Good deal on a CB650C?

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dsbbbb
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Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby dsbbbb » Sun Apr 19, 2015 7:43 pm

Hey there! New to the forum.

So I've been looking for a CB650, and recently came across a 1981 CB650C in, what looks like, fantastic condition. It has under 10,000 miles, and the owner says it runs great. He's selling it for $1500. I'm hopefully going to go check it out in the next couple days.
Is this a good deal (or, on the flipside, is it "too" good)? It seems like an amazing deal to me. Anything I should be looking for in particular?

Thanks!

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Folsoml
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Folsoml » Mon Apr 20, 2015 4:46 am

Welcome to the forum! $1500 is reasonable for a running bike. I definitely would not get that "this price is TOO good" feeling.

There are a few things you can check. Make sure the tires are modern and not dry rotted. Check the date code and make sure they are within the last few years. Make sure the brakes are nice and firm. Take a look inside the fuel tank and see if it is rusty. Depending on how much mechanical skill you have, you may want to check engine compression. Also, depending on your mechanical skill, you may want to hook a multimeter to the battery (while bike is running) and make sure the charging system is working. You should be getting around 14.5 volts once you get over about 3000 RPMs.
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cb650
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby cb650 » Mon Apr 20, 2015 6:23 am

I would put charging and leaks on top of the list. Then how the tank looks on the inside.
Did you clean the tank out?!?!?!?!

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Volker_P
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Volker_P » Tue Apr 21, 2015 2:26 am

Welcome here! :D

Below 10000 miles in a good shape could/should look more or less like new.
Folsoml wrote: Depending on how much mechanical skill you have, you may want to check engine compression.

One can remove the right side crankshaft cover and turn the engine by hand with a 24mm socket to feel for four equal compressions during two turns.
You may also feel if all headers get equally hot. It is normal that it starts on two or three, but it should run on all four within one minute.

On the other hand a <10000 miles bike in good shape might just need some adjustment so I would say if it runs on all four somehow but without metallic noises and the the overall status is fine there should be nothing really wrong.

As written, a look into the tank is a very good idea.
To verify charging, you may also have a look if the headlight gets brighter with the throttle compared to low idle.

Good luck!
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dsbbbb
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby dsbbbb » Wed Apr 22, 2015 2:18 pm

Thanks y'all! Great advice.

dsbbbb
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby dsbbbb » Sun Apr 26, 2015 12:56 pm

I decided to buy it! I'm so stoked!
It rode smooth and great; no leaks, no rust in the tank, charging good. PO was meticulous, and it was clear that he was sad to let his baby go. Turned out to be a great experience.
Thanks y'all!

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Folsoml
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Folsoml » Sun Apr 26, 2015 2:29 pm

Great news! Post some pictures!
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karben
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby karben » Sun Apr 26, 2015 11:00 pm

What would these metallic noises sound like? Are you referring to a knock? Or what?
1983 CB650SC Nighthawk

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Folsoml
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Folsoml » Mon Apr 27, 2015 4:13 am

karben wrote:What would these metallic noises sound like? Are you referring to a knock? Or what?


Are you in the right thread?
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karben
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby karben » Mon Apr 27, 2015 11:19 pm

Volker_P wrote:
On the other hand a <10000 miles bike in good shape might just need some adjustment so I would say if it runs on all four somehow but without metallic noises and the the overall status is fine there should be nothing really wrong.



Just wondering what this might entail.
1983 CB650SC Nighthawk

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Volker_P
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Volker_P » Tue Apr 28, 2015 2:14 am

Metallic noises usually imply bad things like a misaligned tensioner, a starter clutch fallen to pieces, a very bad cam chain, sprockets missing teeth, ...
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com

forum links to common technical issues

If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum

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Folsoml
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Folsoml » Tue Apr 28, 2015 3:33 am

karben wrote:
Volker_P wrote:
On the other hand a <10000 miles bike in good shape might just need some adjustment so I would say if it runs on all four somehow but without metallic noises and the the overall status is fine there should be nothing really wrong.



Just wondering what this might entail.



Ok, sorry. :oops: I scanned the OP's posts looking for any reference to a metallic noise and couldn't find anything.
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karben
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby karben » Tue Apr 28, 2015 4:32 pm

Volker_P wrote:Metallic noises usually imply bad things like a misaligned tensioner, a starter clutch fallen to pieces, a very bad cam chain, sprockets missing teeth, ...



Would these things manifest themselves in other ways? I.E. won't start/ rough idle, etc? Ifeel like iI heard a tink tink tink the other day after filling up with premium but it might've been before that. Noticeable right after starting up is why I'm asking. My 650 runs pretty flawlessly, I think.
1983 CB650SC Nighthawk

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Volker_P
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Re: Good deal on a CB650C?

Postby Volker_P » Wed Apr 29, 2015 1:09 am

1983 nighthawk has hydraulic tappets?
So it might take some time to get the air completely out there after you start.

BTW, my issue are real and obvious metallic noises and not something like
I feel like I heard a tink tink tink ...
... it might've been before that


These bikes are 30 year old mechanic stuff with some normal noise background level. :wink:
Cosky's great (free) online manual: http://cosky0.tripod.com

forum links to common technical issues

If you really like this site and you would not like to see it vanish soon, have a look there: Urgent: Future of HondaCB650.com Forum


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