81 CB650 Brat/Cafe Build

Yeah if there is any good, understandable info out there please send me a link or post it here. So what would you do then if you were going to modify the suspension? The front forks will be rebuilt and I'm using 15w fork oil. I don't mind a stiff ride ( as for now in life ) and I do need to replace the rear shocks. I don't mind having the bike sit higher, but I would like to level it at least a little bit. I know I will be throwing things out of whack so I don't want to do it to any extremes.

canyoncarver said:
I use Renthal Road Low bars on my ZRX. I love them. I posted the pic as a reference to the type and because they are dirt cheap and you mentioned budget.
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I'm asking around to some friends that may have a set of Renthals I could run or buy on the cheap and see how I like them.

As for reference, the Smyth Innovations' "Silverback" CB550 is what really got me into this style. I was going to go with that seat style actually but to save money I decided to make a "brat" style seat.
 
dmable44 said:
Yeah if there is any good, understandable info out there please send me a link or post it here. So what would you do then if you were going to modify the suspension? The front forks will be rebuilt and I'm using 15w fork oil. I don't mind a stiff ride ( as for now in life ) and I do need to replace the rear shocks. I don't mind having the bike sit higher, but I would like to level it at least a little bit. I know I will be throwing things out of whack so I don't want to do it to any extremes.

I'm asking around to some friends that may have a set of Renthals I could run or buy on the cheap and see how I like them.

As for reference, the Smyth Innovations' "Silverback" CB550 is what really got me into this style. I was going to go with that seat style actually but to save money I decided to make a "brat" style seat.
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For the rear shocks, I would stay away from the RFY 'ebay' rear shocks on a lot of bikes, including the silverback.....unless you can rebuild them as they are far from an upgrade in the state they come out of the box in.
 
dmable44 said:
So what would you do then if you were going to modify the suspension?
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What I would do on my own project is irrellevant because you and I do not posess the same skill set.

What I think you should do is rebuild the fronk forks with oem parts and a set of quality springs that are recommended for your rider weight.

Feel free to do your own research regarding rake and trail, I already have the information in my head and do not need to do any searching. :) I don't think you really need to know much if you're just going to modify it the easy way anyway. You'll learn eventually. :)
 
canyoncarver said:
For an intro, read this: https://www.rbracing-rsr.com/rakeandtrail.html


This is for all bikes, not just choppers so you can use your own bikes numbers to play with.
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Thank you sir!

Green199 said:
For the rear shocks, I would stay away from the RFY 'ebay' rear shocks on a lot of bikes, including the silverback.....unless you can rebuild them as they are far from an upgrade in the state they come out of the box in.
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You mean those remote gas chamber style shocks? Although I like the look, I know the ones on ebay are crap and I don't have the money for Ohlins.
 
dmable44 said:
Thank you sir!

You mean those remote gas chamber style shocks? Although I like the look, I know the ones on ebay are crap and I don't have the money for Ohlins.
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Their the ones, you can rebuild them to work quite well (considering the price), but I would look at something like Hagons if you need to replace the shocks. Quite a lot cheaper than Ohlins but very good shocks. I have a set on my CB.
 
Green199 said:
Their the ones, you can rebuild them to work quite well (considering the price), but I would look at something like Hagons if you need to replace the shocks. Quite a lot cheaper than Ohlins but very good shocks. I have a set on my CB.
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How would you go about rebuilding them? Just out of curiosity... Is there a prefered place to buy Hagons from?
 
Umm I'm not the one to ask for that, I've never rebuilt a set. I'm sure there a few threads on it somewhere, Ill see if I can dig some out.

I contacted Hagon directly, but that's because I'm based in the UK, so I'm not sure where would be best for you. Maybe even try eBay.
 
Here's one from caferacer.Net.

http://www.caferacer.net/forum/tips-tricks/24204-rebuilding-rfy-cheap-shocks.html
 
I messed the post up so here it is again.

Actually I have to disagree on RFY the shocks being no good. They have all the right components to be tuneable and have good NOK seals. If you get them, send them to this guy. http://chrislivengood.net/wp/rfy-shocks-rebuild-service/

I have not used his services because I can do what he does, but I do not specialize in RFY shocks and have all the extra springs and particular knowledge about these shocks. I can tell you that others here have used him and been pleased, and that he explains the need and procedure well enough for me to trust that he knows how to do it.

$75+$75= $150 for a pair of correctly tuned progressively sprung remote res shocks. Cant beat it with a stick.
 
You know what in fact I just realized that I'm pretty sure he's a member here too... I will look.

Yep he sure is. Don't know why I didn't realize this when we were have this conversation http:http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=68357.0

Read that thread and you will see he knows whats up. Chris jumps in around post 21.
 
This thread is so refreshing. Such a great example of how a newbie can gain respect instantly by listening to advice. It's really something special.

Keep it up!
 
Welcome. You've got some excellent advice already. Sounds like you started with a decent running machine to begin with, good move. All I would add is to make sure all the motor, electrical and safety systems are in good order before making a bunch of cosmetic upgrades. Nothing wrong with doing both for the sake of time & fund management, just don't do the cosmetics alone first. Getting things running great back to factory specs gives you a much better platform to begin customizing and testing new ideas.
 
Green199 said:
Here's one from caferacer.Net.

http://www.caferacer.net/forum/tips-tricks/24204-rebuilding-rfy-cheap-shocks.html
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Thanks for the link! I'll be sure to bookmark that.

Weasel said:
Welcome. You've got some excellent advice already. Sounds like you started with a decent running machine to begin with, good move. All I would add is to make sure all the motor, electrical and safety systems are in good order before making a bunch of cosmetic upgrades. Nothing wrong with doing both for the sake of time & fund management, just don't do the cosmetics alone first. Getting things running great back to factory specs gives you a much better platform to begin customizing and testing new ideas.
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This is actually my main goal as of now. The frame needs refinished though so I am trying to get everything and anything related to that finalized before powder. The last thing I want to do is powder the frame and end up needing a tab or bracket welded on and then re-powder it. So far that includes the seat pan and battery tray. I would like to get rear shocks and suspension squared away. The tank mount is finalized and is good to go. To get the motor running I still need an exhaust, carbs, new sprockets, chain, and double/triple checking electrical. Then comes tires, brakes, lights, etc before I even put it on the road.

treitz said:
This thread is so refreshing. Such a great example of how a newbie can gain respect instantly by listening to advice. It's really something special.

Keep it up!
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Thank you! This is my first bike and I know it can be very dangerous out there and is easy to make these machines dangerous. You guys have been around the block and know your stuff and I respect your opinions and ideas.
 
New rear wheel showed up today. More than pleased with it. Tonight I'll be laying out my battery box on paper and mocking it up to the frame. Grabbed some thicker sheet steel from school today to use for that. Should weld a little better hopefully.


 
Chris here, feel free to ask any questions about shocks.

Looks like a fun build thus far, keep up the good work.
 
Sav0r said:
Chris here, feel free to ask any questions about shocks.

Looks like a fun build thus far, keep up the good work.
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Thanks Chris! What is a decent mid range shock brand? Where is the best place to buy them from?
 
So I mocked up the battery tray, and my measurements were off. Easy fix. Then I tried to slip the battery down through the frame. Didn't fit, so now I'm back to the drawing board and looking for a smaller battery.


 
Have you come up with a solution for the rear clearance yet? Might be work looking at that first as it could affect the entire seat pan and the are where you are placing the battery.

The Antigravity is a rad little battery BTW. I have the 8 cell on my 850. They make a 4 cell which is tiny, but I don't know if it's big enough for a 650.
 
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