Legendary Honda Super Cube known as the most produced vehicle in the world and the poster child for Honda’s most memorable advertising campaign. But it is also responsible for spawning many trail-focused variations. They are known to the whole world; like the Hunter Cub in Japan, the humble postie bike in Australia and the Honda Trail in the US.
Perry Wilson of Studio 35ive, based in Fort Collins, Colorado, is one of the ‘good guys you meet in a Honda.’ A photographer by day, a garage builder and general builder by night, he drew inspiration from Asian landscapes to build this 1961 Honda C105T Trail 55.
“I wanted a classic look and feel,” says Perry, with inspiration coming from rival and tested the bikes of the era. Every inch of the bike has been customized, and not a single peg has been left untouched.”
Starting with a rusted $100 special encounter, Perry built an entire bike in his garage using both traditional and modern construction techniques. Using CAD programming and 3D printing, he was able to create some very unique parts.
Most will find that the swooping front guard and guard have been removed, as Perry has tried and applied a tried-and-true weight reduction approach to improve performance. He goes even further by trimming the pressed steel frames of countless racks, and even cutting, welding, and smoothing as many stamping seams on the bike as possible.
The rear fender is a factory item that Perry modified himself. Now it kicks off at the end, catching up with the test bike vibe.
Replacing the front headlight is a custom bracket that Perry designed in CAD and then 3D printed. It matches the rack on the back of the bike, made using the same techniques. Perry used a material called PLA+ and reports that over the course of his life he found it to be very strong and durable.
Where Perry uses his CAD and 3D printing knowledge the most is in the mounting hardware for the new bodywork and handlebars, which are originally from a mountain bike. By tweaking certain parts, and after a long process of trial and error, he ended up with a setup that was so smooth you’d be forgiven for not even noticing it. Proof of a job well done by a skilled builder.
Dual brake levers, thumb throttle, and new swingarms and end mirrors adorn the handlebars. Perry chose to set up the controls this way for ease of use, as the thumb throttle and semi-automatic transmission make it more accessible and enjoyable.
“The idea is that anyone who has ever ridden a bicycle can ride this bike and ride it comfortably, with no learning required,” he explains.
The more than 50 year old engine got too tired, so a brand new Chinese-made 125 cc engine was ordered on Amazon and started rolling in. Perry reports that while it doesn’t have the highest top speed, it has twice the horsepower of the original! (I’m sure you, dear reader, are also wondering why all the workings of a motorcycle engine can’t be so simple.)
The new engine is mated to a semi-automatic four-speed transmission, with three forward and one reverse gears. We might think that sometimes a reverse gear will save us a lot of work, especially on the trails.
If you’ve ever ridden a 60s or 70s Honda, you know that the rear shock absorber is basically just a chrome plated spring mount. Perry thinks so too, so new shocks have been created to ease the bumps on the trails he clearly plans to tear down.
The original wheel hubs can be saved but the spokes and rims have rusted beyond repair. Shinko SR241 tires wrapped around new rims.
A red and cream color scheme was chosen to match the vintage theme, and was coined by Jeff Painter (yes, that’s his real name) of Naples, Florida. Bryson Lunger, also of Florida, is the man behind the pin and handwriting game. The saddle, made by Perry himself, is made of white birch and marine fabric, and is removable to allow access to the fuel tank.
The leather side bag (which matches the seat) was found at a local Target store. Perry just 3D printed some brackets to clamp it to the frame.
“I wanted this bike to be an example of the idea that you don’t have to be a big store or a designer to create something unique,” explains Perry. “This is everyone’s bike. Cheap, fun, reliable… and customized by people just like me. ”
Studio 35ive Instagram | Pictures of Perry Wilson
