Topic: New member with most of a 1981 CB650c custom

[bereaved_biker]

Hello! I bought an 81 cb650c and fell in love, but alas a tangle with another old honda (an accord) totaled it the other day. The frame got bent so I'm going to be parting out soon. All the information on here was super helpful getting her working in the first place, so I thought I'd return the favor if anyone needs what's left.

I don't want to make anyone sad with my photo of her now so here's one from a few weeks ago:



(I fixed the lean condition that made the exhaust look like that, but I guess it doesn't matter very much anymore)

[MD]

Welcome from NE MN.

-MD

[jgger]

That is a bummer to hear, did YOU escape OK?

Did the exhaust survive?

[Clunker]

Hi and sorry to hear of your loss, sad day indeed  Will you happen to be parting with your side panel badges? That's about all I need to complete my bike.

[bereaved_biker]

Thanks for the welcome! I made it out fine, fortunately.

One header is a bit dented, but otherwise exhaust is totally fine. Side panels are available but they only have one or two of the little nubs that hold them in place left. I'm going to roll it home from the impound lot tomorrow and see exactly what I've got to work with...

[RAFster122s]

Sorry to hear but I am glad you are un-injured.  The motor would make a nice transplant into a 550 frame.what are you asking for motor and carbs?

[bereaved_biker]

700 seems to be the going rate for the motor, and like 150 for the carbs? I'll just be happy if someone gets some more use out of them— only 13k miles, and ran beautifully. That said, if I can find a frame they may not be for sale 

[RAFster122s]

I would buy it back from insurance  if the motor was not damaged in accident.

Should be able to find a nice 550 frame unless you are married to the cruiser styling of the 650 frame.  Personall, I am not a fan of a cruiser bike.  The cb550 is a very nice handling chassis with good shocks and the Race Tech cartridge emulators and the like make the front forks perform very nicely.
Good luck!
David

[bereaved_biker]

I'm taking it home today— buyback was $50 and I can make that back even if I just sell the battery 

Thanks for the advice, I'll be taking everything off of the frame, and then I guess I'll have a good winter project. Is it a good idea to drain all the fluids before storing the parts off the frame? Or is it better to leave them full and buy a tarp?

[RAFster122s]

Storing it at home outside?  Beneath a tarp will collect moisture  a plastic sheet beneathe it and ground is always helpful...I would have it  all together if you intend to leave it outside...a breathable bike cover is going to be a better solution.  Spraying parts with oil or something to lessen/prevent corrosion might be wise.  You should put a nitril glove over exhaust ends and carb intakes...you want to seal all openings into motor to prevent water ingestion as well as to try and dissuade a causual pest from crawling inside...be it 8 legged or four-legged.
Ideally it should be stored indoors wrapped up to keep dirt and moisture out.

[bereaved_biker]

Sorry to resurrect this thread, but there was a very happy ending that I want to share! I got everything home, took it apart, and stored it in my apartment. A few weeks later I found a guy with a '72 cb500 looking for a new engine, so he bought mine and gave it a new life. Here's a picture on his Instagram; it's a sweet bike:
 https://www.instagram.com/p/BbvSYIbH-WB/