Topic: 1965 Honda CB77 305 Super Hawk

[britman]

Yep, I am the only one I have to please on this one.  I just wish the #$%*ing would stop......

[britman]

I am finding most things are not nearly as strong as they used to be, to include the old guy posting this.  I cleaned the frame today, normally I would use my power washer, but it was buried in the shed behind everything I had put up for the winter, patio furniture, mowers, and all manner of summer things. I went to Wally World and purchased two cans of Gunk liquid, (probably should have bought the foam), but it had always done a decent job in the past. It barely loosened any grime even after I spent an hour or two with a wire brush in preparation for the cleaner.  After a lot of scrubbing with Simple Green and car wash soap I got it fairly clean.  It is still going to take a good wipe down with parts cleaner before beginning to sand for primer.  I have been getting a few other pieces in primer but it seems this little motorcycle is growing new appendages when no one is around.  Enjoying the process and I know I am doing at least a decent job, I had to take off my work clothes in the garage today before my Wife would grant admittance to the house......

[denward17]

Looking good britman.....

[HondaMan]

Oh, the memories you're stirring up with those pictures!

[britman]

New front tire and clean wheel.  The wheels were the best part of this project, in really good shape with barely any rust at all.  I mounted the tire this time with the inner tube deflated.  I had been using just enough air to inflate the tube to where it was visible when using the spoons and I pinched the tube the last time using that method.  I believe this is going to be my go to from now on.  How to mount motorcycle tires is almost as controversial as an oil thread, don't want to start any trouble.....

 

[HondaMan]

Boy, those are some of the nicest SuperHawk wheels that I've seen in decades!

[BenelliSEI]

New front tire and clean wheel.  The wheels were the best part of this project, in really good shape with barely any rust at all.  I mounted the tire this time with the inner tube deflated.  I had been using just enough air to inflate the tube to where it was visible when using the spoons and I pinched the tube the last time using that method.  I believe this is going to be my go to from now on.  How to mount motorcycle tires is almost as controversial as an oil thread, don't want to start any trouble.....


That looks great! What tires did you use?

I like to use some powder on the tube to ensure it moves easily and centres in the  tire, with no kinks or twists. I usually inflate it once after pushing it in, when the tire is 1/2 mounted. I always pull the core and let it “relax” before levering on the second side.

[Stev-o]

New front tire and clean wheel. 

Looks good, what tires?

[britman]

New front tire and clean wheel. 

Looks good, what tires?

Duro

300/18 front 350/18 back.  For what few road miles my bikes see, I don't have a problem using the inexpensive brand.......

[BenelliSEI]

Totally agree. I’m trying a set on my cb750K1. “Lash” has used them and reports good results. The front I’ve already mounted sits well on the rim and spins with zero bounce or side to side runout. It did take 1.5 grams to balance, but otherwise seems just fine. Still have to do the rear……

[britman]

I talked to my engine builder yesterday, he is a man of few words but he had a choice few for whoever was in this little motor last.......Prong broken off of the shift fork, head dowel pins are just missing in action but they did insert the green rubber o rings.  The entire top end was sealed up using some type of contact cement that is almost impregnable.  There was a broken compression ring on the right side, but the pistons are standard size.  Apparently the last time the motor was entered it was probably for rings and maybe a hone if they had one.  He is going to clean and inspect everything and will decide about how far to go on bore size.  I took some shots with my old digital camera from my cell phone, not great but you can see the nasty.  The old camera is on its last legs, I have go to figure out how to download my phone pictures, site always says the image is to big.....

 

[Stev-o]

...but you can see the nasty. 

The old camera is on its last legs, I have go to figure out how to download my phone pictures, site always says the image is to big.....

WOW...talk about nasty, almost unbelievable!

Some of us use flickr.com to post pics, pretty simple procedure.

[jgger]

On your phone pics, resize them to 60% in edit on the phone. That is what I do for my ride pics in the "Franks Challenge" thread. But i can only post about 3 at a time.

[MauiK3]

I always feel sad when I see an abused motor like that.

[HondaMan]

It looks like the old ooze saved it from rust!
(...just trying to find a good thing in the midst...).
 

[britman]

I decided to go blue on the seat to match the Planet Blue Metallic paint.  I have that combination on my Dream and I like the look.  I am starting to do some small bolt ups, speedo, tail light, so forth and going to really start putting everything back together in earnest this week.  Motor should be ready in the next couple of weeks.......

[BenelliSEI]

Good choice, looks great.

[Stev-o]

  I am starting to do some small bolt ups, speedo...

I always liked that combo speedo/tach gauge, what a great vintage look. My '67 CB450 has it too.

[britman]

Starting to look like a motorcycle, but still a long way to go......

[BenelliSEI]

Wow….. Sweet!

[britman]

Other than a puppy, nothing finer than a freshly rebuilt motor.  Will make the day long drive sometime this week to bring it home.....

[denward17]

Looks good, who did your engine?

[BenelliSEI]

…… going to be one pretty bike!

[britman]

The motor was gone through by the guy who used to do all of the engine rebuilds for Classic Honda Restoration and he lives in Pennsylvania.  He closed his business last year because of regulations and insurance costs.  I managed to talk him into one more for old time sake.  He has done a couple others in the past for me and basically there isn't nothing about 305 motor he doesn't know.  He just finished a 750K motor recently for a bike he is adding to his pristine collection of twins he sometimes vintage races. He is not cheap, but looking at the extensive parts list I don't think anything  was not gone through. 

John, thanks for compliment, and yes I have gone well overbudget on this one, one of those things that turned into a quest on its own.  The Charlie's Place Electronic Ignition kit is on the bench waiting for the wiring phase.  I am hitting my poor checking account one final time and heading to Pa. Wednesday.  I have got some real life challenges coming up in the next couple of months and this build has been the perfect therapy. 

[BenelliSEI]

Totally understand. Stay focused and I’ll be rooting for you. J.