Topic: Dutch CB650C´81

[Schenk]

Hi guys,

I've been lurking around for a while and decided it is time to share the transformation of my bike.  Im from the Netherlands so my English might be a bit sloppy sometimes 

This is me the first time I drove something else than my bicycle:


The #3 will be used later in the build as an hommage to the first bike I've ever drove. 

This thread will be loved and hated by some of you. As this isn't  a rare bike or whatsoever, I´m ´building´ this bike the way I like it instead of restoring it. 

I bought the bike from a guy who made it run after sitting in a garage for ~15 years.  Bike was imported from the US in 1989.
The bike wasn't looking really pretty, was running on original tires and needed a good clean-up.

Oh, and this is my first bike! 





I started to remove the first parts and gave the bike a good clean.




 





Both units will be removed and i'm going to install 1 small unit on the left side.

Ordered new Bridgestones BT45´s together with the first parts for the build. According to the shop owner it was still sitting on the original tires 












BRRRR








How the bike currently is:












Keeping the original sticker from Dick Bettencourt's Honda

Some of the T hoses in my carbs cracked while removing the carbs. I replaced both T's with original ones ($$$ ) but I'm having trouble assembling the carbs again. 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

James (harisuluv) rebuilt my carburetors.  We had to replace the old T joints on my carburetors, as they were busted, too.

[Schenk]

The carb issue is fixed and working fine right know.




I wrapped the exhaust and while mounting it back on the bike, one of the studs broke



Started to reassamble everything again





Tank will get a clear coat this week.

Still have some issues with my front brake cylinder. The cylinder seems to be too small (its a smaller aftermarket) and not giving enough pressure. I've borrowed a CBR front brake cylinder to test this later this week

Beside the brake, I also need to fix my push/pull throttle and than we should be able to ride again! 

Goal is to have it finished before the distinguished gentleman's ride..

[Schenk]

Got my seat and started to work on the frame.




Little testing how it will look



Got my tank back, came out great with the clear coat!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That's quite an improvement. How are you mounting it? Are you welding in a hoop or new crossmember to prevent frame twist?

[Schenk]

That's quite an improvement. How are you mounting it? Are you welding in a hoop or new crossmember to prevent frame twist?

Thanks.

I am going to weld 1 or 2 crossmembers which will avoid the twist and supports the seat.

[RAFster122s]

What did you use to clear the tank? 2k urethane clear with UV stability?
I really like the tank's finish, it really is interesting and should pop in good bright sunlight.

Looks great! 

I too would want a loop or other support beneath the seat and something to anchor taillights and turn signals to.

[knowsnothing]

Wow thank tank came out great.  Funny how a Massachusetts bike ended up all the way in the Netherlands.  I am guessing it was bought in during the Bettencourt bike auction a few years back. 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The frame had a crossmember between the frame rails that was also used to fasten the rear inner and outer fenders.  Although it doesn't look so robust, it provides stability to the frame and keeps the rails from twisting under the stress of turns, etc.  By cutting it off, you should replace it with either a flat bar flush with the frame rails or a hoop.

[Schenk]

What did you use to clear the tank? 2k urethane clear with UV stability?
I really like the tank's finish, it really is interesting and should pop in good bright sunlight.

Looks great! 

I too would want a loop or other support beneath the seat and something to anchor taillights and turn signals to.

I'm not sure what kind of clear coat is on the tank. Friend of mine works in a body repair shop, I think he used a coat they use for cars?

Wow thank tank came out great.  Funny how a Massachusetts bike ended up all the way in the Netherlands.  I am guessing it was bought in during the Bettencourt bike auction a few years back. 

The bike was imported to Holland in 1989. I guess someone really really wanted this bike or he just moved to Holland .

[Schenk]

The bike is ready for his test drive 



Rear fender will get the same clear coat as the tank. Should look pretty sweet I think.

[flatlander]

hi, welcome from another inhabitant of this kikkerlandje. whereabouts are you?
an "old" style blue number plate would look good there. don't know if you're able to get it for your bike, but may be worth a try.

are you aware that wrapping your header pipes does more harm than good? your call - just want to make sure you're aware as many people seem to fall for the looks without thinking about consequences.

[Schenk]

hi, welcome from another inhabitant of this kikkerlandje. whereabouts are you?
an "old" style blue number plate would look good there. don't know if you're able to get it for your bike, but may be worth a try.

are you aware that wrapping your header pipes does more harm than good? your call - just want to make sure you're aware as many people seem to fall for the looks without thinking about consequences.

Amersfoort, you?

I've tried to get an older blue plate for a VW Golf (Rabbit in US) mk1 before but I wasn't able to get it legal or illegal I'm sure it will be the same pain in the *ss for the bike..

I'm not aware of any cons on wrapping the exhaust besides the possible increase in rust..

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You could coat the exhaust prior to wrapping, but then there'd be no need to wrap it.  I'm not a huge fan of exhaust wraps, myself.  I've heard they are a PITA to install (right) and leave you with gnarly fiberglass itch.

[Schenk]

You could coat the exhaust prior to wrapping, but then there'd be no need to wrap it.  I'm not a huge fan of exhaust wraps, myself.  I've heard they are a PITA to install (right) and leave you with gnarly fiberglass itch.

Oh man, I wasn't expecting it would itch so much so it was a nasty surprise 

The pipes were in a very good condition before i wrapped them. Also, I'm only driving the bike in good weather and its stored in a garage, so hopefully the rust will be minimal or nill..

[RAFster122s]

On cars the pipe wrap can change the metal to have more of a crystalline structure and over time it can remove the temper of the metal and it makes cracking easier from vibration.  As well as rusting is it isn't saturated with silicone after applying the wrap. It takes a while to burn off the excess that is not absorbed.

[flatlander]

i'm in amsterdam. was riding through your area with some friends yesterday on the way back from the BMW day (which was crap by the way).

it may be a fair weather bike but our climate here is rather damp and cold, some humidity will get into the fabric for sure. especially if your pipes are good now, you actually increase the risk for them deteriorating with the wrapping. it has no practical benefit so i guess it's for the looks - which is of course your decision but at least you are aware now that it may come at a sacrifice 

[Schenk]

The gap between my seat and side cover was annoying me more than it should so together with a friend of mine we decided to make a cover for it.







The weather was good so I took some pictures today. I also replaced the stock shocks today with some longer black ones.














I´ve driven the bike for about 60 miles now and he´s not running very well.
If the engine is warm, the RPM increase if I'm in neutral or while pulling my clutch.
Also, around 60MPH it hasn't got any power left.

I guess this is some false air? I will replace my (old) intake manifolds next week and see if that helps..

If anyone is attending the Gentlemans ride in Amsterdam.. See you tomorrow 

[flatlander]

nice pictures!
before changing parts you can test for the air leak with a spray can of wd-40 or carb cleaner: while your engine is idling, spray where you suspect the leak. when you hit the spot where the leak is, the engine sound changes.

[Schenk]

nice pictures!
before changing parts you can test for the air leak with a spray can of wd-40 or carb cleaner: while your engine is idling, spray where you suspect the leak. when you hit the spot where the leak is, the engine sound changes.

Thanks, will try!

[Schenk]

So last year I attended the distinguished gentleman's ride in Amsterdam with a friend of mine.
Was a really cool ride with lots of sweet motorcycles. 

Me standing in the middle:



I decided to replace the clutch as my bike wasnt shifting as it should.

Problem is that there is 1 nut I can't remove..
As I will replace the nut I tried to remove the nut with a redneck method, (hammer+screwdriver) the whole clutch is turning and not only the nut. No movement in the nut at all.

Does anyone have experience with removing this nut?

[flatlander]

i'm not a 650 guy but... did you try looking at the manual?
http://manuals.sohc4.net/cb650/

[strynboen]

yesss brat seat Hurts your ass...thats vhy hipsters stand up and drive

[Menno]

Normally there is a special tool for it.

You might also try to fit a (I don't know the word- een sleuteldop maat 22 of 24, die er voorzichtig op tikken).
If that doesnt work take a screwdriver. An old one. And a Hammer  (vuistje) - small heavy one.
Now give it a short powerfull hit. So don't bang it a couple of times but really one heavy bang. That should do the trick most of the times.

[calj737]

Perhaps "spanner wrench" is the tool your describing? Pop the bike in gear, rear brake applied, and turn it off.