Author Topic: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket  (Read 11340 times)

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Offline CarbonK

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #75 on: March 30, 2019, 03:39:55 PM »
It’s been quite awhile. Took a break from my project and was able to get back to it the last few days. Did some little things like cutting the front fender and stripping the bad paint job on the rear fender that a previous owner did. Gave them both a brushed finish because it’s better than rusty scratched up chrome.





Decided to try to turn it on once again with no luck. I was really working against myself using old gas and no air box. After fitting the air box on the carbs I was able to get it running! It’s idling a little rough but I still haven’t synced the carbs, hopefully that will clear the issue. Not gonna lie, I’m pretty proud of myself for turning an old junker into a running machine. Still need to rebuild the front brake caliper and sort out a tailight situation to make it road worthy but hearing it run for the first time relit the motivation I have for finishing this.

Offline CarbonK

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #76 on: March 30, 2019, 03:52:41 PM »
Here’s a quick video of it started up.

Offline DaveBarbier

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #77 on: March 31, 2019, 05:40:33 AM »
Nice work. Idle seems high. Could just be cold.

Offline CarbonK

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #78 on: April 21, 2019, 01:51:51 PM »
Drilled and tapped a hole to relocate ignition.


Slapped on the front brake caliper after paint and rebuild. Used a braided line and got rid of the splitter. I can only assume that this bike used to have dual calipers due to the splitter but I only received it with 1 caliper and rotor.


Also sanded down the airbox side covers to match the fenders and painted the side covers black to spruce it up a bit.


I was able to take the bike on its maiden voyage around the neighborhood a couple of times. No issues with the zx carbs and fuel delivery. No smoking or backfires, all seem well. Takes about a minute of choke to warm up but afterwards it purrs like a kitten. Couple minor fitment issues, boots from airbox to carbs are too big. I had to ditch the metal clamps and crank down some zip ties to get them to seal, haven’t looked into a replacement yet. Also the airbox won’t bolt onto the stock location of the frame, it would be sitting forward about half an inch. I could fix these issues with airbox boots that are longer and sized appropriately.


Next up I’m gonna see if I can do anything about the seat. Might cut it down or something to have a slimmer profile. The tank needs some attention too with all the small dings, missing badges, and scratches....dry rotted tires too, looks like my wallets gonna get a bit lighter.
« Last Edit: April 21, 2019, 01:54:41 PM by CarbonK »

Offline Gurp

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #79 on: April 22, 2019, 09:45:49 AM »
Maybe zx airbox boots and a custom breadbox?
Then the mounting is all up to your choosing.
70CB750 has a simple design on hos 750 that is both co pact and light using stock airbox boots. Maybe something to look into.
slow Progress 74 cb550.

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Offline CarbonK

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #80 on: May 15, 2019, 06:15:24 PM »


Bad news, had to call a tow.

After a couple highway miles I met up with traffic, pulled in the clutch and started to downshift. The revs went down and the engine shut off. Wouldn't crank over afterwards, seems like the battery died. Will check it out tomorrow, hopefully it’s an easy fix. Maybe regulator/rectifier?

Offline calj737

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Re: CB650 Custom Rust Bucket
« Reply #81 on: May 16, 2019, 04:09:56 AM »
I think given the modifications to the stock harness, the dodgy solenoid you had, and what not, you need to perform a comprehensive charging system check. Don't presume something is wrong, verify what is wrong EXACTLY. Then resolve that. It will save you hundreds of dollars in tow bills, parts replacement, and aspirin.

Look in the Electrical FAQs for a step-by-step on your electrical.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis