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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Sat Mar 29, 2008 11:31 pm |
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Ok first I have been riding 1968 CT90 for about 4years
I love this littel bike ,but getting passed by grannie in her tempo giving you the bird can be unerving
so I got a bigger bike
1973 cl175/200 frankenbike that I cafed( I'll tell you the story if you want to here it later)
much faster but no good for the hightway
and then it turns out that I'm too old and and broken to ride on rearsets and clubman bars 20 min. and my wrist is killing me.
so I suck it up and face the fact that no mater how much I might like them sport bikes are out for me.
and Ireally want to be able to carry my tools and lunch youKnow actully comute on it.
so I go on line looking for a standerd bike older honda (budget you know)
and I'm thinking 350-400cc
and I come across a 1980 CB900 coustom $500
so I go and check it out
cosmaticaly it looks good
runs ruff but I know whattoo rich sounds and smells like
and the guy tells me that the carbs or propleple gumed up from sitting
then I turn around and sell him my littel cafe and a basket cass cb 350
laying in my garage for $200
net lay out $300
This hapend tonight
so If any body who knows about this 10 speed monster sitting in my garage has any advice about potetial proplems and tuning tips I would be very gratefull for any nuggets of Knolegd passed my my way.
I'm good with old Hondas but each bike is an indevidual
but bad at spelling
Thanks and hello |
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Pointdiver
Feel the Power
Joined: Jul 25, 2007
Posts: 946
Location: Newton, MA
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 12:18 am |
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Welcome to the asylum.. I mean site!
You'll want to go through the bike top to bottom but once you get the fuel tank and carbs cleaned and checked out I would get a Big Crank battery and make sure the charging system is functioning. These bikes are notorious for having issues that will leave you stranded at the worst times.
There is lots more before you hit the road but just a heads up on that one.
Good luck! |
_________________ Pete
83 CB1100F (Blue)his
83 CB1100F (Blue)hers
80 CB750C(sold)
81 750F w/ Wiseco 826 & 900cams
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detdrbuzzard
On a roll
Joined: Nov 24, 2007
Posts: 220
Location: 42.23 / 83.33 / 636
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:02 am |
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welcome BlackSamBonney. you will find alot of help here for that 900 of yours and you won't have to worry about anny grandmas saluting you once you get your bike running right |
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vyxxn
Now you're talking
Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Posts: 54
Location: staffordshire England
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:17 am |
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Change the oil - stick new plugs in - clean the carbs and take it from there
And take some time to get used to the size , weight and power before yankin the throttle too hard !!!!!!!!!
The other thing if its been standing for a long time - make sure the tyres are OK - no sidewall cracks and are the treads OK and not hardened off and lost their grip - these are heavy bikes to keep pickin up off the highway |
_________________ 1982 CB 985 Custom |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:03 am |
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Thanks
well Its morning and it still looks as big as it did last night.
Thanks Pointdiver that warning about the charging system was just the sort of thing I was hoping to get here.
The tires look ok nocracks just worn but ok for now
I'm not looking forward to tire changing with a shaft drive
well I'm geting ready to go out in to the garage but it up on the center stand (IF I can get it up on the center stand)
and get intimate with my new ride.
then I'm going out to get some Depends becouse when I get it running right I think it's going to scare the shit out of me(at first)
I'm bad about pictures but I'll try to get some posted today
Thanks
Pointdiver, detdbuzzed and vyxxn
for the warm welcome |
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D-Day
Here's Gumby!
Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Posts: 5662
Location: St Petersburg, FL
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 8:31 am |
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In addition to looking for cracks on tires, check out the DOT code. The last numbers reflect the week and year they were manufactured. For instance, 1605 is made the 16th week of 2005. I would be concerned about anything over 10 years old and somewhat concerned over 5 years old, no matter if I found cracks or not..
http://www.ama-cycle.org/roadride/tires.asp |
_________________ ´81 CB900c Sold
2001 BMW K1200LT (RIP)
1991 Honda ST1100. 190K miles and smooth as silk. |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 6:47 pm |
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I'm not sure I'm reading the DOT code right
the four number code ahead of the DOT stamp is 8804
the one after is 1653 niether of witch makes sense to me
the tires are Bridgestone Spitfire 11r and 11f and once I got the dirt and dust off they apear to be in better shape than I origanly thought
I fact I'm feeling better about the bike in genral having washed the dirt and grime off there seems to be only one oil leak right above the timing chain adj.on the valve cover
I've pulled the carbs and the air cleaner box wich was had oil type K&N filter in it.
I've inspected the carbs and don't see any that looks bad except varnish,dirt on the outside and an overwelming smell of old gas.
Then Iremoved the bowls taking care to keepeverything matched
and found what appers to be rust floating in the botoms of the bowls.
looks like I get to drain and clean the tank and petcock.
Tomarrow im going to get a shop manual. |
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D-Day
Here's Gumby!
Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Posts: 5662
Location: St Petersburg, FL
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:05 pm |
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OldTimer
Moderator
Joined: Aug 02, 2007
Posts: 10220
Location: Conroe, TX
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 7:35 pm |
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Glad to have you on board Sam.
Everyone will be more than ready to jump in and lend a hand! After you get the carbs cleaned and the bike running good. Check your valve clearances, very important, then sync the carbs.
Change the fluids and check for battery voltage with engine at 3K rpm. Should have 14.5V when at that rpm. If you do, you will be good to go.
Take your time and get used to her, just like a new girlfriend, and she will make you a sweet machine.
8) |
_________________ 81 CB900C (Sold)
83 CB1000C |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 10:55 pm |
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HELL YEA! THANKS D-Day
and thanks for finding and putting a copy of the service manual on the bord
I now have a copy saftly burned to a disc
and the reading has been facinating so far it makes the Clymer manual look sad .I finaly get to use my timing light I bought 20 years ago.
I sure hope so OLDTIMER but looking around on the Interwebb I've read nothing but positve stuff about this bike the only drawback for some seems to be a small tank, but that wont be a proplem for me as long interstate rides are not in my future . |
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D-Day
Here's Gumby!
Joined: Jul 23, 2007
Posts: 5662
Location: St Petersburg, FL
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:01 pm |
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BlackSamBonney wrote: | HELL YEA! THANKS D-Day
and thanks for finding and putting a copy of the service manual on the bord
I now have a copy saftly burned to a disc
and the reading has been facinating so far it makes the Clymer manual look sad .I finaly get to use my timing light I bought 20 years ago.
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Just passing on the efforts and wisdom of the many who have come before.
On thing that is wrong in both manuals is the valve gap setting. Should be .005 inch, NOT .002 inch. So, if you get around to setting your gaps, remember this one... |
_________________ ´81 CB900c Sold
2001 BMW K1200LT (RIP)
1991 Honda ST1100. 190K miles and smooth as silk. |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:31 pm |
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I hope my valve clearences are good
I have no experiance with this kind of valve adjustment nor do I have the speacial tool that seams to be required to change the shims
I'm ok with the theary but the actual doing the adj. looks like experiance would be very helpfull
but I might be just be pairanoid to!?!
I should write that down somewhere .005 not.002
As an after thought the Choper shop I bought the bike from thought it would be a good idea to rip the baffel out of the 4into1 exsoust wich I now know is after market( a shame I liked the stock pipes)
do you have any recemondations on a replacement "muffeler/baffel"?
any one? |
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Pointdiver
Feel the Power
Joined: Jul 25, 2007
Posts: 946
Location: Newton, MA
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Posted:
Sun Mar 30, 2008 11:40 pm |
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Theo
Running Strong
Joined: Mar 16, 2008
Posts: 420
Location: Everett, WA
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Posted:
Mon Mar 31, 2008 1:34 am |
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Welcome! I will not offer my advise as I'm still learning and haven't had much wrench time on her yet. You will find a lot of help here on the forums though. These guys are great. |
_________________ 1982 Honda CB900Custom - 50,xxx miles. |
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OldTimer
Moderator
Joined: Aug 02, 2007
Posts: 10220
Location: Conroe, TX
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Posted:
Mon Mar 31, 2008 5:46 am |
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Sam, it is a good thing these tanks are not very big. You will want a break after about two hours riding. |
_________________ 81 CB900C (Sold)
83 CB1000C |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Mon Mar 31, 2008 7:31 am |
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Well Pintdiver I went to the site in your post
It looks like I have a V&H 4into1 but as there are no descernable markings
I cant be sure, I'll have to look at it morclosly
But it was nice to see that baffels are cheap
Thanks
Hi Theo
yes this fourm has been very helpfull |
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pd750
Moderator
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 25069
Location: Waldron , Arkansas
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Posted:
Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:12 am |
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Welcome to the site Sam ...
Even tho you might prefer the little itty bitty million mile per gallon step above pedaling bikes , there is at least one consolation having a 900 and that being you'll actually be able to ride up to Lookout and maybe take a break at The Robin's Nest ( if it's still there ) .
I spent a couple years in Denver and Cheyenne . Did a lot of riding and rock climbing .
Anyway , You found the BEST place on the net so far as that 900 is concerned ... |
_________________ Please put the year and model of your bike in the signature section on your profile / member account page and set \"Always attach signature \" to YES . Just below the Reply box , check the box in front of \"Attach signature (signatures can be changed in profile)\" .
1982 CB750C (Sold) Haven\'t found another , yet . |
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quakeholio
Running Strong
Joined: Jul 25, 2007
Posts: 422
Location: Other side of normal
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Posted:
Mon Mar 31, 2008 8:28 am |
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Welcome to the site, the 900 isn't a wild bike, should be just fine for you. |
_________________
DON´T TAZE ME BRO!
1980 CB900C
1980 CM400A
1985 GL1200L |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Tue Apr 01, 2008 7:05 am |
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You Know pd750 I don't think it's so much I perfer small bikes as the CT was my first bike, it was the bike that I discoverd I really enjoy riding on.
First love thing sort of thing you know.
You got to admit though 80+ MPG. is a big selling point these days.
Thanks and hello Quakeholio |
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pd750
Moderator
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 25069
Location: Waldron , Arkansas
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Posted:
Tue Apr 01, 2008 8:59 am |
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I was ribbing you about the little bikes , Sam ...
Doesn't really matter where the love starts , so long as we recognize it for what it is and follow through .
And yep , 80 mpg is real good . You might get about half that with your 900 . I get a steady 45 mpg with my 750 . |
_________________ Please put the year and model of your bike in the signature section on your profile / member account page and set \"Always attach signature \" to YES . Just below the Reply box , check the box in front of \"Attach signature (signatures can be changed in profile)\" .
1982 CB750C (Sold) Haven\'t found another , yet . |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Tue Apr 01, 2008 10:11 pm |
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No sweat PD 750 I did'nt take it in a bad way
You should see me though
I'm 6' and 250lbs.
I look like a major dork on the CT
I outweigh the bike it's only 180lbs.
and yet I still sometimes get the wave on it, so I dont care
There are people who understand the rest I dont worry about
One night one my way home from having coffe with some friends this guy pulls up next to me on a big Ducoti Monster looks over at me and say's
"cool what year is it? I wish I had one for runing arends on"
I grinned all the way home(damm the bugs).
An update ;I just finished cleaning and rassembiling the carbs
I found a lot of varnish and the excelerator pump valves where gumed shut.and It looks like I had dirt not rust in the bowls.
and I don't know if its normal to have old fuel in the diaphrams
but there was no aparent ware and once clean they all moved smothly
I was suprised at the ease that the carps went back on to the manifold and yes the air box was cleaned and installed first.
tomarrow I hop to drain and clean the tank and petcock.
and mabe start it but well see I dont want to rush it. |
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pd750
Moderator
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 25069
Location: Waldron , Arkansas
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Posted:
Wed Apr 02, 2008 8:56 am |
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Sam ,
If you haven't already you should install an in line filter like this one :
Don't bother with the screen type filters . They let a lot of fine stuff thru that ends up clogging the small holes in the jets . |
_________________ Please put the year and model of your bike in the signature section on your profile / member account page and set \"Always attach signature \" to YES . Just below the Reply box , check the box in front of \"Attach signature (signatures can be changed in profile)\" .
1982 CB750C (Sold) Haven\'t found another , yet . |
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BlackSamBonney
Getting up steam
Joined: Mar 29, 2008
Posts: 36
Location: Denver Colorado
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Posted:
Thu Apr 03, 2008 7:01 am |
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Turns out it was chips and small fine particals of paint.
and yes a fuel filter is definatly in order
Last night I got it put back together and got ready to start it when I noticed that there was no fuel in the bowls.
the pecock was open and fuel flowed out of the tank!?!
Then Looked at the eploded veiw of the carbs and realized I had put the floats in upsidedown (smack to forhead)
I pulled the carbs and got the floats turned around and put every thing back together (it goes faster the seconed time you do it)
and now I'm ready to start it tonight when I get home from work
whish me luck |
_________________ 1980 CB900C runs good
1968 CT90 runs great |
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pd750
Moderator
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 25069
Location: Waldron , Arkansas
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Posted:
Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:14 am |
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I'd install that inline filter before you start it again . or you'll be pulling the carbs for another cleaning . |
_________________ Please put the year and model of your bike in the signature section on your profile / member account page and set \"Always attach signature \" to YES . Just below the Reply box , check the box in front of \"Attach signature (signatures can be changed in profile)\" .
1982 CB750C (Sold) Haven\'t found another , yet . |
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pd750
Moderator
Joined: Aug 01, 2007
Posts: 25069
Location: Waldron , Arkansas
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Posted:
Thu Apr 03, 2008 9:14 am |
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And , Good Luck ... |
_________________ Please put the year and model of your bike in the signature section on your profile / member account page and set \"Always attach signature \" to YES . Just below the Reply box , check the box in front of \"Attach signature (signatures can be changed in profile)\" .
1982 CB750C (Sold) Haven\'t found another , yet . |
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