Author Topic: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build  (Read 973 times)

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Offline Spence_Ellis

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1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« on: February 16, 2020, 08:28:40 AM »
After a few years of being motorcycle-less I finally got the green light for a new bike. Budget for the bike was $1000 and $500 for repairs and modifications. I found a great looking ‘79 CB650 a few hours from home and picked it up for $1200 (whoops). Since the budget is tight and it’s going to be a rider not some sort of show piece I looked to Amazon for all my parts. It became the Amazon build. Plan is for clip ons, new headlight, new seat and rear loop with an led brake light, new rear shocks, chain, sprockets, muffler and then anything else that comes up. The bike cranks fine, the carbs were recently rebuilt, and it has a 4-1 exhaust that I wrapped. I’m going for a rat rod, brat style that’s comfortable enough to ride around the country here. So far so good, I’m looking forward to digging in. 

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #1 on: February 18, 2020, 01:48:58 PM »
The '79 650 is a great base since the frame is still basically the '78 550 frame. Amazon however is not a great source. Ebay is a better source for cheap parts. I have bought some stuff from Amazon over the years, but I always do a quick internet search to make sure I am getting the best deal.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline Hutch

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #2 on: February 18, 2020, 03:37:33 PM »
The '79 650 is a great base since the frame is still basically the '78 550 frame. Amazon however is not a great source. Ebay is a better source for cheap parts. I have bought some stuff from Amazon over the years, but I always do a quick internet search to make sure I am getting the best deal.

Ditto this.  I've bought some really nice quality parts from ebay.  They've replaced higher priced items from some of the popular online "cafe" retailers.  I've also been very happy with everything purchased from 4into1, good quality and very good pricing.  Those are my go-to parts suppliers.

Offline Nicklopic

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #3 on: February 18, 2020, 03:40:05 PM »
certain things i would not want to cheap out on. Clip ons is one, save your coin until you can buy a nicer set. I was going to go with some off brand clip ons until i watched a few videos of cheap ones snapping off in peoples hands. Not something id want personally. Other than that, the rest of the parts will be fine probably
80' CB650
Build Thread

Offline low-side

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #4 on: February 19, 2020, 02:05:19 AM »
Amazon doesn't have especially great price points for motorcycle parts and the quality is especially troubling with some suppliers.  I'd look at 4 into 1, Dime City, ect. as well as eBay and Craigslist for good used parts.  Some great deals in the For Sale section here as well.

Offline Gurp

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #5 on: February 19, 2020, 02:43:26 AM »
Dont forget to poat on the wanted section of the classifieds here. Alot of members are sitting you parta to build your dreams!
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Spence_Ellis

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Re: 1979 CB650 brat/ cafe Amazon build
« Reply #6 on: February 19, 2020, 10:11:13 AM »
I have checked quite a bit between eBay and Amazon, but for whatever reason here in Canada Amazon was the runaway winner. Though, I was able to get a new front caliper from eBay at a great deal. 4 into 1 seems like an amazing store as well, my wishlist over there is long, lol. I’ll update as I get things going but so far everything has seemed decent. I’ll take a look at the clip ons, they seem pretty well made but I’ll look into that snapping thing, that would be horrible.