So... I bought an '80 CB650 a few months ago after selling my 929RR (expensive insurance, high probability of losing my license due to speeding) as a backup vehicle, and found that I *gasp* actually liked riding it. It's quick enough to be enjoyable, but when I twist the throttle back, it's not fast enough to make me wonder if I'm going to live for the next 10 seconds. I like that it revs fairly high - in that regard, it feels somewhat like a modern sportbike. It's also pretty comfortable - but then again, all I've had is the 929RR and a GSXR750 before this, so I could probably ride my coffee table down the street and would be satisfied with it's ergonomics.
When I got the CB, it had a skip, so I replaced the spark plug wires. I then discovered it had a rough idle, which I remedied by rebuilding the carburetors. I also put a couple of new Bridgestone Tomahawks on it (thanks to them being recommended by someone here). It runs fairly well now, but I haven't had any time to do other things to it... such as make it look presentable. Actually, it looks considerably worse now than it did when I bought it, primarily due to the absence of the only two good looking pieces that came with the bike (the chrome air box covers) and my dog's decision that the seat looked more like a tasty treat than a place for me to sit. It's looking pretty ragged right now; I'll post a pic or three to the gallery soon. Might I also suggest some kind of award for the forum's WORST looking bike? I think I may have a chance at that one...
Just recently, the gas tank sprung a leak, and I have discovered that the PO took it upon himself to patch a leaky fuel port with bondo before spraybombing the tank. Score one for redneck ingenuity! The tank also has a nice sized dent in one side, and it looks like it's time for me to go ahead and replace it with something that doesn't leak out three gallons of fuel in 24 hours. I have been checking Ebay pretty regularly, and it seems that the auctions are lacking a bit on parts for the 650. It looks like there are parts for the 750 a-plenty, and being a member of the lower-lower middle class, I can't afford to buy new parts for my bike (or even the ~$120 that most of the 650 tanks in good condition seem to sell for), so I'm hoping that you guys (and gals) can help me with finding parts which will fit. I don't care much about original equipment, because the PO also drilled through the frame to make a non-stock seat fit. I just want it to look decent, ride well, and not fall apart while I'm going down the street.
At any rate, I seem to have stumbled upon a pretty good enthusiast forum for these bikes, and I'm glad to be here.
