Hey all, I think it's finally time to start putting thread together as my build is now starting in earnest. I do not even have a bike license yet (taking MSF class in 2 weeks) and this is my first bike build so please bear with my inexperience.
Last October my former coworker let me know that her neighbor was selling "some sort of Honda motorcycle" so I went to take a look thinking it was a CB750. When I got there I was presented with a very long-sitting '81 CB650 Custom. Saddle bags, sissy bar, crash bar and the whole cruiser look. I have no idea how long this bike sat, possibly even 15 years as it only had ~2000 miles on the odometer. I paid the $500 he was asking and way on my way.
*Please ignore the filter. I somehow lost the original
Got the bike home and it really just sat until this spring, minus some impromptu modeling by my better half. Pretty girl, very ugly bike.
Got the saddle bags and sissy bar off, finally. They're up for offer if anyone wants.
Then in May I happened upon a '74 CB550 rolling frame on Craigslist for $190, titled with engine and trans plus two newly balanced tires/wheels. Figured I might as well jump on the better looking frame so I picked it up in the East Village. Threw on an eBay tank recently. It's ugly and primered/bondoed but cheap and doesn't leak.
That's the current progress, I'll be here often as I have a ton of questions. My main wish is to retain the kickstart from the CB550 with the CB650 engine. Not exactly sure how to go about that, might just have to take them both apart and experiment. Another wish would be to keep the dual discs front end from the CB650 but I don't know if the shocks are too tall for the 550. Any input is greatly appreciated!