Returning rider from SLC, now with a new (old) CB

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 11:40 am

Hi!

I picked up this charmer on Saturday...

I was tempted to finance a new Triumph Bonneville because I dig the standard style but I didn't feel like forking over $10k+ (taxes, fees, finance charges, etc).

So I set my sights on the $2k to 5k used bike range. Here in SLC we check cl and ksl, the latter being local and more active. This CB was listed @ 1599 and billed as: "New batt, new oil & filter, no dents on tank, good condition, rear tire leaks, 26k mi."

I had never heard of CB1000 "custom" or CB900 for that matter. But after spending sleepless hours (2am to 6am) reading about them I developed an unfortunate case of oneitis. I hate that. Rolling Eyes

Well as it happens the wife was out of town (parting words were, "don't buy a motorcycle"), and this CB was < 2 miles from my house.
I gave it a decent inspection and then hopped on. I haven't ridden anything bigger than a 250 since 1997. I was pretty timid, but this bike was easy to ride. The rear tire was in sad shape so I didn't go far, just up and down the street. It was love at the first turn of the throttle. Embarassed

The bike started right up, and everything worked (as far as I could tell).

So we haggled and settled @ 1400 and he agreed to deliver it to Honda World -- the registration was not current. He had a truck and a trailer. While he was fetching the trailer I had 30 minutes to really inspect the bike (which I had already bought). That's when I noticed the half dollar sized ding in the upper right corner of the gas tank. Crying or Very sad

I probably should have quibbled over that but I didn't. I figured, "i'll deal with it," though I'll admit now that was the oneitis talking.

Anyway, the bike is currently at Honda World. Its getting new Dunlop tires, front and rear, four new turn signals (two were damaged), and two new mirrors (was missing one). The mechanic noticed oil on the front fork and suspected seals and bushings on both sides needed to be replaced. Its $250 for that job alone, and $800 total (estimate). When the cashier totaled up the work order estimate I had a mini panic attack. I could do the turn signal and mirror work but decided to treat myself since I was so far under budget. Still, I hadn't anticipated spending that much.

Also, there are two rips in the seat. At HW's recommendation I called a local upholsterer and after talking to him, he thinks a repair job will in the $185 range. The "repair," in question would result in a rehabilitated seat, brand new looking and feeling, and to my spec (which I have no idea what that would be).

So by the time I'm done with this little restoration, I'll be in 2400ish, with no engine work done (not that there is anything apparent that needs to be done), and a ding in the tank (though, tbh, its really hard to see). Shocked

Well, with all the stuff going into it, I expect it will pass Utah's safety inspection, and I can get it registered. $2400 spent = CB 1000 Custom, new tires, some new goodies, and a spot for my wife (she'll be out of town for another week). Hope its worth it!

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 12:58 pm

welcome to the site. and congrats on the nice Honda.

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 1:14 pm

Nice bike

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 1:41 pm

Nice ride and a good deal I think.

So is that $550 for tires mirrors and turn signals? No wonder I stay far from the dealers door.

Look on Ebay for the mirrors and turn signals.

You need to adjust the valves. Get that done, or do it yourself immediatly. Your 30 year old bike may need some attention to be the reliable ride you want.

Review "Seans Checklist" (link in my sig) for other things to look at.

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 2:59 pm

I wondered who got that bike. I saw the ad and was planing on going over for a look see and possibly make an offer. I pulled the ad back up and saw it sold. Good on ya.

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 5:10 pm

Welcome to the site raymondbabbitt ... Smile

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 10:06 pm

"Raymondo" congrats and welcome to the asylum. :dance:

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 10:11 pm

davida wrote:

Nice ride and a good deal I think.

So is that $550 for tires mirrors and turn signals? No wonder I stay far from the dealers door.

Look on Ebay for the mirrors and turn signals.

You need to adjust the valves. Get that done, or do it yourself immediatly. Your 30 year old bike may need some attention to be the reliable ride you want.

Review "Seans Checklist" (link in my sig) for other things to look at.

+1 Avoid the "stealers". There are a lot of other resources available to make your bike run well and be as pristine as you want it. Sean's Checklist is a must, take your time.

Posted: Tue May 21, 2013 10:41 pm

Neiko1967 may have some parts your looking for.

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 12:48 pm

raymondbabbitt wrote:

Hi!

I picked up this charmer on Saturday...

Welcome and sounds like you made a great deal.

A few points to remember, from someone who's put 10,000+ miles on my CB 900 in the past 2 years:

1. Read, and become familiar with this forum. Learn how to search, and go over the tech tips and tips and tricks - spend as much time here as you can. You won't find anywhere else with as much knowledge about these bikes - and the guys are great, and eager to help.

2. Do as much work yourself (with the help of this forum), as you can.
Taking an old bike to the dealer will quickly impoverish you - seriously.

Enjoy your bike, I love mine - nothing new out there really interests me.

Posted: Wed May 22, 2013 4:18 pm

Hi, and thanks all for the warm welcome.

It turns out there is a very competent motorcycle mechanic near my office. I talked to him on the phone and he was super friendly. His seven google reviews are all, "excellent." His name is Che.

So now I'm torn, take the CB to Che or leave it at Honda World?

Reasons to take it to Che:
-- He will do the valve adjustment job too.
-- Everything will be less expensive. Probably, for the same money I'd spend at HW, I could get the valve adjustment done too.
-- I can get the tires I prefer (Metzler vs the Dunlops at HW), and they are $50 less.
-- I imagine I will be taking the bike to him going forward.

Reasons to leave it at HW:
-- Its already there.
-- They do the safety inspection & registration, which has to be done.
-- There is a 50 / 50 chance the bike will be ready by this weekend: tires, mirrors, turn signals, fork work, all done in time for a gorgeous 3 day weekend.

Sort of debating this right now. Confused

To oldguy49's point, I'm impoverished enough, as is.... but the, "have it now," devil is sitting on my shoulder. Twisted Evil