Another kick at a rebuild
- Thread starter Canuck Plumber
- Start date
Novafrk
New Member
Canuck Plumber said:My Dad and I rebuilt a CB400T (79) year before last. I've decided (actually the bike decided for me when the shift fork became bent), to rebuild it ground up again. I'm thinking a bit more radical this time around though and was thinking of breaking away from the traditional "black frame-silver tank" scheme. Any thoughts anyone? Anyone seen custom colored cafe bikes? Perhaps the act of painting the bike something not so traditional means its not a cafe. I'm hoping for some input.
Greasy Peace.
Heeeeey whats wrong with black frame silver tank? I do have a blue headlight bucket and rally stripes so I guess I don't fall under that... ;D
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Hehe.. hey... nothing wrong with black frame silver tank... (btw... sweet ride... what year?)I was thinking of trying something really radical ...buuuuut, I ended up with a black frame anyway. Theres a reason everyone does it.... it looks REALLY cool...
As for pics and an update, I sent the seat off for upholstery last week so its going to be another week till I get that back from Cascade Vans. I bought a new petcock but have to manufacture a custom adapter to mount it to the tank. I guess no one makes a new aftermarket petcock for 500 tanks anymore. The thread is 20mm and the closest I could get was a 22mm. Close doesnt work with threads.
I still have no spark at the coil but I'm still fairly convinced I am having a ground issue.
I've put the fairing order on hold till I get back from Italy. I leave in two weeks and everyone I ask tells me to have lots of money while there. Should be interesting. I'll try to find a net cafe while I'm there to drop any pics of any cafe bikes I see.
Till then... see you guys/gals later.
As for pics and an update, I sent the seat off for upholstery last week so its going to be another week till I get that back from Cascade Vans. I bought a new petcock but have to manufacture a custom adapter to mount it to the tank. I guess no one makes a new aftermarket petcock for 500 tanks anymore. The thread is 20mm and the closest I could get was a 22mm. Close doesnt work with threads.
I still have no spark at the coil but I'm still fairly convinced I am having a ground issue.
I've put the fairing order on hold till I get back from Italy. I leave in two weeks and everyone I ask tells me to have lots of money while there. Should be interesting. I'll try to find a net cafe while I'm there to drop any pics of any cafe bikes I see.
Till then... see you guys/gals later.
sxecafe
You think the Carpet Pissers did this?
That would be awesome. Let me know what you find.Canuck Plumber said:
The bike is coming along ok. Thanks for asking. My dumbass partially seized the engine coming up the hill so now I'm tryingt o find an engine swapper. Its a big bummer but I learned a valuable lesson... well more like reinforced a valuable lesson ALWAYS CHECK THE OIL!
Did you see the new 400T guy?
Take care,
RT
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
I did see the other "Brother 400". These are really fun little bikes. I went by the local dealer but he was out so I could ask where he gets them from. I found them on geek-bay. Heres the link. As for your engine, you dont have to put an 400 back on the frame, I'm running a 450 from an 83 thats been rebuilt. Great engine but I miss the kick start.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SPADE-Valve-Stem-Cap-BLACK_W0QQitemZ180274060261QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33747QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
Some pics and progress.
Here's the old petcock. It was completely screwed. The problem is that the petcock had a metric (20mm) left hand thread. The new petcocks are right hand thread and not even close to the same size.
The new petcock is 3/8" right hand NPT.
The solution was to braze the old adapter sleeve to a 1/2 copper by 3/8 FIP (NPT) adapter. I wanted a really good bond so I didnt use solder, that and brazing (if done right) looks better.
So it hangs down a bit farther than I like but Its not tightened in place so it should snug up a bit higher once I put them together permanently. I called the upholstery shop today and the guy that is doing my seat is away on holidays till next Monday. That being said, I don't know if I'll get it before I leave. Fingers crossed.
On a side note, I had to stop and provide First Aid to a motor bike accident victim. Poor bastard hit a light pole. He said he hit the pole going 50 and his chest hurt. I checked him over and he was bleeding profusely from his arse. He said he could move his toes so I wasn't convinced he had any spinal damage.... He was about in his late 40s early 50s. As we were waiting for the emergency services to show up, he muttered, "first ride". I don't know if he meant this was his first ride and he was an inexperienced rider or his brand new looking bike (now bent in half) was just out for its first maiden voyage. Either way... hope he's alright... Might call the RCMP tomorrow to see if they know anything.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SPADE-Valve-Stem-Cap-BLACK_W0QQitemZ180274060261QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33747QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247
Some pics and progress.
Here's the old petcock. It was completely screwed. The problem is that the petcock had a metric (20mm) left hand thread. The new petcocks are right hand thread and not even close to the same size.
The new petcock is 3/8" right hand NPT.
The solution was to braze the old adapter sleeve to a 1/2 copper by 3/8 FIP (NPT) adapter. I wanted a really good bond so I didnt use solder, that and brazing (if done right) looks better.
So it hangs down a bit farther than I like but Its not tightened in place so it should snug up a bit higher once I put them together permanently. I called the upholstery shop today and the guy that is doing my seat is away on holidays till next Monday. That being said, I don't know if I'll get it before I leave. Fingers crossed.
On a side note, I had to stop and provide First Aid to a motor bike accident victim. Poor bastard hit a light pole. He said he hit the pole going 50 and his chest hurt. I checked him over and he was bleeding profusely from his arse. He said he could move his toes so I wasn't convinced he had any spinal damage.... He was about in his late 40s early 50s. As we were waiting for the emergency services to show up, he muttered, "first ride". I don't know if he meant this was his first ride and he was an inexperienced rider or his brand new looking bike (now bent in half) was just out for its first maiden voyage. Either way... hope he's alright... Might call the RCMP tomorrow to see if they know anything.
Speed2XS
Been Around the Block
Canuck Plumber said:
Thats absolutely horrible to hear. I'm glad to hear you stopped though. I think it's takes a certain type of person to deal with situations like that. I can guarantee you that the guy, whether he makes it or not, will have appreciated your help.
Back on topic - glad to see your scooter comming along.
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
I called the upholstery shop today. I didn't think they would be done, but Dale (one of the best custom upholsterers I know) said he'd have it done by tomorrow.. Guess what that means...... New pics!!!! (If he's able to finish). I post later in the day if he's done.
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Well, Rome has been a virtual boon of different bikes (Motor Murini?). I ve got a few pics but there all in RAW format and Im pretty sure this computer here would crap the bed if I tried to upload anything, Its about as slow as a Commodore 64. There are so many bikes and scooters here. Makes me want to go home and wrench away on mine. Anyway... off to Florenze tomorrow... getting closer to the Ducati factory...oh yeah...
Caio.
Caio.
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Jet lag sucks balls. It took 27 hours to get home. We flew back via AliItalia and we werent sure if the flight was going to get cancelled. Word to the wise. If you go to Italy... bring lots of money..... holy crap.
Anyway. Italy has to have more two wheeled modes of transport than any other place Ive ever been. That and every one should have their brains examined for defects. Crazy ass drivers.
Here are a few pics of the types of bikes I snapped while walking around. Pardon the poor exposures. I didn't have much time to set up any shots due to the crowds of people on the verge of walking over me. That and the Gypsy's made me nervous.
Here we go.
Not as many Harley's as I would have thought. Figured I take a few of them (shots that is)
Ducati's. Beautiful bikes. I wanted to go to Bologne to get tot he factory but I didnt have enough time.
A weird looking Aprilla. If you know the model please let me know.
Another Aprilla. A very hot looking bike. They guy that owned these two was traveling to Germany to do some touring with a buddy of his. Wasn't sure why he and his friend didn't drive there on the bikes.
Motor Morini? Never heard of them. Anyone? I love the 3 1/2 though.
An older BMW. Not sure of the age.
A nice Kawasaki.
90s? Yamaha.
A fine piece of engineering. The detail on the restoration was really quite good. Molto Bella.
Another Honda.
I cant leave this without at least ONE Triumph pic. Sure its newer...but who cares.
Well.. I called the upholstery shop and the seat is ready for pick up. I hope to have some time to take some pics this weekend.
Caio!
Anyway. Italy has to have more two wheeled modes of transport than any other place Ive ever been. That and every one should have their brains examined for defects. Crazy ass drivers.
Here are a few pics of the types of bikes I snapped while walking around. Pardon the poor exposures. I didn't have much time to set up any shots due to the crowds of people on the verge of walking over me. That and the Gypsy's made me nervous.
Here we go.
Not as many Harley's as I would have thought. Figured I take a few of them (shots that is)
Ducati's. Beautiful bikes. I wanted to go to Bologne to get tot he factory but I didnt have enough time.
A weird looking Aprilla. If you know the model please let me know.
Another Aprilla. A very hot looking bike. They guy that owned these two was traveling to Germany to do some touring with a buddy of his. Wasn't sure why he and his friend didn't drive there on the bikes.
Motor Morini? Never heard of them. Anyone? I love the 3 1/2 though.
An older BMW. Not sure of the age.
A nice Kawasaki.
90s? Yamaha.
A fine piece of engineering. The detail on the restoration was really quite good. Molto Bella.
Another Honda.
I cant leave this without at least ONE Triumph pic. Sure its newer...but who cares.
Well.. I called the upholstery shop and the seat is ready for pick up. I hope to have some time to take some pics this weekend.
Caio!
Motor Morini 3 1/2 was a fantasic bike back in the day. Bit small and a bitch to get parts for (and never seen in NA, i don't think). I want.
As for the Yamaha, I believe that is a TDM 800 (maybe 900). They were a Euro/Japan only touring bike, which gets decent reviews over there.
As for the Yamaha, I believe that is a TDM 800 (maybe 900). They were a Euro/Japan only touring bike, which gets decent reviews over there.
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Thanks Druro. There were some crazy bikes over there. To bad that most of the great ones I saw happened by while I was driving.
As for my bike. I spent some time this weekend trying to get spark. I think I found the problem on the ground wire after the CDI unit. That and an incorrectly wired ignition circuit. As or the upholstered seat.... the bastards lied to me. If it wasnt for the fact that the work they do is over the top (that and they have my seat), I'd probably get a bit testy. Guess a few more days isn't going to kill me.
Maybe next weekend I'll have pics.
As for my bike. I spent some time this weekend trying to get spark. I think I found the problem on the ground wire after the CDI unit. That and an incorrectly wired ignition circuit. As or the upholstered seat.... the bastards lied to me. If it wasnt for the fact that the work they do is over the top (that and they have my seat), I'd probably get a bit testy. Guess a few more days isn't going to kill me.
Maybe next weekend I'll have pics.
sxecafe
You think the Carpet Pissers did this?
Hey Dude,
Got my bike started last night!!! I have a question for you about the air filters. I keep getting a little backfire and I am not sure I have the carbs adjusted right.
I have the air screw backed out quite a bit around like 4.5 turns and I still think it’s a little lean. How far did you have to back them out to account for the increased air flow of the pods? And did you have to re-jet? I heard from multiple sources that the twins don’t need re-jetting because they run rich naturally. Let me know what you did. I’ll have a great story on my thread latter about starting the bike up.
Oh and Great Pix from overseas!
Got my bike started last night!!! I have a question for you about the air filters. I keep getting a little backfire and I am not sure I have the carbs adjusted right.
I have the air screw backed out quite a bit around like 4.5 turns and I still think it’s a little lean. How far did you have to back them out to account for the increased air flow of the pods? And did you have to re-jet? I heard from multiple sources that the twins don’t need re-jetting because they run rich naturally. Let me know what you did. I’ll have a great story on my thread latter about starting the bike up.
Oh and Great Pix from overseas!
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Ok, I really need to know what you did to get your going. As for the air fuel mixture, I turned them out about four and only get a bit of a "pop" on the down throttle. My plugs were a nice light brown colour after running out on the highway for about an hour so I figured it was good... Now if I can just get it running again.
I picked up the seat today and put it on the bike. They did a great job on the upholstery but lacked a bit on the artsy side of things. I guess you have to pay for that. I'm going to get it re upholstered next year... I have to do something... it seems really plain. You tell me. What do you think? (I can already hear most of you saying, "I liked the old seat better.") Lol....
As for the air fuel mixture, I turned them out about four and only get a bit of a "pop" on the down throttle. My plugs were a nice light brown colour after running out on the highway for about an hour so I figured it was good... Now if I can just get it running again.I picked up the seat today and put it on the bike. They did a great job on the upholstery but lacked a bit on the artsy side of things. I guess you have to pay for that. I'm going to get it re upholstered next year... I have to do something... it seems really plain. You tell me. What do you think? (I can already hear most of you saying, "I liked the old seat better.") Lol....
I like the new set a LOT. It looks more inline with the rest of the bike... still has a vintage vibe. I think that when you re-upholster it you could do a more classic tuck and roll pattern... Just on the top... it would add some texture I think.
- Woody
- Woody
Canuck Plumber said:What do you think? (I can already hear most of you saying, "I liked the old seat better.") Lol....
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
Thanks. Yeah. I did too. For now it will do. I'm intending to replace it next year. It's just not what I am looking for. Im going to have it trimmed to give it a little bit of a bum stop and it really needs some texture. I'll be following Woody1981's advice to give it a tuck and roll look on the seat portion. I also don't like that I can see the snaps under the material on the bum stop. Anyway... I just want it running for right now
Canuck Plumber
Badges? We don't need no stinking badges!
I'm taking it back. To hell with waiting. I want it to look more like this. Its a freaking Cafe bike. Gotta get it right.
