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In 1978 Honda brought out the K3 model.
The biggest differences from the previous versions are the colors
and restyled decals. It came in 4 versions: candy ruby red
with white/blue/black "flame" striped decals, candy Riviera blue
with yellow/white/black "flame" striped decals, mighty
green with yellow/black/white" flame striped decals or
shiny orange with yellow/black/white "flame" striped decals. In this
year Honda stopped selling the ST70 in Germany. In the United
Kingdom they continued selling the ST70 and Honda also
produced a candy smoke brown version with yellow/black/white
"flame" striped decals. The last ST50/70s for Europe were produced
circa 1979/1980, followed up by the CY50 "Naughty Dax" or "R&P", another short-production-run bike
with a vertical cylinder engine, plastic fenders, and wider
tires.
US market CT70 models had their own
evolution. The KI and HK1 models were produced in 1972 and
came in candy ruby red and candy yellow special. This was a unique
and, to many, the most desirable model combining the
best of the old classic aesthetics, available 4-speed manual
and no turn signals. It was the first year for hydraulic front forks
and the only year they were “gatorless”, using metal covers in place
of the accordion-like rubber fork “gators”. In contrast, the ST70
Dax models would not get the hydraulic forks until the “AB” model
Dax was introduced many years later. The round speedometer/separate
headlight, seat trim strip and redesigned muffler heat shield were
also introduced on this model.. Unfortunately, it was also the last
year for the 4-speed manual “H” model. The K1/HK1 CT70 also had the
largest taillight Honda ever used on these bikes. Today, the HK1 is
the rarest of the CT70 models produced in the 1970s.
In 1973 the K2 model was introduced. Fork gators
replaced the painted metal lower fork covers of the K1s and the
upper fork covers/headlight mounts were chrome. The K2 could be had
in either candy Riviera blue or candy topaz orange. The 1974 K3
model was the same as the K2, except that turn signals were added
for the first time. In 1975, the K4 was
produced. The decals were unique to this model and beginning with
this model, candy colors were no longer offered. The only color
available was “mighty green”. The spark plug guard was now painted
black, instead of chrome plated. Rapid inflation during the 1970s
was forcing Honda to cut costs and the paint and plug guard were the
first casualties of a long-term cost-cutting program.
In 1976, the “K” model designation was
dropped. Due to U.S. federal regulations, manufacturers were
required to declare model year designations. The 1977 models saw a
return to body color upper fork covers/headlight mounts. Shiny
orange was the only color offered. The 1978
model was the only model CT70 ever painted black and this was the last year for the
engine/spark plug guards, chrome plated muffler heat shield and
folding handlebars. 1979 saw the introduction of BMX-style
handlebars and was the last year for the second type hydraulic
forks, upper fork covers and seat trim strip. Muffler heat shields
were painted black and the rear shock covers were gone from 1979 on,
as the last of the chrome disappeared due to cost. The only color available was
bright yellow
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