Okay, so I’ve been working on this 1980 CB650 Honda for a while now, and let me tell you, it’s been a journey. I found this old beauty sitting in a barn, covered in dust and rust. It looked like it had been forgotten for years. I saw potential in it though, and I knew I had to bring it back to life.
First things first, I cleaned it up. I wiped off all the grime, removed the rust as much as I could, and just gave it a good once-over. It was in rough shape, but underneath all that dirt, I could see the classic lines of the CB650 starting to emerge. The tank had a nice deep shine to it after cleaning, so that was a good start.
Next, I started tackling the mechanical stuff. The engine was seized up, so I knew I had my work cut out for me. I pulled the engine out of the frame and took it apart piece by piece. It was a mess inside, but luckily, I found a place online that sells OEM parts for these old bikes.
- I ordered a bunch of parts, like new pistons, rings, gaskets, and seals.
- I also sent the cylinder head out to get machined.
- While I was waiting for the parts to arrive, I cleaned and painted the frame.
Once the parts arrived, I put the engine back together. It was like a giant puzzle, but I took my time and made sure everything was perfect. After I got the engine back in the frame, I moved on to the other stuff.
- I rebuilt the carburetors.
- I replaced the brakes and tires.
- I rewired the whole bike because the old wiring was shot.
Finally, after months of work, I was ready to try and start it up. I hooked up a new battery, turned the key, and hit the starter button. It took a few tries, but then it roared to life! It was such an amazing feeling to hear that engine run again.
I still have a few things left to do, like fine-tuning the carburetors and getting the seat reupholstered. But for the most part, this old CB650 is back on the road. It’s been a lot of work, but it’s been totally worth it. I’m proud of myself for bringing this classic bike back to its former glory, and you know what? I can’t wait to see where we go together. Hope you enjoyed my little story. It’s not just a bike to me, it’s a friend.
