1980 CB650 Brat/Bobber/Tracker? - First Bike, First Build

Hoosier Daddy said:
Looks good so far! What did you use to cut the Aluminum sheet? Are you one of the lucky guys who have a band saw at home? I have to cut mine with a handsabre saw, the thicker it gets the worse it is for me to cut straight. ::)
Click to expand...

Thanks!

And no, no band saw. Just a 30-something year old jig saw that I found in the basement. Over the last few days though I've decided that the first two large tools I'm buying when I get my own place are a drill press and a band saw.

Does anybody have any recommendations on where to buy some foam for the seat (and what type to use)? The only thing I could think of was finding either an auto or marine upholstery shop, but I have no idea...
 
Got a little bit more done on the pan tonight, the only thing left is to trim a bit more off the perimeter.

Covered up the tank mount.

IMG_1320_zps41b5200d.jpg



IMG_1321_zps2094fbbc.jpg



And reinforced the front pan mount.

IMG_1325_zps2fac497a.jpg




Nothing super interesting, and definitely overkill, but I like playing with metal.
 
DV2000NJ said:
Nothing super interesting, and definitely overkill, but I like playing with metal.
Click to expand...

I think the tab-in-the-slot front seat mount is pretty trick. Does the stock seat do that?
 
M.B Co said:
I see the clamps, but how did you create the bends? Rubber mallet, hammer, bending?
Click to expand...

Mostly bent it by hand, on the edge of a table, stuck it under a 4x4, stood on top and pulled, and at one point I think I was sitting on the bike with an old truck shock under my ass while I pulled on the pan between my legs. I basically did whatever I could to get it to bend haha.


LBC said:
I think the tab-in-the-slot front seat mount is pretty trick. Does the stock seat do that?
Click to expand...

Yeah the stock seat has a little bracket that comes down off the pan into that slot. I'm really glad I was able to reuse it.

What foam did you use for your seat?
 
DV2000NJ said:
What foam did you use for your seat?
Click to expand...

I bought a neoprene foam workout mat from K-mart. It was about 1-cm thick. The main rider seat has 4 layers. The passenger seat has 3 layers. I stuck it together and secured the edges of the cover with 3M super77 spray adhesive.

If you want a smooth shape, carve or sand it to the shape then stick on the final layer of foam. It will give a really nice smooth finish once the cover goes on. If you want more of a geometric foam shape that may not work.
 
I used a walmart camping pad. I just finished that part of my project about a week ago. So what I did is right at the end of my build thread.
 
LBC said:
I bought a neoprene foam workout mat from K-mart. It was about 1-cm thick. The main rider seat has 4 layers. The passenger seat has 3 layers. I stuck it together and secured the edges of the cover with 3M super77 spray adhesive.

If you want a smooth shape, carve or sand it to the shape then stick on the final layer of foam. It will give a really nice smooth finish once the cover goes on. If you want more of a geometric foam shape that may not work.
Click to expand...

I picked up a neoprene pad at Target tonight, pretty sure it's the exact same thing you used haha. It actually feels great, firm but still cushy enough.

pr design said:
I used a walmart camping pad. I just finished that part of my project about a week ago. So what I did is right at the end of my build thread.
Click to expand...

Your seat came out great, man!

So after I picked up the yoga mat tonight I finished shaping the pan, and played with the foam a bit. 5 layers got me at the height I wanted aesthetically, and it puts me in a really comfortable position. Much better than with that 1" thick temporary seat I've been using.

2_1331_zpsfac05e09.jpg


Picking up some adhesive after work tomorrow, and then hopefully getting the seat together enough to go for a ride with my buddy who I helped pick up a 400F this past weekend (I already called dibs on this bike when he decides to sell it).

photo_zpsa3de4ff7.jpg
 
The bike has a seat! I'd say the shape is about 90% done, now I just have to figure out how I'm going to find some leather (and sew it). Went on a ride tonight, and the seat is extremely comfortable, way better than I was expecting. I'm super happy with how things are coming together.

IMG_1336_zps0ddf80bc.jpg


IMG_1335_zps59fb9c23.jpg


EDIT: And a shitty phone shot of my buddy's 400F and the 650 from our ride tonight.

photo5_zps4c9ff7aa.jpg
 
Nice job!
With it being that shape, smooth and flat on top, covering it will be a breeze. Lay the material out in the sun or toss it in the dryer for a bit to warm it up, makes it a lot easier to work with. Nice and simple start in the center and wrap it around the bottom then work your way out to the ends. No sewing involved. Unless you are wanting some ribs / diamonds / pleats sewn into it.
 
Hoosier Daddy said:
Nice job!
With it being that shape, smooth and flat on top, covering it will be a breeze. Lay the material out in the sun or toss it in the dryer for a bit to warm it up, makes it a lot easier to work with. Nice and simple start in the center and wrap it around the bottom then work your way out to the ends. No sewing involved. Unless you are wanting some ribs / diamonds / pleats sewn into it.
Click to expand...

Thanks! And yeah, my plan is for ribs a lot like this:

LDSC09535.JPG
 
Hoosier Daddy said:
Oooohhhhh.... spiffy! 8)
Click to expand...

Yeah that 550 makes me happy in my special place.

Haven't made any more progress, but I rode the bike to work and back yesterday and it is so much more fun to ride with a real seat on there. Much more confidence-inspiring.

Also got a chance to weigh the bike last night, and with a full tank of gas it's right around 460, which is 20 pounds lighter than the listed wet weight. I haven't really been actively trying to shave weight, but I'm definitely happy with 20 pounds lighter than stock!
 
New shocks arrived today!

Old vs. New (Progressive 12 series, 14")

IMG_1526_zpsbc553a1b.jpg



Before:
IMG_1524_zps32b8b442.jpg



After:
IMG_1528_zps8bcbfd58.jpg


I'm much happier with the stance, leveled the bike out just about perfectly. I'll probably ride the bike to work tomorrow, and I'll report back on ride/handling.
 
Hey I'm fighting with getting my cam gear and chain in on my 80' cb650. I think its something to do with the tensioner. I dont have enough slack in the chain to get the timing lined up and the gear up on the cam. Is there something that im missing?
 
Scott84 said:
Hey I'm fighting with getting my cam gear and chain in on my 80' cb650. I think its something to do with the tensioner. I dont have enough slack in the chain to get the timing lined up and the gear up on the cam. Is there something that im missing?
Click to expand...

Do you have the tensioner bolt loose? Can you flatten the tensioner all the way and tighten the bolt to keep it out of the way?
 
Rode the bike to work this morning, and the new shocks are awesome. Rides much better than before, and with the ass end up a little higher the riding position is even more comfortable. I'm happy!
 
I don't understand how the tenisoner works. I have the bolt that goes into the head tightened all the way down and the stud with the castle nut loose. But the tensioner is still pushed out and putting pressure on the chain keeping me from getting the timing and cam gear on.
 
Scott84 said:
I don't understand how the tenisoner works. I have the bolt that goes into the head tightened all the way down and the stud with the castle nut loose. But the tensioner is still pushed out and putting pressure on the chain keeping me from getting the timing and cam gear on.
Click to expand...

This video explains it pretty well:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rrz6KfNhIg4

If you can reach the tensioner itself with your hand (I can't remember if that's possible with the head on), loosen the nut on the stud, flatten out the tensioner, and tighten the nut. Should keep the tensioner out of the way of the cam chain. Once you get the gear on the cam, loosen that nut again, and the tensioner will pop back into position.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom