Hey Everyone. I hope you are staying warm and safe.
There are some things that I've wanted to do to the bike over my first winter with it. Not having a garage and 3 feet of snow on the ground certainly hasn't helped either. But there are some things that I would like to get opinions on.
Right now I have 18 and 19 inch comstars. They seem to be in good condition, and I know (90% of the way) that I'm going to get a set of avon roadriders tires.
- [size=78%]so first thought - is there anything I should be looking for as far as making sure they are in good condition. I don't want to put a lot of work into something that can be dangerous.[/size]
- [/size][size=78%]secondly is there another type of comstar (i believe the type is called mag wheels) that would be better than the current comstars that I have on there now? Did honda make a more attractive version of the comstar then what was on the 78F? Should I work off of those instead? I would be nice to get down into 17 inch wheels just for the pure availability of tires. I'm not looking for big or crazy, just safe (and economical)[/size]
- [/size][size=78%]thirdly - Prep wise I was thinking of sandblasting them inside and outside (rim included) because I have access to that (getting the tire off the wheel will be another issue) [/size]
- [/size][size=78%]thirdly - whatever wheel I end up with, I'd like to get it powdercoated in a vintage white (I told my wife, think rich vanilla ice cream white) with a nice thick layer of matte clearcoat. From what I've read, I would need to get the bearing redone when doing this, but that isn't a problem.[/size]
I keep reading about spacers and what not, but I'm not sure exactly what everyone mean. It sounds like to me it's just a tube of metal cut to a specific length (or stacks of washers) to go around the axle at specific points?
Thanks so that's all for the wheels.
The other question is with cam chain tensioning and general aesthetic look of the engine.
Engine wise, it seems like it's running well (in my limited knowledge) But other than a car I don't have any sort of basis of comparison. But something I can see is the flaking and chipping of the black paint put on the engine. Now it's not end of the world bad, but it's just little chips and scratches and stuff I see all over.
Are there ANY suggestions at all about either taking all the black off, or a way for it to look a bit better. I know the best way to do this would probably be to take the engine out of the frame, but I'm honestly not ready for that. It's too big of a project with the little knowledge I have.
Are there places that I could take the bike to that would sandblast the engine for me? Know of any in the Kansas City area?
and FINALLY since this is draggin along. I haven't found a concrete steps to check the cam chain tentsion. Some say it should be set to some point with the engine off. Other say it should be done at idle. There was something that said I just needed to push the middle point in, and other say that I have to unbolt the main connections. (Was this tensioner a piece of crap? do I need to look at modern replacement?) The PO said that that was one of the 3 things that needed some attention within the next year (cam chain was soonest, wheel bearings were the other two)
I'd like to get that fixed while the temps are warmer at the same time I'm getting the Hondaman fusebox put in (thanks HONDAMAN) and my new seat
Thanks for all the help in advanced
Stay safe and warm
