Project"Independent" CL450

[TwinTownTwins]

This is my first bike project(with a motor) so bear with me it might get ugly. I picked up a 72 CL450 from a buddy in exchange for some carpentry work around his house. He is a big VJMC guy and had this thing laying around, so I decided I needed a winter project and she needed a home. I have beeen working on it for a couple of months now, when i get a chance. It had not run for 10 years, but i did get it running before i tore it apart, so fingers crossed it will run again.Here's how she looked when i got her.

Everything is there so far

Future tank

Paint Removal

I Love my grinder!

GT BMX Pedal Kickstart, a little homage to my BMX days

Frame Mods

Motor

Pile o parts waiting to sent off to powder and chrome

Well thats all for now
Cheers, Mike

 

[tWistedWheelz]

Well it certainly looks like you have made a real nice start! I will be keeping an eye on this build! Good luck!

 

[stik70]

Lookin' Great! keep up the momentum!
Kev

 

[Midcoastcustoms]

Welcome. Yes another member from MN!!! When the weather warms up we all need to meet up and ride

 

[Flugtechnik]

I'm a sucker for a pretty CL450. Nice work. I think you are already ahead of me and I've been working on mine for a year and a half.

Nice tank selection.

 

[boboznutz]

Looking good, I am right about in the same place you are on my 69 cl450. Good luck!

 

[TwinTownTwins]

Thanks for all the kind words everyone! Here's a few more photos from the initial mock-up.

Mock-up for the seat, i have a friend who is making it out of aluminum for me. Originally i was going to use an old tank but, i wanted to match the radius of the DCC tail section.

Gotta go, the polishing wheel is calling my name!
Cheers, Mike

 

[CiscoKid]

I have a 71 CL450 with an original tank. Any possibility of your buddy making and selling another seat? I tried making a fiberglass seat and failed. I understand common CB450 seats wont fit on the CL frame.

Thanks!

 

[VonYinzer]

Looks great man! Keep it up.

 

[TwinTownTwins]

I have a 71 CL450 with an original tank. Any possibility of your buddy making and selling another seat? I tried making a fiberglass seat and failed. I understand common CB450 seats wont fit on the CL frame.

Thanks!

Cisco, I will talk to him next week I should be picking up the tank with a new petcock welded in. I am sure he would be into it, he has a welding shop, but does metal work on the side as his "fun" projects. Where are you located?
Mike

 

[TwinTownTwins]

Since most of the major parts are at the engine shop and the welder, I have been painting and cleaning what I have left. Also I have a couple of questions....
1. Anyone used aluminum fasteners from Probolt? I plan on using red and black anodized for the engine covers.
2. Wht's the best way to remove the carbon build-up on the pistons? I don't plan on replacing them, just a new set of rings.

Probably should have cleaned the engine before i took it apart! 2 hours with a rag, brush and Engine Brite.

Rattle Can Bling!

FYI Holes and the buffing wheel don't get along, but it sure looks cool! Polish then Drill!!!

Sorry about the poor photo quality, i need to dig out the digi rather than my phone from now on.
Cheers, Mike

 

[Flugtechnik]

I just took a wire wheel to the top of the pistons and tried to stay away from the skirts.

The bits are looking good.

 

[CiscoKid]

Mike, Thanks

I am located in Montana (Military brings me here).... Originally from Chicago!!

I'm going to make a wanted ad on the forums, but if your buddy says he'd make one, I'd be more than happy to purchase

Thanks!

 

[Ringo]

Looking great man!

CiscoKid:
Where are you at in MT? Military...so I'm betting Great Falls? There's a couple of us here in Bozeman. We MT guys gotta stick together!

 

[kookie31]

Nice project you got going here. Great start. I will be checking into this one. Any ideas yet on color?

 

[Slice]

Nice work with the polishing and turning those parts into swiss cheese... Looks good man!
-Slice

 

[CiscoKid]

Ringo. You got it..Great Falls.... and You know.... the drive to Bozeman is a BLAST... What do you say I finish my bike for a July "DO THE TON...Montana Rally!"

I'm good for it. Do you know any good fiberglass seat makers in the area? Nice meeting you. I'll PM you also to get together!

Take Care!

 

[t71ford]

Cisco:
YES!! another MT guy! We now have 3. Something in July would be awesome; I would love it, but I think Chris fights fire then. If we get some nice spring days maybe we could do something earlier.

I know AllPro Composites does some cafe seat work. I don't know what kind of selection they have, but they are located in Belgrade. Here is there info:

All Pro Composites
158 Andrea Drive
Belgrade, Mt 59714
406-388-3099

Truth be told, though, there are a lot of really qualified seat builders out there that you can order from, and some of them are pretty loyal members of this site.


Tyler

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

Hey hey quit thread jacking! haha. This is a Minnesota build! Whats next on the list Twintowntwins? And colors?


Ringo....the drive from here TO Bozeman from St. Paul/Minneapolis bites. But your mountains are fun. ;D

 

[TwinTownTwins]

Hi all!
I haven't posted in awhile due to back to back week long trips for work and a family vacation. I have squezzed in a little work on the scoot though. So here is what i've been up to....
1.Rims, headlight bucket, bars, and various bits--chrome baked off
2.Head rebuilt
3.cylinders honed
4.I got the few bits that are re-chromed back
5.Motor 75% put back together
6. Decided on my colors---I am going with a red, black and polished color scheme.
Next on the agenda is to pick-up the frame and swing arm then off to powder-coat along with the rims. Hopefully i will be able to get some body work done on my tank and headlight bucket this weekend!!
Here's some pics