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New to forum, bike-build advice/tips

Posted: Thu Jul 07, 2016 1:01 pm
by qonfusion
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

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

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 12:58 am
by Volker_P
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!

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

Posted: Fri Jul 08, 2016 11:53 am
by qonfusion
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.

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

Posted: Wed Jul 20, 2016 4:46 pm
by cruiserlover
I have a 79 z model.In bits all about the garage.If that is your bike pictured it is beautiful.