Prince George Vintage Motorcycle Club
Technical Section => Complete Rebuilds => Topic started by: Hortons Heroes on November 22, 2013, 10:43:22 AM
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With winter seemingly fully arrived I figured it was time to start chopping another bike.
I'll make this first one quick with some brain storm ideas and questions. I still need to get my engine back together for another bike so it may still be a few weeks until this bobber build really starts.
After doing my cafe last year I bumped into Jamie (one of the chopper boys) on his Cm 400 Bobber and was really impressed by it. The sound caught my attention first, his rising sun tank emblem was pretty sweet.
We traded for a ride a I loved it except for the position. I am a little big for where things were set-up. I love the ammo box for battery and fuses. I am leaning towards something like his exhaust as well.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q85/s720x720/1479501_10153476027210567_939398779_n.jpg)
I know it's not a CM 400 but I am toying with the idea of a passenger seat like this one. I would go smaller but something similar.
(http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_qX_C6pKTUwY/TM3nVWiFw5I/AAAAAAAACqU/0MF5RsjNDmI/s1600/sr400_bobber-brat_kick-back_japan.jpg)
I really liked the bare metal look of taking all the black off of the wheels and clear coating them but I am toying with matching the tank and wheels as well. I just happened to have 3-4 cans of this yellow from my 454 build I was going to do.
(http://alaina.pagesperso-orange.fr/honda%20cm400.jpg)
I am debating the hard tail. Is it really as bad as people say? I need to ride 2km on a dirt road everyday and I don't want to sacrifice my safety for a look. Talking with Russ I don't think I want to stretch out the back end but do want to drop it down as much as I can and move the seat really far back.
That being said I really want to go further than I did with the cafe and put on pods, clean up the electronics in to a case/hide a lot of wiring. Are pods OK in the rain?
I have debated the spoked wheels (found on CM 400 E models, mine is a T) but I am to budget to spend the money and in the end I really liked the look of what I did with the cafe wheels. If I stumbled across some CM 400 E wheels I would probably get them.
there is so much about this bike that I like, the colours, spokes, seat, using font fender as rear fender. I want something a little tougher looking like Jamies but it's tempting to try and just copy this build.
(http://motorcyclephotooftheday.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/img_7514.jpeg)
I have some parts already here (headlight, headlight mount, led penny lights for signals, tiny tail light, bars etc) but I can't decide on a seat. Emery rides with a bare metal pan and doesn't seem to mind it, I really don't want to fork over $100 for a seat when I could take shot at making something.
love some feedback and suggestions, I start chopping soon and am looking for some more experienced eyes for advice.
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Looks like you are on the right track. Cool looking bikes for your inspiration. I also have seen Jamie's chopped CB400. It's cool.
Wire spokes came on the CB400T until about 1979, I think... I have them on mine... (with a drum brake up front).
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is your CB stock?
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Mildly caf?-ed.
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What a great looking bike, love the spokes. Pre 80 means kick start too, I am a fair bit jealous.
Here is before shot...man this bike is ugly.....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/q71/s720x720/575406_10153482464915567_1494234593_n.jpg)
I got most of the big pieces off, turns out you have to take off the back tire to get the airbox out. Like a fool I pulled the wiring through the channel in the fender only to find that it connects into the harness at a different point, I worked way to hard getting it out haha.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q79/s720x720/1476264_10153482464925567_1098686601_n.jpg)
End of a nights work, I am getting excited about the possibilities. Front head light is off but to make it worth the time I need to redo the forks seals when I go to do the fork ears so I never got into it tonight. I have some serious wiring to hide. It's all dangling right now but I am realizing how much work I have made for myself hahah
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1441454_10153482464920567_925308047_n.jpg)
-I was going to take off the rear suspension but I really need to hear from a few riding hardtail, does it make the bike unusable on some roads?
-my question of -do pods make a bike fair weather only- was answered somewhat here
http://www.ninjette.org/forums/showthread.php?t=78251
my list of things to do now is
-redo fork seals
-take of fork ears
-rebuild front brake master and slave
-lift tank?
-create battery box
-plan out ignition (I really want to do a hidden switch with no key)
-remove tach
-remove dummy lights
-mount headlight and wire oil light
I really want to clean up things that don't seem totally necessary. Was thinking to put the high/low beam on a switch on the back of the new headlight, get rid of the kill switch all together (is this the worst idea ever), remove the starter button and put on a switch.
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Hey Dave. I am posting this even though we talked last night in the shop. Hardtails are often feared by people who have never ridden them. There are pro and cons. The main "pro" is that nothing looks cooler or more simple than a hardtail. Ride wise, its just a different feeling. You feel the road, but at speed, most roads are actually quite smooth.
The build has to be a bit more robust also. A hard jarring when you hit a pot hole can break stuff.
If you are still nervous, try some solid struts first. Just make 'em from some square stock. Struts seldom look as good as a proper hardtail, but ridewise its the same feel.
I'd like to have a good look at your frame. The CM400 has some odd bends. Anything can be hartailed.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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Here's a link to a hardtail project. Its longer than I would go, but it shows the odd ball cm400 frame getting nipped and tucked.
http://www.bobberforum.com/forums/showthread.php?tid=606
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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I am having the hardest time turning down your offer Dennis, I am going to hard tail but I am going to go the solid strut route first. It's something simple enough that I can be more hands on then watching it happen and I can do it at the shop where my bike is parked.
In my head as soon as I go for a really nice hard tail it goes from a bobber to a chopper but I think my terms are off. I am interested in doing a proper hard tail but it will probably be another winter from now. Goodness know I may ever buy another typer of bike sometime then really go crazy.
Did a bunch of work tonight but didn't set any records for productivity.
Goal was to get the exhaust off, redo the fork seals, take off the fork ears and get a rough fit for the head light. The forks are not what I am used to for CM 400 so I took longer than I should have (air asst forks) here are the parts I got off at least.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/q84/s720x720/1472907_10153491037075567_1413276153_n.jpg)
Got the seals done and while trying to refill them forgot that there is a hole in the top of leaked fluid everywhere and lost track of how much actually went in. DANG IT! letting the forks drain, back at them in a few days. I think I should just mount them like this permanently. Could be a real hipster look....
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/1474562_10153491037080567_1889022023_n.jpg)
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What really concerns me with that project Dennis is where the pics ended ahahaha. He got the hard tail done then seems to have just dropped the project. I do love that line from under the tank straight back to the rear wheel, much better than the loops and curves the CM has.
I do that that spare frame at my place that I could start looking at modding...hmmm...sounds like I may pop in again sometime soon.
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Good observation about that build thread. I see it a lot online ... a flurry of activity and then the thread goes silent. That's why my build has a publicly announced end date ... the Father's Day Show 'n Shine, 2014. I will make it or be ridiculed.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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I think my due date for this one is March 1 but we will see how much I can get done before Jan.
Whilst taking down and rebuilding the brake (master and slave) that I knew was in rough shape I discovered why is was dragging a little. Some nice person made Guinness jello out of my brake fluid....well I guess time and water did that but I was a little shocked at how bad it was considering I put on around 2000km on this bike in the later 1/2 of the season. I also broke a screw off in its hole (bottom of pic) and while trying to get it out I drilled a hole in the screw then proceeded to break off an easy out...in the hole...flush with the top....dang it. I have hit the limits of my knowledge so up to Bens I go.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q71/s720x720/578154_10153502883435567_1798846855_n.jpg)
the slave came apart and went back together nicely, little bit of pitting but nothing crazy like the top.
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Well I opened Pandora's box for modding...dang it I did not think this through enough.
I only had my IPOD to take pics so quality is low....very low
I tried this method for filling the forks and only have regrets about every set of forks I have done before. I just took the top caps off once they were mounted, filled then put the caps back on. I used to fill from the tiny drain hole in the bottom with a funnel.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/1425751_10153510204155567_439063434_n.jpg)
looked at raising the tank and it has a nice line with the bottom of the tank and the frame if I were to just weld on a 1/2" bar on top of the frame. The rubbers would slide on and give a little more room for air under the tank with the wiring under there.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q72/s720x720/1476403_10153510204150567_249892879_n.jpg)
I forgot about a place to mount the choke, Ben figured this would be a great place. We broke the head off of the choke cable, drilled a small hole in the nut and run the cable to the carb. Would have been sweet if it was threaded but Ben has some great ideas like gluing on a drilled out dice or something else fun.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q77/s720x720/1480688_10153510204075567_1911188331_n.jpg)
new headlight and fork ears on. I had lots of room to hide the wiring harness under the tank but there isn't much room for air to flow. Love the clean look it already has with that small headlight on.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q77/s720x720/1457539_10153510203955567_954472009_n.jpg)
tank in stock position with wiring hidden.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1426752_10153510203965567_261554354_n.jpg)
This would be the potential position of the raised tank. I have 2 other different styles of tank I am going to try on before starting the final mounting.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1462923_10153510203995567_25434410_n.jpg)
We goofed around with the frame by taking the rear shocks out and it turns out I have no idea what I want to do back there. I know I don't want to just put solid struts in and I know I don't want to stretch it. Loving the options that are coming out.
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I brought a friend who welds up tonight so any real work is really on him,
mock up of 14L tank
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/q71/s720x720/1426210_10153518197050567_390155111_n.jpg)
CB 750 HUGE TANK!!! You can see how much further it goes back than the other two.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1475770_10153518197035567_365478405_n.jpg)
This is a tank is great shape from an 81 400 I got a few years ago. Love the two tone look, cherry red and the striping. I think I will go with it. Don't love the 7L capacity but do like the look, raised and moved back a few inches.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1450239_10153518197015567_1977871493_n.jpg)
Two of my buddies proving that I did very little of my own work tonight.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/q71/s720x720/1488960_10153518196795567_732808385_n.jpg)
Lowering the bike means it wasn't leaning enough on the kick stand. Fell over on me while I was working on the front end. Shorter side stand now done...woot.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q77/s720x720/1478951_10153518196820567_596151911_n.jpg)
The end of a nights work. Tank still in mock up mode, could raise a bit higher. Need to get some tubing then can finish the hardtail welding soonish. You can see the chunk I cut off under the bike. Not that bid of a deal but still a very big deal for me to chop some frame.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/994036_10153518196805567_1112598971_n.jpg)
I tried my ammo can for fit of battery and wiring but it's way to wide and interferes with the chain. Realizing that Jamies battery box is cut down quite a bit....hmmm...time to figure out a new box.
I removed all the connections and whatnot from the harness/metal frame thingy that sits next to the airbox. shoudl take up a lot less room now when I need to hide it.
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LARGE NOTE: My friend does the welding, he is teaching me but really he is the work.
Here is the headlight I got from honest Roy. I have some cleaning to do. I found a lens for it and the stock wiring from the bike works. I am just going to cut it from the bike, run it through the small hole on the left (from removing the screws in the back of the light). Ben has some tiny loom to hide the wires after I lengthen them. I am going to try and wire up the little light to the high beam.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q73/s720x720/1460985_10153525671285567_237284521_n.jpg)
Took some cleaning and I nicked the frame a few times so there were repairs needed. My welder friend was amazed at how thin the frame was on the bike. First cut trying to cope (is that the right word?) it in and nailed it.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q79/s720x720/1422559_10153525671175567_1162648580_n.jpg)
Here is the dry fit, Rusty did me a nice thing and cut the U pieces off of the stock rear shocks so it would mount easily. THANKS RUSTY
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q75/s720x720/944822_10153525671185567_1980050794_n.jpg)
This is just tacked on. Needs a few more welds until we can dry fit the rear wheel and fender...and seat...and tank...dang it I am just making so much more work. I like the look and the angles work OK for me. WOOT PROGRESS!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q74/s720x720/1472029_10153525671180567_675294599_n.jpg)
Once we get the rest of the welding done I am going to take off the center stand and remount the side stand. So stoked for how things are starting to shape up. I think there may not be enough room for the seat that I want but maybe a nice 5' 1" person will want to buy it from me if I can't get it right...
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The Carrie Underwood Christmas musical was on last night....needless to say I got some work done on my bike.
Cleaned up the headlight bucket, cut out the oldwiring and put in the new light and plug. Got the high beam indicator light working as well.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/1462952_10153531335910567_1287927241_n.jpg)
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Some real progress going on. I might still have a p-pad rear seat in my junk. Will ask a couple people about a solo for the front. I see a lot of bikes where money is spent on paint,chrome shiny controls and then they cheap out on the seat. A chain is only as strong as it's weakest link. Please don't cheap out on the seat. Met Ted yesterday and he is custom building arrows for me at a very reasonable price, thanks again. CHEERS.
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Hey Dave. Great progress. I have a front fender with stays which you might want to try for your rear fender. I should be in my shop or I'll drop it by.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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You don't have any solo seats lying around for mock up do you? I will try and swing by your shop, I wouldn't mind taking another look at your bikes again for ideas.
A friend has offered to make a solo seat pan at his shop for cheap and another friend was an upholstery guy for a long time and offered some help covering the seat. I was going to try and make my own but I am seeing what you mean about a bad seat ruining a build.
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Made a cardboard template for the speedometer holder. What I ended up with was much larger to give more strength. The idea was to give it a tombstone look. Not sure that will come across in the final product.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1482986_10153542042505567_472910734_n.jpg)
Cut off the wheel lock between the forks. Was big and ugly and doesn't really go with the "no key needed" theme of the bike.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/q71/s720x720/1450964_10153542042500567_1324730115_n.jpg)
The "finished" product. I really need to stop working with this aluminum checker plate. Hard to make it look good and I am still learning so it's fairly rough. I added a spot for the oil light and it tucks it underneath the speedo. I will get it mounted tomorrow when the paint is dry. I drilled the holes for the speedo bolts crooked so one of them is more slotted now so I could position the speedo straighter.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q75/s720x720/1471767_10153542042535567_158315521_n.jpg)
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Princess auto rear fender, cutting out the spot for the chain.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/988801_10153546129400567_177029941_n.jpg)
Jaques finished welding the hardtail together and it turned out really nice. Put on the chain to see how the rear fender sits. Took it off the center stand and it sits nice and low overall, the side stand works well. Cut the mounts off of the frame for the tank. Going to raise the front of the tank up 3ish inches and move it back 2ish inches overall.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1454774_10153546129405567_909495615_n.jpg)
still brain storming some ideas for the battery and wiring storage, debating some seat options as well.
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this one uses an aluminum battery box and a gel battery under the swing arm. Somthing to consider
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I know its not the same bike but depending on the required size/amperage, it looks at though it might work for you.
its a CX500 honda
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not sure why this idea didn't dawn on me yet. Putting ready rod down the sides of an ammo can and then trimming the lid so it doesn't swing open but just lifts open. Would still allow me to utilize the weather seals on the ammo box. The swinging lid just doesn't work in that tiny space. Wing nuts would makes fuses and battery accessible without tools as well...hmmm...the pondering continues.
(http://b296d35169b22ec514a7-3f0e5c3ce41f2ca4459ddb89d451f8d9.r21.cf2.rackcdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/Cadbike-33-The-BMW-Bobber-5.jpg)
Qball I appreciate the pic but it's super tiny and I can't make out what you were trying to highlight, do you have another pic that would show it. Very interested in ideas.
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On two of my hardtailed bikes, I made a battery holder which can best be described as a basket or bracket rather than a box. Here is a picture from the XS650 Flattracker build.
(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/smith5304/002-14_zps8a808b1b.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/smith5304/media/002-14_zps8a808b1b.jpg.html)
Personally, I don't mind the look of a battery. I like easy access to the terminals (testing or jumping). I know most people like to try to hide them away, but they are an integral part of the motorcycle and I don't see any reason to hide them. I did clean off all the writing on the battery though. A quick spray of brake cleaner and all the writing wipes right off. Looks old fashioned when they are just black.
On the two I have done this way, I am using a very small battery because both bikes are kick start only. On the Smithers XS650 Bobber, it still has a starter motor (and a kick starter) and I am leaning towards keeping the electric starter. If I do, I will need a stock sized battery. The only good spot to mount one is down low right behind the engine. Again, I will probably mount it in a basket/bracket rather than try to hide it.
Have you ever seen the battery on my Chang Jiang? When the Changs went from 6 volt/kick start only to 12 volt with electric start, there was no room for the bigger battery in the old position. How did they mount it? They welded on a great big box on the side near the rear wheel. It sticks way out and is ugly as heck. Fortunately, with the sidecar on, you don't notice it too much, but it definitely looks like an afterthought. Some Chang Jiang owners move it inside the sidecar trunk, but I kinda like the way it just hangs there looking so ill conceived. If the Chang wasn't under a cover and a foot of snow, I'd snap a photo for you.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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no problems getting it wet?
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Its full of water. No. Maybe if a bunch of wet salt water got on it, that could conduct electricity between the terminals, but that has never happened to me. Mind you, I seldom ride in the rain. I have ridden the Chang in all sorts of weather (snow, rain and minus 25 degrees) with no problem.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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hmmm, I am going back up Friday to work on it and will see how much room I have. If I can get an ammo can to fit in there with the wing nut lid then I will put the box in,
Did you Hide all your wiring under your tank? Did you have the weather guard it all?
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I tried welding again...my goodness am I bad it. Either way there should be enough metal on those welds to hold but I won't be winning any awards for them.
Here is the speedometer mount finished. The oil light is tucked away just below and to the right of the speedometer.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/q73/s720x720/1479384_10153560066445567_760161104_n.jpg)
More finished pics of the mount
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q73/s720x720/1476226_10153560066455567_681984977_n.jpg)
After all those mockup shots I final got it mounted. The bare metal circle below is where the old mounts were. The the mount isn't pretty but it's hidden. Angle iron to get the height then the tube to mount the rubber.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q75/s720x720/1475784_10153560066665567_1035204228_n.jpg)
New rear mount and front mount for the tank. There was a web thing that held the old tank that we cut out. My finger is where the old mount was.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/q71/s720x720/1474494_10153560066450567_200567965_n.jpg)
Another shot of the bike...that looks the same as the rest....but now that tank is permanently on there! Hooray.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q71/s720x720/1512676_10153560066780567_725184057_n.jpg)
Next is mounting the fender and getting the seat pan made. I was going to bring up some more bars with a bit more rise in them to see if it looks better.
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The limits of my knowledge are not hard to reach....
We were fitting the rear fender and when I went to take a look at the fit the rear wheel seemed to have a lean. Took it off and when on the center stand the rear axle apears to be about 3/4" lower on the left side. I am at a loss, I rode this thing for 2000 KM this summer and didn't notice it pulling, we backed the axle adjusters right off and it still has this insane lean. What am I missing here.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q71/s720x720/1521805_10153567922380567_93091973_n.jpg)
Pic of the rear tire and there doesn't seem to be more wear on one side more than the other but maybe it would be far more subtle than I am seeing. Again, I have no idea what to even do here.
I have a spare frame and spare swing arm we might try and put in. Having only really cut off parts of the sub frame and not change anything on the swing arm I am lost. I figured if it was dropped that would do more to the front end, I can't think of what would even do this.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q77/s720x720/1460246_10153567922385567_1414672258_n.jpg)
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any play in the swing arm bushing/bearing? i know its been struted/ hard tailed but wondeing if there is slop somewhere letting it drop and /or bend?
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2 steps back and 3 steps forward.
We could only figure that the swing arm was bent as there was no play in the bushings and the measurements were bad. Hot dang do I love throwing bikes into my minivan. Makes having 4 kids seem worth it....something seems wrong about that.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q79/s720x720/1460301_10153571160305567_387014069_n.jpg)
Ben has a great idea so we made a roller pin out of some pipe that was a hair to big to fit down the triple tree mount. Hammered this down then put the choke in above it so it doesn't push down.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/q73/s720x720/602141_10153571160425567_1956137617_n.jpg)
Oh look....parts. The swing arm was crazy easy to get out. Cleaned up the swing arm as it looked like it was stored unground for a few years.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1461069_10153571160330567_2122692280_n.jpg)
Jaques fitted the new swing arm and confirmed that the other one was bent. Took some fitting then we cut the welds on the one side, hammered it down and rewelded it all back together. Ironically the wheel now has a little lean to the right but it looks far better.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/578744_10153571160255567_970857510_n.jpg)
The axle now sits a fair bit flater.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/q71/s720x720/1005026_10153571160010567_1310823187_n.jpg)
We swung past Can Tire to find a keyless gas cap and I was shocked to find two caps that fit. Less than $20 for both. The tank was dry (and loaded with rust, a spare I have lying around) so I gave it the lung pressure test in the store and they sealed tight. The one has a massive handle and is a bit big but the other is super low profile and fits the keyless bike motif.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q77/s720x720/1469832_10153571160015567_241843930_n.jpg)
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/q79/s720x720/1511120_10153571160005567_94093016_n.jpg)
I am going to put one of these on my cafe as I love the look and only having to carry one key.
All in all, two steps back, three steps forward. Fender is next. I have some cardboard as a seat mockup.
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I am pretty sure I have a swing arm for a CB750 kicking around I could throw on the bus for you but it would probably be way to big for the CM400. Let me know if you need it or if you have yours to a point of close enough.
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Progress...horrible ugly progress.
Cut an old tach cable and welded the hole shut and then ground it down a bit. I need to clear coat it still so it doesn't rust. Tach cable hole filled subtly now.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q82/s720x720/1549245_10153608287765567_1741877491_n.jpg)
What the heck am I supposed to do here? There was a tube than ran from here to the airbox before...I have no airbox now. I assume that just having it open is bad but what does one do with this?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1488123_10153608287755567_181253372_n.jpg)
When given the option of hearing the bad or good news first most seem to like to hear the good first. Let's do the same with these photos. My wiring is now hidden under the raised tank! Hooray!
You can see the regulator/rectifier just placed ontop of the battery for now. I am going to make the battery a cover and mount the regulator ontop of the box. There is some wiring hidden between the carb and frame which you can see.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/q71/s720x720/1526845_10153608287905567_2037784355_n.jpg)
Brake and neutral switch wiring got lengthened (4 wires) and tucked behind the carb. I need to grind more little bits off the frame now, crazy to see is so much cleaner after having the battery and piles of wires hanging there.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1546013_10153608287895567_2092859598_n.jpg)
A view of what is visible if you get up close and above the tank.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/q71/s720x720/72314_10153608287770567_1442530276_n.jpg)
Now for the pic that I am not sure whether to be proud of or ashamed of. Having no idea what I am doing I just simply took all the wiring from the headlight bucket as well as all the rear wiring (fuses, relays, started solenoid) and just crammed it under the raised tank. Lengthened the 7 wires that needed it and now need a longer battery cable as well. From my simple thinking the only thing that really heats up and would do some damage to other wiring was the regulator/rectifier and I plan to mount it above the battery. I was going to clean up the ends and shorten things but it all fit under the tank with a bit of room to spare.
If this is the most dangerous thing you have ever seen or if it's beyond what should be considered usable I am open to suggestions ahahah. I laid it down it layers and strapped it so that it's somewhat compact...somewhat...as compact as a birds nest could be
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/q71/s720x720/1511073_10153608287900567_2135373208_n.jpg)
next is mounting the rear fender and then making or ordering the seat.
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Soldered a longer section into the positive lead on the battery to get it out from under the tank, started the battery box and realized the fender will have to sit differently so have to chop out the angle piece we tacked in. Will finish the battery box soon then mount the fender next. Everything still seems to work after hooking up the battery and turning the key....hooray!
(https://scontent-a-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/1546359_10153647061070567_40095211_n.jpg)
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Definitely function over beauty. I went for the quick fix and just bent a length of bar into a U shape, drilled a hole in the top, cut the head from a bolt and welded it into the hole. The tab that holds the battery in on the short edge is slotted so when loosened it can slide out and give room for the battery to come out. Before it goes into the frame it needs a few tabs put on for the fender to bolt to.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/q71/s720x720/1517422_10153656578030567_1930956722_n.jpg)
My friend Kyle wanted to learn how to weld so he did some small stuff on the bottom.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/q71/s720x720/1551737_10153656578020567_2015388340_n.jpg)
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after being on the road for three weeks I am finally home!
my seat and 3" seat springs have arrived! I didn't have the welder help last night so I didn't get any fender mounting done but still some progress.
Jeff extracted a broken off screw and cleaned up my master cylnder for me. I am missing the O ring for the reservoir and honda says they are discontinued so it's off to cheiftan to find a replacement.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-d-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/p180x540/1908249_10153754939555567_334892951_n.jpg)
wheels are sandblasted and not clear coated. Much more of a matte look then when I wire brushed the paint off the wheels for the cafe. Should turn out well.
https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/p180x540/1622277_10153754939565567_1804011546_n.jpg
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/p180x540/1622277_10153754939565567_1804011546_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/p180x540/1618703_10153754939570567_552147037_n.jpg)
Wayne I may go up sunday night and will give you a shout so we can finish up that other engine with torque specs.
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Should work for me, just give me a time. CHEERS.
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My seat and springs arrived! Seat was around $70 shipped and the springs were $12 shipped
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p180x540/1621918_10153765870215567_123121586_n.jpg)
Finally made some progress on the fender and battery box mounting. Got the box welded onto the frame, cut off some bolts to mount the lower part of the fender to and welded them onto the battery box. Tacked in the upper fender mount. We had put it to far forward so I had to cut it off and remount it.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/p180x540/1656077_10153765870210567_621428185_n.jpg)
Put some reinforcement inside the fender for where it will mount. Will drill holes and weld a nut onto it for easy removal.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/p180x540/1545139_10153765870205567_1262630132_n.jpg)
Have some general ideas for mounting the seat but it's not going to go on like I had hoped.
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The good news is the seat is almost done mounting....the bad news is that after we fabbed up the bracket to put it on we noticed the bolts on the bottom of the seat aren't centered....dang it.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p180x540/1653407_10153779062525567_1867783193_n.jpg)
As you can see it's a little to the right....like a lot...
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/p180x540/1653822_10153779062485567_499059369_n.jpg)
Going to bolt the springs to the seat pan and then just use spring guides to keep the bottoms on so I can access the bottom of the seat easily. The front of the seat hinges on the bolt that holds the tank on, if I blow a fuse or have any electrical issues I need to be able to get under the tank fairly fast.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/p180x540/1891064_10153779062205567_1152878893_n.jpg)
4 hours of work and we got this done. Fender has the nuts welded into it and just needs paint and electrical
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/q71/s720x720/1958157_10153779062215567_2011853414_n.jpg)
things are coming together, we may add 1-2" of tube under the spring guides to raise the seat up even more.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/p180x540/1920105_10153779062230567_2123993920_n.jpg)
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/p180x540/1796454_10153779062475567_226190360_n.jpg)
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Seat it on!
Widened the holes that the seat is mounted in to try and get it centered a bit better. Still not perfect but I am Ok with the fit.
Got the spring guides welded in and the springs bolted to the bottom of the seat. I bounced really hard with my feet off the ground and I don't come close to bottoming out the seat.
(http://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/p180x540/1779696_10153786423725567_622014727_n.jpg)
View from the rear now with a straighter seat.
(http://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/q71/s720x720/1966771_10153786423820567_592154242_n.jpg)
Next up is exhaust, then onto the carbs. I may get started on the rear lights while I wait for parts.
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exhaust tips from Canadian Tire...a little shameful to put on such cheap tips but I am that cheap.
I am in a similar problems as Dennis for what to do with baffling. I was planning on buying 3 inch long baffles and putting them in the header but I totally forgot that the header is double walled and that the baffles wont fit in there. I can try and get something super short and stick it in the tip....I am at a loss.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash3/t1/p180x540/1660820_10153797125090567_1798504226_n.jpg)
Drilled the hole for the taillight wiring and welded in pieces of a pipe to guide the loom and wires.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1/p180x540/1911872_10153797125295567_1657523470_n.jpg)
Cut little angled pieces and tacked them onto the end of the hardtail. These penny lights from Princess Auto fit in perfectly. Just a slit in the side for the wiring to poke out.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q71/s720x720/1621986_10153797125345567_1144675001_n.jpg)
You can see the signals on the pipes. Going to go with red on the back. Much to my shop friends advice I mounted the plate and tail light central on the fender hoping that the plate will work a little as mud gaurd when I ride to camp.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q71/s720x720/75967_10153797125365567_1176211049_n.jpg)
My friend Kyle Sampson (radio DJ for the River and the Drive) has been helping over the winter. Here he is on it to show a 6 footer doesn`t look to huge on it. This bike may just fit me yet.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p180x540/1623632_10153797125105567_236301029_n.jpg)
More parts on!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/p180x540/1780675_10153797125100567_1222398743_n.jpg)
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This is more for the reference of the club but here are the baffles you can get at cycle north. The little guys were 9.50 for 2 with taxes in. I should be installing these into my tips soon!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/1982045_10153819212850567_2107497468_n.jpg)
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Got the baffles welded in. These 4 1/2" one fit perfectly in the tips that I bought. I didn't put any wrap in so they should be MIGHTY loud compared to my cafe
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/p180x540/1012042_10153823180900567_617271226_n.jpg)
The front wiring is basically done. Got the loom on the runs. I have the oil pressure light hooked up wrong but I think I have figured it out now. The little switch is to engage the killswitch (is as stupid as it sounds). I have no keyed ignition on this bike. I have a hidden switch where I basically cut the wires to the ignition and then figured out which needed to go on what side to make the switch work. The left overs were the wires that engage the killswitch. I hooked these wires up to the switch by the speedometer so that there is one more step to turn the bike on and maybe keep someone from taking off with it.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-f-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/p180x540/1185978_10153823180920567_558750747_n.jpg)
The wiring runs are all good in the rear and everything passed the test last night. I gave way to much excess wire but it won't take long to cut them all down so things clean up nice. You can see the hole in the fender where the tailight wiring comes out. I have some fancy zipties that will keep the signal wires out of the way of the sprocket and other moving parts.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/p180x540/1975073_10153823180980567_1647117430_n.jpg)
a little closer everyday, I need to
-cut off random stuff off the frame
-make front signal mounts off of the mirror mounts
-cut and weld the bar end mirrors
-mount the rectifier/regulator thing above the battery somehow
-epoxy on the dice to pull the choke cable
-weld on the exhaust tips and then paint it all flat black
-paint the frame and exposed metal
-paint the rear fender
-put together the front brake
-finish the headlight mount
-mount pods and jet carbs (HELP ME FAST1)
-and a zillion other things.....
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Tips are welded on. Tried to find a spot to brace them so that they weren't just hanging off the engine. Welded them (not pretty right now) to the foot pegs. Mounting them ins't to bad and they are rock solid. I may burn through some boots with everything so close to the pegs but aren't bobbers supposed have awesome features like that?
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/p180x540/10007452_10153834035735567_1737112823_n.jpg)
Regulator mount is welded on and I will bolt it on once I repaint parts of the frame.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1/p180x540/1911843_10153834035740567_1909187036_n.jpg)
I cleaned up the rear wiring and it's almost ready for paint.
I need to run the bike with the new exhaust on to make sure it's what I want then I will clean it up and paint it flat black
I just got my jet kit in so I can try and get it started sometime soon.
Front turn signals are simple and but I think they should do the job well. If they are awefuly I only have about $5 into them and can redo them anytime. Cut a pipe and put a slot in for the wiring. Going to weld it onto a bolt and stick it into where the mirrors mounted.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-b-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/t1/q71/s720x720/1920325_10153834035730567_2078066059_n.jpg)
They are going to stay open in the rear so I can see if the signal is actually left on or not.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/q71/s720x720/1620819_10153834035870567_386390752_n.jpg)
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These pics won't look to different from others but good to note the little things that got done.
bent and ground down the headlight mounting brackets so that the light fits between them evenly and not can be adjusted for angle.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc1/t1/p180x540/1798075_10153848031565567_2066190112_n.jpg)
I welded the parts together for the front signal lights and they turned out OK. this pic has the left signal on. The two mounts for the mirrors that these are mounting into are not the same height which I found really odd. They arn't even but it shouldnt be noticable as they are not on at the same time and are quite small
(https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1/q72/s720x720/1623648_10153848031015567_1701637255_n.jpg)
Here is what it will look like to me when I am riding it. My plan was to leave the back on the pipe mount open so that I could still see if they are illuminated. It seems to have worked, that should catch my attention if I leave it on.
(https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1/p180x540/1618402_10153848031050567_1614216368_n.jpg)
The profile of the bike is basically done. I need to get it started and make sure the exhuast is good. Then take if off and paint it. I need to strip things down on the frame and take the rear fender off as well to start the paintinng of both of those parts.
(https://scontent-b-lax.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn1/t1/p180x540/1236831_10153848031070567_1454464605_n.jpg)
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I put oil in and ran a funnel to the carbs. Gave it a few turns and it came to life. Wayne is going to teach me the ways of the tuning the carb which I am excited to learn. I have a jet kit all ready to go. It's only idiling off of the left side and the other opens up when I twist the throttle.
I think I figured out why the bike keeps running with the power off as well. When I did my hidden ignition switch I took the kill switch wires and put them on a separate switch. My guess is that when the key is turned off it connects the kill wires and makes it so the bike won't run. Having those on a separate switch means I can turn off the power but until I hit the switch it will still run. Odd feature.
(https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10153850027910567&l=8057135166954680338)
I had a heck of a time finding black dice with white dots intown. I drilled a larger hole in the middle then drilled two small holes 45 degrees to the large hole so hopefully the epoxy will go into those and hold onto the choke cable better.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-g-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/q71/s720x720/1901212_10153850022100567_626856827_n.jpg)
Here it is mounted.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1/p180x540/1959716_10153850022090567_2046279239_n.jpg)
I didn't hear any problems with the exhaust so I got one side welded up more to the foot pegs and wire wheeled it to prep for painting. I think they would look better chromed but that would cost more than the bike did.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-a-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn2/t1/q71/s720x720/1900124_10153850022105567_2039720222_n.jpg)
I cut off all the random bits that were still on the frame for mounting side covers and electrical stuff.
I need some community input. I have gone with some dice accents and was considering putting one of these on the rear fender centered behind the seat and the taill light. I have the worst taste for paint schemes etc, I really just want to know if it's super dorky to put it on.
(http://i.ebayimg.com/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/q2EAAOxy4dNS8pvN/$_12.JPG)
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I recall coming to an aesthetic impasse on a couple of occasions working on the XS1B (b for bobber), once on handlebars, and once on exhaust heat-shields. My lack of familiarity with the genre left me with only my native prejudices on which to base decisions, and this made it seem wise to at least add some polling data in these specific voids in my general plan, where my notions of how I wanted things to look were fuzzy. If you are collecting opinions on appearances, for whatever reason, you should probably consider presenting the options in picture form, in order that those being polled are clear about the choice.
Show us the item in place, and then the same area without the item - in taking a pic and arranging it for display, you might find your own preferences crystalize even without any input from the hoi polloi.
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Aesthetic impasse? Been there. In fact, last week I had Russell over just to stare at my project for awhile for a second opinion. With customizing, some things, actually many things just don't look right. Hard to describe until you look at it for awhile. Don't be lulled into a false sense of artistic righteousness thinking anything will do just because you did it. Picasso and Dali died broke. You want to be cool now.
Having said that, some of the worst trends are back in style; 70's style. What was once abhorred is suddenly cool again. I just hope bell bottoms never make main stream again. I could tolerate girls with big poofy hair, shoulder pads and leg warmers though.
Go with the dice thing. Its like "Fate" or something. Good symbolism for riding a machine that you could die on without warning, or get you laid when you least expect it (I know you're married and all but "its a chopper baby").
Peace & artsy fartsy grease, Dennis
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Mmm, leg warmers - hey, there's a pic around here somewhere of my high-school girlfriend in legwarmers.. not going to be able to post that one up though. Might be good to look at it again, though, you know, for old time's sake...
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Looks like I should just order the sticker and go all in (gambling pun intended), It should be subtle enough that even I will like it.
Far to often I feel like the song "Fade to black" was written for me. I love things in one tone...dark.
I see a red bike and I want to paint it black.
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Finished wire wheeling the exhaust to get the rust off and painted these with BBQ paint.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/1966726_10153937643375567_1118832340_n.jpg)
Put under coat on the bottom of the fender and painted the rest back. Masked and taped it to get the red stripe on. The red stripe came out well (I think at least) but using paper towel was a beginners mistake. The paint didn't seep through but whatever evaporates from the paint to make it dry didi and it took some of the black with it. It was easy to fix once the red was dry but still should have known better.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/t1.0-9/q77/s720x720/1982271_10153937643365567_1990394938_n.jpg)
you can see a little white dot on the lower right where black came off. I clear coated it and am happy with how it came out. MOUNTING IT SOON! WOOT!
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-e-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-frc3/t1.0-9/q77/s720x720/1509149_10153937643380567_558622652_n.jpg)
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Wire wheeled and painted all the exposed metal from doing frame work and other little bits. I will be back up there in a day or two and should be able to start putting parts on permanently! Progress hooray!
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/1549389_10153947510270567_1454474032_n.jpg)
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Frame paint turned out really well, it was a primer and paint combo and it's not chipping like I expected it to.
Fender on, tank on, wiring moved around under tank, rectifier installed, tail light and rear wiring done, rear signals installed, front signal housing painted and ready to install, front brake reservoir installed, gas cap swapped to keyless one, rear wheel back on, front wheel disc put back on, exhaust on, moved headlight up (just for you Fast1...it does look better), mirror on, put battery back in,
To do
-clean front brake (slave end) and install
-put in brake fluid
-put new front rim and tire on
-install front signals
-remove center stand
-figure out front fender (probably just install the old one until I get a better idea of what I want it to look like.)
-figure out why signal relay not working (install resistor)
-try out some different bar styles
-pull off carb and rerun lines, replace float bowl gasket and hide wires away from choke
TEST DRIVE!!!! I work all this weekend but sometime mid to late next week I should have a chance to get some of that list done and go for a ride.
I really like the tank and fender look but I've had a few folks so I should paint the tank the same scheme as the fender....thus making it the "Hans Bobber" I will leave the tank for now.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/10153892_10153960163525567_673618875446842025_n.jpg)
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DONE....ish....|
There are a few little things to do but my cafe has more broken things on it so I will just call it DONE for now.
Front view
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash3/t1.0-9/q73/s720x720/1017764_10153980301245567_1660580864289325144_n.jpg)
I missed painting the seat mount, got it done last night
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10151792_10153980301210567_4631467633514420362_n.jpg)
Done side view-I went with the stock front fender. I still need to swing by Dennis's shop and see what spare fenders he has lying around that he wants to part with. I don't mind the look, a bit of chrome helps the bike.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p180x540/10277465_10153980300955567_6710341156987033336_n.jpg)
Float bowls were leaking. Hung it and put in gas to test but no leaks....yet...
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/p180x540/1545563_10153980300950567_1292878384841368090_n.jpg)
Just for Wayne I got that frame bolt replaced...I feel that much safer.
(https://scontent-b-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ash4/t1.0-9/q77/s720x720/10171200_10153980300940567_2510041526518516874_n.jpg)
I am especially proud of this. Took a fluid sucker thing from princess auto and stepped down the tubing to fit my slave bleed bolt. Poured in fluid at the top, hooked this thing up and in 30 seconds had all the bubbles out of the line. Draws fluid through so fast you have to watch to make sure the resevior doesn't run dry.
(https://scontent-a-sea.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/t1.0-9/q71/s720x720/10258752_10153980300645567_614313588381146077_n.jpg)
I kind of forgot about the horn until I was packing up parts and found the horn at the bottom of a bucket. It used to mount on the front (where the bolt head is on the front of the frame) but I moved it to the right side and kept it out from under the tank so it can be heard. Not real pretty but sure doesn't look stock.
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DONE DONE DONE! I am so stoked!
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The bummer is I finished it up at 1am last night so I couldn't start it up and ride. My wife is out of town until sunday so I have 5 kids by myself so there won't be any time to get up to the shop until then... I am so tempted to get a baby sitter so I can go finish this thing! (I could get Rusty to look after my kids for an evening! Just open his shop door and push them in, drive off before he gets my plate number)
I bought a pack of resistors to try and get the LED signals to trip the relay but no go. For now I will have to manually blinker the lights.
I am also not as sold on getting rid of the center stand, it is really practical and I don't know if it stands out as much as I think it does. Would it look stupid to keep it on?
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Way to go, and your timing is great. Its okay to take a breather, even if Russel misses out on babysitting 5 kids.
I'm looking forward to seeing and hearing your bike. I think you should get one of these ...
(http://i1219.photobucket.com/albums/dd433/smith5304/detail_253_DOTHelmet-Red-Left_zpse640b353.jpg) (http://s1219.photobucket.com/user/smith5304/media/detail_253_DOTHelmet-Red-Left_zpse640b353.jpg.html)
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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Looking good, I'm looking for some parts for a CM400. Do you have any spare parts kicking around, so far a front brake light switch. Will likely find more parts needed as I work on this bike, it belongs to a lady with very little cash so I'm hoping to find used parts.
Later, Bob
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I promised myself and my wife I would only ride with a full face...I may have made a bobber but I still don't have that bobber fashion sense yet ahaha
Bob I meant to send you a reply but totally forgot. I messaged you my phone number. I have lots of parts lying around. Give me a call.
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https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154001547735567&l=7290313084332177319
Video link above!
I still need to get the turn signal relay working (I found one at Lordco for $22 that should work with LED lights)
Also need to get the valve cover vent run down to the ground then it's done done done. Took it for a little test ride and was thrilled about how it ran. I may need to look at forward controls before the end of the season. my knees are fairly high.
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Way Cool Dave.
I linked your vid to the NezumiBoyz Facebook. Hope that was okay.
Peace & Grease, Dennis
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For sure, I meant to send them a message anyway.
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Here is another quick video. You can see the signal light come on. Those penny lights are nice and bright.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=10154001533685567&l=7540560375885090679
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Tried to ride it home last night and I was defeated!
We had really no issues two nights ago when I took it for a short ride and this time it wouldn't even idle without slowly dieing.
Ben is thinking that it's not getting enough fuel, when we choke it the bike comes back to life for a bit. I played around with the idle screw so here's hoping it comes back to life soon!
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I need to start drinking beer so that someone can give me one...I figured out why it was starving for fuel and dieing.
I put on a can tire gas gap that sealed nice and tight....so tight and without a vent that it was causing a vacuum and not allowing fuel to come down from the tank. I took apart the cap and drilled a hole and it ran like a top! Finally took it out for a real ride and rode it home. Learned a quick lesson about hardtails coming down from bon voyage on the highway of pot hole death.
Big thanks to everyone who viewed and help with the bike (Jaque, Ben W and Wayne especially) I look forward to bringing it out to a ride. Now to find a smaller rider so it looks less like a bear on a tricycle.
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Love the pictures and write ups, I'm new to the forum and am building the same type of bike, 1978 cb 400, please keep posting, it keeps me motivated to keep working on mine and not just riding it.
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Still riding it now so no time to work on it. Things that happened this summer with this bike though
-over oiled the pods and it ran like crap until I got some less oiled/more breathable ones on
-it's idiling faster than I would like so I think it's time to tinker on the carb again,
-nut holding the seat springs on fell off as well as the seat spring. Turns out The nut couldn't turn far enough for the nylock to engage
-although hard tailed my rear wiring and loom rubbed through on 1 wire. fixed issue now
-was blowing main fuse randomly until a Ben W figured out that my hidden switch (instead of keyed ignition) was touching the frame
-hidden switch was a 10amp switch running 15 amp power and finally toasted 2 weeks ago.
-I have put around 500km on it in the last week and am loving this bike! still a little small for me but it's got lots of pull and looks great other than a few dings in the frame paint
-has sat in the rain all day and ridden 35 km on the highway home, rain does seem to effect performance with pods on as it sputters when the revs go up but hasn't died on me from rain
Winter projects for this one are get the revs lower, touch up some paint and possibly pull the engine to regasket it.
Are you from town? You would be welcome to take a look and I would love to see what you are working on.
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I need to get a better pic of the bike but here is my Cm 400 cafe and bobber side by side. You can see the bars I went with in the end. I could have gone a little taller or wider with the bars as there is still lots of excess cabling.
(https://fbcdn-sphotos-c-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-xap1/v/t1.0-9/10411802_10154210820405567_5749336469326333305_n.jpg?oh=43c5feaed438eb9c780bbc7662824628&oe=54CC2D74&__gda__=1422768417_3f40f51f039dbff98f6b2c87822cf08e)
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Got help a few weeks back from Fast1 (Wayne) to get the revs lower. Pulled the carb boots off the engine and resealed them. Wayne did some eyeball balancing which led to an issue, some stuck part that was keeping it from balancing. Turns out that's what was keeping the high idle, stuck part wasn't allowing the butterflys to return to zero.
Was noticing in the fall just before I parked the bike that there was play in triple tree when accelerating and braking. Took the top end of the triple tree apart and found that the hardware had come a bit loose and that I clearly had not tightened it down enough when I was moding it the winter before.
Have put a few hundred KMs on the bike this spring and lent it to a friend who loved it. Few little clean up things to do but otherwise this bike is rocking.