Topic: New from Chelsea

[BrianScb650c]

Hey guys!

Just recently picked up an '81 cb650 custom. This is my first road bike, but I have been riding dirt bikes for years. Currently have a '98 xr400r and a couple smaller bikes. Since getting the 650 I have given it a bath, oil change with K&N oil filter, K&N air filter, new 'Daytona' bars to give it more of the feel I'm used to, as well as new NGK iridium plugs/caps/wires ready to go in. Bike rides and runs great!

I may be picking up an older cb500 soon as well to turn into a cafe racer of sorts. This forum is great. I want to keep the 650c as close to stock as possible while still being comfortable so I need something I can unleash the need to mod on.

Thanks!
Brian

[Bob Wessner]

Brian, welcome. Post some pics when you can.

[BrianScb650c]

Thanks, will do. All I have is some crappy cell pics right now. However my brother is a professional photographer so once he gets back form his two week shoot in Chicago I should have some pretty nice ones

[Kevin D]

New from Chelsea

Lucky You.... I get to ride 50 miles before I get to the prime motorcycling roads around Chelsea. My best CB picture (IMHO) includes the Chelsea RR station, check my gallery.

[Bob Wessner]

Kevin, you need a pic to accompany that one with the Jiffy Mix silos in the background. 

[BrianScb650c]

New from Chelsea

Lucky You.... I get to ride 50 miles before I get to the prime motorcycling roads around Chelsea. My best CB picture (IMHO) includes the Chelsea RR station, check my gallery.

That's a great shot and an awesome bike!

[Kevin D]

Kevin, you need a pic to accompany that one with the Jiffy Mix silos in the background. 

Yes, I've been slacking this year on the MC pix, but I have new grandchildren for photo subjects! I considered shooting the CB with the Chelsea clock tower on my last pass thru but didn't. I want to try and have something nice to submit for Andy's calendar.

'98 xr400r

I have been riding dirt bikes for years

In the past (1970's), I have ridden the CCC rides, a total blast! I think it might kill me if I tried a 100 miler these days.       Do you like the XR?

[BrianScb650c]

I love it. I'm a small guy at 5'10" and 125 so it takes a little finesse in tighter trails and what not but is still a blast and being able to easily pop wheelies in 3rd just adds to it

[Kevin D]

5'10" and 125

Yeah, that was about my size about 40 years ago   
I did my trail rides and motocrossing on my SL100/125/150. Its just as well that my dirt bike wasn't good for 90mph. The SL was good for about 50, and had enough motor for everything except the long sand climbs. It was perfect for dodging through the pine trees on a single track.

I think it would benefit every road rider to spend some time in the dirt.

[curemode2002]

Welcome I think you will like the 650 quite a bit. I love/hate mine and I am on the other end of the spectrum 6' 6" and 340lbs.

[BrianScb650c]

Yea I am really enjoying the bike. Couldn't be happier. Well.. at least until some of my new parts come in.

Also, I am planning to repaint the bike. There are several large scratches on top of the gas tank. I will be painting the bike evergreen pearl to match my 4Runner. Already have the paint here just need to find some time that I don't mind not being able to ride it. During the process I'll also be cleaning and sealing the inside of the tank using the POR-15 tank sealer kit.

I can't wait!

[Bob Wessner]

Yes, I've been slacking this year on the MC pix, but I have new grandchildren for photo subjects! I considered shooting the CB with the Chelsea clock tower on my last pass thru but didn't.

I have two grandsons myself so I know how their pics can eat up the gigabytes.  I took a pic of my bike near the clock tower a couple of years ago, but because of its location the height of the tower.. not a very impressive pic for sure. 

[BrianScb650c]

Finally a picture of the bike and I.

[Steel CB650C]

Hi Brian

Looks good its nice you still have the 4 into 4 you should keep the original colour alot of these bikes have been painted and factory colours are getting harder to find. Have a look at mine I still have the factory paint and would love your colour over mine but it is what it is. Good luck with yours they really are love/hate bikes.

[BrianScb650c]

Thanks! I actually have 4 and a half sets of 4-4 exhaust right now The thing about the paint is the tank has several gouges out of the paint that I can't stand..

[Steel CB650C]

Well then green it is. Just keep her going they only break if you dont ride them. 

[Kevin D]

Finally a picture of the bike and I.

Nice bike. Nice picture.