Morning.
I finally found and picked up a CB500 that I want to chop into a smallish racer. $300 at a local bone yard, it kicked over but the carbs are totally fouled up, and the ignition is shot. Mechanically the bike seems sound, no missing parts and hardly any rust. This will be my first bike build... but I guess I have to start someplace.
As for my plans with it... keep it affordable! Make a fun around town daily commuter but still have fun with it. I am cruising around on a 74 Yamaha DT125 Enduro right now, so this will be a welcome upgrade. (go ahead and make scooter jokes... it gets 100 mpg) The Enduro will be handed down to my GF until I can find her something fun.
I have noticed a couple really cool cafe racers/chop jobs around Salt Lake City and have been trying to get in touch with people that love old bikes. Any forum members from around these parts?
The bike as I found it. Mostly there, electonics shot but the motor kicks over, and it had oil in it. I dropped the pan after getting her home and inspected for any metal shavings or pieces. Last time bike was registered was in 09, so I reckon it has been standing for at least a couple years.
Got her home and started stripping her down. I am keeping all the parts in a bin, but will probably try to replace that tank with a Super Sport or something more flattering.
Took the motor out and have just the rolling chassis today. I don't have clipons or clubmans just yet, so just flipped the original bars so I have something to steer her with.
The carbs seem to be in bad shape. Lots of gunk and the guy that rebuilt them last had parts in the wrong places.... I checked the manual and will correct when I rebuild. I have since cleaned it but am waiting for ideas on coatings before I reassemble. Saw someone use baking soda and a compressor to bring a little shiny back... does anyone have experience with this? I played around with anodizing at home, but I didn't like the result.
Nothing but the frame left. Hardly any rust! A little surface flakes next to an engine mount but I can deal with that. I also cut off the passenger foot pegs, but realize I will now need to fabricate something to mount the MAC exhaust onto.
Measured and marked where I am cutting the frame. This was a big deal for me since I have always been told don't mess with a good frame! I want to shorten the frame a little and put a nice metal hoop in.
No going back now.
Found a hoop that fits perfectly! I don't have a pipe bender (or welder for that matter) so I had to scavenge something I could use.
Home Depot welder and a little practice! I haven't welded for 10 years so it looks a little crusty. I ended up smoothing and checking all the welds once I was done. Also added some sheet metal for a nice seat base.
Closeup of the tail.
Glued up some pink foam and carved a quick seat. I am replacing this tank, but used it to see if I could tap in the sides for that cafe look. It was actually really easy and a few layers of bondo would make it look fine.
Side profile with mocked up seat and old tank
I found a CB400 Super Sport tank today. After mounting it and extending the seat to match (at this point it has been covered with bondo and smoothed) I realize it is too short. I guess I will keep looking for a 750 tank, or make something from scratch. I have been doing research on fiberglass tanks and they don't seem to do so well with ethanol and gas.... anyone out there with any suggestions?
New tank and seat plug from the side.
So I have had the bike for about 3 or so weeks by now. I would like to have her up and running sometime this summer and maybe stave off rebuilding the motor if I can get it to run. I will get the compression tested, and order up ignition coils and maybe a new electronic ignition.
