|
Genesis
of the CT70 and ST70
In 1968 Honda also started work on a
prototype of a bigger version of the Monkey that could carry two
people. The engine was upgraded a 70cc version to meet the demand
for more power. The first prototype is very similar to the official
first series produced in 1969. Differences between those two were a
smaller headlight, like those used on the US "Z50A Minitrail"
versions, with a small round speedometer. The seat, designed for an
extra passenger, was slightly longer. It had an upswept exhaust but
the openings in the heat shield were of a horizontal striped
pattern. The front fender was high-mounted to the front fork as was
done with the CT70 models. The side emblems were missing and the
main decals between the front fork and the seat were the aluminum
pressed "Honda" sign, screwed onto the frame. The carburetor
was larger and the inlet manifold had a straight 90-degree
angle. The prototype, unlike production models, had no turn signals.
Like the Monkey Z50Z, Honda launched its first model in 1969 with a
detachable front fork named the "Dax" ST70Z General Export. The name
Dax is a reference to
dachshunds, the silhouette of which bears a resemblance
to the frame shape of the ST70.
The ST70Z model came with a 70cc semi-automatic
3-speed engine. It came in two versions, Type one,
a road-oriented bike and Type Two, which was more of a dual-purpose
machine, like the CT70 model sold in the US. Type one had a
low-mounted exhaust and metal frame decals like the prototype. It
was also fitted with bigger "ducktail" fenders painted in silver. It
was issued in three colors: candy ruby red, candy sapphire blue and
candy Gold.
The second type had smaller, CT70-style, chrome
fenders and an upswept exhaust. The decals were the familiar
black/white stripe “Honda” version. The type two was available in:
candy ruby red, candy sapphire blue and candy special yellow. Both
models had larger headlights with triangular-shaped speedometer and
small chrome turn signals.
For the US market, Honda introduced a second
model, based on the ST70 called the CT70. This model was intended more for off
road use. It had no detachable front fork and no turn signals. The
front fender was mounted directly onto the front fork,
higher than the Japanese version, which had a chrome mounting
bracket. The CT70 was also equipped with an engine guard and spark
plug guard to protect the engine while riding in rough terrain.
Honda launched the CT70 K0 in 1969with a 3 speed semiautomatic
gearbox. The CT70H model with a 4 speed manual gearbox was
introduced in 1970. The first series came in 6 colors. The CT70K0:
Candy Ruby Red, Candy Sapphire Blue and Candy Gold; the CT70HK0: Candy Topaz Orange, Candy Emerald
Green and Candy Blue Green.
NEXT PAGE>
| 
