CB650 "Parts Bin Special"

[andy120t]

CB650 

[pae]

Nice one Andy, inspiration 1 looks good.

keep us posted, shout if you need any help or pics from mine.

Phil

[andy120t]

2. Sorting it all out.
Having major problems loading piccies for this post. File size adds up to about 90kb which I thought was OK. Annoyingly I managed to delete my first version of this post

[andy120t]

Posting pictures separately - found out that one of the files hadn't compressed properly.

[andy120t]

...just forgot to attach them...

[SteveD CB500K0]

You can mix pictures in with your descriptive text if you host them externally.

There's a FAQ on the US site on how to do it:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=14605.msg93296#msg93296

[matthewmosse]

I have a couple of cb550/k3 frames and a tank (same bike) that's got 1 pinhole that a petseal treatment missed plus a bad paintjob plus various other bits that might be of use. They are in mid Wales but could be dropped off somewhere en route to Sommerset or I could try finding out about postage

[andy120t]

Cheers matthewmosse - have pm'd you on this.

SteveD - will try that too, should make the post flow better.
Andy

[andy120t]

3. Engine Stripdown

The engine as received has had the alternator removed, the starter motor removed, the pick-up cover and pick-ups removed. All these parts and spares are in the boxes of bits but I

[pae]

Whilst I was here I noticed that there are only two rubber seals but eight possible locations. Is this normal? Why only 2 & what are they for?

They seal the hole where those bolts are. If you look, you'll see that those particular bolts go through to the 'outside' of the rocker assembly, so any oil going down those holes will just leak out. Hence, you need 'em all.

I bought a full gasket set, but only did a top end strip, so if it helps I might have some gaskets you could use. Probably find you'll need a full kit, or near as dammit, but shout if you do need any gaskets or seals. I have a new 'o' ring - the long wiggly one - that seals the rocker assembly to the head (~

[andy120t]

4. Update

Seems like an age since my last post on the engine stripdown

[matthewmosse]

Seems you've been busy, pretty sure the frame was a cb550k3 1978 by the way, reminds me must post log book today! If you are stuck for a swing arm and rear engine mount bolts (top or bottom) then I'lll have a dig round for them as They are all lying around somewhere here. Sounds like you're doing a sterling job. Keep us posted

[SteveD CB500K0]

Andy.

When posting pictures from Photobucket, paste in the code from the "IMG Code" box rather than the url. It makes the thread much easier to read.

I've done the first one for you 

Steve

[andy120t]

Steve - fantastic comment! I wondered why mine always linked out....not them I'm technology illeterate, I just don't read the instructions properly! Have made a start & will amend the earlier posts soon too.

Matt - logbook would be good...I SORN'd today so that may land on your doorstep!  Might take you up on that swingarm / bolts if they are handy.
Cheers.

[andy120t]

A quick update to say that I'm still working on my special & sourcing parts but I haven't actually done anything for ages beyond stripping the brakes down.

Initially I'm going to be using the CB550 (I think) master cylinder & reservoir with a pair of CB650 single piston calipers. I'm making a working assumption that this will give enough stopping power as the master cylinder is 5/8" which is the same as my GSXR750H m/cylinder - consequently it should be up to the job so long as I have two calipers. Having said that, & thinking as I write, the GSXR has 4 pistons so maybe my braking force will be halved?

Anyway, couldn't get the lever bolt out so resorted to the trusty junior hacksaw.


Calipers were heavily seized in so I used a spare GSXR m/cylinder to push them out.  Amazingly, for the last twenty years I've been using compressed air at the garage to do this. Clearly this is a little dangerous as once freed the pistons pop out with quite a force. It's also been quite tricky to get the air into the cylinder. Anyway, having read a few threads on these forums & the US one I realised that using brake fluid to push it out was the way forward....I've never thought of doing this before, probably because I assumed it would be a messy job but it's not, it's soooo easy and I can do it in the comfort of my warm cellar rather than a cold, draughty garage forecourt!




They will need new pistons and a rebuild kit and a paint so just psyching myself up for that!


Anyway, caliper bodies are stripped and ready for painting, as is the m/cylinder / reservoir. No  piccies so you'll have to take my word for it! Will be doing the m/cyl in in gloss black for now, but it may look awful - only time will tell.  Tying to find a graphite colour for the calipers so they contrast a bit - but still looking for that.

Only other thing is brake lines. In the spirit of the "parts-bin" build I should use the hoses that came in my box of bits, however since these appear to be the originals I'm not that comfortable with how good they will be. SO have decided to buy a nice shiny set of Goodridge or HEL braided hoses once she's up and running.