in the knees at
> anywhere near full lock in low speed, parking lot
> situations. You're MUCH better off with a Nighthawk.
You could raise the handlebars. Nothing wrong with ape
hangars. :)
> Parts availability, lighting, horn, riding position, and
> ability to keep up with modern traffic are all MUCH better
> than the Twinstars. If you *must* buy a Twinstar get the
> later 12V model and for Ged's sake, change the handlebars
> out the first day!
Six volt 25/35W headlight can put out decent light if all your
connectors have been reseated and you have made sure all your
grounds are good. One weakness also may be the glass tube
master fuse socket wasn't the greatest in the world for the
small Hondas. Replacing it with a modern mini-blade fuse and
socket will remove a weak link.
6 volt headlight of course not as much as a modern 55/65W
halogen, but it will work. Your disadvantage is the sealed
beam headlights are getting harder to find. Some are
unsoldering the old socket by wicking out the solder so old
bulb can be removed (also crack the bulb glass and take out
the pieces) and replaced with a modern 6 volt halogen. I
haven't tried that yet, but I can see how it can be done.
When my 6 volt goes out, that will be my next step.
You're right about the 12 volt though. 6 volt bulbs are
getting harder to find.
IMHO, the Twinstar lives on as the Rebel. But for the
addition $400 Honda wants for Nighthawk, I'd rather get the
Ninja 250. It's more bike.
--
HPT
High Plains Thumper
66.75.169.13:
> High Plains Thumper <h...@highplainsthumper.com> wrote in
> news:Xns966AE7...@216.168.3.44:
>
>> It is to a person what it is. It has its own personally,
>> like it or not. Some like in Hawaii have a cult following
>> with it. There, you don't need anything more to get around
>> the island.
>
> You mean I don't *NEED* my K1100LT here???
>
> Damn... Looks like I'd better pack up and leave... ;)
I guess you could go everywhere fast in second gear. ;-)
--
HPT
High Plains Thumper
news:Xns966BBB9D...@66.75.169.12:
> High Plains Thumper wrote:
>
>>> Damn... Looks like I'd better pack up and leave... ;)
>>
>> I guess you could go everywhere fast in second gear. ;-)
>
> Damn near did that on Guam... Hardly ever saw forth
> gear...
>
> 'Course third gear got me up to 110 this afternoon after
> passing my glider ride...
Dillingham Airfield?
--
HPT
High Plains Thumper
news:Xns966BCC32...@66.75.169.12:
> High Plains Thumper <h...@highplainsthumper.com> wrote in
> news:Xns966BE6...@216.168.3.44:
>
>>> 'Course third gear got me up to 110 this afternoon after
>>> passing my glider ride...
>>
>> Dillingham Airfield?
>
> Yup... Finally got off my ass and took the ride. I was
> having so much fun flying on my solo endorsement but the
> wife was bummed...
>
> Next up: Instrument Checkride then Seaplane Checkride...
> Somewhere in there a Commercial Glider checkride... Time
> to tie up all my loose training strings before it gets to
> close to retirement time... ;)
Lemme guess. You don't knit and she don't ride. :)
As a glider instructor, could help supplement retirement
income.
--
HPT
High Plains Thumper
news:Xns966CBB11...@66.75.169.11:
> High Plains Thumper <h...@highplainsthumper.com> wrote in
> news:Xns966C46...@216.168.3.44:
>
>>> Next up: Instrument Checkride then Seaplane Checkride...
>>> Somewhere in there a Commercial Glider checkride... Time
>>> to tie up all my loose training strings before it gets to
>>> close to retirement time... ;)
>>
>> Lemme guess. You don't knit and she don't ride. :)
>
> Yer half right...
>
> Neither of us knit but she rides with me. She was taking
> glider lessons but work got in the way. She didn't want to
> spend her only day off from work trying to learn how to
> fly...
>
>> As a glider instructor, could help supplement retirement
>> income.
>
> I've thought of that but I am a *LONG* way from a CFI
> cert... Baby step bradduh... I'll prolly run out of time
> before I leave here and will be lucky to have my commercial
> license by then...
I guess then it's the cumirshal license first.
--
HPT
paul.nu...@gmail.com
The key missing components of the bike appears to be the gas tank and drivechain. I want to determine which year I am dealing with as I source these parts.
Futility Man
> Would you know where I should look to find the Serial or VIN number for the bike.
date, and model number on a metallic sticker.
--
Futility Man
The Older Gentleman
<snip>
Chassis number is always stamped into the right-hand side of the
headstock.
--
Honda CB750F2 CB400 Four CB250 CB125Sx2 CG125 Triumph Street
Triple Guzzi California Yamaha 660 Tenere Suzuki TS250ERx3
More garages needed....
chateau dot murray at fastmail dot fm
jody...@gmail.com
Mark Olson
> Where is the headlight fuse on a Honda twinstar cm200t? Does anyone know?
http://www.partzilla.com/parts/search/Honda/Motorcycle/1981/CM200T+A/SIDE+COVER+%2B+BATTERY/parts.html
Kevin Bottorff
news:emjml5...@mid.individual.net:
vito
Kevin Bottorff
4ax.com:
The Older Gentleman
> Where is the headlight fuse on a Honda twinstar cm200t? Does anyone know?
--
Kawasaki Ninja H2 Honda CB400 Four CD200 CG125
BMW R60/6 & R100RS 660 Tenere Street Triple
More garages needed....
neil underscore murray at fastmail dot fm
msteel...@gmail.com
Futility Man
>Y a head light wont work on a 81 cm200t motor CYCLE headlight is good bike runs good
--
Futility Man