frenzy_rumble
New Member
Going to copy / paste these from another forum. Please feel free to comment, add pointers, advice, etc.
My 1980 Honda CX500 Deluxe Cafe Build
- Thread starter frenzy_rumble
- Start date
frenzy_rumble
New Member
I thought it would be a great idea (for myself as well) to keep a blog/document the progress (if any) I have with this bike.
Here are the pic (when I first bought it ; 3.28.11)
I'll start w/ what the seller told me. Carburetor needs work (there was a spare which came with the bike, but after inspection, looks completely shot; even the screws are striped)
Seller says the bike works, he "drove it around just a few weeks ago" Major electrical work is needed in the headlight assembly.
No battery.
So, to this point this is what I've done (or AM doing as I take a break to write this)
Thankfully, someone pointed me to this thread. I figured I would start with a new Battery (got during the week) and a tender to keep it charged up.
The bike starts quickly and nice. it's running between 100-200 on the tach. Ever since I put in the new batt, the choke seems to have no effect. whether in or out, it runs pretty low, often stalls out. I am assuming this will lead to the carb problems the seller mentioned.
Hit up the local bike store. Seems EVERY part I would need for this bike has to be special ordered (sucks) I intended on getting new brake pads, spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, and other basic easy maintenance stuff.
Left with a "list to pick up Tuesday" and oil (gallon of 10 40), brake fluid (Dot 4, owner of shop said it will be fine instead of Dot 3)
Here are the pic (when I first bought it ; 3.28.11)
I'll start w/ what the seller told me. Carburetor needs work (there was a spare which came with the bike, but after inspection, looks completely shot; even the screws are striped)
Seller says the bike works, he "drove it around just a few weeks ago" Major electrical work is needed in the headlight assembly.
No battery.
So, to this point this is what I've done (or AM doing as I take a break to write this)
Thankfully, someone pointed me to this thread. I figured I would start with a new Battery (got during the week) and a tender to keep it charged up.
The bike starts quickly and nice. it's running between 100-200 on the tach. Ever since I put in the new batt, the choke seems to have no effect. whether in or out, it runs pretty low, often stalls out. I am assuming this will lead to the carb problems the seller mentioned.
Hit up the local bike store. Seems EVERY part I would need for this bike has to be special ordered (sucks) I intended on getting new brake pads, spark plugs, oil filter, air filter, and other basic easy maintenance stuff.
Left with a "list to pick up Tuesday" and oil (gallon of 10 40), brake fluid (Dot 4, owner of shop said it will be fine instead of Dot 3)
frenzy_rumble
New Member
4.2.11
I began taking apart the front brake. Everything is literally caked into place with corrosion and grease. After some work, I got off the brake pad, shoe, etc from the front. The brake pads are pretty decent cond. but it was really difficult getting the assembly off. I pulled the pin draining out the fluid, but the pads were still locked onto the drum. After getting everything apart, I can see that the brake line is working (when I squeeze the brake handle, fluid comes out well on the brake end)
The piston (even right name?) is completely jammed in place. Even with the pin out behind it, and no fluid behind it, it doesn't move.
I began taking apart the front brake. Everything is literally caked into place with corrosion and grease. After some work, I got off the brake pad, shoe, etc from the front. The brake pads are pretty decent cond. but it was really difficult getting the assembly off. I pulled the pin draining out the fluid, but the pads were still locked onto the drum. After getting everything apart, I can see that the brake line is working (when I squeeze the brake handle, fluid comes out well on the brake end)
The piston (even right name?) is completely jammed in place. Even with the pin out behind it, and no fluid behind it, it doesn't move.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
4.3.11
worked on the piston for a bit. it would not budge. I guess it's shot.
Not sure what happened, I moved the gas tank back to get to the wiring underneath (first overhaul) There are 2 hoses which come out the bottom of the carb. When I turn the gas on (level on bottom of tank, one of those hoses starts pouring out gas (rapidly) I thought those were vacuum hoses? Are they supposed to connect somewhere? the bike won't even start now.
Lots of work going on w/ the electrical. Man, it was a mess...got all 4 turn signal lights working (relay must be shot because they don't blink) but it took a lot of work.
worked on the piston for a bit. it would not budge. I guess it's shot.
Not sure what happened, I moved the gas tank back to get to the wiring underneath (first overhaul) There are 2 hoses which come out the bottom of the carb. When I turn the gas on (level on bottom of tank, one of those hoses starts pouring out gas (rapidly) I thought those were vacuum hoses? Are they supposed to connect somewhere? the bike won't even start now.
Lots of work going on w/ the electrical. Man, it was a mess...got all 4 turn signal lights working (relay must be shot because they don't blink) but it took a lot of work.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
4.11.11
put in a TON of work this weekend. Took apart a majority of the bike. I am still hesitant and scared to rebuild the carbs. I should be getting my US cleaner from harbor freight tomorrow.
lots of rust removal, using WD40 and steel wool. worked really well. the headlight ears are pretty badly rusted though, WD40+wool, did hardly nothing. Might need to have them sand blasted or done with voltage.
Used almost an entire bottle of purple stuff (grease removal) and went to town on the wheels, engine, frame, etc. Got about 400 parts in my garage (labeled of course) which I'll individually restore. New turn signals, new bucket, seat, etc. ready for install (at end)
Ended with prepping the frame (partially) for paint ...will be a flat black
here are some pics from this weekend's progress :
put in a TON of work this weekend. Took apart a majority of the bike. I am still hesitant and scared to rebuild the carbs. I should be getting my US cleaner from harbor freight tomorrow.
lots of rust removal, using WD40 and steel wool. worked really well. the headlight ears are pretty badly rusted though, WD40+wool, did hardly nothing. Might need to have them sand blasted or done with voltage.
Used almost an entire bottle of purple stuff (grease removal) and went to town on the wheels, engine, frame, etc. Got about 400 parts in my garage (labeled of course) which I'll individually restore. New turn signals, new bucket, seat, etc. ready for install (at end)
Ended with prepping the frame (partially) for paint ...will be a flat black
here are some pics from this weekend's progress :
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.10.11
been a while but made some break-throughs and progress over the last few days.
Looking at the date when I started this thread - it's almost disappointing how little i've done in the grand scheme of the whole project.
This past week :
today/night I plotted out where I want the rear turn signals. Going to have them double as running lights (for fun) I am mounting them right behind the rear shocks, and drilling holes 3/8" for the new signal stems is a bitch. The signal stem (threaded part) isn't long enough to pop through the inside of the frame where I am mounting them. I might need to grind out a larger hole so I can get the nut between/inside the frame (it's hollow there) or - put an extension on the stem? no idea yet.
going to also shave down PAST and behind where the seat clips are. No need for that extra metal.
been a while but made some break-throughs and progress over the last few days.
Looking at the date when I started this thread - it's almost disappointing how little i've done in the grand scheme of the whole project.
This past week :
- got tank to body shop for soldering of pin hole and new paint job
- got 2 sets of dual filament cafe style signals
- began removing paint on rims
- removed wheels to help remove paint from rims
today/night I plotted out where I want the rear turn signals. Going to have them double as running lights (for fun) I am mounting them right behind the rear shocks, and drilling holes 3/8" for the new signal stems is a bitch. The signal stem (threaded part) isn't long enough to pop through the inside of the frame where I am mounting them. I might need to grind out a larger hole so I can get the nut between/inside the frame (it's hollow there) or - put an extension on the stem? no idea yet.
going to also shave down PAST and behind where the seat clips are. No need for that extra metal.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
Just a follow up on the turn signals. here's how they look. I also linked a small switch (accessible from under seat) which pops them perma-on so they double as running lights.
might also notice I hacked off about 4" of the frame, from the back end.
might also notice I hacked off about 4" of the frame, from the back end.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.13.11
- polished the front struts/shocks (?) look a million times better. Took them off as well, cleaned up / sanded / painted front area.
- Polished/cleaned gas petcock - looks brand new!
today, I am going to paint the frame (again) with a gloss black. using lacquer gloss black, through an airbrush, as well as a reg. brush (for harder to reach places)
- polished the front struts/shocks (?) look a million times better. Took them off as well, cleaned up / sanded / painted front area.
- Polished/cleaned gas petcock - looks brand new!
today, I am going to paint the frame (again) with a gloss black. using lacquer gloss black, through an airbrush, as well as a reg. brush (for harder to reach places)
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.15.11
Adding some pics to the thread...
wheels (my attempt) they are currently at a shop, being properly striped and powdercoated
gas tank. intend to put a black 4½ stripe down the middle, trimmed with chrome
New rear. Trimmed frame about 4 inches, bondo'd holes. New turn signals
Adding some pics to the thread...
wheels (my attempt) they are currently at a shop, being properly striped and powdercoated
gas tank. intend to put a black 4½ stripe down the middle, trimmed with chrome
New rear. Trimmed frame about 4 inches, bondo'd holes. New turn signals
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.19.11
I am completely new to this, but learning an assload as I go along (often the hard-way) I also just pm'd you back and thought it might be a good idea to post here some progress, list style:
Front
- I have (ready to install myself) the bucket. I am awaiting the ring from dime city. I got the bucket from rock city (fiberglass) it was a bitch to find a ring exactly 7" diameter.
- have all new gauges (from dime city) mini ones, cafe style. Will be a nightmare wiring up the speedo, because it has contained LED indicators. I can test and play though.
- new speedo cable (which I will eventually install)
- brake being refurb'd - got the kit, gotta finish polishing the caliper
- got new grips (they are nice too)
- need a new master cylinder (all metal, can't seem to find one on ebay for my bike)
- new handles, @ larry being polised
- bar end mirrors - need to install
- new headlight mounts
- new front turn signals (mini ones)
Middle
- had carb rebuilt and polished by larry
- replaced sparks
- striped all frame paint, repainting with lacquer (air brush) gloss black
- had tank striped, soldered (pin hole) painted, customized (see thread "new tank" in customization section)
- need to have tank cap painted (gloss black)
- valve and clutch covers @ larry to be polished
- looking for new seat, solo rider, simple - cafe style - no idea where to begin w/ that, might cut myself and have upholstered
Rear
- cut few inches off frame
- new rear turn signals
- 4" small LED tail/brake light (which I have to rig something together which will hold that & plate
Thanks to Larry's suggestion on the 3m carbon fiber vinyl (which is kick ASS stuff by the way) I got a piece 12"x48" (more than enough, will put some on the side panels and other spots as well, I revamped the tank...
with 3/8" 3M chrome stripe/trim
I am completely new to this, but learning an assload as I go along (often the hard-way) I also just pm'd you back and thought it might be a good idea to post here some progress, list style:
Front
- I have (ready to install myself) the bucket. I am awaiting the ring from dime city. I got the bucket from rock city (fiberglass) it was a bitch to find a ring exactly 7" diameter.
- have all new gauges (from dime city) mini ones, cafe style. Will be a nightmare wiring up the speedo, because it has contained LED indicators. I can test and play though.
- new speedo cable (which I will eventually install)
- brake being refurb'd - got the kit, gotta finish polishing the caliper
- got new grips (they are nice too)
- need a new master cylinder (all metal, can't seem to find one on ebay for my bike)
- new handles, @ larry being polised
- bar end mirrors - need to install
- new headlight mounts
- new front turn signals (mini ones)
Middle
- had carb rebuilt and polished by larry
- replaced sparks
- striped all frame paint, repainting with lacquer (air brush) gloss black
- had tank striped, soldered (pin hole) painted, customized (see thread "new tank" in customization section)
- need to have tank cap painted (gloss black)
- valve and clutch covers @ larry to be polished
- looking for new seat, solo rider, simple - cafe style - no idea where to begin w/ that, might cut myself and have upholstered
Rear
- cut few inches off frame
- new rear turn signals
- 4" small LED tail/brake light (which I have to rig something together which will hold that & plate
Thanks to Larry's suggestion on the 3m carbon fiber vinyl (which is kick ASS stuff by the way) I got a piece 12"x48" (more than enough, will put some on the side panels and other spots as well, I revamped the tank...
with 3/8" 3M chrome stripe/trim
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.21.11
Today (already) I wrapped up the painting of the frame. Used house of kolorz gloss black and an air brush. Lots of sanding, removed all stock paint. PITA....
nice and shiny now though. Few hours it should be dry enough to start putting stuff back on.
Intend to knock out the control panel area and gauges, excited to install the dime city mini-chrome gauges...
Today (already) I wrapped up the painting of the frame. Used house of kolorz gloss black and an air brush. Lots of sanding, removed all stock paint. PITA....
nice and shiny now though. Few hours it should be dry enough to start putting stuff back on.
Intend to knock out the control panel area and gauges, excited to install the dime city mini-chrome gauges...
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.24.11
Got the tires finally, rims have been striped and powder coated. new bearing. I put new brakes on the back also. Front are good. Hoping to get the new tires on tomorrow or tonight. we'll see....
oh, and a nice surprise coming from Mr. Larry. these are gonna look so sweet.
Got the tires finally, rims have been striped and powder coated. new bearing. I put new brakes on the back also. Front are good. Hoping to get the new tires on tomorrow or tonight. we'll see....
oh, and a nice surprise coming from Mr. Larry. these are gonna look so sweet.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
5.31.11
frenzy_rumble
New Member
6.7.11
Got the new Dyna mufflers and h-box (laser/JAMA) all ready for install. Brought to a local welder who did them on the spot, $20 total. air tight, very nice. I will cover his welding with some scrap 2 1/8" aluminum piping (2" wide) polished. In order to get this on, I install from the front and bottom, I'll need to pull off the brake and clutch pedals.
Got the new Dyna mufflers and h-box (laser/JAMA) all ready for install. Brought to a local welder who did them on the spot, $20 total. air tight, very nice. I will cover his welding with some scrap 2 1/8" aluminum piping (2" wide) polished. In order to get this on, I install from the front and bottom, I'll need to pull off the brake and clutch pedals.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
6.7.11
what a bitch getting these on. Luckily, the h-box was pliable enough to stretch the 2 exhausts apart enough to get them over the nuts in the back. I will use small hidden U clamps on the insides of both mufflers. I grinded off the back hole and will be putting a polished alum. sleeve over it (to hide that and the welding)
what a bitch getting these on. Luckily, the h-box was pliable enough to stretch the 2 exhausts apart enough to get them over the nuts in the back. I will use small hidden U clamps on the insides of both mufflers. I grinded off the back hole and will be putting a polished alum. sleeve over it (to hide that and the welding)
frenzy_rumble
New Member
Got 3" wide muffler clamps to cover the welding marks. Fit nicely after some minor modifications.
Now, to put on the head pipes, and the exhaust is done!
Now, to put on the head pipes, and the exhaust is done!
frenzy_rumble
New Member
6.13.11
Got my new seat in this morning. Love it. What a deal too. about $250, shipped with pan/complete. Made some more minor adjustments to the frame and it fits perfectly. I am very happy with it.
Got my new seat in this morning. Love it. What a deal too. about $250, shipped with pan/complete. Made some more minor adjustments to the frame and it fits perfectly. I am very happy with it.
frenzy_rumble
New Member
Here's the exact seat.
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB100-cafe-racer-seat-reproduction-NOS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2de90843QQitemZ400202205251QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
some straight side views like you requested. Take note the back end of the frame was hacked a lot...
http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/Honda-CB100-cafe-racer-seat-reproduction-NOS-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5d2de90843QQitemZ400202205251QQptZMotorcyclesQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories
some straight side views like you requested. Take note the back end of the frame was hacked a lot...
frenzy_rumble
New Member
6.14.11
Gauges (c/o Dime City)
Gauges (c/o Dime City)
frenzy_rumble
New Member
as you can see, the gauge for the tach has a reg. bulb (non LED) which I gotta swap out so they match.
