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Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:59 am
by MiGhost
Thought it was about time to show what I have been playing with.

Grey Ghost. 1980 CB650C. Named by its former owner was purchased in '05 with the explanation that it was a true johnny cash bike. That is it was built "one piece at a time" (The only time that I trusted a PO). Thankfully I was not able to get a before pic of the lavender paint scheme. Needles to say. That was the first thing to change. To gunmetal gray.

As Ghost has been until the spring of 2012.
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The last couple of years have not been good for Ghost, and it has done more sitting than riding. Mostly due to the hole in the side of the tank. Whoever says that JB Weld will fix tank leaks. I have proof to the contrary!!

In the Spring of 2012 the ideas started flowing as I had picked up a set of Bates hard saddle bags.
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A decent set of Jardine turnout mufflers. These cleaned up nicely with #0000 steel wool, and elbow grease.
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And a vintage Wixom Bros Fairing
Note: pictures not of my actual fairing
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In the process of trying to locate mounts for the bates bags, and wixom fairing. I came across not one, but two sets of OEM Hondaline hard saddle bags.

1st set in green. This set was mounted to a CX500
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Notice the missing lid on the left bag, but they did inlude the mounting brackets
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While looking for a lid I came across the second set. More complete, and better condition.
2nd set in Burgandy. This set was mounted to a CM450
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And included removable locking mounts
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Once again the plans got changed, and the bates bags were returned to the shelf for another project.

Here is the current state of Ghost. Test fit, and mock up with an '81 CB750C Tank, and '82 GL1100 trunk
Note: The CB750C tank is NOT a direct fit on the bike. It will require modification of the tank mounts. The GL1100 trunk is a bit to bulky for the overall look.
The general plan is to lose the trunk, and give it a new coat of Honda Alabaster Silver metallic w/burple accents following the CB customs two tone paint scheme.
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Ghost has served me well over the last 6+ years and is getting a much needed new style. Future plans include losing the D-ring crash guard in favor of smaller 3-point case guards. Coksy inspired conrod forward controls. '81 CB650C dual disc front brake upgrade. and what ever flight of fancy that may catch my eye that fits with the over feel of the Grey Ghost. It is a great little run around bike, and I look forward to years of enjoyment out of it. But at 6' and 215 lbs it is just slightly on the tight side for riding two up.

In the mean time I will be aboard Bad Moon. An '83 XJ 750 MK Midnight Maxim in full dress tour deluxe package w/X-1 fairing.
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Stay Tuned as Ghost moves along.

Ghost

edit: 7/26/13 update broken image links

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 6:37 am
by Volker_P
Interesting development.
MiGhost wrote:'81 CB650C dual disc front brake upgrade.
Guess this will also require the 1981 Custom triple tees and master cylinder. Just to note.
The front fender might be 1981 already. :)

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 8:20 pm
by MiGhost
For the dual disc upgrade I will be using the complete front end (Triple tree, forks, wheel, brakes, M/C) from an 81 custom. Will also be upgrading to the tapered roller bearings in the process also.

Ghost

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 9:02 pm
by cb650
I like the looks of thet 750 tank. What didnt line up on it?

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 4:05 am
by MiGhost
cb650 wrote:I like the looks of thet 750 tank. What didnt line up on it?


The tank is off an 81 CB750C. The length between front, and rear mounting points is approximately 2 - 3 inches longer than the 650 tank. To make the tank fit I will need to move the front mounts forward the distance of the rubber mounting pad, and fabricate a new rear mount. As it sits shown on the bike the rear mount sits directly above the seat catch gusset welded to the frame.

I like the looks of the tank on the bike, and the extra 2 galllon capacity will make it worth the effort.

Ghost

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Sun Jun 17, 2012 2:52 pm
by cb650
Its a 5 gal tank? I always wanted a bigger tank but I can go over 100 miles on mine and by then looking for a reason to stop anyway. I just like the looks of less of the light blue.

Re: Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project

Posted: Sat Jul 25, 2015 12:36 am
by MasonJ2aetna
do you still have the hondaline saddle bags. im looking for a set for my 81 cm400. I would be more than happy to buy them off you.