Author Topic: $100 first project bike with problems (Read 10132 times)

mystic_1 · « **Reply #50 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:00:37 PM »

Yeah engine oil, front brake fluid, fork oil, top off the battery with distilled water, and while you're at it you might look into chaning your blinker fluid.

Oh, and I see that you will be buying shocks in the near future

mystic_1

cike · « **Reply #51 on:** October 18, 2009, 09:43:29 PM »

have new battery. No front brakes at this time, caliper is frozen so I pulled them off until I am able to test ride the bike then I'll work on them. (i'll be careful)
ordered oil filter tonight..be a few days until I get it.
not sure about shocks at this time. The struts I made were just a quick job to see how the bike would look slammed down. I made them to short and only have about 1/2" clearance to back fender. Made the hole spread 9" should have done 10. May go with the short shocks. (11" i think) sitting position is really cool like this though. (could use forward controls or highway pegs) I'm 6'. Also not much ground clearance with the header running under the motor. May change to straight pipes later.

Any thoughts on how to do this bike? have been racking my brain trying to figure out what direction to take it. Not into the cafe, or stock style, not interested in making it into a show bike. it'll probably get a rattle can paint job. I Kinda like the rat, bobber, or chop type style where the bike looks like it's had a well used life, but not so ratty that it looks like sh*t either. something kinda tough and cool looking. ( to each his own ) It will probably never see more then a 50 mile ride at one time so I can give up a little function for form if I need to. At the same time I'm trying not to change it so bad that it can't be changed back to stock later... never been very good at having a plan before I've started any of my bikes. Just kinda start changing stuff to fit me, and see what I come up with. Not a good way to do it though as it leads to changing the same thing again later sometimes. $$$
Going to go look in the gallery and on the web to see if I find anything that catches my eye.

Mystic: Already changed the blinker fluid. It was kinda hard getting the drain plug out, but bleeding them was the real pain.

Ogri · « **Reply #52 on:** October 19, 2009, 02:36:18 PM »

Hey Cike, what do you think of this ?

Diesel engine!
I realise it's a long way from what you have, but consider the 'patina', the attitude, the skeletal nature. I really like it.

cike · « **Reply #53 on:** October 20, 2009, 12:25:13 AM »

Ogri: i like it!!
But what the Heck is it? Don't think I have ever seen anything that looked like that before. inverted forks, Love the bars and the front tire looks great with that set up. I don't even recognize the tank. Shaft drive on a rigid, not something you see everyday.
I like the style of the frame a lot though, with it not being stretched and raked. Very cool and unique bike. Thanks for the pic.
I looked around last night at a lot of 750 pics on the internet and it seemed that the rigid frame bikes where the ones that kept catching my eye. I think that maybe my long term goal fort is bike as well. Set-up with a stance like the one you have in the picture. ( Looking back at the pic it looks like the hardtail might be some type of bolt on) At the moment though my funds don't allow this. I did meet a guy this summer that had a Kaw-rigid, turns out he has a small bike shop about 20 minutes away and said that he could hardtail my bike for about the same price as it would cost me to buy a bolt-weld on kit. (about $300 US) I'm thinking for now I'm going to stay as cheap as possible, get it on the road and make sure I have the motor running well before I start changing it much more. That gray smoke (decent amount) still has me worried. Until I can run the bike some, see if it burns off, and find out where I stand with the motor.

Am i missing something or does that bike you posted have no exhaust? could be that can looking thing on the side under the tank. At first I thought that pipe under it was running back into case, now I think that might be the exhaust pipe.

had a thought, would like an opinion. I am getting ready to change the oil once my filter arrives. I have read several people on here talking about sea-foam. It seems like the bike should be ran for about ten miles after putting it in then change oil. I don't want to run my bike for 10 miles with this old oil in it (plus no tags yet) would it be worthwhile to put some of this in my bike, run it for a while in the garage and then change the oil? Or would that just be a waste of time and money.

here is where I'm at at the moment:
$100 -Bike
22 - gal carb cleaner
50 -Battery, fuel lines, T fitting
3.50 - strut bolts ( to short )
100 - carbs (2nd set - still need good cleaning)
8 - spark plugs
8 - oil filter
_________
$291.50 total Not counting money for test light, multi-meter

I love these pipes they have on Ebay, wish I was at that stage in this project, but I need to spend my money on other parts right now. Still very tempting though. I wonder who makes them. One of the pics shows what looks to be a part number stamped in it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=290360291007&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Ogri · « **Reply #54 on:** October 20, 2009, 03:40:38 AM »

I think that bike is of East European descent. It's a diesel motor, probably out of a cement mixer or similar, I'm pretty sure that can is the exhaust.

I think Seafoam is designed to be run in a static bike - they don't expect you to ride it on the street, just let it run in the garage. It creates a huge amount of smoke though, you might want to warn the neighbours and point the back of the bike out rather than in. Also, read the intructions & put the right amount in. A recent post in another thread was about an owner who put too much in, apparently causing the headers to run red-hot.

cike · « **Reply #55 on:** October 21, 2009, 12:51:15 AM »

Haven't done anything last 2 days on bike except straighten up garage from last weekend and sweep up all that soot. probably be friday before I get to work on it again. (and this weekend looks pretty full)
the guy I sold the cb500 to on Ebay paid for it. (26 days after buying it) waiting see see how much time goes by until he picks it up. Worst ebayer I've ever dealt with.
What to do my valve and cam chain tension adjustment this weekend, so I have been doing search's on here valve adjustments. (do cam chain first right?)
Was my thoughts on this backwards like it was on the points? I thought that 1-4 fired at the same time and 2-3 fired at the same time. ( I know that I read that on here somewhere) Everything that I am reading says that (short version) you put 1-4 on the T and adjust one cylinder valves (say 1) then rotate 360 degrees back to the same mark and then adjust 4. wouldn't this indicate that the firing order would be 1-2-4-3. I know the it doesn't really matter if they fire 2 cylinders at a time or 1 at a time for my purposes, But I am just trying to get a better understanding of how these motors work. May make it easier later if I have a better understanding of what is going on the inside.
Hopefully after adjustments, some of my motor noise will be gone. (even though it is not much more than the noise than comes from my harley)
Can't wait to take this thing for a ride. Think I'm going to run the harley tank for now as it looks like it will be the cheapest way to get the bike on the road. Will have to check again this weekend and make sure the petcock will clear now that the carbs are on and pay closer attention to how much it will take to get it solidly mounted.

Ogri: Hows your bike coming? any new pics? If I remember right, in one of your pics of the front wheel there was a black bike in the background that reminded me of the older 40's style harleys (i'll go back and look again after posting)(don't think it was a harley though) Any chance of getting you to post a pic of it on here??? would love to see it. Is it yours?

cike · « **Reply #56 on:** October 21, 2009, 12:55:04 AM »

Orgi: Looks like a rigid frame..BMW maybe? Horizontal cylinders..Looks Cool from what I can see.

Ogri · « **Reply #57 on:** October 21, 2009, 02:55:34 AM »

Quote from: cike on October 21, 2009, 12:55:04 AM

Orgi: Looks like a rigid frame..BMW maybe? Horizontal cylinders..Looks Cool from what I can see.

Ah! That's my Ural / Dnepr Russian hybrid. Ural M67 650cc engine, Dnepr gearbox with reverse (handier on a bike than you'd think) and Yamaha 600 front end; for the disc brake.

Here's the bike as I bought it for £300 unseen about 4 years ago:

And here it is now:

I made a longer hand lever to replace the stubby little reverse lever, the wooden knob is from a hand drill.

I really like it as it was designed to be maintained by Russian peasants, everything can be dismantled, repaired with basic tools and rebuilt. The most recent work I had done on it was cylinder-head work. Better valves, recut seats, new guides, gas flowed. Had to hide the receipt from the girlfriend though

Literally starts first kick and always gets me home.

Today I'll be rubbing back the lacquer on my CB750's tank. If all goes well I'll re-assemble the flap on the top, put the badges back on, take a pic of it and park it somewhere out of harm's way in the attic. Next job will be taking the front end off the remains of the bike and renovating the lower yoke (triple-tree). I'll also be able to count and measure the steering bearing balls and order some new ones (although I think they're 1/4") along with new bearings for the cast front wheels - 6302s. Then, I'll have no more excuses and I'll be removing the frame from the engine - joy, can't wait.

andy750 · « **Reply #58 on:** October 21, 2009, 04:53:35 AM »

Ogri - love the Ural/Dpner! Very very cool. I actually really liekd the green original but have to admit you did a good job on the mods. The seats look super-comfy.

cheers
Andy

Ogri · « **Reply #59 on:** October 21, 2009, 05:08:06 AM »

Cheers Andy, that original seat is thick rubber, so completely waterproof (and very kinky.)
My girlfriend says it's the most comfortable bike to ride pillion on, she really likes the looped rubber hand-hold in front of the passenger seat.

cike · « **Reply #60 on:** October 22, 2009, 12:29:41 AM »

Nice bike. Thanks for the pics. Don't see much of those on this side of the pond. In fact I don't think I have ever seen one until now. (movies maybe)
I wonder what that would look like with the front wheel that it came with back on, the passenger seat off and a set of Indian chief or Kaw drifter fenders.
I liked the youtube clip also (had to go to youtube to watch it, wouldn't load) I thought it sounded pretty good, but aren't you riding on the wrong site of the road

just kidding.

Got my oil filter in today, Just got the email yesterday that it was shipping. (that was quick) Think that I am going to make a quick set of highway pegs to put on it and see where I need to put the feet position before making some forward controls. Probably leave the highway pegs on until I get to ride it a little so I can see how it feels going down the road and if they need moved any. Started on them today.
Made a side mounted license frame bracket but would like to find some other way to do the brake light then mounting it on the bracket like everyone else does. It may end up there before it's over though...still thinking.
I've never named any of my bikes, but I think that I have named this one. "Misfit"

Definition: One who is unable to adjust to one's environment or circumstances or is considered to be disturbingly different from others.

If "one" can be a bike, it sounds just like the type of bike that I would build. A bunch of styles (or yet-to-be styles) all thrown together to make something that is considered to be disturbingly different from others. At least it won't look like any cookie cutter bike. And just like me, it'll be cheap but functional.

cike · « **Reply #61 on:** October 24, 2009, 10:31:11 AM »

Adjusted the can chain and changed the oil today used valvoine vr1 racing oil. It was kinda pricey but says that it has a high zinc content. Did some searching on here first. Some say not to use valvoline some say that this is what they run and it works well. So I hope it works well for me too. Ran some seafoam through the oil before changing.
Had to put my shocks back on in order to change the oil. Bike sat to low with the struts on to get a oil pan under it, and I can't use a bike lift with the 4-1 running under the motor.
Took her for her first ride today. With my makeshift gas tank hanging from the handlebars I rode it up and down the alley beside my house twice. Didn't adjust the back brakes in enough for having the shocks back on (front brakes are off bike) so stopping was kinda scary, had a little bit of brakes but not much.
Clutch felt good, shifted smoothly, at least to 2nd gear as that was as far as i got.
went to adjust my valves and found out that I didn't have a 17mm box wrench, (have a buddy bringing one over) so that may get done yet today or tomorrow.
I really like the look of the CB500 tank and decided that this is the tank I am going to use. Dented the underside of it a little so it would clear the 2 side rails on the frame. need to do it just a little bit more, but the tank is sitting down flat now. I'll just have the issue with moving the petcock. Shouldn't be to hard. If anyone has done this before feel free to offer advice.
Here is a link to the type of petcock that I am thinking would be the easiest way to go. It has a male connector on it.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=220499094173&viewitem=&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWAX%3AIT

Here is a pic of the bike with the Cb500 tank and the shocks on. I kinda like the looks of the shocks they are just to tall (maybe some short shocks are in the future) these will work for now though. Anyone no how to shorten the stock shocks? Can i take them apart (if i can get them apart) and cut the springs?

Ogri · « **Reply #62 on:** October 24, 2009, 11:02:40 AM »

That tank looks great now! I really like the double-take you do when you first see it and think "Hmm..just a 500," then your eye wanders down to the engine and it's; "Oh, it's a 750...!"

Is that fuel tap going to have the right thread? I've no idea what the Honda one is but wouldn't it be metric ?

Not sure about shortening the shocks, I think you'd have to shorten the damper rods as well as the springs. Do-able, but might be easier/cheaper to find shorter shocks.

Looking very good.

cike · « **Reply #63 on:** October 24, 2009, 01:01:55 PM »

Here are some pics of how the petcock mounts to the gas tank comparing the Honda and the Harley (silver tank) also on showing the dents I had to add to make the tank fit. Looks like the harley one just has a threaded pipe welded to a plate then the plate welded to the tank. Would of course have to get a threaded pipe that matched the threads on the petcock.
If I could weld I don't think (gets me in trouble every time) that it would be to difficult. (have friends that can weld)
Do you see anything that I am missing that would keep this from working?
Of course I would have to plug off the old petcock location.

That tank looks great now! I really like the double-take you do when you first see it and think "Hmm..just a 500," then your eye wanders down to the engine and it's; "Oh, it's a 750...!" Suprise, .... a sleeper

Ogri · « **Reply #64 on:** October 24, 2009, 04:11:41 PM »

If you're going to have the correct threaded boss welded on, then that's not a problem at all. For some reason I thought you were assuming the Hardly petcock would be a straight fit.

Just be absolutely sure the tank is in its final resting position before you offer up the petcock and determine where you want it located.

cike · « **Reply #65 on:** October 30, 2009, 01:09:53 PM »

guess I titled this thread right!

Finally made it out to adjust my valves. Now I have a problem again. The valve caps were way super tight and I stripped one (#3 inlet) trying to get it out. So I took the bike out and rode it up and down the alley to get the motor hot, hoping it would make them come out easier. (kinda like a oil drain plug) No such luck. although I did get a couple of the tight ones out (hurt the palm of my hand, but I'll live) 2 more of them stripped (#1,2 inlet) Tried putting vice grips on #3 and only managed to make it worse.
Why did Honda use such soft metal on everything?

(might be aluminum)

ANY TOUGHTS ON HOW TO GET THESE OUT NOW???

Maybe pull the carbs and try a pipe wrench? Thought I would ask you pros before going any farther.

Did start making a bracket to hold the back side of the 500 tank on with. (almost done) Even though tank looks clean going clean it out before using and welding harley petcock spout on.
ordered brake light. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270476625061&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

and turn signals http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=190344987723&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT

mystic_1 · « **Reply #66 on:** October 30, 2009, 01:59:28 PM »

If they're already borked, use channel locks on the outer diameter of the tappet covers, not the hex portion. That should get them out. Be careful not to gouge your valve cover.

mystic_1

Ogri · « **Reply #67 on:** October 30, 2009, 03:02:14 PM »

When you say you've 'stripped' one, do you mean you've rounded off the hexagon or damaged the threads ? 'Stripped' normally means damage to the actual threads. Hopefully you've just 'rounded' the hexs and will be able to replace the covers with new ones.

Honda made various parts of the sohc fours out of a tasty but essentially insubstantial cheese, to save weight.

If I were faced with a stuck tappet cover I'd find a 17mm, six-sided hex socket, a T-bar and a large hammer. One firm deadblow on the T-bar should be enough to dislodge them. If that fails, I'd attack the outer ring with a cold chisel aimed at a point between the centre of the cover and its perimeter. If that fails you'll have to assume the previous owner had them welded on from the inside.

cike · « **Reply #68 on:** October 30, 2009, 04:40:10 PM »

thanks guys:
Went out and used the channel locks and got 2 out of the 3 off. Put them on the #2 inlet and cranked for all I had. Channel locks finally slipped and I took a chunk out of my knuckle.
Blood, sweat, and tears baby. If you aint got those in your bike, then it's not really your bike.
Anyway, just got bandaged up, grabbed a cheeseburger and heading back out to try #2 again. May still have to take the carbs off to come at it from a different angle.

Ogri: I rounded the hex nut not the threads, With #2 being under the frame I can't get a socket and T-bar on it. Thanks for the suggestion though. I'll still see if I can give it a good hit before trying again though.

On the plus side: I finally got to do something good for someone on this site though. While posting a listing in the wanted section for lowering blocks I saw someone on there who had cracked a carb and was looking for a single carb body, so I hooked him up with one from my old set (shipped today) He said that I was his hero as he never thought that he would find a single body. Told him that I was not a hero but, that is what this site is all about, Helping each other. I know I could never have gotten this far without your help.

cike · « **Reply #69 on:** October 30, 2009, 05:19:24 PM »

Got it off!!! (the cap that is) and with 9 knuckles left. WOOHOO!
Hopefully can do valve adjustment tomorrow as today is shot.
One small mark on the valve cover but hay, this wasn't such a great looking bike to begin with so not really a big loss.

mystic_1 · « **Reply #70 on:** October 30, 2009, 07:12:14 PM »

See that, your good SOHC4 karma paid off

Replacement tappet covers can be bought new at reasonable prices, btw.

mystic_1

vanillagorilla · « **Reply #71 on:** October 30, 2009, 08:45:27 PM »

Wow, Cike, you have been runnin into the same issues I had. Glad to see you were able to work through em and get the old girl fired up. I know you must have been stoked, I was! Do you have a service manual? If not, I can email you .pdf. Keep on posting and asking question, these guy seem to know all the answers(and I might have a couple too)!

cike · « **Reply #72 on:** October 31, 2009, 12:15:20 PM »

Got my valves adjusted today. Was kinda nervous about getting started but turned out not to be that big of a deal. Did manage to brake off the tip of my feeler gauge inside the valve cover. Made me freak for a minute, but I was able to get it out.
WOW some of these were way out. Most I had to turn close to half a turn on the screw. 2 of them were almost a whole turn. guessing about .025 clearance from the looks of it.
Motor sounds better now but still has noise, More than I think it should.
I did some digging around here on this site and found where I used to be a member back when I had my KO my name then was CIKKE found the listing
Keep, part, or sell K0??
was kinda interesting reading it several years later.

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$100 first project bike with problems

Author Topic: $100 first project bike with problems (Read 10132 times)