Picked this gem up for $375:
![](http://i.min.us/idRV1i.jpg)
![](http://i.min.us/idRX9q.jpg)
![](http://i.min.us/idWwvM.jpg)
![](http://i.min.us/idSxiO.jpg)
This'll be my first CB build. I'm not sure yet exactly what I'm going to do with it, other than I have a vague idea of a classic, clean minimalist cafe racer machine with some modern upgrades, no fluff.
I had posted another thread with a bunch of noob questions here:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=91895If anyone can chime in on any of those questions, I could use some guidance and TIA.
This is my personal spare time project, I expect it to take probably a year. I have another one to build this winter; a friend's CB550 (not sure what year, mid 70's). I'll do a seperate build thread for that one once I get it up here and start tearing into it.
Anyway, I wanted to do a test ride before teardown, so I went through the carbs, points etc and got it purring like a kitten:
Can anyone tell me if this amount of blowby is normal? (I'm already planning at least an 836 kit/cam/head porting for it)
The test ride went well, it seems to ride fine, no major problems came up, so now to tear into it:
![](http://i.min.us/idWunC.jpg)
The exhaust is soaking in penetrating oil - they're pretty well rusted in place. I'll probably end up taking the manifolds off the head and then separating them from the pipes on the bench.
![](http://i.min.us/idSxiM.jpg)
The front end
![](http://i.min.us/idWnPo.jpg)
Looks like I'll need new fork tubes:
![](http://i.min.us/idRMUA.jpg)
![](http://i.min.us/idRPcI.jpg)
And I hope I can clean this up:
![](http://i.min.us/idWwvK.jpg)
Both forks seems to operate smoothly, depsite the rust.
Definitely getting new, tapered baearings:
![](http://i.min.us/idRX9o.jpg)
My pile of parts so far. Most of this won't be going back on the bike, except maybe the gauges. Anyone see anything they want?
![](http://i.min.us/idWJNk.jpg)
So, about that front end, I could really use some input here, 'cause I'm not even sure at this point what my options are.
- the fork tubes need to be replaced - I don't think any amount of magic is going to bring those rusted things back to new looking
- I'm not excited about the look of the upper triple
- Clip ons, or dropped clubman bars? I could go either way. I'm leaning towards bars for the classic look
- I would like to have dual front discs with modern calipers
- Both forks definietely need a full rebuild with cartridge emulators/progressive springs
- The housings are showing some minor pitting, will need a skim coat of bondo and paint at the least
- If the top of that one housing can't be cleaned up, it'll need replacing
- One of the gator boots is torn
- Definitely want to keep the look of the spoked wheels
- I like the look of the front fender, but was planning on cutting it down, eliminating the stays and painting it
- Would like to get better handling and lower the bike overall
- I want to go to more modern sportbike tires
- The spokes are all showing surface corrosion (white powdery stuff), but the rims and hub look good
- Will need new wheel bearings, rotors resurfaced and cross-drilled - it may even be bent - something was dragging on the front wheel halfway around, haven't gotten into the caliper yet
With all the above points in mind, is this front end too far gone - a lost cause for what I'll have to put into it to bring it back to new? Am I better off looking for a completely different front end, and off of what other bike, (I have to keep the spoked wheels, what's compatible??) or is it worth rebuilding this one?
Among my considerations are:
- Cost
- Ride quality
- Handling/performance
- Parts compatibility
- Least amount of fabrication
I may have to do further disassembly and evaluate more, to see if i need to replace the disc, if the caliper is any good, what the fork internals look like, etc.
A direct bolt-on from a modern bike with spoked wheels and dual discs would probably be ideal. Thoughts, advice?