First Cafe project (CB450)

[Doc.]

I replaced mine with factory length, so I didn't have to do any modifications. I believe if you make an inch you should be fine. There's a certain amount you can't go over due to the chain rubbing on the swing arm. I'd definitely do a search though.

 

[bluesmoke69]

Great work Doc. Recently bought CL, and CB 450 for cheap. Thank for all the good information.

 

[Doc.]

Thanks. Feel free to post any questions that haven't been answered already. More than likely I've ran into it. If not I'm sure someone else can answer.

 

[Godffery]

Hey man,
I just now ran across this thread and I've got'a say, your doing some outstanding work!
Some very well chosen updates.

LMK if you you're interested in any performance brake updates;
I've developed a line of Drilled & Thinned Performance Rotors, Lightweight Phenolic Brake pistons & Anti-Squeal brake Stabilizing Insulators that will apply to the CB450.

 

[Doc.]

Thanks Godffrey, I'll keep that in mind!

 

[Doc.]

Oh btw, can anybody tell me if there's a trick to installing and using a new seal for the brake caliper? It was tough to get the piston in, and I think because of that, it's sticking every time the brake lever is pulled. It's not moving back, causing the front wheel to seize.

 

[Godffery]

That's a very common issue; You need to carefully pick the seal out with a pointy hooked tool

(being careful not to scrape or dig into it) once you get it out, you'll likely find allot of buildup of solidified fluid & corrosion. You will need to scrape all that out with that same pointy hooked tool, once you're sure you've got it completely clean, get in there and clean it some more!
Now clean the seal thoroughly (or replace) Reinstall with some O-Ring lube and slide in the piston.

If you have any trouble or find yours to be too far gone, I also provide Completely rebuilt ones.
http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/album185/

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

HD, is there a reason you can't just use triple or quadruple #0 Steel wool (#000 or #0000)? Just wondering why aluminum foil, other than it's aluminum on aluminum. <<--did that even make sense?

That is exactly why!... 4 ought steel wool should be fine enough but steel wool disintergrates with use, leaving many fine strands to deal with later that could plug up the micro ports.

Oh and how would you use aluminum foil on the bore? Just stuff it in there and spin it around?

Copliments of ROADY over on the NGWClub.com http://www.ngwclub.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=12168 is a great thread on th O/H of these carbies, even though he does 4 of them, if you follow his tutorial you will be golden.

 

[Doc.]

Godffrey, I was actually talking about a new seal. Turns out I didn't apply a little brake fluid on the rubber seal when putting the piston in. I redid it and it's a little better now. Thanks for all the info though!

 

[Doc.]

HD,

I actually used a 400 sandpaper and wet sanded the walls after the lemon juice boil. I cleaned off all the roughness. I can do the aluminum foil trick as well, but it seems to work really well now. Here's a video I took of both the pistons, and how they create air pressure. Let me know if everything seems and sounds right.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mwlgBEzfr0w

I also blew air in the little holes on the mouth of the carb, and the slides went up on their own.

 

[Doc.]

Here's a quick update. I picked up the parts from the powder coater. Got the wheels back on, along with the brake and the rear sets, which are unofficial for now.

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Awe Man... She's beautiful!
That is gonna be soooo stinkin COOL
Hard to tell from the video how the cap and piston is going to act under vacuum but I'd definately give it a try.

 

[Doc.]

Will do! And thank you for the kind words, and all the help!

 

[Hoosier Daddy]

Forgot to mention how much I dig your musical bike stand!
BRILLIANT!

 

[Doc.]

Haha, thanks. It serves a good purpose

 

[sxecafe]

Looks real nice, man. We have a similar color scheme goign on. Im going to paint my frame the same color!

 

[Doc.]

Awesome! I believe I have listed the paint name somewhere in the beginning of the thread when I first picked up the parts from the powder coater. Do you know what color tank you'll be going with? I'm thinking white with black might look good. Not sure yet.

 

[Doc.]

I'm not sure if I posted this or not, but here's a pic with the tank I was test fitting. I'm thinking same color scheme, but make the orange white.

 

[sxecafe]

Hahaha... we have the same brain. Im going white tank with black accents. Black seat with white upholstery

 

[Doc.]

Haha sounds good. I want to do the full pad seat, like the tracker bikes. But I have yet to find a lead on who to go to. I guess I can find a local upholsterer and see if they can work with a seat pan, that I would have to create.