Author Topic: 1979 CB650.. First mod's of my Stock-modified SOHC (Read 7575 times)

checkflag · « **on:** July 25, 2009, 02:07:40 PM »

Hi.

I could not stand those comstars. So 80's, so Ugly IMO.
I got these wheels off a member here. Sandblasted some
rust from the inner rims, Primed with rustoleum, mounted
tires and mounted the wheels. I think it looks wayyy better
with this style wheel on this classic bike..

What say you?

sand blasted rust away.

Primed them inside for protection

and voila! very nice!

and heres my dog, guarding the new additions

scunny · « **Reply #1 on:** July 25, 2009, 02:14:34 PM »

nice, was it a straight swap ?

checkflag · « **Reply #2 on:** July 25, 2009, 02:19:06 PM »

Almost. I ran into a few glitches. I went from 1980 wheels to 1979. There had been some design
changes I hadn't expected such as, the brake arm was mounted in a different direction (aimed up
rather than down), and the sprocket size was different. Aside from that it was a clean swap.

Thanks.

Johnny5 · « **Reply #3 on:** July 25, 2009, 02:32:45 PM »

Bike looks great!

manjisann · « **Reply #4 on:** July 25, 2009, 05:49:25 PM »

They look sharp!!

Of course, I could be biased

Brandon

checkflag · « **Reply #5 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:44:04 PM »

Some new additions today.

New set of 4 turn signal/marker lights

a used MAC 4-1 exhaust. Boy.. when I started the bike with
this thing on it stunk and smoked like the dickens. There must
of been so much un-burnt oil, gas and debris in the tubes that
it just lit up when it got hot.

Question.. I used the stock header heat finned header
holder on'ers because this exhaust didnt come with any
thing but the header nd the pipe. Is that going to be ok?

also, the pipe's bolting fin came no where near the place
where the stock pipe hooked up to (by the foot-peg) any
suggestions?

The Lights...

the exhaust. You can see where I wasn't able to attach the pipe
to the frame.

checkflag · « **Reply #6 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:51:20 PM »

oh yeah,

I replaced the forks too. I swapped them from a 1981 cb650. Has the "air-line"
whatever that does. They pretty much look the same< but I will take pic next chance I get.

Too bad the front fender didn't fit right.I will need to grind off some metal from the
fender's attachment part so that it can contour around the forks.

The_Crippler · « **Reply #7 on:** July 29, 2009, 05:54:56 PM »

I'm really beginning to believe that I'm the only person who really likes the comstars...I accept that I'm in the minority, though.

Nice work on the bike.

Zaipai · « **Reply #8 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:06:32 PM »

Quote from: The_Crippler on July 29, 2009, 05:54:56 PM

I'm really beginning to believe that I'm the only person who really likes the comstars...I accept that I'm in the minority, though.

Nice work on the bike.

I like the comstars especially when done right. Nice work on this 650 tho.. Looking very nice!

checkflag · « **Reply #9 on:** July 29, 2009, 06:25:08 PM »

I don't dislike the comstars, it's just that I like the spokes better.. For me
it's a more classic feel. the Mags are just way to 80's for me.

But really, it's all subjective and a matter of personal taste.

manjisann · « **Reply #10 on:** July 30, 2009, 07:19:31 AM »

I love the comstars I have, thinking of repainting them to look new, er new ish.

Can you take a pic above so we can see where the mounting piece for the pipe lines up with where the old pipes mounted. Also, I know on some of them you can loosen the bracket on the pipe and slide it in a groove to adjust it, any chance this one is like that or is it welded in place?

With the air forks be sure to pressurize them or else you will lose the dampening affect of the air. I believe it is 5-7 psi per side, if you don't have the manual I can double check in mine.

I'm keeping the old style lights on my bike, they are enormous and all, but I think it keeps the character of the bike. But yours look really good to!

You should be fine using the stock ring thingies (sorry can't think of the correct term) as long as they fit and you used the shims. I don't think any of the aftermarket pipes ever came with any, but I could be wrong.

Brandon

checkflag · « **Reply #11 on:** July 30, 2009, 10:51:02 AM »

Hey Brandon..

The last picture I posted shows where it won't line up, you just
have to look closely. Look at the red pipe end and follow it a smidge.
There is the exhaust hanger, and just a hair to the right you'll see the
passenger foot peg, and that's what isn't lining up. its like 3-4 inches
apart.

The muffler itself is a slip on, but I dont think I can push it in any further.
(is this what your talking about the stock ring thingies.. LOL) or where the
headers go to the exhaust.

Yes, please check your manual for the air pressure amount. I think there is only
one place between the two where the Schrader valve exists.

The_Crippler · « **Reply #12 on:** July 30, 2009, 12:16:48 PM »

Quote from: manjisann on July 30, 2009, 07:19:31 AM

You should be fine using the stock ring thingies (sorry can't think of the correct term) as long as they fit and you used the shims.

Quote from: checkflag on July 30, 2009, 10:51:02 AM

The muffler itself is a slip on, but I dont think I can push it in any further.
(is this what your talking about the stock ring thingies.. LOL)

Are you guys talking about the crush gaskets? I mean, those wouldn't make up that huge difference in spacing...but they're important on the exhaust system (And I know mine has 'em)

manjisann · « **Reply #13 on:** July 30, 2009, 01:35:51 PM »

Quote

The muffler itself is a slip on, but I dont think I can push it in any further.
(is this what your talking about the stock ring thingies.. LOL) or where the
headers go to the exhaust.

I thought you were talking about the exhaust collars that hold the pipe tight to the exhaust port on the block.

Quote

Are you guys talking about the crush gaskets? I mean, those wouldn't make up that huge difference in spacing...but they're important on the exhaust system (And I know mine has 'em)

See above answer, I always use new gaskets as I'm never sure it will go on in exactly the same way.

As for lining up the muffler and brackets, where the muffler slips on, if you cut of a bit, would it allow it to slip on more? If you can get it to within an inch of the foot peg I'd just buy a lenth of 1/8 steel, measure, drill holes, chop to size, round off the edges to make it look all nice and normal and then just use that to support it. I'm not real sure how your muffler slips on and how much room you realy have to play with. If you can show a pic of it disassembled, or at least from the broadside view with an arrow showing the front edge of the muffler, that might give me a better idea.

Brandon

checkflag · « **Reply #14 on:** July 30, 2009, 05:35:52 PM »

I called MAC exhaust today. They were really nice and are
mailed me a bracket to hang it the way it was designed.

manjisann · « **Reply #15 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:06:45 PM »

Quote

I called MAC exhaust today. They were really nice and are
mailed me a bracket to hang it the way it was designed.

Ahhh man thats cheating, you are supposed to work and slave to make something that is ok, just to find out there is a commercial version for way cheaper than what it cost you to make it

(shouldn't admit that has happened to me a few times) Seriously though, that's awesome. I know a lot of people knock macs, but I bought a 4-2 for my 500 a while back and thought the quality was decent for the price.

Brandon

The_Crippler · « **Reply #16 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:26:51 PM »

Quote from: manjisann on July 30, 2009, 06:06:45 PM

I know a lot of people knock macs, but I bought a 4-2 for my 500 a while back and thought the quality was decent for the price.

I had Mac on one of my past bikes and never had a problem with it. I read a lot of people bad-mouthing Mac on the premise of "It's Mac, it sucks," but have never really heard any reasons why.

But for me, it comes down to this: If you can't source an original set of pipes for some CB models, Mac is your only option.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #17 on:** July 30, 2009, 06:35:31 PM »

I like the comstars, too. I especially like that the later 'stars are tubeless so if I'm touring with MX, and either of us gets a flat, either of us can use one of those puncture plugs instead of trying to patch the tube. Preparedness is a big thing with me.

Pinhead · « **Reply #18 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:16:59 PM »

I like the Comstars, too.

What rear shocks are you running? I recently installed CB900 rear shocks on my bike to raise the ass-end a bit and get rid of the squishy/springy ride. Works like a charm.

checkflag · « **Reply #19 on:** July 30, 2009, 08:44:56 PM »

Those are bilsteins I believe. PO installed em' 25 years ago.
They are still good too. Leave it to the Germans.

checkflag · « **Reply #20 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:26:50 PM »

Correction.. they are not billsteins. They are monroe.. a Pep Boys special.. JK.
OK.. well what I am really writing about is whats happening on my CB650.

I had to rebuild the top-end. Had it cleaned, sandblasted, lathethed, and replaced the valve stem seals.

Before, this is atually the cylinders, forgot to get a pic of the valves, but I assure you
they were identically dirty...

and here is the clean head..

manjisann · « **Reply #21 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:36:50 PM »

But now your engine is so clean, you'll hate to start her up and make her dirty

Brandon

checkflag · « **Reply #22 on:** August 20, 2009, 05:41:21 PM »

haha.. hell no though. I really want to ride.. shes been offline for 3 weeks now.
it was valve stem seals that prevented #3&4 not firing

checkflag · « **Reply #23 on:** September 06, 2009, 01:27:18 AM »

New Pic.. took this the other day with my iphone.

Frankenkit · « **Reply #24 on:** September 06, 2009, 08:12:53 AM »

That's a beautiful picture. I love the lines and composition from a photographer's standpoint... and then the bike! beautiful bike, too.

If I had a '79 instead of an '80 that'd be my wallpaper for sure.

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Author Topic: 1979 CB650.. First mod's of my Stock-modified SOHC (Read 7575 times)