Topic: Need help with '80 650C

[JohnnyB]

Hey guys,  I have been trying to get my 650 up and running but I have a couple of problems I need help with.

First, I can't get the durn thing running. 

I think it's a fuel problem but I'm not sure.  I've adjusted the cam chain, adjusted the valve clearances, replaced the plugs, it has the original plug wires but I have checked to make sure that I have spark (new wires are on the way).  The carbs I have were off of a supposedly running '79 650; I put them on mine and it seemed to be running on #2 & #4 (those pipes got hot while 1 & 3 just got warm).  So I took them off and cleaned them up a bit; I took off the bowls and sprayed carb cleaner through the jets and ran a thin wire up into them.  Now it's running on 3 & 4.  I cleaned 1 & 2 jets out again and it didn't make any difference, it still runs on 3 & 4.

Problem #2, something isn't right with the front end. 

So, with the bike on the center stand and the wheel pointed straight forward, it looks like the forks and wheel are cocked to the left (as in not perpendicular to the ground when looking at the bike head on).  What could be the cause of this? Bent forks? Bent tripple clamp? Bent frame?  Bad eyes? How do I figure out what it is?

Sorry about the lengthy post and I appreciate any help you guys can give me.

[JohnnyB]

Anyone?

[750goes]

I'll ask first

If you are going to ride this thing it needs to be straight

Before you go diving into mechanical work to get it running, how about you give us some history of the bike as you know it.

Also a few pictures if possible are always a great start to help out..

welcome to the forum   

[JohnnyB]

I don't have any history on it from the previous owner but here's what I know:  It's an '80 cb650c and it has just over 6300 miles on it.   I figure it was laid down sometime in it's life because there are some scratches on the left side engine cover, a couple of small dings on the left side of the tank and the left front turn signal has been welded back on.  It was not running when I got it about 3 years ago and ant has not been running since. I have just started working on it recently. 

I don't have any pictures right now (I'll try to take some) but I threw this drawing of the front end together.  The angle of the forks isn't this bad on my 650, I exagerated it so that you guys could see what I mean.  Black=frame, Grey=forks, Green=wheel

As far as the not running part I think I've narrowed it down to the carbs needing a more thorough cleaning than what I did before.

[cb650]

If the forks are not bent you could loosen the trees and straighten it.   Look over thetrees good for any broken tabs.





                                      Terry

[bryanj]

The only thing that can twist the forks that way is a twisted frame and unless you have a local firm that can "jig" the frame and straighten it your project is toast.
The only other answer is a used, straight frame but thats a lot of work for a bike that dont run yet.
Very difficult call:
(1) walk away now
(2) spend lots
(3) buy a similar, running, bike and use the one you already got for spares.

Your pocket your choice, just calling the options

[DammitDan]

I would choose door #3, bryanj.

Get a running '80 CB650C and use the one you've got for parts.  You'd be amazed at what having an extra bike in the basement can do for morale when something breaks...  "Oh, my mirror broke off.  Doesn't matter, I've got 3 more just like it downstairs!"

(By the way, I should have chosen this route way back in the day.  It would have saved me several thousand $$, but on the other hand, I did learn everything I ever wanted to know about small engine mechanics, and then some!)

[JohnnyB]

If the forks are not bent you could loosen the trees and straighten it. 

I tried that already, didn't work.  I can't see anything wrong with the trees either.

I haven't put much into it so it's no big deal. I may keep it for parts or part it out I don't know.  I'd really like to find a '79 650, we'll see.

[cb650]

If the frame is bent then the front would be fdup unless someone swaped some parts to a bent frame and sold it to you.    Where you at?





                    Terry