Author Topic: 1969 CL 450 Restore for a friend. (Read 16985 times)

Markcb750 · « **on:** February 13, 2011, 11:36:21 AM »

My cousin bought this 1969 CL 450 based on a lead I found here, can't remember who posted the CL add from the Greensboro area, but thanks.

Because of snow in the upstate NY area, I could not deliver it, so we decided I would get to tear it down and do the cosmetic restore then deliver it later.

Bike is in good shape, ran just fine before I started. about 9K based on the original speedo in a box.

A few PO quirks, and some damage from the battery in the rear fender/swingarm area.

Fun, I tell him what it needs, he looks for the parts and pays!

Greggo · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2011, 01:11:15 PM »

Looks Great!! Those bikes are sweet!

Markcb750 · « **Reply #2 on:** February 14, 2011, 02:50:07 AM »

Thanks Greggo, I was able to ride it around for about an hour, nimble, pretty good response to the throttle, would be a nice commuter bike.

I have it mostly stripped down, just need to remove the RH controls and the motor so the frame and the motor can be cleaned painted or polished.

It needs a lot of the rubber components replaced, does anyone have experience getting parts like the fork ear caps and the handlebar mounts?

If any of you have experience with these CV carbs i would appreciate any tips you might have in your box of tricks before I work them over. They drip anytime the bike is parked, ruined my digital meter I had on the motor to check the charging system.

Thanks for looking.

Nikkisixx · « **Reply #3 on:** February 14, 2011, 05:58:45 AM »

Very tidy in that garage - especially with a bike in pieces!

A light sanding of the areas around the float pivots can sometimes help with fuel overflow. Friction there can hang a float open $:-\$

MasterChief750 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:14:35 AM »

my experience with cv carbs is that cv actually means cuss vigorously.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:44:17 AM »

Quote from: Nikkisixx on February 14, 2011, 05:58:45 AM

Very tidy in that garage - especially with a bike in pieces!
A light sanding of the areas around the float pivots can sometimes help with fuel overflow. Friction there can hang a float open $:-\$

I am trying to convince myself that time spent keeping organized now will be re-gained exponentially when I put it back together...5S and all.

What shocks did you buy for the Triumph?

Nikkisixx · « **Reply #6 on:** February 14, 2011, 07:17:50 AM »

Yeah, I need to have a Kaizen and 5s in my garage as well. I wonder if that would count towards my black belt...

I went with aluminum, nitrogen filled, piggyback shocks with progressive springs. Imported from Asia, bought on eBay. They LOOK badass. Seem well made. Can't testify as to function. I'd try them on the CB750 but the clevis is wrong. The Tiger is put up for the winter so that won't work as a test bed. I hope to get the Bonnie up and running in a couple of weeks if the brown truck would bring me my stuff! $:-\$

MoMo · « **Reply #7 on:** February 14, 2011, 03:27:11 PM »

Mark, most rubber parts can be had from www.mrcycles.com, at least I got quite a few parts from them for the 450's I rebuilt. No trick to the carbs, make sure the slide moves freely in the top body-I use 1000 grit. I actually never had any of the 450 carbs overflow

. Valves are kind of a pain to adjust, I remove the carb tops and throttle cables when I set the valves. Some mechanics I worked with used to adjust the valves by ear but I always removed the covers, throttle cables and carb tops to get a better feel. Also, it is a good idea to remove the adjusting nut, clean the threads and put anti-seize on. That will enable you to lock the nut without the adjuster turning when you tighten the nut.

I used to have a garage full of 450 spare parts but I sold everything to gain some storage. Took a huge loss but I needed the space. I have always had an affinity for the 450, from the Black Bomber to the last incarnation as a 500T.

Larry

Markcb750 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 14, 2011, 04:31:28 PM »

Thanks Larry, I will look that site over as I order parts.

I wondered about the rear valve adjustment with all the stuff in way. Plus it looks like I see some kind of sealant coming out around the cover mounting surface.
At least the Carbs come off a little easier the a 750.

I rode my Kawasaki just a little north of you Last June as I made getting to NY an adventure. I crossed the Susquehanna at Susquehanna Falls then north to Pottstown, and on to 209 along the Delaware. I did almost 2400 miles in in 6 days. Almost none of it on interstates.

Mark

MoMo · « **Reply #9 on:** February 14, 2011, 06:04:33 PM »

Mark, it is common for some people to put some type of sealant around the gasket if the gasket breaks. Don't know if you took the air filters off, but it makes everything a lot easier to take the carbs on and off. Replacement air filters are tough to find by the way. Have you taken the oil slinger apart to clean it?

I rode my Kawasaki just a little north of you Last June as I made getting to NY an adventure. I crossed the Susquehanna at Susquehanna Falls then north to Pottstown, and on to 209 along the Delaware. I did almost 2400 miles in in 6 days. Almost none of it on interstates.---that sounds like quite a ride, if you're ever in the area stop by. I can offer a place to stay and a shop if you need any rest or assistance...Larry

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #10 on:** February 16, 2011, 04:46:21 PM »

Nice Score........That tank design was a 1-year thing. If you notice any discolorization on the valve-adjuster covers take a close look a the rocker shafts for wear caused by poor or blocked oil passages. If good color all should be well. If you can't find standard air-cleaner units you could install K&N units under the sidecovers.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 16, 2011, 05:44:25 PM »

Old Scrambler

Was the red frame a factory standard on the 450?

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #12 on:** February 17, 2011, 09:27:13 AM »

All were BLACK..............except CYB models for police were white. Other than the tank, the seat will be the hardest thing to return to original. It had Silver piping which fades to Gold. All motor and electrical parts are the same as the CB models. The tail lens is the same as '67 305 Scramblers and then changed to the small rectangular unit as a K0-K1 750.

If your doing a custom refinish, Silver tank & sides on a Red frame, or Silver on Royal Blue will grap attention.

Duanob · « **Reply #13 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:02:01 AM »

Sweet 450! Would that bike be considered a BlackBomber "D" model? I always figured a 450 twin would be close to the same performance as a 550 because of less weight.

MoMo · « **Reply #14 on:** February 17, 2011, 10:02:56 AM »

If your doing a custom refinish, Silver tank & sides on a Red frame, or Silver on Royal Blue will grap attention.
[/quote]

+1 to that. 450's look awesome with either of those motifs, but especially the red and silver. However, I had one of my 450's painted black with black side covers and a silver stripe of the tank, very classic look...Larry

fishobos · « **Reply #15 on:** February 17, 2011, 01:53:50 PM »

The float adjustment on the 450's is what makes them leak gas when parked. You have to bend the brass tab a little to shut the gas off after the bowl is full. The bike looks great.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #16 on:** February 26, 2011, 05:02:38 PM »

Been stripping and sorting, nice day in the shop.

I received many boxes of parts while I was in Mexico, EBay continues to be a place where the definition of "good usable" is broadened to encompass stuff outside previously established norms...

malcolmgb · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2011, 04:26:03 AM »

Quote from: photolar on February 14, 2011, 03:27:11 PM

make sure the slide moves freely in the top body-I use 1000 grit.

That bike would be a dream find for me. Cleaning the carb with grit sounds a bit aggressive to me, back in my car mechanic days we used brake fluid to clean off CV carb pistons.

MoMo · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2011, 06:45:05 AM »

It is more like polishing the carb body so the slide moves freely. At 1000 or higher grit only. It has worked well on the 450 carb sets I have rebuilt over the past 5 years. I do that after I have removed the lacquer with a cleaner...Larry

Markcb750 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 06, 2011, 03:39:29 PM »

Today I got the motor cleaned and Painted, light coats of aluminum ceramic and three coats of clear on just the cases/head covers.

lots of little Items to detail out cleaning & polishing all the bolts that are not going to be replaced is time consuming. I am going to talk to the chrome plating guy about doing of the shock and motor mounting bolts as they are beyound my ability to make look decent.

Mark

Markcb750 · « **Reply #20 on:** March 17, 2011, 06:19:41 PM »

This week I sorted boxed & dropped off parts to be finished by local tradesman.

Price of chroming continues to climb.

mlinder · « **Reply #21 on:** March 17, 2011, 06:49:27 PM »

Great, great looking bike, Mark.

Your cousin is lucky, both for getting the bike, and having you work on it.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #22 on:** March 17, 2011, 06:52:46 PM »

Hi Mark

I haven't been following the HP thread, what are you racing this year?

mlinder · « **Reply #23 on:** March 17, 2011, 06:56:16 PM »

Quote from: Markcb750 on March 17, 2011, 06:52:46 PM

Hi Mark

I haven't been following the HP thread, what are you racing this year?

Nothing. Realized I don't have the balls for it anymore.
So, building instead of riding. 2 cb350's and a GS750. It'll be nice to have two bikes in the same class at the same time.

If I had a 450, I'd build that, too.

Markcb750 · « **Reply #24 on:** March 17, 2011, 07:04:37 PM »

I was at the Barber vintage races last year, met a 70 YO who was racing in the 250 class, I don't think I ever saw my father having that much fun.

I like having this to work on, It is great fun talking with the people like the guy who is doing the powder coat. Good people.

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Author Topic: 1969 CL 450 Restore for a friend. (Read 16985 times)

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