Author Topic: Top Ten upgrades for old CB's: or how should I spend my money? (Read 4885 times)

rabidelf · « **on:** July 11, 2006, 08:39:59 PM »

What are the top ten things I should do to my bike to make it a good, reliable, fast daily driver? A philosophical question to be sure but I am speaking of things that will improve on 35 year old technology. Replace the points with electronics? That did wonders for my old Porsche. What about shocks? Surely I can do better than crusty chrome springs. Bushings? Wheel size? Tire compund? #$%*in chain? I have recently sorted out the tank and carbs and am ready to rock but is the cam chain tensioner going to explode? I guess I want someone to hand me a list that says "do all this stuff before you start riding the piss out of that old SOHC bike". Any takers?

cbjunkie · « **Reply #1 on:** July 11, 2006, 08:44:53 PM »

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=7401.0

deep thoughts...scroll down to handling tips to get yourself started...

welcome,
junkie out...

GroovieGhoulie · « **Reply #2 on:** July 11, 2006, 08:53:15 PM »

I ride the holy living piss out of mine and outside of basic tune-up/maintenance items, these are the major things I do:

Put gas in it.
Ride it.

Works out very well. A testament to Honda that a 30+ year old machine runs just like the day it was made.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #3 on:** July 11, 2006, 09:03:05 PM »

trust in your bike is awesome, but he's talking about the courting phse. what tokens of affection should he adorn his bike with in order to ensure a harmonious union? I too am in that phase with my bike, and would love to know.
-KK

cb500 maniac · « **Reply #4 on:** July 11, 2006, 11:24:13 PM »

if it's been sitting for a long time and the chain looks like ass, i'd suggest buying yourself a new chain, preferably an o-ring chain. also, check the tires for dry-rot. if they're cracked, i suggest getting new tires and innner tubes, and while you've got the rims peeled, go around your old rotted rim band with a few layers of duct tape...i've had spoke ends poke thru an old rim band before and put me on the side of the road with a flat for 2 hours before i got ahold of someone to trailor me home. while you've got the wheels off the bike, let's check those brakes! no point in going fast if you have to hit other vehicles to slow down.....and while you've got it on a stand, let's check for play in your steering, may be time to replace those ball bearings in your triple-tree. Now on to the motor. set your tappets, synch your carbs, hell, tear em down and re-build them first (you said reliable....i've had 2 float valves stick open on me so far on my bike...not fun.) check your timing, slap in some new spark plugs, take off the gas tank and hose the inside of it out. if there's any time left during riding season after you've done all this, toss the ole lady on the back and take her for a spin!

Mark M · « **Reply #5 on:** July 12, 2006, 04:14:16 AM »

For those in search of wisdom and enlightenment there are two possable paths you can follow.

1) A haynes manual - like the hitchhikers guide it is full of much which is apochroful, but a darn good read.

2) A clymer manual - As above but written in American.

Start at page 1 and work your way to the back cover then.....start again. When you have
read to the point you can identify all the deliberate mistakes you are truly a wise man my son.

If your going for a full ground up rebuild a parts book is also well worth the investment.

Jonesy · « **Reply #6 on:** July 12, 2006, 05:09:47 AM »

This thread comes up from time to time.

I'd say "Replace the chain" and going over the tires are the only ones I'd absolutely do before "riding the piss out of it". They were good, reliable bikes as-is and the more they are run, the better they seem to run...

Here is a list starting with the assumption that your bike is in good running original condition and you're wanting to upgrade. Here's my thoughts:

1- Genuine Honda Shop Manual (sure, it's not technically a part ON the bike and the "Japlish" may be a little confusing, but I've found too many errors in the aftermarket manuals)
2- Honda Parts Manual (Sure makes it a lot easier to find parts...)
3- Endless O-ring or X-ring chain (Practically bulletproof)
4- Bronze swingarm bushings (These can work wonders for handling)
5- Modern rear shocks (Ditto above)
6- H4 Halogen headlight (You will ba able to see for than 10 Feet ahead of you)
7- Tapered roller steering head bearings (Another good handling upgrade)
8- Progressive fork springs (These will help soften up the harsh front suspension without sacrificing ride quality)
9- ND X22 series sparkplugs (They work nicely with our "wasted spark" ignitions)
10- Electronic ignition (not really a "gotta have" item, but they are more immune to rainwater and it's nice not having to pop the candy dish off and check it every few thousand miles...)

dpen · « **Reply #7 on:** July 12, 2006, 06:44:26 AM »

While you have the front wheel off & are doing the steering head bearings, what are the fork seals like?

Is your brake fluid any good? Bleed through with new fluid to be sure.

Make sure you replace sprockets when you do the chain. A spring link chain is okay to use.

As someone else said "ride it like you stole it"

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #8 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:00:23 AM »

1. Black Low Gloss Spray Paint
2. Box of 3m Scotch-Brote pads
3. Removal of all stock parts not needed to operate bike, such as fenders..
4. 21'' front wheel
5. Dual Discs (need to be able to stop)
6. A service manual of some sort (really do come in handy)
7. Ride the HELL outta it every chance you can

Orcinus · « **Reply #9 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:23:17 AM »

OK, I'm in agreement with Rabidelf, this is a post that needs asking... While there were lots of great answers, and they're all important needs, my interest revolves around...

Quote from: rabidelf on July 11, 2006, 08:39:59 PM

but I am speaking of things that will improve on 35 year old technology.

So far, I can see

1.) Dyna S Electronic Ignition
2.) Bronze Swingarm Bushing
3.) Tapered Headstock Bearings
4.) Modern Rear Shocks
5.) Progressive Fork Springs
6.) Modern Chain w/ New Sprockets
7.) Halogen Headlight
8.) Modern Tires
9.) ?

Any other ideas on items that will let us run along side the squid bikes and show that our classics not only look better but run as well?

How about Gel Cell batteries? No performance gain, but less hassle.
Aftermarket brake pads/shoes?
Drilling Brake Rotors?

Gordon · « **Reply #10 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:31:10 AM »

I think you covered most of the bases there, Orcinus. The only things I would add to the list are:

9.) New coils with removeable wires

10.) Dual-note "Freeway Blaster" horns so the cagers can hear you

11.) Heated hand grips

The only item from this list I don't have are the bronze swing-arm bushings, and those will be done soon.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #11 on:** July 12, 2006, 07:57:17 AM »

Modern tires are a no brainer, along with brakes.
Some people drill their rotors, some people add stainless lines for
more pressure, some go the dual-disc route.
You could even go as far to add a rear disc to your bike (if you wanted..)

Pinhead · « **Reply #12 on:** July 12, 2006, 08:56:48 AM »

So about how much does all of this stuff usually cost? Strictly DIY.

Klark Kent · « **Reply #13 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:18:01 AM »

Quote from: Gordon on July 12, 2006, 07:31:10 AM

I think you covered most of the bases there, Orcinus. The only things I would add to the list are:

10.) Dual-note "Freeway Blaster" horns so the cagers can hear you

Quote

The advanced auto parts near me has an old five-airhorn set that plays Dixie. openbox on clearance. if i could only figure out how to make that look good. two on each fork tube and then one on my helmet maybe.
anything to get noticed
-KK

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 12, 2006, 09:41:21 AM »

Quote from: Pinhead on July 12, 2006, 08:56:48 AM

So about how much does all of this stuff usually cost? Strictly DIY.

- Stainless steel lines can be found just about anywhere 4 these bikes, do alittle searching on this site and you will come across more than a few topics about them. The benefit of stainless over rubber is that the stainless line won't expand under hard braking like rubber lines do, thus they keep the pressure in the line, resulting in a firmer lever/better stops/etc. They look better as well..

- You can make a dual-disc setup fairly cheap. You just need to mirror the left side to the right, by adding another rotor, caliper, caliper mount, etc.. Many people have done it, or just swap a early Goldwing front-end on your scoot, that allready has dual-discs from the factory..Biggest issue I came across with the dual-disc setup was the proper spacing of the calipers on the rotors..People drill the rotors to help dissapeat heat faster, to lighten up the rotors, and just give off a "racer" look.

Hope this helps.....

rt · « **Reply #15 on:** July 12, 2006, 10:44:05 AM »

If you got nine and look for #10 ...I'd buy that box off Kixom (http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=11270.msg106283#msg106283), though I don't think he's willing to part with it.... Offers?

seaweb11 · « **Reply #16 on:** July 12, 2006, 10:51:54 AM »

Everyone here forgot one of these.
How are you ever going to get on without one?http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=11565.0

BobbyR · « **Reply #17 on:** July 12, 2006, 12:02:40 PM »

For a SS brake line check with HELUSA, they made up a grest one for me for $50 odd bucks. Nicely done workmanship.

dpen · « **Reply #18 on:** July 12, 2006, 12:22:38 PM »

I want one of those chrome ladies.

Only trouble is that to have her appearance match the bike I'd have to hit her with a hammer a few dozen times & paint her black.

ProTeal55 · « **Reply #19 on:** July 12, 2006, 12:25:03 PM »

Paint her black , then do a rough sanding to "weather" her in.
I have the same look going with my Scoot...

dpen · « **Reply #20 on:** July 12, 2006, 12:26:47 PM »

The #$%* some people do to their bikes eh?

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Author Topic: Top Ten upgrades for old CB's: or how should I spend my money? (Read 4885 times)

rabidelf

cb500 maniac

rt