Hi all. Great forum. I'm new. And of course, I have questions.
I've just purchased a 1979 CB650 (see attachment)— typically referred to as an RC03 or Z.
I'll be building it into what I want and have some questions.
1) Rear wheel: Currently it's a 17-inch wheel. While it looks okay, I'd like to go to an 18 inch but stay on Comstars if possible. Is it possible to find such a wheel these days? If not, what are my 18-inch options?
2) Headlight: Planning to go to a much smaller light, mounted lower and deeper within the forks for a more modern look. Think Harley Iron or BMW Nine-T. Anyone had experience with this?
3) Rear shocks: Commensurate with an 18 inch wheel I hope to raise the rear a touch. I'm guessing you run into chain-clearance issues if you go too far, though. Any thoughts/advice?
4) Gauges: I'd like to invest in an aftermarket gauge that's small and clean. What are the best options you've come across that work well with this model?
Happy wrenching!
Tim
New to forum, bike-build advice/tips
New to forum, bike-build advice/tips
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- 13537596_10154766062245663_5205118769993047656_n.jpg (129.84 KiB) Viewed 6227 times
Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips
Welcome here, Tim!
Be careful. The 1979 has a RC03 frame like the Z-model, but not even frames are strictly identical.
In this forum "Z-model" typically refers to the European model with silver inverse comstars, double front disk, alumina footpeg plates etc.,
e.g. like these:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9547&p=66787
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7101&p=48549
Obviously there are considerable differences to the 1979 US model you seem to have.
The silver comstars of the Z-model are 19" front and 18" rear. However the front wheel has double disk brake with quite small disks (although there exist exotic versions e.g. South Africa with single disk, too). Double disk requires a wider triple tree than the single.
Be aware that for the CB650 many parts from different years and versions exist that look identical/interchangeable at the first glance but turn out different when it comes up to mount them!
qonfusion wrote:I've just purchased a 1979 CB650 (see attachment)— typically referred to as an RC03 or Z.
Be careful. The 1979 has a RC03 frame like the Z-model, but not even frames are strictly identical.
In this forum "Z-model" typically refers to the European model with silver inverse comstars, double front disk, alumina footpeg plates etc.,
e.g. like these:
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=9547&p=66787
viewtopic.php?f=2&t=7101&p=48549
Obviously there are considerable differences to the 1979 US model you seem to have.
qonfusion wrote:1) Rear wheel: Currently it's a 17-inch wheel. While it looks okay, I'd like to go to an 18 inch but stay on Comstars if possible. Is it possible to find such a wheel these days? If not, what are my 18-inch options?
The silver comstars of the Z-model are 19" front and 18" rear. However the front wheel has double disk brake with quite small disks (although there exist exotic versions e.g. South Africa with single disk, too). Double disk requires a wider triple tree than the single.
Be aware that for the CB650 many parts from different years and versions exist that look identical/interchangeable at the first glance but turn out different when it comes up to mount them!
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
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
Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips
Thanks for the thoughts!
I gather, then, that finding an 18 inch rear from a European Z model will be an exercise in pain and money-spending? If so, I'm okay leaving the 17 on the back for now.
I also gather the 1979 US model is a pretty rare thing. I like that.
I gather, then, that finding an 18 inch rear from a European Z model will be an exercise in pain and money-spending? If so, I'm okay leaving the 17 on the back for now.
I also gather the 1979 US model is a pretty rare thing. I like that.
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Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips
I have a 79 z model.In bits all about the garage.If that is your bike pictured it is beautiful.
Owner of 79 cb650.Non running.Current bike 2004 heritage softail. Denton Texas
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