Topic: 1980 Honda CB650 Project | need advice 🙏🙏

[yard]

hey guys! i've just gotten my membership in this forum approved (first post!), and i've recently purchased a 1980 CB650 and am planning on doing a complete restoration with the thing and turn it into a cafe/brat-style bike. This is also my very first project bike, so I figured you guys hopefully might be able to give me some guidance on this build.

A few questions I have:

- should I try to do any performance upgrades to the engine (big bore, performance cams, etc.), or would I probably just be better off just cleaning it up and leaving it stock? for context, this is not only my first project but i'm planning on having it be my very first vehicle too; i don't have a drivers license or motorcycle license just yet, but both are on their way.

- i'd like to try and replace the rear wheel's drum brake with a disc brake. would that be a very difficult task? I know I would have to somehow install a master cylinder for the rear wheel too.

- i'm not sure what i should do regarding the carbs and air filters. i've heard that trying to tune pods is a nightmare, so i figure i might just go ahead and buy the oem airbox instead; however, if i do go forward with engine performance mods, would using the stock airbox not provide enough airflow to the engine? if so, what would be a better alternative? 

- what are some vendors that make quality parts for this bike?

that's everything i can think of off the top of my head. thanks in advance!

[scunny]

For a first build.
Keep the air box
Leave the rear drum brake
As the red headed step child of the sohc community, there aren't a lot of performance parts available without spending a lot of money.
Get it running nicely, if you want to improve it, look into the suspension.

[yard]

thanks! i'm also planning on completely redoing the electrical - partly because the old electrical was in pretty bad condition, and partly because i just want to learn the basics of automotive electrical systems. i was wondering if you might have any tips for doing this?

[fizzlebottom]

Parroting what scunny said. Leaves it all alone. There are few, if any, performance parts available for the 650s. Learn your maintenance, get a service manual, stock up on some tools, and get riding.

Upgrades I can suggest are some quality shocks, brake pads, and decent tires.

[yard]

thanks for the advice - i'll do that. now that i think about it, trying to find quality performance parts that don't cost me an arm and a leg for this thing online has been impossible 😭 advice is much appreciated tho, saved me a lot of trouble. thanks again!

[RAFster122s]

Some motor parts are impossible to find on the 650 and others are very difficult to find. Honda OEM head gaskets are very hard to find. Timing chain Tensioner slider is no longer made. There simply isn't enough demand to make it worthwhile for aftermarket to invest in making the parts and Honda isn't going to do it.
So, if it runs well, then run it.
Ignitors on the cdi ignition are no longer made and tough to find good used ones.
Work on improving handling with replacement springs in front forks and gold emulator valves with good rear shocks. Work on your brakes to make them perform well, then fit good sticky rubber and learn to ride the wheels off it...
That's my $0.05 of advice

[jgger]

This does not mean you can't spruce it up and have a sweet looking ride. Do it a little bit at a time or as a 1st bike you might end up selling it in boxes. Good luck and keep us informed about your progress.

[fizzlebottom]

Some motor parts are impossible to find on the 650 and others are very difficult to find. Honda OEM head gaskets are very hard to find. Timing chain Tensioner slider is no longer made. There simply isn't enough demand to make it worthwhile for aftermarket to invest in making the parts and Honda isn't going to do it.
So, if it runs well, then run it.
Ignitors on the cdi ignition are no longer made and tough to find good used ones.
Work on improving handling with replacement springs in front forks and gold emulator valves with good rear shocks. Work on your brakes to make them perform well, then fit good sticky rubber and learn to ride the wheels off it...
That's my $0.05 of advice

There are plenty of rebuild kits available with serviceable head gaskets. An OEM one is highly preferred, but I think its been mentioned that NE Brand was (is?) an original manufacturer for Honda and I wouldn't have any issues using their gaskets. Athena has also been around long enough that I think they make decent stuff.

The other thing I'll disagree with is the unavailability of ignition modules (CDI, but not CDI). They are actually available from a few sources. They're aftermarket and expensive but as long as they work then they work.

Progressive Suspension makes some great rear shocks and Ripple Rock Racers makes a really nice exhaust system. After that, I'd call it with changes and simply ride.

[yard]

thanks for the information about the suspension; super helpful, seriously. do you know where i might be able to find the ignition systems? Also, i've decided to take the thing to a vintage repair shop to do the following: get the frame powder coated, the engine cleaned up, polished, and maybe powder coated too, getting the tank repainted, the carbs rejetted, and a new seat upholstered. they're asking for 2500$. Is that a reasonable price? Again, i'm really quite new to this stuff so i don't really have anything to compare the price too. Thank you!

[jgger]

If you are  rolling/ riding the bike in there it sounds reasonable.  Be advised that you will not get your money back out of it on a sale., IMHO..  But that is old bikes for the most part.

BTW the 650 and some Goldwings share the same spark boxes from what I understand.

[yard]

i'm bringing in the frame, engine, carbs, and tank all dissassembled (although the engine is still attached to the frame). should i request less than asking price?

[fizzlebottom]

thanks for the information about the suspension; super helpful, seriously. do you know where i might be able to find the ignition systems? Also, i've decided to take the thing to a vintage repair shop to do the following: get the frame powder coated, the engine cleaned up, polished, and maybe powder coated too, getting the tank repainted, the carbs rejetted, and a new seat upholstered. they're asking for 2500$. Is that a reasonable price? Again, i'm really quite new to this stuff so i don't really have anything to compare the price too. Thank you!

You're putting A LOT of money into this, and I'll be honest in saying that even though I love the 650s, I do not think it is worth it.

There's no reason under the sun to rejet the carbs, first. They probably need to be cleaned which will be $400 of that $2500. They'll run great with stock jets when setup properly. The rest is cosmetic stuff you're paying for. I'd hold off on just about everything else except maybe recovering the seat.

I think you need to focus on the basics, like learning how to adjust valves, sync carbs, change your oil & spark plugs, etc. You have no need currently to change your ignition components or go swapping major parts. Just get the bike running nicely first.

[newday777]

thanks for the information about the suspension; super helpful, seriously. do you know where i might be able to find the ignition systems? Also, i've decided to take the thing to a vintage repair shop to do the following: get the frame powder coated, the engine cleaned up, polished, and maybe powder coated too, getting the tank repainted, the carbs rejetted, and a new seat upholstered. they're asking for 2500$. Is that a reasonable price? Again, i'm really quite new to this stuff so i don't really have anything to compare the price too. Thank you!

Welcome aboard the forum and to the motorcycle industry

Whoa! Slow your jets son. You are jumping too fast and giving too little time in learning before you start dumping your money on something you know so little of.
You say the shop is asking $2,500. Is that for a deposit? Or is that a for the total cost?? Most likely that is just a deposit to get started and much more costs will be added.
Do you have knowledge of others that have gone to this shop, of it being a reputable shop and people running it/working there and keeping to their prices given? A project you have described could likely cost you into lots higher price tags. Do you have deep pockets of lots of money to fund this to be done by a shop?

Have you taken a motorcycle safety course yet to learn the basics of keeping yourself safe on the road? Going fast from the start will most likely get yourself killed or badly mangled for life. I would highly recommend that you get yourself a slow bike, ie a 250 that is running properly to learn to ride on first while you build a bigger bike. Take your time and live.

[RAFster122s]

Good advice from Calj.
Or if the 650 motor is a good runner, drop it into a 550 frame.
Learn to do the work yourself. Otherwise you are always depending on others, not a good combination for old motorcycles unless you have deep pockets and don’t mind long periods of not having a bike since you are waiting on others to find the time or waiting in queue to be worked on…

[yard]

I think that I'm going to go ahead and keep going on this project - I already sent in the frame, tank, carbs, and motor to the shop to get polished and cleaned up. I'm only planning on replacing the suspension, the entire electrical system (the lighting & gauges included), the brake pads, and a few other cosmetic things (seat, handlebars, etc.). Other than that, I'm planning on just leaving the thing stock for the most part. Also, I have taken a MSF course - it is required for me to get my motorcyclist permit as I am only 16 - and I have rode in other countries as well.

Also, I'm planning on doing a front fork swap, from the stock one to a CBR600RR fork. I haven't really been able to find good rear shocks for this thing - as you guys said, red headed step child of the SOHC's, so aftermarket is a bit weak. If you guys knew any places to find some solid rear shocks, I'd be super thankful.

For the electrical - I saw Cognito Moto's m-unit, and was wondering if trying to put on a digital control system similar to that might be a useful addition to the thing.

This is definitely a pretty big project for me, but honestly progress so far has been really solid. I'm looking forward to spending the countless hours making this thing my own

[MauiK3]

Hagon can set you up with shocks I think.

[fizzlebottom]

Hagon can set you up with shocks I think.

I just got a set of shocks from Progressive Suspension and the did me good on a nice 140mi weekend ride.