Author Topic: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?  (Read 2334 times)

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Offline DrewWalden

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1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« on: April 09, 2015, 10:34:23 AM »
I have a 1980 CB650 that I would like to restore/cafe. The bike does not have carbs and I have never heard it run. Should I buy some carbs for the bike first and try to get it running? (Thinking of putting CB750 carbs on it as suggested by SOOS) 

Or do I just go ahead and strip it down and start the rebuild?

Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Drew

Offline Airborne 82nd

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #1 on: April 09, 2015, 10:54:22 AM »
Need more info. Does it turn over? Tell all you know.

Offline DrewWalden

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #2 on: April 09, 2015, 11:47:26 AM »
The bike does turn over. I was unable to use the start button though. When I turned the key on, I was not getting any juice. I had to use a battery charger and touch it to the starter. That is as far as I got.

Offline DrewWalden

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #3 on: April 09, 2015, 12:15:01 PM »
Here is a picture of the bike.

Offline mystic_1

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #4 on: April 09, 2015, 12:26:57 PM »
Bike looks pretty complete and not too badly corroded compared to many we have seen here.

I would:

Drain and inspect the gas tank.  Any rust inside?  Any signs of gunk built up from old gas?  Any squirrels?

Drain the oil, how evil is it?  The color and consistency of the oil will tell you whether any water got inside the motor from sitting without carbs mounted.  Check for metal particles etc of course.  Squirrels are usually too big to get in here, but check for mice and spiders.

Look into the intake runners where the carbs should be.  Any corrosion on the aluminum surfaces?  Any rust on the valves or crap on the guides?  Any squirrels?

Measure cylinder compression.  This will tell you how well the valves and rings are sealing up.  Measure both with and without squirrels.

Check for proper gearbox operation and proper lack of squirrels. 

If all these checks pass then I would proceed with sourcing some new carbs and firing it up.  Only then would I start putting time and labor into cosmetics.

Naturally, when you buy your new airbox, remove any packing squirrels prior to installing.

mystic_1
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."
- John Augustus Shedd

My build thread:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68952.0

Offline JimJamerino

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #5 on: April 09, 2015, 01:10:12 PM »
How new are you to wrenching on bikes?
~ Jim

formerly "emperorspartacus"

There are old bikers.  There are dumb bikers.  There are no old, dumb bikers.

My CB650C rebuild http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=74212.0

Offline DrewWalden

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #6 on: April 09, 2015, 03:52:53 PM »
I am very new. Lets see, I have replaced a timing belt in a Mazda Miata. I have replaced the entire cooling system in my Jeep Comanche. The only motorcycle work I have done is to install the kick start kit on my DRZ400. I change my own oil, lube cables etc..., but thats about as far as I have gotten. I purchased this bike with the sole intent of learning.

Offline mystic_1

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #7 on: April 09, 2015, 06:27:40 PM »
Oh, and I'd probably replace that chain before you actually ride it anywhere, its hard to tell from the picture but that one looks a little jankey from here.

mystic_1
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."
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My build thread:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68952.0

Offline MiGhost

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #8 on: April 09, 2015, 10:58:52 PM »
I'll start out by telling you a bit about what you have. It is an 80 CB650C Custom with aftermarket 4-2 exhaust, and bobbed front fender. The bike was the first of the cruiser style with a modified frame that lowers the front section of the seat. This tends to make building a cafe style bike a bit more difficult. But with carefully planning, and a good understanding of what needs to be done. You can build a respectable cafe.

The stock carbs would be the PD 50/51 series carbs. You can find them on ebay.
Alternate carbs would be the PD42 series carbs used on the 77-78 750K, and 750F models. These will have slightly larger carb throat, and will require rejetting to work correctly with the 650 engine. Stay clear of any vacuum slide CV carbs. The carb spacing is different, and will not fit your intakes.

The first step is to start taking pics of everything. They will be invaluable to you when it comes time to start putting things back together, or if you have a question. Determine what you have, and what condition it is in first. Then you can develop a plan to work with while building the bike.
~ Ghost

Grey Ghost '80 CB650C: Updated Stock Restomod. Period Custom Cruiser (OEM harbags & trunk, Wixom Ranger fairing, Jardine turnouts)
Bad Moon '83 XJ750MK Midnight Maxim: Full Dress Tour Deluxe w/ X-1 Fairing

Offline vames

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #9 on: April 10, 2015, 03:49:44 AM »
to answer your key question: FWIW I'd  sort out the engine and electrical before tearing it down to build a custom bike. It would be heartbreaking to have a shiny beautiful bike that doesn't run.  If you  have to pull the carbs five times or take the head off or mess with the wiring, you don't want to do it on a pristine bike. A few wrench slips and gas dribbles and temper tantrums and all of a sudden some of that luster is gone before you've even had a first ride.

Offline DrewWalden

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #10 on: April 10, 2015, 05:26:24 AM »
Thanks for all the replies. I will try to get it running and see what I have. Do you guys think I should go with the stock carbs or go with the 750 carbs?

Offline vames

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #11 on: April 10, 2015, 05:53:31 AM »
I wouldn't make it harder on yourself than it has to be. If you're new to bikes, why not try and find some stock carbs that you can clean and set to stock settings? 

Offline mystic_1

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #12 on: April 10, 2015, 06:14:51 AM »
+1 carb setup and tuning is pretty much one of the most arcane and mysterious part of the Way of the Motorcycle.  Gain more XP before you attempt that quest.  At least with stock carbs and setup you have a known set of variables and a known good starting point for your adjustments.

mystic_1
"A ship in harbor is safe, but that is not what ships are built for."
- John Augustus Shedd

My build thread:  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68952.0

Offline jamesbekman

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #13 on: April 10, 2015, 08:55:40 AM »
First thing.... Check the compression for all cylinders

Second thing, check for spark from all 4 spark plugs...

Third thing, make sure the gas tank is clean and petcock is working properly.

Fourth thing...  Get a pair of rebuilt carbs.

Fifth...  Run new throttle and clutch cables.

Offline JimJamerino

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Re: 1980 CB650 Restoration: Where to start?
« Reply #14 on: April 10, 2015, 09:00:23 AM »
MiGhost is right in his identification of your bike. Check the link in my sig line to see the same bike, in pretty much stock form.

When it comes to working on these old bikes, half of the battle is having the courage to dig into a system you're not familiar with. Case in point, I bought an 84 Sportster, and was too scared to take the carb apart to make it run right, and too broke to take it to a shop. I sold it for a big loss because I couldn't bring myself to take the air cleaner off. If you've replaced a timing belt and a cooling system, there is nothing on this bike that you can't work on.

Your bike is missing some pieces. When I was in your shoes, I took it back to stock, so I knew what it's supposed to look like and do before I started modifying it.

A couple things to keep in mind as you work on this bike:

1. The CB650 was the last of the SOHC line. It was produced for only 4 years, concurrent with several DOHC models. Some consider it to be the best version of the SOHC. Each year, significant changes were made to the design. As a result, some parts can be hard to come by, and expensive when you find them. Try finding a new valve for this bike, and you'll see what I mean.

2. The CB650 falls into two major categories: 1979 and 1980 models, and 81/82 models. The major difference between the two is the carburetors. Totally different styles, as MiGhost pointed out, and completely incompatible. Your bike takes the PD50, which is a mechanical slide, similar in style to the CB750 carbs.

3. You will spend money on parts. My bike, which was more complete than yours, and I had a free parts bike on hand already, took about $1,000 to return to roadworthy status. Not trying to deter or scare you, but give a realistic picture of the kind of money you're likely to spend.

4. The money you spend on this bike, you will likely never get back out of it. Vintage bikes are a labor of love, not an investment. Since you bought the bike with the intent of learning, consider the money you put into it tuition.
5. You'll need to borrow, buy, or make some tools to do what you need to do to this bike.

6. It's OK to be excited and want to make progress. It is not OK to get so excited you start slamming things together and hoping it works. If something isn't working, or isn't coming apart or going back together well, step back, take a break, and come back later. See point 3- if you break it, you'll pay for it.

7. It's your bike. You paid for it with your money. You can do anything you want with it. You can fill the tank with lemonade and park in upside down on your lawn if you want. It's just like grocery shopping as an adult... you can fill your basket with cookies if you like, but you have to deal with the results. On the forum, you'll likely run into some strong opinions. Just look at the steampunk/bobber thread. Remember that a forum is the online equivalent of standing up in a bar and yelling out, "Hey, anyone know anything about ______?!" There's a lot of knowledge here, but there's also some ignorance, too. In the end, it's your bike, and you can do with it as you like.

As for where to start... you're going to need a battery so you can follow James' suggestions. That's what I'd do.
~ Jim

formerly "emperorspartacus"

There are old bikers.  There are dumb bikers.  There are no old, dumb bikers.

My CB650C rebuild http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=74212.0