Topic: couple questions(tire size, starter solenoid)

[comcrx]

now that I've cut my rear fender, the rear wheel looks really tall and skinny. I've been thinking maybe over the next winter I'd like to lace up some 16 in wheels. how wide of a tire can I run in the rear with a 16 inch? how about with the stock size wheel? maybe just a little wider tires would make it look better, but there's already not much clearance next to the chain

now the electrical question
is there a way to check the starter solenoid without A) spending 40 bucks on a multimeter, or B) spending 40 bucks on a new solenoid?
I really didn't mind kickstarting until yesterday when I flooded the bike(I think) and got tired of kicking. I shorted out the posts on the solenoid and wham! starter works. but I'm not sure if its the starter button/wiring, or the actual solenoid thats bad

only another week or two and I'll have the seat back and will post pics/vid

andy

[mb3000gt]

i dont know if your bike is the same as mine, but to check the solenoid i would just disconnect the black control wire (there are two, a yellow and a black) and connect it directly to 12V, like the hot post. if the starter doesnt spin its the solenoid. if its the bar switch the contact may just need to be cleaned. i've seen multimeters for under $10-very useful to have.

[bill440cars]

   Hey andy,

                     Have you got a Harbor Freight nearby? You can pick up a usable multimeter for less
        than $10, easily. I think I gave 4 or$5 for mine and I compared it to a Craftsman that I had and
        it was right with it. Cheap and should last for a while. Check it out.  Later on, Bill

[HondaMan]

Bill!

Is that a Yosh seat on the CB77?

[bill440cars]

                          I'm don't actually know who made the seat. That's a photo I picked up on line
       and stuck it in my avatar. Back in 68- 69', I had a 66' CB72 Hawk that I put a seat like that
       one. I wish I had it back bike and all. That was a good running,good handling bike and I thought
       it looked good. I have a CB77 project bike (non runner for now) that I want to build like that
       one. Anyway, I have no idea who made the seat. Thanks for asking though. Later on, Bill

[theunrulychef]

I'd say get the multimeter.  It's kinda like the hammer of electrical work .  As Bill said, a cheapo one will work just fine for most issues on these old bikes & you can use it for future problems as well.

[comcrx]

not sure about harbor freight but I'll just get the girlfriend to stop by fleet farm the next time we go out to her parents.
I'll try the trick with the solenoid too

so, what about tire sizes?

[dusterdude]

130-16 will fit just fine,you might be able to squeeze a 140 on.

[comcrx]

what if I decide to keep the 18in rear, is a 120 the widest I can get before hitting the chain? is there anyway to align the chain in a way to get, say, a 140/18 on? or would that be way more skill than I may have?