Topic: CB650 Cafe from Portland, Oregon

[Strife]

Hey guys, my name's Ryan, and I'm drudging through the rainy weather out here in the Pacific Northwest, Portland Oregon. Well technically I live in Gresham, Oregon, but no one ever knows where the hell that is so I just say Portland 

Anyways, I just thought I would say hi. My current project is actually my first one ever. I bought an old '79 CB650 off of a buddy for $200 and I am rebuilding it into a cafe racer. I've never really worked with cars or motorcycles before, at least, not beyond standard maintenance, so this has been part building a sweet bike, and part massive learning experience. I've laughed, I've cried (mostly when striping and sanding parts in prep for painting), but it's been awesome so far. I'm going to make a thread detailing my project with some nice pics, but until then, what's up?

On a side note, who else here is a CB fan? Bonus points (and sympathy points) if you're a 650 fan.

[Strife]

I forgot to mention, I added myself to the map and noted that there are a decent number of people in the Portland area. I'd love to hear from you guys, I just graduated from college (Oregon State) and would love to hear of your favorite riding routes. My bike should be ride-able in the next month or two, and my friend also has a motorcycle, if anyone is interested on going on a ride (when the weather gets better) I'm always game.

[Frankenkit]

Bonus sympathy points from Beaverton, man.  I have two 650s, both 1980 customs.  One is almost done and we're wading through electrical issues, and the other is a roller.

[Strife]

Yea I've actually been following your thread about those electrical issues, I learned quite a bit from it that really helped me when going through the electrical systems of my bike. It's great to hear from a fellow 650 owner. Sometimes it gets really difficult to find any info or part for the damn thing lol. But I still love it, and once I get it down its going to be a sweet ride.

[scunny]

welcome from another 650 owner, heading into winter so onto the next project

[SquidH8er]

Hello, just letting you know that you are not alone. I too just got a 650 that I plan on doing a cafe project with and, although I dont live there, I have family in Salem and I do know were Gresham is.

[Soos]

Congrats on buying the redhead bastard orphaned stepchild of the 750.
The '79 is quite unique to the 650 line.
Beyond being just a 650 it has quite a few parts that ONLY fit the '79.


Extra bonus sympathy points for having the cajones to admit it's a 79!

But IMO they are not only the best looking, but the ones that (if ever) will be collectible out of the 650 lineup.
Wanna sell the sidecovers?
 


I seriously am starting to think everyone has a cb650 in their sheds out there.

Seems a seriously inordinate # of cb650 owner/riders out in oregon.





l8r

[Frankenkit]

Someone at my school has an '81 or '82 650.  Not sure what year, it just has CV carbs (and a cup holder?)  mine looks so much better.

(no offense to whoever has it because eventually they'll end up here...)

[griff6-5-zero]

Cheers from a feloow 80 CB650 rider, pusher, jumper...Were all in this together...Be sure to hit the 650 owners registry..Lot 'o info here. Good luck.