Which Honda CB is best?

[crazypj]

Clutch rattle is carb sync issue, sounds like a big end knock at idle
Starter clutch issue is different problem (actually I forgot about that until you mentioned it)
The high torque needed to turn motor over causes rollers in clutch to 'Brinnel' the large roller on drive sprocket.
It's the same design as all the other Honda's but with a huge sprocket in comparison to 350,360.450,etc
The only fix is new starter clutch, unless you can find someone to hard weld it and grind back to size
I've tried getting them ground undersize, it doesn't work for more than a month (if it works at all)

 

[tnahvu]

i was in the same boat not so long ago and went with the cb200. i'm happy, but wish i would have gone with something slightly bigger that can cruise on highways, easy to work on, plentiful parts and advices when you need them.


with the cb200t, i get the above with the exception of highway cruising, i managed to only get it up 70mph -- you wouldn't want to cruise at 70mph or even 60mph -- without upgrades by following all the manual's settings. it's definitely a super light bike and a LOT of fun. and i love the look of the gas tank.


if i had to do it over, i'd go with the regular cb350 - not the cb350f, too many carbs...scary for me.


this is the sexiest cb350 in my eyes. built by two high school workshop classes.


http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_VDCGGBYmNCk/SXk_ywrQcwI/AAAAAAAABiQ/klsToJMXOi8/s1600-h/0015.JPG


and here's my cb200 under the knife still...

oh, and 1800 sounds like A LOT for a cb200t. i paid $500 after being asked for $1000. be patient and use this forum; awesome resource.

 

[Catbird]

I would have figured... 350 is plenty of cubes for a twin, but with a four-banger I kinda figured on all horse and no torque.

 

[crazypj]

nope, 350f is low hp and low torque- I believe it was rated at 27bhp (less power than the 350 twin)
It is INCREDIBLY SMOOOOOOOTH though

 

[Catbird]

My DT250 isn't far from there, but it'll wheelie like a mofo.

 

[Big R]

I just want to hop in here and say "thanks" to PJ. You have made this thread a very good read.

 

[crazypj]

Thanks Rich.
If money was no object, I would have a couple of CB550's but what I've always really wanted is a Barton Engineering 500cc conversion for Suzuki GT380 in Spondon engineering frame. (Road registered)
Water cooled it made 115bhp, about the same as the factory 4 cyl RG500 race bike
They were very limited production and 'race only'

 

[Wee Todd]

cb 550............I missed shifted at mosport and it must have hit 12500,,,,,,,,ouch!,,primary chains stretch and buzz saw into the main oil gallery,,,,,,other than that you can't kill them

 

[Catbird]

ALright, PJ, as I'm a total newbie to this sort of thing, is there anything I want to keep an eye out for on the Yamaha DT250?

 

[crazypj]

twin shock or mono shock?
Don't do jumps on a mono shock without making a new spring seat, the cast original will shatter and you have a 'chopper' (long forks, rear end dragging on mudguard)
They don't really make enough power to hurt themselves until you modify airbox, do a bit of porting, modify reed block and fit a decent pipe.
I think pistons are same as one of the watercraft? (I know DT400 uses same piston as something Yamaha marine)
Main bearings get 'growley' change sooner rather than later, if the bearing cage splits it's bye bye engine
Kickstart is a little weak, although I never had any problems with mine (250 or 400)
They will destroy wheel bearings on a regular basis if you ride off road and brake shoes don't last very well either (I used to do front brake shoes every 2~3 weeks and wheel bearings about every month or so)
Electrical blocks are not weatherproof, slightest puddle causes miss-fire or even cutting out, make sure block from generator to main harness is in good condition (not burned/corroded) and sealed with dielectric grease
Check frame where footrests mount, I tore left footrest off twice and busted left crankcase twice by falling off (one time) and hitting tree stump (second time)
Gears go a very funny blue colour when you have to ride 40~50 miles without oil (and watching them go round and round ;D )
It also destroys the clutch plates when you do that
Gearbox oil needs changing way more frequently than you could imagine if you ride in 60 degree weather or colder (seems to be OK in the summertime as long as it's over 70 deg)
There is a lot of surface area to the cases so condensation is a problem (I changed oil every week or two in 'winter'

 

[Catbird]

Yeah, this one's a '75 and it's got the twin shocks. Just replaced them with a jerryrigged job, installed a set that were intended to go into a GS750 but were the wrong mount type. THey're well into the "heavy duty" range now. It's primarily a street bike and I've been systematically rewiring it over the last 8 or so years.

THe kickstart has been a point of concern, I was wondering if that was usual. I need the new fitting for mine.

Just replaced the mouse-eaten airbox today with a pod filter, it was running rich enough before that I didn't have to re-jet it.
The brake shoes have been something I've been a little wierded-out about, as mine have been glazing over way too fast for my comfort. I forsee a fork swap with something disc-equipped in the springtime.

The left footrest came off on mine way back in ancient history, and I "reinforced" it by cutting open the frame and inserting a piece of rod stock into that section and stick-welding everything back together at a high current setting, one of my favorite fixes for damaged high-stress tubular repairs. It's been tougher than tough ever since.

I'll be sure to keep eyes on the gearbox and the main bearings though... Especially after I port the cylinder.

 

[crazypj]

If brakes are glazing you not using them hard enough or, they are set up wrong and dragging slightly?
Modified stock airbox works better than a pod on the MX models, probably on your as well?
Fitting a length of radiator hose to carb and moving pod back a bit will help things
I guess this thread has been pretty well hijacked now.

 

[Catbird]

The front brake was dragging pretty bad until yesterday when I adjusted it back in some, yes. When I bought it, the front brake was pretty much not there, so I'd been erring in the opposite direction out of paranoia.

The pod seems to be pretty brutal on there, little more peaky now but lots more power all over. I'm building it for street use.

 

[dp9]

I saw this ad on CL and thought of you guys ranting on and on about how great cb550's are. $500 in NJ, its in crates.

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/mcy/2616089594.html

 

[crazypj]

The front brake was dragging pretty bad until yesterday when I adjusted it back in some, yes. When I bought it, the front brake was pretty much not there, so I'd been erring in the opposite direction out of paranoia.

The pod seems to be pretty brutal on there, little more peaky now but lots more power all over. I'm building it for street use.

When you fit front wheel, you are applying the brake as hard as possible before you tighten axle? (to make sure both shoes contact drum equal)

Longer intake needed, try about 3"~4" of radiator hose or similar

 

[crazypj]

I saw this ad on CL and thought of you guys ranting on and on about how great cb550's are. $500 in NJ, its in crates.

http://jerseyshore.craigslist.org/mcy/2616089594.html

Yep, looks like a failed project.
got in well over his head because bikes are so easy to work on :
(could be something else or more serious but simplest explanation is usually correct?)
After experience with felginator, I won't be buying anything from NJ (anyone heard from him since he parted out bike?)
It's all good, he sent title 8)
I got it a couple of weeks ago but couldn't remember where I posted :

 

[dp9]

Hey, we're not all douche bags, just most of us! : laugh.


this is the first time Ive heard of him, though. bad seller?

 

[crazypj]

LOL, just joking
Gotta get this thing running right, then you can go and annoy the HD crowd on a 'mini-bike' ;D

 

[dp9]

Re: Re: Which Honda CB is best?

LOL, just joking
Gotta get this thing running right, then you can go and annoy the HD crowd on a 'mini-bike' ;D

That's my goal! I'm actually at the seaside heights bike weekend and 'que by the sea festival today (posting from my phone while I wait for a friend to get here). Normally I'm the only old non-hd at the events, but today I'm parked next to a kz1000, saw a triumph bonnie (new though) and another old honda, didn't get a close look though. That's a large non-harley turnout for around here.

Sent from my T-Mobile myTouch 3G Slide using Tapatalk

 

[moon303]

Theres not a CB out there that weighs 300lbs or less that will cruise at highway speeds. Bikes are only heavy when theyre standing still Bikes arent made to stand still.

Agree 100% 8)