Need advice regarding my 2001 Hero Honda CBZ

I have a lot of dilemmas, regarding my 2001 Hero Honda CBZ. I would like your views on the same.

BHPian 2000rpm recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

I have the following dilemmas for my 2001 CBZ. I would like your views on the same.

Situation: I have a 2001 CBZ blue colour. The following things have happened with this:

I have lost the original RC book (booklet type). The charges quoted by an RTO dealer for the same with road tax renewal (2 times - 5 + 5) is around 8000 K, with insurance.

The colour of the bike has cracked up a little.

The engine / chassis / plastic cowl / and a few other parts have deteriorated from the looks perspective (rusting etc.)

The bike is in running condition and starts within 5-6 kicks (the good old simple mechanical days)

The bike has less than 5000 km-run Michelin Tyres

I would like to have a bike for short city + highway runs of 50 odd km (suburban Mumbai)

Question:

What is the best option, from the ones below?

Option 1: Should I get the documentation done to make the bike completely road legal. Renovate the bike? I think the total costs are:

RTO + Documentation - Rs 8000

Bike Restoration - Rs 20,000? I have no expertise in this, need experts to help me with this please.

Any recommended garages in Kalyan and around Kalyan??

Option 2: Scrap the bike (the heart doesn't agree to this) and buy a new bike in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs.

Option 3: Sell the bike to someone, asking him to get the documentation done and buy a new bike in the range of 1.5 to 2.5 lakhs.

Here's what BHPian ashwinprakas had to say on the matter:

The CBZ is a motorcycle that has slowly been appreciating in value amongst enthusiast circles.

I'd suggest you keep the motorcycle the amount you've mentioned isn't much all things considered.

If performance is what you seek then get a Karizma engine and swap the cases as they're cross compatible. A used engine used to cost around 6~7k a few years ago in KL, I'm sure it would be cheaper up North.

My buddy owns one such motorcycle that was recently restored. She easily maxes out the stock CBZ's speedometer and that too while still on KL Roads. I do have a video but not sharing it in adherence to forum policy.

Also make sure to change the exhaust and Carburetor to that of the ZMA, you may save around 4k if you opt for a P220 carb instead of the ZMA's carb.

Here's a pic of my buddy's motorcycle:

Here's what BHPian Mr.Boss had to say on the matter:

If the above is only requirement and no sentimental attachments with this bike, sell it and get something else

• New - if spending is not an issue
• Used - for something around 20-30k you could get a used 150cc bike in very decent condition.

Otherwise, spending time and money on this bike is worth the sentimental values.

I don't think the buyer could sort out the paper work, registered owner can only get it done.

Here's what BHPian navin_v8 had to say on the matter:

I see that apart from cosmetic issues (paint fading and plastics deteriorating) you haven't mentioned anything about mechanical or electrical issues with the bike. If so, then I assume the mechanicals and electricals of your CBZ are in good condition. If your daily running is around 50kms then I would suggest getting an engine compression test done as old motorcycles lose compression overtime. As you haven't mentioned about the front and rear suspension I assume they are in good condition.

I would suggest you to get it restored if you want to keep it for the next 5 years. Also try and get the paper work done by yourself at the RTO as it will save you some money, this is considering you have time and patience to do so. OEM parts availability can be an issue, especially plastic parts but you can always hunt for non-OEM aftermarket parts (Delhi made). One of my family members has a similar 2001 Red CBZ. He got it painted and restored and it passed the RTO fitness test. I ride that bike whenever I get an opportunity and vouch by the 156cc Honda engine that beats like there's no tomorrow.

I believe CBZ was the first 150cc (technically it was 156cc) motorcycle offered in India before Pulsar happened. From what I have experienced seeing and riding my family members' CBZ, the motorcycle is very reliable and can last really long. It has CDI ignition that enables it to start with low/dead battery. Cycle parts are amazing as I have witnessed little to no rust on the OEM wheel rims, handlebars, etc. Also all the switchgears are still original and are in working condition. As a torque fanatic I love the low end torque delivery in the CBZ.

You can restore and use it for the next 5 years while saving money to buy a new motorcycle 5 years down the line.

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