1972 CB175 - Half Cafe

[timbutterfield]

In my experience upholstery shops are cheaper in the winter. It was the case with the upholstery on my boat. It seems that their prices skyrocket in the spring when everybody wants their seats redone. In the winter they are scrounging for work and the prices reflect this.

I would find a local upholstery shop, and take your seat up there, might be able to get a deal.

 

[jakeZ70]

Good thought Tim. I don't have a truck for transport, but I suppose i could break out the ski gear, and drive it up

Spent most of the day riding, but got some more work done as well. Found the short in the wiring. Got the tachometer working. Straightened out the exhaust mounting. Got the new front brake cable installed. This one is even longer. Not sure how this is happening. I think I'm going to try and shorten it myself. I've found a couple of tutorials on how to do it. It doesn't look too difficult, but obviously something you don't want to screw up. Looking to relocate some of the exposed wiring.

Finally took some pics. I put together a bracket for the tank. I wasn't sure if the CB200 tank strap would drop right on, and I also wanted to save some cash. It works well. Also made a bracket for the tail light.

On a side note, the fiancee picked up a compressor for my birthday. Looks like I'll be able to do some real painting for the CB350 project. Maybe even some sandblasting.

 

[jakeZ70]

A few more.

 

[eyhonda]

I was pretty thorough in cleaning the surfaces. I thought everything was flat. I've never used HondaBond. Is it used in place of a gasket? Is it better than using a regular gasket?

It's not really used in place of a gasket. I see it used a lot in between cases. It's only used if specified to in assembly. It CAN be used if the thickness of the original gasket is not required. Some covers need a gasket or something inside will mechanically bind. Hondabond will have virtually no thickness. I suppose it can be used to repair a ripped gasket but maybe not a missing section. Also, keep in mind it is semi permanent, meaning the bond will have to broken to open it. So it's not good for a cover needed to be removed for regular maintenance (if used for the whole cover, not a repair).

 

[alec.korver]

this is great! I love the cb200 tanks! Have you ever thought about building your own cafe seat?

 

[timbutterfield]

Looking good. I like the black/white/polish combo on the forks.

 

[timbutterfield]

any updates?

Get your seat sorted out yet?

 

[jakeZ70]

No. Nothing new. Winter has rolled in. Just trying to keep up with the snow, and getting some ski time in while waiting for April to come around again.

 

[EvLoutonian]

what about now??

(~;

Did you get this lovely bike finished?

I found your tips on bending the kickstarter to go around the exhaust mufflers helpful.. (not that I've done much to work out bending my lever)..

 

[jakeZ70]

Sadly, I haven't. I just need to get a new front brake cable, and finish the seat. After getting several estimates of 500 bucks plus (aside from tires, I barely have that much in this bike), I've decided to give it a go myself. My fiancee's mother knows her way around sewing machines, and she has one that's industrial grade, so I'm going to give it a try. Also, I had a 68 CB350 waiting to be fixed up, that I had been sitting on for a couple of years. It's also really close t being finished. Just a couple of small things left to be sorted out. http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=51409.30. I'm pretty happy with the progress so far. And it rides pretty nice too

 

[EvLoutonian]

ah, nice.

Love those earlier squarish tanks on the late 60's models.

My other project is a CB175 k3 (1969) with that shape tank, and the little rubber knee pads on the side..