cm450 more of a project than a build
- Thread starter rattpunk
- Start date
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Thanks for the tip dude. I also remember reading how a couple guys cut slices in the muffler so p clamps can compress the end that connects to the header. So I'll try to track down that tape you mentioned and cut then clamp. Should be a nice weekend if the tapping or helicoils work. He'll, may even get to ride around a bit. If all goes well I' 8)m buying the first round. 8)
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Re: cm450 more of a project than a build - fixed, kinda, for now
So, first round is on me,
Video isn't playing for me, so I'll have to look into that. But anyway, I got the headers on again and started the bike up for the first time in a month or so. I know I found this forum looking into how to deal with a broken header stud, so anyone who ends up here for the same reason:
first note - I could have avoided the whole thing with a little knowledge and PB Blaster, and I barely got it and it's a messy job 8)
The studs broke off flush so I couldn't grind 'em flat for a vise grip or use a punch on the outer diameter to tap and spin 'em around.
So I decided to try using left hand drill bits to either drill a new hole or spin them out just with the left hand bit.
Ended up drilling off center at an angle but both holes were at the same wrong angle.
The holes seemed about the same size as the studs so I picked up the right tap set and Fuckin-A, the header just barely fit back on, no leaks that I can see yet.
So I'm pretty stoked right now.
The only residual effect I'm seeing from the broken-bolt fiasco is some somke after the bike warmed up. At first I freaked thinking the worst but then realized I had so much shit all round the holes that it was most likely just all that burning off. There's some penetrating lube, motor oil, break cleaner and whatever is on the pipes (got the headers on ebay so could be anything on there). Not too worried right now but I'll be cleaning that area when I re-wrap and I'll keep an eye and nose out for that smoke.
I started throwing everything back together and chatted with my buddy down the street. He came over and pointed out same cable routing issues and had me oil up all the control cables. Don't know what you all will say to this but we just used motor oil on em. he uses that shit for everything, drilling, cutting, etc.
The black shorties had a touch of play where they meet the headers so we cut four slots, and I shimmed 'em with a Monster energy can before I clamped 'em with a couple Autozone muffler clamps. The wrap job was a test run, when I get the new batch it'll only go to the end of each header pipe. Looks kinda silly on the muffler and it's coated anyway and doesn't benefit from wrap as far as I understand.
On that note, not being on the muffler cuz the wrap has no purpose, it reminds me of Yinz asking what the plan was for this bike. I guess the plan has always really just been to get and keep it running on the road, with just what it needs. Both to keep talks with the cops focused on donuts and the weather and also cuz I only want what it needs on there. I'm happy with no frills, no bling, no class and no point. I still don't know what I'd say when someone asks what type of a bike it is. It's just a Honda I've been messing around with
so pics...
no good place to secure the brackets
this is what I'm talking about working with what I've got and only using what I need, hahaha. who see's the zip tie?
I'll get a screw and keep the ignition from dropping out on the highway
So I figure I'm about 90% of the way to getting to work and back on this thing. List:
Order new cat's eye tail light - DCC
connect all necessary wiring - tuck away the unused with a little tape and ties
Get some more wrapp - DCC
fill front master cylinder with brake fluis and bleed
remove center stand - hits chain with stock mufflers gone
fill new battery with some acid - install
change the oil and get it inspected
word!
Thanks stopping by,
Tyler
So, first round is on me,
Video isn't playing for me, so I'll have to look into that. But anyway, I got the headers on again and started the bike up for the first time in a month or so. I know I found this forum looking into how to deal with a broken header stud, so anyone who ends up here for the same reason:
first note - I could have avoided the whole thing with a little knowledge and PB Blaster, and I barely got it and it's a messy job 8)
The studs broke off flush so I couldn't grind 'em flat for a vise grip or use a punch on the outer diameter to tap and spin 'em around.
So I decided to try using left hand drill bits to either drill a new hole or spin them out just with the left hand bit.
Ended up drilling off center at an angle but both holes were at the same wrong angle.
The holes seemed about the same size as the studs so I picked up the right tap set and Fuckin-A, the header just barely fit back on, no leaks that I can see yet.
So I'm pretty stoked right now.
The only residual effect I'm seeing from the broken-bolt fiasco is some somke after the bike warmed up. At first I freaked thinking the worst but then realized I had so much shit all round the holes that it was most likely just all that burning off. There's some penetrating lube, motor oil, break cleaner and whatever is on the pipes (got the headers on ebay so could be anything on there). Not too worried right now but I'll be cleaning that area when I re-wrap and I'll keep an eye and nose out for that smoke.
I started throwing everything back together and chatted with my buddy down the street. He came over and pointed out same cable routing issues and had me oil up all the control cables. Don't know what you all will say to this but we just used motor oil on em. he uses that shit for everything, drilling, cutting, etc.
The black shorties had a touch of play where they meet the headers so we cut four slots, and I shimmed 'em with a Monster energy can before I clamped 'em with a couple Autozone muffler clamps. The wrap job was a test run, when I get the new batch it'll only go to the end of each header pipe. Looks kinda silly on the muffler and it's coated anyway and doesn't benefit from wrap as far as I understand.
On that note, not being on the muffler cuz the wrap has no purpose, it reminds me of Yinz asking what the plan was for this bike. I guess the plan has always really just been to get and keep it running on the road, with just what it needs. Both to keep talks with the cops focused on donuts and the weather and also cuz I only want what it needs on there. I'm happy with no frills, no bling, no class and no point. I still don't know what I'd say when someone asks what type of a bike it is. It's just a Honda I've been messing around with
so pics...
no good place to secure the brackets
this is what I'm talking about
working with what I've got and only using what I need, hahaha. who see's the zip tie?
I'll get a screw and keep the ignition from dropping out on the highway
So I figure I'm about 90% of the way to getting to work and back on this thing. List:
Order new cat's eye tail light - DCC
connect all necessary wiring - tuck away the unused with a little tape and ties
Get some more wrapp - DCC
fill front master cylinder with brake fluis and bleed
remove center stand - hits chain with stock mufflers gone
fill new battery with some acid - install
change the oil and get it inspected
word!
Thanks stopping by,
Tyler
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Thanks again for the offer man.
I just gotta say, I've got mad respect for the guys and girls on here that put together some serious quality bikes. It's just humbliing to look at their posts after spending a good two hours trying to reroute some cables.
So, I'm done with the bike for this season, way too long off the road to do anything else invasive to the bike. The two goals for the near to distant future are to redo the front (clip ons, lower forks a touch, headlight and brackets, smaller gauge, etc) and to get more HP (intake upgrade - prob new carbs, that kinda thing).
For now. I'm good though. See ya all around.
I just gotta say, I've got mad respect for the guys and girls on here that put together some serious quality bikes. It's just humbliing to look at their posts after spending a good two hours trying to reroute some cables.
So, I'm done with the bike for this season, way too long off the road to do anything else invasive to the bike. The two goals for the near to distant future are to redo the front (clip ons, lower forks a touch, headlight and brackets, smaller gauge, etc) and to get more HP (intake upgrade - prob new carbs, that kinda thing).
For now. I'm good though. See ya all around.
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Sup DTT?
So, I've been messing around some more on the ride. I'm pretty sure it will never be finished. I'm also pretty sure it'll be a shock to everyone I know if I get this thing inspected and on the highway by winter : but what the hell, I'm having a great summer relaxing in the shade listening to tunes and busting knuckles on my scruffy little mongrel.
My 32nd b-day just happened, and I managed to convince anyone spending money on me to just hook it up with DCC gift cards. I figure they've got a great selection of the little things I'm looking to replace. Got a pretty nice chunk of credit from the fam and friends. Mostly went for things to get the front end dialed in a bit better. the clubmans and remaining stock components just weren't working for me, so I grabbed some lamp ears to bring down the profile from the lamp, which also made room for clip-ons and MUCH better grips than the lousy $10 crap I got with the clubmans.
As with anything I do on this little bastard, figuring out how to remove everything was the biggest part, and I think I'm getting better at it. At first I had planned on removing the forks entirely, to swap the ears, but realized I could just take off the top of the tree yay for that. Still had to think about what was going on with the air-assist on top of the forks, haha Still having issues with the cables. I don't mind at all that they stick out the way they do, but I just can't get them to be as free as they should. Got the exhaust wrapped up. It could just be me but think it actually changed the sound a little...
So here's how she sits, you can read what else needs to be done after pics.
some of the swag
Wrapped stock headers, no crossover, 12 " shorty mufflers, Monster can shims and some exhaust pipe clamps.
blurry glamour shot?
Turns out the speedo might not have been broken... Now I have to track down a replacement sender unit (?) or whatever it's called. The thing the cable goes into on the front wheel...
When I get that I'll throw on the gaiters, just for the hell of it. Also, still working out the wiring. Come a long way, still reading up and educating myself on grounds, volt drop testing and parallel curcuits... Think I'll go ahead and get some pre-shortened cables for clutch and throttle. I snagged a soldering set last week, but need to work out the details before I fuck around with things that could really screw me over if they fail on a ride.
let's see, other than that I think I'm pretty good for now.
So, yeah, cables, some wiring and new speedo thing... 8)
So, I've been messing around some more on the ride. I'm pretty sure it will never be finished. I'm also pretty sure it'll be a shock to everyone I know if I get this thing inspected and on the highway by winter :
but what the hell, I'm having a great summer relaxing in the shade listening to tunes and busting knuckles on my scruffy little mongrel.My 32nd b-day just happened, and I managed to convince anyone spending money on me to just hook it up with DCC gift cards. I figure they've got a great selection of the little things I'm looking to replace. Got a pretty nice chunk of credit from the fam and friends. Mostly went for things to get the front end dialed in a bit better. the clubmans and remaining stock components just weren't working for me, so I grabbed some lamp ears to bring down the profile from the lamp, which also made room for clip-ons and MUCH better grips than the lousy $10 crap I got with the clubmans.
As with anything I do on this little bastard, figuring out how to remove everything was the biggest part, and I think I'm getting better at it. At first I had planned on removing the forks entirely, to swap the ears, but realized I could just take off the top of the tree
yay for that. Still had to think about what was going on with the air-assist on top of the forks, haha Still having issues with the cables. I don't mind at all that they stick out the way they do, but I just can't get them to be as free as they should. Got the exhaust wrapped up. It could just be me but think it actually changed the sound a little...So here's how she sits, you can read what else needs to be done after pics.
some of the swag
Wrapped stock headers, no crossover, 12 " shorty mufflers, Monster can shims and some exhaust pipe clamps.
blurry glamour shot?
Turns out the speedo might not have been broken... Now I have to track down a replacement sender unit (?) or whatever it's called. The thing the cable goes into on the front wheel...
When I get that I'll throw on the gaiters, just for the hell of it. Also, still working out the wiring. Come a long way, still reading up and educating myself on grounds, volt drop testing and parallel curcuits...
Think I'll go ahead and get some pre-shortened cables for clutch and throttle. I snagged a soldering set last week, but need to work out the details before I fuck around with things that could really screw me over if they fail on a ride.let's see, other than that I think I'm pretty good for now.
So, yeah, cables, some wiring and new speedo thing... 8)
looks great so far! the CM's aren't exactly the ideal medium for this type of build but with a little creativity, they can turn out pretty damn nice. logged over 15k miles on mine since my build. Just keep at it and ask lots of questions. i knew nothing when i started and now have 2 beautiful bikes.... do a google search for videos on how to shorten your cables. i was a bit apprehensive at first, but it turned out to be pretty easy....
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Thanks Strat, welcome back man and no problem with the links. Gotta try to help when I can. I totally feel you on not having enough time to work on the bike, I only get a couple hours most weeks to fuck around on it.
Kodiak - Thanks. I think I've come to terms with the quirks of the cm/brokebacks. There is no way I'm gonna try all out cafe with this one. I'm really just using it as a platform to learn how to work on and modify bikes in general. Like you said, ask questions... I've got a wiring thread that's on hold while I follow up on the responses I got and read up on electronics I've seen a ton of threads here on shortening your own cables, so I know I can do it. I'm still getting over the "be safe have a pro do it" mentality most of my friends and family have always taken. Switching gears to "Be safe and do it the right fucking way".
Man, I'm itching to finally get my bike back on the road for a few hundred miles, wicked jealous.
and no problem with the links. Gotta try to help when I can. I totally feel you on not having enough time to work on the bike, I only get a couple hours most weeks to fuck around on it.Kodiak - Thanks. I think I've come to terms with the quirks of the cm/brokebacks. There is no way I'm gonna try all out cafe with this one. I'm really just using it as a platform to learn how to work on and modify bikes in general. Like you said, ask questions... I've got a wiring thread that's on hold while I follow up on the responses I got and read up on electronics
I've seen a ton of threads here on shortening your own cables, so I know I can do it. I'm still getting over the "be safe have a pro do it" mentality most of my friends and family have always taken. Switching gears to "Be safe and do it the right fucking way". Man, I'm itching to finally get my bike back on the road for a few hundred miles, wicked jealous.
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Well not much to update. Took the front end all apart and put it back in a lightly different configuration, twice. Think one more time and I'll have it just right. Throttle cables under lamp. One of the times I was playing around my wife came out and snapped a few pics for a series she's doing.
I'll probably post the rest in the member's art thread as a shameless plug for her and to brag about how awesome she is 8) hahaha
anyway, pics
Now I've gotta need to drain and refill the forks, plus the 10psi for the air-assist. The only working front suspension components at this point are two 30yo springs : And there's that short I've been trying to ignore...
Later,
T
I'll probably post the rest in the member's art thread as a shameless plug for her and to brag about how awesome she is 8) hahaha
anyway, pics
Now I've gotta need to drain and refill the forks, plus the 10psi for the air-assist. The only working front suspension components at this point are two 30yo springs :
And there's that short I've been trying to ignore...Later,
T
the bike looks great! i like how you deleted the cluster, and just put a speedo..Im in the process of doin the same on mine, im also tryin to switch out the headlight at the same time. But the headlight i got is to small to hold all the wires, got any ideas on what to do with the wires or where to hide them?
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Thanks man.
I'm a hack when it comes to wiring so, don't take what I say for granted... Check out some wiring threads.
My first thought is to suggest you rewire the bike. Eventually that's what I'll be doing. If you want to keep the front clean and simple that is really the only way to go. Those massive plastic connectors are a huge pain. I assume those are what you are having a hard time figuring out how to hide right? One or two of them are just left flopping around after you get rid of the cluster, so once you pull the leftover wires back down the harness you might have enough room in the new light for what you need power to.
I'm a hack when it comes to wiring so, don't take what I say for granted... Check out some wiring threads.
My first thought is to suggest you rewire the bike. Eventually that's what I'll be doing. If you want to keep the front clean and simple that is really the only way to go. Those massive plastic connectors are a huge pain. I assume those are what you are having a hard time figuring out how to hide right? One or two of them are just left flopping around after you get rid of the cluster, so once you pull the leftover wires back down the harness you might have enough room in the new light for what you need power to.
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
For this bike, I'm leaving all the bodywork as it sits. The PO apparently chopped about 2-3" off that front fender and I like the way it looks. Serve's it's purpose. Pretty much everything on here should serve a purpose, and I ride this all year round so need good fender coverage.
If I could take this more bobber/brat than I am able to right now, I think I'd either just use the fork brace with the whole fender pulled off or cut it down shorter and slimmer, without that edging it has.
If I could take this more bobber/brat than I am able to right now, I think I'd either just use the fork brace with the whole fender pulled off or cut it down shorter and slimmer, without that edging it has.
onetruepunk87
Been Around the Block
Looking real good. That mini speedo looks awesome with the lowered headlight and clip ons. Really mean looking front end.
rattpunk
Been Around the Block
Yeah, the whole flow of the bike is more aggressive somehow. Dropping the lamp and bars like that seem to work with the lines of the rear fender and the tank.
I would like to make a better mount for the speedo and ignition. It's kinda fun how high they sit up there with the choke. All three just popping up, almost steampunk... Still think I may try to rig them up a little lower and tighter now.
I would like to make a better mount for the speedo and ignition. It's kinda fun how high they sit up there with the choke. All three just popping up, almost steampunk... Still think I may try to rig them up a little lower and tighter now.
