90cc time machine 1974 honda ct90This time, we uncover the heartfelt story of Matthew Thompson and his 1974 Honda CT90, a bike passed down from his late grandfather.After sitting dormant for over 38 years, the CT90 found new life with the help of Jon and some much-needed repairs. Now, Matthew is slowly restoring this iconic trail bike and putting miles on it once again. Matthew shares the challenges and joys of riding this small but mighty machine, built for trail riding and inspired by Honda's famous slogan, "You'll meet the nicest people on a Honda." We also explore the bike's deeper connection to his grandfather, a nature photographer who used the CT90 decades ago to navigate Michigan's scenic landscapes. Through wrenching sessions, nostalgic storytelling, and picturesque rides down Michigan's country roads, this episode captures the beauty of reviving a piece of family history - and the adventures it continues to inspire.AdvertisementAdvertisementThe TTAC Creators Series tells stories and amplifies creators from all corners of the car world, including culture, dealerships, collections, modified builds and more.An AI-summarized transcript edited by a human staffer is below.[Image: YouTube/Michigan Automotive Relic Society]Become a TTAC insider. Get the latest news, features, TTAC takes, and everything else that gets to the truth about cars first by subscribing to our newsletter.Summary: Reviving a 1974 Honda CT90 – A Family Heirloom with CharacterThis transcript follows the owner's journey with a 1974 Honda CT90 Trail 90, a motorcycle inherited from his grandfather that sat dormant for more than three decades before being brought back to life. More than a restoration story, it's about preserving a family connection while embracing the quirks of vintage machinery.AdvertisementAdvertisementKey PointsFrom cars to motorcyclesThe speaker has always loved cars and admired motorcycles but didn't learn to operate a manual transmission until a friend convinced him to drive an MG sports car.That experience eventually led him to own an MG and rekindled his interest in motorcycles.He first rode in high school, took a break during college, and later returned with a Kawasaki Ninja 300.An unexpected inheritanceAfter his grandfather passed away, he inherited a 1974 Honda CT90.The motorcycle had been stored in the back of the garage since 1986, hidden beneath a plastic cover for virtually his entire life.As a child, he was fascinated by the glimpse of its orange paint beneath the tarp.Thirty-six years asleepThe CT90 had not run from 1986 until 2022.Remarkably, after reviving it, the owners were doing burnouts the very same evening they got it running.His grandfather's connectionAlthough his grandfather rarely talked about the motorcycle, it fit perfectly with his lifestyle.A professional nature photographer, he used the bike to carry camera equipment into forests and nature preserves.The built-in cargo rack and dual-range transmission made it ideal for reaching remote locations.A unique trail bikeThe CT90's defining feature is its dual-range transmission, allowing riders to switch between:High range for road use.Low range for steep trails and off-road terrain.In low range, the bike behaves like a small mountain-climbing machine, earning comparisons to a "Billy Goat."Honda's philosophyThe owner highlights period Honda slogans such as:"You'll meet the nicest people on a Honda."Nature- and safety-focused messaging encouraging riders to preserve the outdoors.These campaigns reflected Honda's friendly, outdoors-oriented branding during the era.Preserving originalityThe restoration emphasizes new old stock (NOS) parts whenever possible.Aside from routine maintenance and a few missing fasteners, the motorcycle remains largely original.Living with a vintage machineDespite accumulating hundreds of miles, the CT90 still requires frequent carburetor cleanings.With a top speed of only 40–45 mph, it's slow by modern standards but delivers plenty of charm and enjoyment.Electrical gremlinsThe biggest challenge has been the aging 6-volt electrical system.Early problems included:Burned-out lightsFaulty rectifiersWeak batteriesAfter researching enthusiast forums and installing updated components, the owner restored working lights and instrumentation.Moisture-related ignition problems remain, with the kill switch suspected as the culprit.Roadside troubleshootingDuring one outing, the bike refuses to restart after stopping.Suspecting ignition issues, the owner quickly replaces the spark plug.The engine immediately fires back to life, much to everyone's surprise and amusement, allowing the ride to continue instead of loading the bike into a truck.Overall TakeawayThe transcript is less about restoring a motorcycle and more about keeping family history alive through mechanical preservation. The Honda CT90's simple engineering, rugged trail capability, and charming personality make it an ideal heirloom, while its inevitable mechanical quirks become part of the ownership experience. The story celebrates the satisfaction of reviving a long-forgotten machine and enjoying it exactly as its original owner intended - exploring the outdoors at an unhurried pace.