Topic: Spare Change- First Bike

[Stev-o]

The piston looks toast with the rust. Everything else looks like dried brake fluid. Denatured Alcohol eats dried flud up very quickly, almost like magic. You may only need to new piston.

Thanks for the input. That little piece of metal is pretty pricey. In search of a new piston and seal kit.

You be better off buying a used caliper - start a thread in the parts wanted area of this forum.  A lot of us have spare parts that we sell reasonably to other members.

[Dads Toy]

The piston looks toast with the rust. Everything else looks like dried brake fluid. Denatured Alcohol eats dried flud up very quickly, almost like magic. You may only need to new piston.

Thanks for the input. That little piece of metal is pretty pricey. In search of a new piston and seal kit.

You be better off buying a used caliper - start a thread in the parts wanted area of this forum.  A lot of us have spare parts that we sell reasonably to other members.

Thanks Stev-o will look into that.

[Dads Toy]

Major setback-
Decided to remove the other caliper. And it is worst than the right side. Piston is rusted solid to the caliper. So I have a lead on a person that is selling both the LH and RH calipers. Waiting to see if those pistons move. If they are in better condition than mine. I'll have to fork out some cash to get these. In the mean time I have a new master cylinder and handle unit coming. Funny thing is you can buy the whole unit cheaper than a master cylinder rebuild kit. Since my handle is broke off at the end. This is a win for me. Just bum out on both calipers wasted. 

[Dads Toy]

What do you guys think about this set. Think it worth the risk. They can't verify that the piston are not rusted like mine. Hate to get them and find out they are just as bad as mine.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/172966964642?ul_noapp=true

[Dads Toy]

So I think I might go a different direction on the brake calipers.
         If I can find a rebuild kit that has the seal and a new piston for the same price as a used set. I just might go that route. I am afraid if I by a used set I'll have the same problem and or will still have to buy a rebuild kit to fix the new/used set.
So I decided to cleaned up the inside of the piston sleeve to see if there was any pits, damage etc. There are no groves or pits. So I think the piston just fused itself to the aluminum with the bad brake fluid. I made up this home made hone. Took a rivet punch tool and attached it to my drill. Wrap 1500 sand paper using a hose clamp and used liquid wrench as my wet contact. Cleaned up pretty good for the first go around. Was going to measure the diameter but my Micrometer battery was dead. I hate it when you reach for a tool and its broken or dead. I think I'll be OK as long as I get a new seal to go with a new piston. The pistons cannot be saved. They are pitted and have major corrosion. Plus I didn't help matters when I had to use a pipe wrench to get them to break free. More cleaning is in order.
 

[Stev-o]

I'm not a 650 guy but doubt there is a caliper rebuild kit.   

What I've always done is clean it spotless, especially the groove, and install a new seal.   

In your case, you'll have to replace the piston too. 

[Dads Toy]

I'm not a 650 guy but doubt there is a caliper rebuild kit.   

What I've always done is clean it spotless, especially the groove, and install a new seal.   

In your case, you'll have to replace the piston too.

Here check this out: https://www.ebay.com/itm/1981-HONDA-CB650C-CB750C-CUSTOM-FRONT-BRAKE-CALIPER-NEW-PISTON-SEAL-KIT/222538375464?fits=Model%3ACB650C&hash=item33d0522128:g:IS4AAOSwOyJX-~Gq:sc:USPSFirstClass!29307!US!-1&vxp=mtr

They sell a dual kit for other models. Just not the CB650. This will be pricey too me. I did find the piston for around $32, but I'll have to add another $28 for a seal kit. If the pistons wasn't such garbage I would just need a new seal.

[Dread7]

You know you could have saved rental on that trailer by coming and borrowing mine, then you could have sold your storm door later.

When I rebuilt my 94 CB1000 I had to go through my carburetor, soaked everything in seafoam for a couple of days and all jets cleared up perfectly with an air nozzle before I reinstalled them.

That being said you are really going to need to balance those carburetors with a manometer.  I have one of these I could loan you for that.

It's good to have friends with tools!

https://www.carbtune.com/

[Dads Toy]

Just had a lot of parts come in. Got the piston, inner seal, and outer seal. Plus got the new brake handle assembly with new master cylinder. Was cheaper to get a new handle assy. than to just buy a rebuild kit. Plus the tip of my handle was broken off. Everything is work, but I think I still need to bleed the brakes some more. Oh and I discovered I put the pins in wrong. Had to remove the calipers and switch them around.
So far it is running pretty good. Have a new tank come. Couldn't save the old one. I was going to cut it open and just set a bottle down inside of it...lol That would have been some shade tree repair.
So the list is getting shorter. Now just have to find some cheap tires. 130/90-16 rear and 3.50 / 19 front. Or 100/70-19. Best I could find is around $68 each.
Then seat cover, fuel line. So almost on the road. Just wish the tires weren't so dry rotted.

[Dads Toy]

So brakes have been rebuilt. I have bleed these brakes to no end. When you first pull the handle its kind of soft. But after about 2-3 pumps its really hard. IT doesn't stay hard. I don't have any leaks, but I wonder if I should get new hoses. Never came across an issue with brakes not holding and getting soft after bleed them. Don't know what else it could be.

New tank came and looks great. Newer model tank. A little smaller in length but will mount and work. Had to buy a new gas cap and petcock. So the next big thing will be the tires. Man they have good tread but they are crack. Might be good to test drive down the street and back.

Trying to figure out the chain. What size and should I replace it back with an 0-ring / sealed chain or just a regular heavy duty plan chain.
Man I can't wait to get this on the road. Weather here is turning out nice. Been in the 70's.

[BobbyR]

Sometimes a little air gets stuck in there. Leaving the MC cap loose and tying back the handle all the way and leaving it overnight or longer will allow the air to it to migrate out. You of course have to put fresh fluid in when you are done.  The stainless brake lines will also give you a firmer handle as they don't expand under pressure.

[Dads Toy]

Thanks I'll give it a try tonight. Working on the side covers. I had strip the paint that someone had put on. The striper reveled the factory blue paint. Come to find out it's a sticker. Was able to use a heat gun and peal it off. Going to paint them to match the new tank.

[MoMo]

Sometimes a little air gets stuck in there. Leaving the MC cap loose and tying back the handle all the way and leaving it overnight or longer will allow the air to it to migrate out. You of course have to put fresh fluid in when you are done.  The stainless brake lines will also give you a firmer handle as they don't expand under pressure.

vouch for that technique but I leave a finger width between the grip and lever and the cap tight.  Either method  will work.   It will bleed that final bit of air bubbles...Larry

[Dads Toy]

Sometimes a little air gets stuck in there. Leaving the MC cap loose and tying back the handle all the way and leaving it overnight or longer will allow the air to it to migrate out. You of course have to put fresh fluid in when you are done.  The stainless brake lines will also give you a firmer handle as they don't expand under pressure.

Thanks for the input. Much appreciated. Now the next step is to size a chain and do the rear tire at the same time. I am thinking the chain is a 50-104L.

vouch for that technique but I leave a finger width between the grip and lever and the cap tight.  Either method  will work.   It will bleed that final bit of air bubbles...Larry

[Dads Toy]

Sometimes a little air gets stuck in there. Leaving the MC cap loose and tying back the handle all the way and leaving it overnight or longer will allow the air to it to migrate out. You of course have to put fresh fluid in when you are done.  The stainless brake lines will also give you a firmer handle as they don't expand under pressure.

You the Man...It work. Who would ever thought about doing this. Nice old trick. Handle is pretty firm on the first pull now. Thanks again for the info.

[Dads Toy]

Well today was the day. Couldn't stand it any more. Got the new tank mounted, new fuel line, filter. Put air in the tires which are dry rotted. And yes I took the chance on riding on these tires. Was just going to ride in my neighborhood and going slow. Nothing too crazy. I used the old Petcock on the tank because the new one that came was the wrong size after the description said it would fit. It still works but when its in the ON I get gas leaking from the carbs. If I put it in reserve it doesn't leak out of the carbs. Didn't have this problem when I had it running on the mustard bottle. Strange bike.

Took it off the center stand for the first time after bringing her home. I about drop her...lol Pulled the choke and let her warm up and then I was off. Was scared to death because I just watch a bunch of youtube videos of guys just driving along and wiping out for no reason. Didn't want any one see me do something stupid like running into a wall. Need to practice and get some skills training. Bike ran great and rode smooth over bumps in the road. Man was it fun Was great... wind in your face, sun shining on a nice warm day.   Love it just riding around my neighborhood. Didn't know how fast I was going. The speedometer didn't work. I know it works because I took the cable and spun it and the needle jump. I even removed it from the gauge and spun the wheel and the cable moves. So I don't know why it won't work. Man I can't wait to get back out and ride again. My wife thinks I've gone crazy or I am doing drugs Just walking around soo happy that is starts and drives. Was a great thrill to ride

Still have much work to do. Now that I know its a runner and driver I have to figure out the next step. Do I do a frame off resto or make it into a cafe' racer or just keep it barn find vintage runner. I had thought about selling it to buy another bike. Was looking at a sweet Honda CXT700DCT.
I think the bike came out pretty good for my first bike. I ended up painting the side covers the same as the tank. I am missing the Honda emblem for the covers. I had thought about buying some SOHC4 stickers and placing them in place of the Honda emblems. Over all not a bad deal for $100. I am out of Spare Change now. So any more repairs will have to come out of the family money. So have to figure out how to fund the rest of this project.  Still have to get tires and a new seat cover. I think that is about it. Holding off on the Petcock to see if it starts to leak or not. Thanks everyone that help me out with figuring problem / issue with this bike. Like the support and is appreciated.  Thanks for following along with me on this ride. More to come. I can't wait to ride again, can you see me smiling... 8)Cheers.

[Stev-o]

Congrats!  Great feeling, isnt it?!

[MauiK3]

For new riders, if you can't take the Motorcycle Safety Course near you (if there is one available) the next best thing is YouTube. Go to YouTube and find MCRider, a program put on by Kevin Morris in the Dallas area. He's an instructor. There are many short videos on different riding tips and techniques. He does a great job.

[Dads Toy]

Congrats!  Great feeling, isnt it?!

Yes it was. Scary at first but the cruise slow and just enjoy the weather was great.

[Dads Toy]

For new riders, if you can't take the Motorcycle Safety Course near you (if there is one available) the next best thing is YouTube. Go to YouTube and find MCRider, a program put on by Kevin Morris in the Dallas area. He's an instructor. There are many short videos on different riding tips and techniques. He does a great job.

Yes there is Safety Course near by. There is a long waiting list to get in.
I have watch MCRider videos. A lot of great stuff they share. Not only driving but also safety gear and how to chose the right thing for you. Can you still see me smiling.

[Dads Toy]

So on my test ride the speedo doesn't work.
I can remove the cable from the wheel and spin it with a screw driver and the needle jumps. So I know the gauge works.
So I removed the cable from the gauge. Spun the wheel and the cable move. So why doesn't the gauge work when its all hook up. Could it be the cable isn't long enough or going into the gauge all the way?

[DV Red Herring]

Congrats on your maiden voyage!!! I see you got it looking good too.

[Dads Toy]

Congrats on your maiden voyage!!! I see you got it looking good too.

Thanks for the kind words. Yes doesn't look too bad. Still need to clean her up a little. Spent some time practicing clutch feathering. I think this is still too much bike. A bit on the heavy side.
I have a problem with gas coming out of a tube from under the bike. Its not coming from the float bowl hoses. Its like a catch can like plastic thing with a hose on it. The end of the hose has a hard plastic like plug. Has a tiny hole on the side. Just wondering if the hole is suppose to be there. Can someone explain what this is for and how did gas get to it?

[Stev-o]

Congrats on your maiden voyage!!! I see you got it looking good too.

I have a problem with gas coming out of a tube from under the bike. Its not coming from the float bowl hoses. Its like a catch can like plastic thing with a hose on it. The end of the hose has a hard plastic like plug. Has a tiny hole on the side. Just wondering if the hole is suppose to be there. Can someone explain what this is for and how did gas get to it?

I dont know CB650's but what you are describing sounds like a crankcase breather tube.  The device on the end may be some sort of filter to prevent oil from dripping onto your tire and/or ground [my bikes do not have one]

Look at your bike's part fiche to determine exactly what it is.

[Dads Toy]

Congrats on your maiden voyage!!! I see you got it looking good too.

I have a problem with gas coming out of a tube from under the bike. Its not coming from the float bowl hoses. Its like a catch can like plastic thing with a hose on it. The end of the hose has a hard plastic like plug. Has a tiny hole on the side. Just wondering if the hole is suppose to be there. Can someone explain what this is for and how did gas get to it?

It says its a storage tank and the tube is a breather tube. Connects to the bottom of the air cleaner housing. How in the world does it get that much gas that it would drip onto the ground. I would have a puddle under the bike after riding it. Unless the floats are not closing off and causing excessive fuel to back draft into the air cleaner.

I dont know CB650's but what you are describing sounds like a crankcase breather tube.  The device on the end may be some sort of filter to prevent oil from dripping onto your tire and/or ground [my bikes do not have one]

Look at your bike's part fiche to determine exactly what it is.