Another kick at a rebuild

[philos1]

Any updates/ new pics???

[Novafrk]

My Dad and I rebuilt a CB400T (79) year before last. I've decided (actually the bike decided for me when the shift fork became bent), to rebuild it ground up again. I'm thinking a bit more radical this time around though and was thinking of breaking away from the traditional "black frame-silver tank" scheme. Any thoughts anyone? Anyone seen custom colored cafe bikes? Perhaps the act of painting the bike something not so traditional means its not a cafe. I'm hoping for some input.

Greasy Peace.

Heeeeey whats wrong with black frame silver tank?  I do have a blue headlight bucket and rally stripes so I guess I don't fall under that...

[Canuck Plumber]

Hehe.. hey... nothing wrong with black frame silver tank... (btw... sweet ride... what year?)I was thinking of trying something really radical ...buuuuut, I ended up with a black frame anyway. Theres a reason everyone does it.... it looks REALLY cool...

As for pics and an update, I sent the seat off for upholstery last week so its going to be another week till I get that back from Cascade Vans. I bought a new petcock but have to manufacture a custom adapter to mount it to the tank. I guess no one makes a new aftermarket petcock for 500 tanks anymore. The thread is 20mm and the closest I could get was a 22mm. Close doesnt work with threads.

I still have no spark at the coil but I'm still fairly convinced I am having a ground issue.

I've put the fairing order on hold till I get back from Italy. I leave in two weeks and everyone I ask tells me to have lots of money while there. Should be interesting. I'll try to find a net cafe while I'm there to drop any pics of any cafe bikes I see.

Till then... see you guys/gals later.

[sxecafe]

Hey Man,

Yeah I bought them from a dealer in town. I'll see if I can find a link online, if not I could just send you a set.. I think they were 15 20 bucks for two.

Cheers

btw hows the bike coming?

That would be awesome. Let me know what you find.

The bike is coming along ok. Thanks for asking. My dumbass partially seized the engine coming up the hill so now I'm tryingt o find an engine swapper. Its a big bummer but I learned a valuable lesson... well more like reinforced a valuable lesson ALWAYS CHECK THE OIL!

Did you see the new 400T guy?

Take care,

RT

[Canuck Plumber]

I did see the other "Brother 400". These are really fun little bikes. I went by the local dealer but he was out so I could ask where he gets them from. I found them on geek-bay. Heres the link. As for your engine, you dont have to put an 400 back on the frame, I'm running a 450 from an 83 thats been rebuilt. Great engine but I miss the kick start.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/SPADE-Valve-Stem-Cap-BLACK_W0QQitemZ180274060261QQihZ008QQcategoryZ33747QQrdZ1QQssPageNameZWD1VQQcmdZViewItemQQ_trksidZp1638Q2em118Q2el1247

Some pics and progress.

Here's the old petcock. It was completely screwed. The problem is that the petcock had a metric (20mm) left hand thread. The new petcocks are right hand thread and not even close to the same size.



The new petcock is 3/8" right hand NPT.



The solution was to braze the old adapter sleeve to a 1/2 copper by 3/8 FIP (NPT) adapter. I wanted a really good bond so I didnt use solder, that and brazing (if done right) looks better.



So it hangs down a bit farther than I like but Its not tightened in place so it should snug up a bit higher once I put them together permanently. I called the upholstery shop today and the guy that is doing my seat is away on holidays till next Monday. That being said, I don't know if I'll get it before I leave. Fingers crossed.



On a side note, I had to stop and provide First Aid to a motor bike accident victim. Poor bastard hit a light pole. He said he hit the pole going 50 and his chest hurt. I checked him over and he was bleeding profusely from his arse. He said he could move his toes  so I wasn't convinced he had any spinal damage.... He was about in his late 40s early 50s. As we were waiting for the emergency services to show up, he muttered, "first ride". I don't know if he meant this was his first ride and he was an inexperienced rider or his brand new looking bike (now bent in half) was just out for its first maiden voyage. Either way... hope he's alright... Might call the RCMP tomorrow to see if they know anything.

[Speed2XS]

On a side note, I had to stop and provide First Aid to a motor bike accident victim. Poor bastard hit a light pole. He said he hit the pole going 50 and his chest hurt. I checked him over and he was bleeding profusely from his arse. He said he could move his toes  so I wasn't convinced he had any spinal damage.... He was about in his late 40s early 50s. As we were waiting for the emergency services to show up, he muttered, "first ride". I don't know if he meant this was his first ride and he was an inexperienced rider or his brand new looking bike (now bent in half) was just out for its first maiden voyage. Either way... hope he's alright... Might call the RCMP tomorrow to see if they know anything.

Thats absolutely horrible to hear. I'm glad to hear you stopped though. I think it's takes a certain type of person to deal with situations like that. I can guarantee you that the guy, whether he makes it or not, will have appreciated your help.

Back on topic - glad to see your scooter comming along.

[Canuck Plumber]

I called the upholstery shop today. I didn't think they would be done, but Dale (one of the best custom upholsterers I know) said he'd have it done by tomorrow..  Guess what that means...... New pics!!!! (If he's able to finish). I post later in the day if he's done.

[Canuck Plumber]

Well, Rome has been a virtual boon of different bikes (Motor Murini?). I ve got a few pics but there all in RAW format and Im pretty sure this computer here would crap the bed if I tried to upload anything, Its about as slow as a Commodore 64. There are so many bikes and scooters here. Makes me want to go home and wrench away on mine. Anyway... off to Florenze tomorrow... getting closer to the Ducati factory...oh yeah...

Caio.

[ericngsta]

haha, I spent 3 weeks in Finland/Sweden a last month, the whole time I thought about working on my bike lol.  I'm excited to see updates on your bike.

[Canuck Plumber]

Jet lag sucks balls. It took 27 hours to get home. We flew back via AliItalia and we werent sure if the flight was going to get cancelled. Word to the wise. If you go to Italy... bring lots of money..... holy crap.

Anyway. Italy has to have more two wheeled modes of transport than any other place Ive ever been. That and every one should have their brains examined for defects. Crazy ass drivers.

Here are a few pics of the types of bikes I snapped while walking around. Pardon the poor exposures. I didn't have much time to set up any shots due to the crowds of people on the verge of walking over me. That and the Gypsy's made me nervous.

Here we go.



Not as many Harley's as I would have thought. Figured I take a few of them (shots that is)



Ducati's. Beautiful bikes. I wanted to go to Bologne to get tot he factory but I didnt have enough time.



A weird looking Aprilla. If you know the model please let me know.



Another Aprilla. A very hot looking bike. They guy that owned these two was traveling to Germany to do some touring with a buddy of his. Wasn't sure why he and his friend didn't drive there on the bikes.



Motor Morini? Never heard of them. Anyone? I love the 3 1/2 though.



An older BMW. Not sure of the age.



A nice Kawasaki.



90s? Yamaha.



A fine piece of engineering. The detail on the restoration was really quite good. Molto Bella.



Another Honda.



I cant leave this without at least ONE Triumph pic. Sure its newer...but who cares.

Well.. I called the upholstery shop and the seat is ready for pick up. I hope to have some time to take some pics this weekend.


Caio!