What have I done!? CBX!

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desertrefugee
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#106

Post by desertrefugee »

Getting hotter'n Hades in the garage after about 1-2PM. In another week, a predicted huge high pressure system will dig in and consistent 105-110F afternoon temps will mean 75-80 nightime temps and 85 - 90+ in the garage first thing in morning. (Won't cool down). So, I'm about to hang it up except for short, odd jobs.

So, I have taken care of the significant alternator oil leak and got that buttoned up. I painted and clear coated the housing and the shade is NOT what it was supposed to be. I'll have to address that later...
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And I'm finishing up the clutch job. Horrible rattle that all the 79/80 models develop. I'll be glad to get rid of that embarrassing noise. Clutch plates look like new. (Machine was well-loved).
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Now, excuse me while I huddle around the A/C vent.
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#107

Post by 5speed »

desertrefugee wrote:Getting hotter'n Hades in the garage after about 1-2PM. In another week, a predicted huge high pressure system will dig in and consistent 105-110F afternoon temps will mean 75-80 nightime temps and 85 - 90+ in the garage first thing in morning.
:shock: I would be a puddle of water on the floor..
1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#108

Post by Irishman1 »

Well you’ve had your cbx for a little while now, how do you like it? I love my 79! Almost always pick it to ride. Much rawer than the 81 cbx. Ruthe prefers her 75 gl. My gold wings will always be my favorite tho
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In the garage:


1975 Honda gl1000 sulfur yellow( my first!) NGW BOTM February 2020
1975 Honda gl1000 red (Ruth's free bike) NGW BOTM January 2017

1975 honda gl1000 red. Eariest of my 75's 2/75 date
1975 Honda gl1000 blue green 5/75
1975 Honda gl1000 blue green 3/75
1975 Honda gl1000 blue green 4/75
1976 Honda gl1000 sulfur yellow
1977 honda gl1000 red black, Ian's next bike
1976 Honda gl1000 red next restoration
1975 Honda cb750 rebuilding soon!
1975 Honda gl1000 2/75 blue/green
1978 Honda cb750f super sport
1979 Honda cb750f super sport
1979 Honda CBX
1980 Honda CBX
1981 Honda CBX
"I really need a BIGGER garage!!"
"I got a bigger garage!!!!
" ride'm, don't hide'm!!!
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desertrefugee
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#109

Post by desertrefugee »

It's a great motorcycle. I'm happy to have it.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#110

Post by desertrefugee »

It's hot in Phoenix these days. Really hot. Too hot to ride. But, not too hot to begin preparing for putting finishing touches on this CBX road warrior. That "preparation" involves obtaining a few goodies, as is the case for anything worthwhile.

Recall, back in post 77 on this thread that I replaced the factory PLASTIC <!> swingarm bushings used on the '79s with brass ones. A bit of a PIA, I'm now surprised that after only putting 250 miles on it, I've sourced another swingarm.
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This is a Pro-Link arm from an '81 CBX. (It was used in '81/82). I'll be converting it to twin shock and will need to source bushings to accept the smaller '79 arm pivot bolt. But, it's a far superior arm than the stamped steel factory '79 bit. There are better arms out there, but they are big bucks. Heck, by the time I get mounts machined and welded, the bushings machined - plus the cost of the swingarm, this one won't be cheap either, but the cool factor will be there. I'll also need a longer chain as this arm slightly increased in length. (Needed a chain and sprockets anyway) Nobody will notice the new swingarm, but I'll know it's there! That's what matters.

Oh! And I have another set of carbs to go on. I rebuilt my set, but they aren't perfect. Very streetable and runs like a raped ape, but not perfect, especially at idle. I'd be really ticked off if I pulled the carbs again, tweaked on them again, then re-installed and found there were still problems. Pulling carbs on this beast is no picnic. The motor has to be practically removed to do the job.

Sooo, I enlisted the help of a fellow up the road here - what was his name - oh yes, Nixon. He worked his magic on a set I sourced. A few weeks ago these guys came back home and are also waiting their turn when cooler garage temperatures FINALLY get here:
After Mike Nixon!.JPG
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So, I have some things to look forward to in a couple of months!
- Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass. It's about learning to ride in the rain.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#111

Post by wingrider »

Haven’t you airconditiond your garage yet? Seems that would be a good way to stay in the shop.
2002 1800 Wing
2001 Valkyrie Interstate
1978 1200 EFI Wing with Motorvation Coupe Royale sidecar
1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
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desertrefugee
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#112

Post by desertrefugee »

I have a "swamp cooler" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaporative_cooler, but it cannot compete with 110F ambient temperatures and a west-facing metal garage door (that will burn blisters if touched) radiating into the space. It would take serious work to make in inhabitable during the height of summer.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#113

Post by Damferg »

desertrefugee wrote:You guys are missing the point. When is the last time you saw one? For every one guy who says he wouldn't want to have one, there are ten who would love to - and would pay good money to have it.


You are right, here in Mexico City they are extremely scares and expensive, unusual double the price of the same year wing.
With a 1/4 of the power! My dentist son has one and been trying to convince him of selling the bike to me and the regular check-up turns into a heated discussion on mechanical and history talk... But no dice, not for sale...
They shure apeal to me...
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#114

Post by wingrider »

desertrefugee wrote:I have a "swamp cooler" https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Evaporative_cooler, but it cannot compete with 110F ambient temperatures and a west-facing metal garage door (that will burn blisters if touched) radiating into the space. It would take serious work to make in inhabitable during the height of summer.
I hear you on the door...my comment was somewhat in jest, but I have looked into AC for my garage. Figured the insulation that helps keep it warm in the winter can also help in the summer.
2002 1800 Wing
2001 Valkyrie Interstate
1978 1200 EFI Wing with Motorvation Coupe Royale sidecar
1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#115

Post by desertrefugee »

Well, it's still hot in Phoenix, but we're on the down hill run toward Fall. But, getting me revved up and psyched for "getting on with it, some important bits are now on hand to convert my recently-acquired Pro-Link swingarm to '79 Z dual shock configuration. Gotta get my son's Baja-race-team-aluminum-welding-wizard-buddy to do a little work. I need to pull the steel arm (again!) to mock it up before welding.

The fun continues soon...
Bits and pieces...
Bits and pieces...
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#116

Post by 5speed »

this one belongs to a friend of the guy I bought my 76 wing from..
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1982 1100 standard. (sold)
1986 Yamaha FJ1200
2000 Yamaha Roadstar
1976 GoldWing. running but not on the road
1978 Goldwing. future cafe project.
2019 Can-Am ryker (boss's new ride)

2002 Shadow American Classic(sold)
1983 Shadow 500. (sold)
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desertrefugee
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#117

Post by desertrefugee »

Yep. That's a stunner. The only thing that would improve on it would be the Euro "Sport" kit. Low bars and pegs back almost an inch. I have the Sport kit on mine, but it's a long way from original like the one above. In primo condition, those Candy Glory Red '79s are going over $12K USD - and I've seen them get close to $20k a couple of times. Insane.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#118

Post by desertrefugee »

And another day closer to death. But, today was a good day.

Weather's cooling down (a little) and I'm getting the itch. I went with my son to see his Baja buddy (the aluminum welding wizard) and got the Pro-Link swingarm shock mounts on today. Took him about 20 minutes. Sort of anticlimactic, really.

So, the only thing holding me up now is a 530 chain. (This arm is longer and now gives me an excuse to get rid of the 630 boat anchor chain).

Time to get after it! (Not sure if I'll do this or the Mike Nixon messaged carbs first).
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#119

Post by desertrefugee »

The switch has been flipped in Arizona. From 100-105F to 80-85F in the last two weeks. 70's this week.

Anyway, I'm alive and in the garage again. I have the Pro-Link swingarm to go on soon and a set of Mike Nixon-messaged carburetors waiting in the queue. The bike has been running well, but with bit of a ragged idle. Easily holds 1000RPM but stumbled slightly off idle. (More on that in a bit). The bike has been easily and gratifyingly streetable as-is.

I took the CBX for a 100 mile jaunt today. Runs like a scalded dawg. A couple of young Harley riders pulled alongside to my left at a light with an older Goldwing trike pilot just behind them. I was surprised when the Harley guys pegged throttles and laid down on their tanks (for speed, no doubt) and took off. I say to myself "why not?" and, from a solid 50 foot disadvantage, easily ran them down in just a few seconds. I toyed with them a little and turned right. I don't think they had a clue what the bike was - and probably wouldn't have known even I they were told.

But, here's the funny thing, after a few really spirited bursts up to redline today, the ragged idle and off-idle stumble have disappeared. She cleared her throat! How could idle jets have cleared up with that sort of activity? At first I didn't notice it, but realized that the idle was like silk with all six purring away! Had to turn the idle back down a bit to compensate!

So, here's question: Does anyone know if there'd be any downside to keeping the Mike Nixon prepared carb rack dry and wrapped indefinitely? Is there a shelf life on these babies - particularly if they are dry? I'm not sure. What I AM sure is that I have no reason to pull the current rack other than some less-than-desirable cosmetics.

What a pleasant surprise.

Swingarm is still on deck, but I was working on the '78 GL head gaskets today...I love cool weather in the desert.
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Re: What have I done!? CBX!

#120

Post by wingrider »

I should think if the carbs are truly dry, with no fuel residue in them, that they would last quite a while on the shelf.

Glad to hear you can let her run free!
2002 1800 Wing
2001 Valkyrie Interstate
1978 1200 EFI Wing with Motorvation Coupe Royale sidecar
1977 1200 Wing cafe/bobber project
1974 Suzuki GT550
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