Topic: CB650 chop restoration

[robsbots]

So, I was browsing a popular auction site the other day and somehow I now seem to own and 1981 CB650 Chop.

In my defence. It was cheap. SOOOOO cheap in fact that I had to have it. Not sure what happened, it was local, well priced and had the right form. Hard tail rear, springer front end and far too little ground clearance.

So the journey begins. I want to get this thing back on the road. Being in the UK, and the bike being over 40 years old should mean I don't need and Tax or MOT (vehicle road worthiness check), so once it's up and running it should cost very little to keep on the road. Being a custom I should have some leniency on how I put it together and what parts I use.

I'll get a pic up shortly and let you look at the beauty. (May be in the eye of the beholder. Opinions may very)

[robsbots]

I can post a pic.



Ok. So you have to look at it right.

It's not quite up to some of the projects I have seen on here and never will be, but that's not what I want.

I have some ideas for styling. Needs a much larger sissy bar. (I'll make that.) A replacement tank. Might have to find a local blacksmith and see if he can blue the front forks. Then maybe seal them with a flat finish.

I want some iron on display with a raw finish and little if any chrome.
I think the plan is, If I can make it, I will rather than buying it. I want a bike I have build not brought.

Lots to do to make it what I would like and fix one or two "design" issues....

Anyway. There she is in all her current glory. Let me know what you think of the Raging Goat.

Have a few more images here to get into the real nitty gritty : https://openshed.info/gallery/

[kerryb]

I like that!  Which way do you want the new tank to go, cover the top tube or leave it exposed?
Have you ridden it yet, does it run ok with those pods? 

[Gurp]

Looks like a well built bike to start with.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Not really chopper wheels, but I kind of like it.

[robsbots]

Sorry all. I don't seem to be getting notified of replies. I'll check that out.

Not sure about the tank yet. Been looking and will probably go with a Sportster style tank, or a peanut. I'd like something second hand, but will probably go with a cheap new one for now. Currently there is a raised support on the top tube which all the wiring is zip tied to. The tank can't sit much lower due to this. The wiring will be moved to the box by the rear light at some point and then I can remove that support and could drop the tank over the frame a bit. Been browsing a "Well loved auction site" and have seen all sorts of tanks. Even looked at a vintage Excelsior tank.

As for the wheels, I would love some old school spoke rims, and that may happen at some point. I currently have a few ground clearance issues. (It's Low)
The exhaust clamps scrape very easily,  I did think a couple of large diameter wheels would give a little bit more clearance.....
I'd like a custom exhaust at some point in the future. It would take a different route to that back of the bike and solve the clearance issues, but it's not going to be cheap. Gonna need some tight bends very close to each other to build what I would like.

Been playing for a while now. Got a sonic cleaner and have stuck the carbs though that. They have come out looking good.
Have almost finished putting them back on the rail, then I can refit them. The pods that where on there had some "funky" fittings and I suspect would have dropped off halfway down the road so I have 4 more pods that actually fit. Once I get it fired I should be able to tune the carbs to the pods hopefully.

Next up will be the electrics. I have been reading a thread here (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,41367.msg426535.html#msg426535) and following along. It's an old thread but would love to resurrect it and try to back engineer one of these spark units.
If the electrics hold up I should be able to get it fired up and actually get down the road on it. The seller of the bike described it as 'like wrestling a wild goat'.