New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

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qonfusion
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:56 pm

New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

Postby qonfusion » Thu Jul 07, 2016 1:01 pm

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
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Volker_P
Posts: 5508
Joined: Mon Mar 06, 2006 1:53 am
Location: southern Germany

Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

Postby Volker_P » Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:58 am

Welcome here, Tim! :D

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

qonfusion
Posts: 12
Joined: Tue Jul 05, 2016 12:56 pm

Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

Postby qonfusion » Fri Jul 08, 2016 11:53 am

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.

cruiserlover
Posts: 87
Joined: Tue May 17, 2016 9:56 am

Re: New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

Postby cruiserlover » Wed Jul 20, 2016 4:46 pm

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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