Grey Ghost:'80 CB650C Bagger project
Posted: Thu Jun 14, 2012 3:59 am
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.
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.
A decent set of Jardine turnout mufflers. These cleaned up nicely with #0000 steel wool, and elbow grease.
And a vintage Wixom Bros Fairing
Note: pictures not of my actual fairing
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
Notice the missing lid on the left bag, but they did inlude the mounting brackets
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
And included removable locking mounts
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.
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.
Stay Tuned as Ghost moves along.
Ghost
edit: 7/26/13 update broken image links
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.
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.
A decent set of Jardine turnout mufflers. These cleaned up nicely with #0000 steel wool, and elbow grease.
And a vintage Wixom Bros Fairing
Note: pictures not of my actual fairing
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
Notice the missing lid on the left bag, but they did inlude the mounting brackets
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
And included removable locking mounts
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.
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.
Stay Tuned as Ghost moves along.
Ghost
edit: 7/26/13 update broken image links