Topic: Maybe I Should Say,"Looking For Ideas For My 80' CB650C?

[bill440cars]

         Didn't figure I needed to post over in the "Project Forums" til I was ready to get on with it. I've got SOME ideas, but I wanted to post here and see what kind of ideas surfaced from You All.

              Here it is, when I got it:



             Then, I removed the backrest, the windshield and the rear portion of that Makeshift seat:

   


            I don't have photos yet, but I have replace the seat AND the "mini gauges" with an original items. I'm going to remove the mirror (they are already spoken for, BTW). I have plans to slightly "Bob" the rear fender and mount a Lucas Style tail light (that I already have) on it. I haven't decided on paint yet or if I'm going to run turn signals. The pipes  have a few cracks and leak, but I have another set that I thin will clean up pretty nicely. I'm not looking to do anything major on this bike, but WOULD like some ideas that would help to make it stand out somewhat. I AM thinking about a slightly smaller headlight though, this one seems to give it the "Bug Eye" effect!


           So, what do ya think?    

[fmctm1sw]

I wish I could find "project bikes" that looked like that.  That's a rider for me...

[bill440cars]

I wish I could find "project bikes" that looked like that.  That's a rider for me...

        While it looked pretty good at first glance, there are things that weren't good. The carbs need cleaned, floats or needles are sticking, allowing flooding. The master cylinder was leaking. The high/low beam switch didn't work. The exhaust system has cracks and so, has leaks. Gas tank isn't the correct one and is sloppily mounted. The seat was a joke and was poorly mounted. The windshield and backrest were barely on there. Now, all in all, I think it was well worth getting, because none of what I mentioned, will take much to get it right. AND, the bike came with spoke wheels AND a set of Comstars (with a nearly NEW rear tire mounted!). I sure can't complain. I will say that THIS one just needs to be sort of "Dialed In", if you know what I mean?  

[bill440cars]

I wish I could find "project bikes" that looked like that.  That's a rider for me...

   Okay, after this reply, I got to thinking that my 650 probably ISN'T "Project Material" cause I don't intend to do a complete redo. I just want to do enough to give it a GOOD look AND take care of some issues, while getting some ideas for the bike and especially about a possible gas tank replacement. So there, let's start all over again and see how it goes.

[kevins750]

Here is a pic(not mine) kinda what you where talking about...
[IMG]http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/motorcyclel.jpg/1/

I personally would try to find a more square looking tank...The teardrop shaped tanks always make me think of big cruisers, unless that is what you want..Anyway I have never owned a 650, but I find them interesting looking..

[bill440cars]

Here is a pic(not mine) kinda what you where talking about...
[IMG]http://img697.imageshack.us/img697/motorcyclel.jpg/1/

I personally would try to find a more square looking tank...The teardrop shaped tanks always make me think of big cruisers, unless that is what you want..Anyway I have never owned a 650, but I find them interesting looking..

       Yeah, that's pretty close.

now MY fenders are painted AND, for the time being at least, I'll be using the spoke wheels too.
but, basically, that's the look. No, I'm really NOT wanting the "Cruiser" look. I don't mind the Teardrop looking tank, if it's not TOO big. I'll just have to check out tanks until I see the one that  want to use. SO, I'll be looking!  Thanks for the input too!

                                               Take care, Bill

[kevins750]

I don't mind the painted fenders, nice sparto tailight on the rear...Maybe lower bars, lower the headlight and mount the blinkers in the headlight mount holes..Might have to use a different set of ears...Headlight is just to high on the front of the bike...One of those small universal honda chopper seats from the 70's that sale on EBAY for $40 or so...

[bill440cars]

  Here's the tail light I have gotten for it:
           
           


           I DO want to change the bars too. I also, like you wondered if the headlight would look better lowered some. Not sure if I want to put the signals on each side of it though. Have to see about the seat deal. I had gotten a good stock one for it. Thank you for your input, it's good to have suggestions to help sort out what you'll do to a bike.

[3rob3]

Way off topic here, but I love the Shelby in your pic. '84 right? I had an '85 turbo in high school (many years ago!), still think about it a lot.

[YogiBear]

When I was doing the Build on my 81 CB750C, I ran it without signals for a long time, and to be quite honest with you, it really got to be a pita. I ride mostly a mix of half city and half back roads. I just got sick of using hand signals, while slowing down for a light and shifting, baking, etc. you get the picture. I ended up going with a set of chrome mini signals and I like it much better. However, I did prefer the slimmer look of the bike without signals, but for function, the signals worked much better for me. Its ultimately your decision, but that's just my 2 cents worth.

[bill440cars]

Way off topic here, but I love the Shelby in your pic. '84 right? I had an '85 turbo in high school (many years ago!), still think about it a lot.

         Thanks, mine is an 85' also. Running a 2.5 with goodies inside and trans from a Daytona ShelbyZ, along with 4 wheel disc brakes and Shelby Z wheels. There is more, but pretty detailed. It IS putting out about 245hp though with 300 available.

                                      Thanks again, Bill

[bill440cars]

When I was doing the Build on my 81 CB750C, I ran it without signals for a long time, and to be quite honest with you, it really got to be a pita. I ride mostly a mix of half city and half back roads. I just got sick of using hand signals, while slowing down for a light and shifting, baking, etc. you get the picture. I ended up going with a set of chrome mini signals and I like it much better. However, I did prefer the slimmer look of the bike without signals, but for function, the signals worked much better for me. Its ultimately your decision, but that's just my 2 cents worth.

           Yeah, I know what you mean. Bike would look cleaner without them, but I'd just as soon ride without a bunch of activity of hand signals too. The small round ones are alright, but I like the smaller ones better, I think. MY biggest thing is, remembering to turn them off.

          Has anyone wired in a beeper or something to remind them to turn off the signals? Like to hear about that, if it's been done.

                          Thanks for YOUR 2 cents, that's what I'm after, Bill