Problems with Honda Twinstar 185/200 Models

What Problems do 1978 to 1982 Honda Twinstar 185/200 Models have?

It's a 185cc or 200cc twin with 6 volts system from 1978 to 1979
and 12 volts from 1980 to 1982.

Are the motors a good design?

Are the electric's good (charging problems, etc)?

What to watch out for?

Can I find technical info on the web like other honda bikes
from this time (like the 1981 Honda C70 Passport, etc)?

Is it the same motor as the 1983 Honda CM250 Custom or the
later Rebels?

Who does this bike compare to a Kawasaki LTD 250 or Yamaha
Exciter 250?

 

The Twinstar is a custom version of the CD200 Benly. If it says
Twinstar on the panels, it's a grey import, probably from the US - UK
models were just badged as CM200 (we never got the CM185).

The engine is incredibly tough. Utterly unbelievable. They just don't
break, as long as you keep changing the oil. The camchain is a duplex
(twin-row) chain, believe it or not.

Electrics - the six-volters are pretty crummy. The electric start
works, but the lights and especially the indicators are a bit weak. 12v
ones are much better and had electronic ignition too. Look for crappy
chrome, crash damage, knackered head and swing arm bearings, and that's
about it.

Yes, tech info is readily available. Google for CD200 or CM200.

Yes, Honda used essentially the same engine in the later Rebels. The
earlier CM250 (withj the six-valve heads) is totally different. It's
the old Super Dream lump. Note: not the new/current Super Dream lump.
It's just totally different. Anyway, the Rebel and CD/CM200 lumps are
very similar.

It's a better bike than either the Kawasaki or the Yamaha. It's still a
very basic and dull bike, but it's as fast (or slow) as either of those
two and much, much more long-lived.