I have a problem

"jminer" (jminer) 02/16/2016 at 12:06 • Filed to: None

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So run down old Japanese motorcycles tend to follow me home, a little like lost dogs. They never run, sometimes have paperwork, are sometimes worth far more as parts than complete but are always interesting machines that deserve a better fate than I found them in. I’m rescuing them, or at least that’s what I tell myself...

The above is a trio of once battered and neglected beasts built a half a world away, and have not likely run since I was in grade school. They include a 73 Honda CB750 K4, a 74 Honda CB360 and a 74 Suzuki GT380. I even plan on heading back to the undisclosed location where I retrieved the above and rescuing atleast another batch, possibly more.

80 CM400a on its way to becoming a running machine again

So I have a day job which keeps me pretty busy, but I have this other cause which seems to drive me deeper and deeper into madness every month. I love these old bikes, and want to see them back on the road. I have (in my garage) 3 motorcycle projects in various states, 2 being parted out, and another 4 out behind the house in a shed queued up for work. The herd keeps growing. The thing is that I don’t even look for them any more! Enought people know I do this, that word of mouth means that these poor old aluminum and steel animals keep finding me. The cost is usually so low that I have to go and rescue them as people usually simply want them gone and will accept a pittance for these once fine machines.

I also occasionally ask some of these beautiful beasts to offer up their lifeblood to keep others running and to fund the rebuild of others more deserving in my stable. Most cases when I part something out I do feel guilty, but I know these parts go on to keep other old bikes running. The exceptions to this rule are when a bike is relatively new and soul-less (currently stripping an 05 VTX1300 and an 01 R6).

Battered 05 VTX1300 in center, front end of 80 CM400a, and most of an 01 R6 in above photo

In short, I apologizefor the rambling, and I know I have a problem, but I don’t want help. I, as most addicts, believe I am fine and am doing more good than harm to the motorcycling world. I am afraid some day my wife will come to her senses and call a jumker to clear this place out while I’m at work, but until that day I will keep collecting these beautiful machines that just need a little love.

PS: If you know of any motorcycles in need of a better life and a new home that are within a couple hours of St Louis I know a place that they will be cared for...

PorkchoPlissken > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:10

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You may be motorcycle Jesus. It’s quite a burden, but they will flock to you and you shall save them.

fourvalleys > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:18

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I moved my ‘74 CB360 into my living room last night in hopes that it would guilt me into fixing the issues I’ve been trying to track down. It worked, kind of. I spent about 20 minutes looking at the wiring diagram before crying myself to sleep.

It’s not even that hard to wire a bike, I just hate it that much. I’m hoping it’s as simple as it should be based on the symptoms. It doesn’t really matter, I’m not going to ride it when there’s snow on the ground anyway.

jminer > PorkchoPlissken 02/16/2016 at 12:22

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I accept that burden with joy in my heart.

I’m just lucky that I live in an unincorporated part of a rural county with some space and a loving wife (She connected me with the guy I got that last trailer full from).

jminer > fourvalleys 02/16/2016 at 12:23

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What's going on with it? Wiring can be problematic because of the dreaded previous owner's hacking. They are quite simple though once you get into it.

PorkchoPlissken > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:23

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What a keeper!

Nonster > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:24

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I’m starting to see signs that this is going to happen to me. A friend of a friend is looking to get rid of an old, not-running KZ1300 so they pointed the guy in my direction.

jminer > PorkchoPlissken 02/16/2016 at 12:25

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Oh yeah, we've been married 11 years and I've been doing this for most of it. She frequently assists with the wrenching as well, those tiny hands and a second set of eyes can be invaluable at times.

PorkchoPlissken > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:30

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Does she have a sister in Austin?

fourvalleys > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:31

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It’s mostly there and mostly correct, it’s just brittle and not-quite-original.

This is how it went in fall: Charge the battery, get the bike started, it would idle fine, but any throttle would kill it. Battery wouldn’t have enough juice to start it again. Kickstarter would eventually get it to idle, but it would die on throttle. Charge the battery, same thing happens again. Eventually, nothing.

So, battery, regulator/rectifier, solenoid for now. I just don’t have the patience to figure out the wiring of the new regulator/rectifier. The one that’s in there now is the most obvious thing that looks to have been replaced at some point. Unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it has all the wires it should, so that’s weird.

I’ve barely just scratched the surface in terms of trying to fix it. The bike also had some weird electrical issues when it was running, like signals and lights not working as they should. I don’t think anything is difficult, I just really do not have the patience. I’ll tear stuff apart and put it back together all day, but wiring just absolutely kills me. Even the smallest stuff. Zero motivation.

jminer > Nonster 02/16/2016 at 12:33

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All it takes is one... Mine all started with a 84 Honda Spree scooter many years ago.

Be careful with that KZ though, while it's an old bike, it will still be fast as hell. Not for a beginner rider. Parts may be an issue for it as well, not sure how many were made. I stick with Hondas mostly because parts are rarely a problem.

Xyl0c41n3 > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:35

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I would gladly offer one of those little Hondas a “furever” home if I had the cash and was a helluva lot closer to St. Louis. Heh. I actually lust after vintage Honda CBs. They’re ridiculously beautiful to me.

jminer > fourvalleys 02/16/2016 at 12:41

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I would start with battery. A fully charded battery will have enought power to start it literally dozens of times using the starter and hundreds of time with the kickstarter. You’re not running long enough for it to be a problem with charging yet.

If the battery is more than 2 years old replace it. These lead cell batteries are cheap ($30 at walmart). On a regularly ridden bike they’ll only last about 3 years with careful maintenance. Then clean the battery cables (on both ends) with a dremel (or sandpaper), if there’s any major fraying or corrosion replace them (another few bucks). That will likely solve your problem, or atleast point you in a new direction.

Regulator/rectifiers in these old hondas rarely fail. Same with the stators, check the wiring for any loose connections or anything put together with a crimp splice (they’re not usually weather proof and the favorite of shade tree mechanics everywhere).

jminer > Xyl0c41n3 02/16/2016 at 12:44

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They are definitely beautiful machines! Look far better than most things on the market now. After I get them running I do usually sell them to someone who will enjoy riding them. Keep your eye out, they are everywhere just needing a bit of love. If they've been stored inside all they usually need is: carbs, brakes, wiring and tires. I will admit that it sounds simpler than it is, but most can be brought back to life for a few hundred bucks.

fourvalleys > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:49

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Well, I should clarify. I’m partly planning on replacing those things because they’re what I have on hand. The solenoid that’s on there is not pretty. I’ve got a brand new battery that’s been sitting here for awhile, but I couldn’t help tearing into some other places at the same time.

Now I find that the regulator/rectifier has some funky wiring, and that concerns me. Why would my new one have more wiring coming out of it? Who knows! I’m going to replace some of the worn-out socket connectors too. Like I said, the wiring isn’t too hacked up, but some is old and brittle.

Xyl0c41n3 > jminer 02/16/2016 at 12:53

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I live in Texas, where Harley reigns supreme. Seriously... take a look at any Craigslist in Texas... that’s all you’ll see. That, and a few Gixxers or Ninjas.

In the part of the state where I live, the pickings are especially slim. Those two Hondas in the photo up top? They’d be listed on my local CL for $2,000. No joke. The cheapest functioning bike I’ve seen so far (no “needs carb work” in the description, decent photos) has been $4,600. And that’s because I’ve been looking at CL bikes regularly for a year now.

I don’t know how to ride yet, and I can’t afford even a used bike at inflated Texas prices (even a relatively new 250cc Ninja goes for $3K - $5K here). So, I’m biding my time. Slowly saving up money. When I get close, I’ll sign up for the MSF classes and get my safety gear first, then really take a hard look at the local used markets.

jminer > fourvalleys 02/16/2016 at 12:55

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It could be that the replacement one came from a bike that isn’t the exact same model and year as yours. I would be hesitant to replace it at all until you’ve checked the connections on your existing one and put a good battery in that bike.

Go ahead and replace the starting solenoid as you’ll already have the cables apart to clean them and it’s little more work at that point to replace. They do rarely fail though, but at that point you may as well.

jminer > Xyl0c41n3 02/16/2016 at 13:03

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It is the same thing here, big time cruiser country. Mostly harleys, but you’ll see a fair amount of Japanese cruisers, the rest sport bikes. Swap meets and flea markets are usually better than cl for old bikes for a deal (I’ll admit I buy about half of mine and sell nearly all of them on it though).

The trick with cl is to be vigilant and setup search alerts honestly. There are deals to be had, but you have to work for them.

If prices are that high though you may need to buy a new bike. I’d suggest looking at the Honda cb500x, upright riding position, cheap, economical. You can get them new for about $5k at most dealers.

Definitely do a msf course and see if you do really want to go ahead, there are also probably people you work with that ride and will happily share advice and experience with you.

Good luck with your future motorcycling endeavors. I do wish I lived in a area I could ride year round like TX (we got 4 inches of snow this weekend).

DiExMachina > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:15

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I have 12 sitting in my garage right now. 6 Suzuki GS1000's, 73 Yamaha TX500, 72 Kawasaki MT-1A, 78 KZ1000, 67 Triumph TR6R Trophy, 07 Vulcan 900c, 2011 Kawasaki Concourse. You are not alone.

jminer > DiExMachina 02/16/2016 at 13:18

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It sounds like I’m in good company. Quite a nice collection of bikes there. Are you building a couple gs1000'gs1000's or are they all in good shape?

DiExMachina > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:25

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Plan is to restore one to factory. One I will put the same amount of money I put into restoration on the first, just in the motor. The others will be cleaned up and gotten running well, I will then sell those to fund the other projects(payed less than 800$ on all of them). I am actually planning on taking the one GS1000L I have, take the motor and make a cycle kart out of it. I am restoring the triumph as well.

DiExMachina > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:26

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I need to make room because I have a 68 Plymouth GTX as well.

Xyl0c41n3 > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:29

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Honestly, the Honda 300F doesn’t look that bad. I’d really like to stay under 500-600cc for my first bike. But I also don’t want my first bike to be new (or financed), hence why I’ll be looking for a used one eventually. I mean, I know I’ll probably drop it at least once, and I would hate to do that on a shiny and sparkly brand new bike y’know?

I work in a teeny, tiny office. No one I know rides, or if they do, they don’t have bikes anymore. Luckily, there are a few Oppos on here who have been kind enough to teach me a lot (so far!) about riding and have offered much helpful advice. :) Thank you for your encouragement.

jminer > DiExMachina 02/16/2016 at 13:33

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Good luck and quite a find, it’s almost always easier to work on a bike if you have a parts one handy, or a good junk yard(those are pretty rare though).

jminer > DiExMachina 02/16/2016 at 13:34

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Yeah, room is a problem. I’ve got a 62 Willys CJ6 that needs some space and time spent on it as well.

jminer > Xyl0c41n3 02/16/2016 at 13:36

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The 300f is a nice little bike. I recommended the 500 because it’s not a ton of power (under 50hp) but a bike you won’t likely ever outgrow. Another excellent first bike is any dual sport, they’re meant to get dropped so are durable and quite easy to ride (if you’re not too short).

Xyl0c41n3 > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:49

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Heh. Yeah, I know dualsports would be good starters, too. I just... can’t seem to fall in love with the way they look, heh. And yeah... I am short. I’m only 5'4" (I’m a woman). I mean... that’s actually the average height for women in the U.S., but it’s a little short for the average saddle height of a bike, so I know that’s something I have to keep an eye out for. It wouldn’t do to be tippy-toeing at every red light and stop sign.

Nonster > jminer 02/16/2016 at 13:55

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Yep I hear ya, I’d love an old CB, but its hard to say no to the KZ when its cheap or maybe even free. Not to mention I love the ridiculousness of the 6 cylinder bikes like the KZ1300 and the CBX

jminer > Xyl0c41n3 02/16/2016 at 14:00

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I can’t blame you for not being a fan of dual sports, they’re definitely not attractive bikes. You’re about the same height as my wife and she has a hell of a time throwing a leg over nearly everything. As ugly as I find them, cruisers do have a nice low seat height, but aren’t cheap or well performing usually. I’m 6' 2" plus a couple with boots on so I can throw a leg over anything and usually have more of a problem with being scrunched than unable to reach.

I’ve got a good friend who isn’t much taller than you (male 5' 5") and he rides a sportster 1200 that he can flat foot and a r6 that he tippie toes around on and has to dismount to move the bike (like for parking). It’s all just a matter of style and preference.

jminer > Nonster 02/16/2016 at 14:03

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Oh yeah, just want to warn you. A single cylinder or twin is a great first bike. I do not envy the man than has to rebuild and then sync 6 carbs...

I say go ahead and climb that mountain, but it will be a mountain for sure.

Xyl0c41n3 > jminer 02/16/2016 at 14:30

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Heh. Yeah... and Honda makes a decently priced small cruiser in the Shadow. Though, I’m with you on cruisers and their aesthetics. I went over to the Honda website to look at the specs on the Shadow and stumbled across this instead:

The CTX. It’s a 670cc liquid cooled parallel twin. The seat height is just a little higher than the Shadow (28.3 inches versus 25.8), but it’s clearly a bike that would work for women. Honda’s own promo photos feature the above photo with a female rider. The Shadow doesn’t feature a photo like that.

Hmm.... things to ponder. Hehe.

jminer > Xyl0c41n3 02/16/2016 at 14:41

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Yeah, those are pretty slick. They’re a bit pricey and even come with a dct option for those that don’t want to shift manually.

Spoon II > jminer 02/16/2016 at 16:09

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Apparently, you’re problem is that you’re too awesome!

John > jminer 02/16/2016 at 16:28

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I have a complete 81 gs650 sitting in my spare room mostly in tupperware bins haha. It wasnt running when I got it, but in the last 3 months I have no got it running. Conceptually in my mind at least.....it just needs to be put back together......does this logic seem sound.....conceptually in my mind it does....

jminer > Spoon II 02/16/2016 at 17:15

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Even though I don’t agree with your assessment I’ll take the compliment.

BTW, I guess based on your username that you’re a Tick fan?

jminer > John 02/16/2016 at 17:18

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Basket cases are all too common in the area of restorations. A lot of people get excited and tear it all down (the easy part) and people either get over their head or get busy and pass it along to the next unlucky fellow (in this case you).

I’ve personally never been able to convince myself to take on a basket case, best if luck to you. They’re expensive as a lot more parts than appear are missing and they are hard as hell.

I follow your concept though, I work through everything in Evernote when I do a project. So it’s done in my mind far before it fires to life.

Spoon II > jminer 02/17/2016 at 00:30

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I am! But oddly enough, the choice of name didn’t take that into consideration

pip bip - choose Corrour > jminer 02/17/2016 at 04:29

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that is an awesome problem to have honestly.

you need to spend a lot of time thinking things over , preferably working on the said projects.

John > jminer 02/17/2016 at 07:32

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Oh I didnt buy it in pieces....Im the one who took it apart....whos the baset case now? haha

jminer > Spoon II 02/17/2016 at 09:16

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I had just assumed it was a public call to battle. Spoooon!!!!!!!!

Sorry, back to work now

jminer > John 02/17/2016 at 09:22

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Not sure if it makes you more or less sane than buying one in parts. Why did you take it that far apart? I’ve rarely come across a bike that needed to be taken that far apart to make run and ride again.

John > jminer 02/17/2016 at 09:48

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Well, thats a tale haha. I bought it not running for cheap....so smart so far maybe....cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, fixed the petcock, and did a few other things to get it running. Starts up and runs (ran) well, little stuttery because it needs a carb balance, but otherwise well and good....except not really.

The bike wouldnt put power to the rear wheel under load. First I thought it was the 35 year old clutch, so I rebuilt that....nothing....then I though it was the rear hub splines, final drive differential or something there, so I replaced all of that even though it looked all ok.....nope

It ended up being the first differential off of the transmission. Its part of a transmission shock reliever (or something, Im new to this and mostly talk out my ass) its the transfer shaft off the transmission that has a bevel gear to put power to the drive shaft. The collar of the bevel gear was completely sheared making the bevel gear ‘float’ basically. It would spin the wheel on the centerstand due to casual friction, but would slip when the engine was under load. So I replaced it, and thats where I am now.

Conceptually in my mind the bike should work perfectly. I found the broken piece and replaced it, along with inspecting everything else. I have replacement seals, gaskets, bearings, springs, pins and every other thing I could possibly think of that should be replaced on an old bike.

Now I just need to reassemble. Im honestly pretty proud of myself with what Ive done so far, I had LITERALLY no actual wrenching experience other than changing the oil of my old chevy. Ive learned a lot and I am fairly confident that if I can put the bike back together properly, it should run. So far I am four months in and less than 500 bucks spent (excluding tools, you cant count tools in projects Ive decided) and hopefully Ill be on the rode by spring.

jminer > John 02/17/2016 at 10:10

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Sounds like you’ve made some excellent progress, keep at it.

I also agree on the tools not counting into the total of a project. They’ll be reused many times so they come out of a different budgetary line :)

John > jminer 02/17/2016 at 10:13

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Good, our stories are straight if my fiance asks....

She is awfully upset about a motorcycle in pieces taking up most of our spare room. ( live in an apartment at the ocean, space is limited) She is going to be even more upset when I reassemble the bike in out kitchen....its cold out, and I cook anyways....so its fine....probably...

jminer > John 02/17/2016 at 10:23

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Yeah, that’s tough space wise, but I admire your dedication to it.

The kitchen is atleast better than the living room... lol

I’ve rebuilt a couple in my basement, but that’s way different than in main living space. Do your best to keep the peace and even do other things on the honey do list to get points here, if you don’t have a happy partner in this it will be a headache for sure.

If that fails compare costs to a new bike, then gas of riding a bike vs a car. That should buy you a few months

John > jminer 02/17/2016 at 10:59

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Fortunatetly I have recruited a friend who is way better at this than me, and he is going to help on the rebuild. But yeah, thats the plan. After that I plan on modernizing what I can, brakes suspension, electrical and lighting. Things like that.

Dont get me wrong though, I keep looking at new bikes too because this is taking forever, and i really want to ride.

DiExMachina > jminer 02/18/2016 at 23:36

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Ha, I might be adding a 77-79 BMW R80/7 to the list. Guy at work’s dad has one he wants only 500$ for.

jminer > DiExMachina 02/19/2016 at 09:03

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Jump on that- those BMW air heads are sweet and around here go for $2k in non-running project state.

DiExMachina > jminer 02/19/2016 at 16:31

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BMW R80/7
View of My Garage

jminer > DiExMachina 02/19/2016 at 18:07

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That bmw looks sweet and complete. I’ve got 3 of those vetter fairings in my garage, they ended up on everything.

Nice garage, much more organized than mine, it’s a mess.