1981 CB650C CAFE RACER UPDATES FOR 4/22

1981 CB650C CAFE RACER UPDATES FOR 4/22

If everything goes according to plan, this week should be the end of this build.  As you can see the bike is pretty much done and looking good.  There are a few things I may adjust such as the handlebars and the front headlight but otherwise I'm happy with how it's turning out.  I stopped by the painters yesterday and was disappointed to find that my tank, seat pan and side covers were still not done.  They actually had not been touched since the last time I stopped by a week ago.  If there's one thing I've learned with this build it's to never pay in full for a paint job up front.  At most, pay half up front and the rest when it's done.  That way there will remain a sense of urgency behind the one doing the work.  This can be applied to any kind of service being performed on the bike build as well.  I'm told that it will be completed by Wednesday night (tonight).  Meaning, I will be able to go pick up these last few parts to put on Thursday morning!  Fingers crossed.

The last little things that were done were involving the electrical.  This is still something I don't have the capability of doing myself.  I am hoping to learn though because it can be expensive to have done.  The taillight in the above picture, along with the license plat bracket were connected and are now ready to go.  The new turn signals in the front and back were also wired up and work well.  They are a light brighter than the ones I put on my CB360.  I know the taillight isn't much but I can always add another one under the seat down the line if need be.  I do like that the taillight matches the size of the turn signals so everything is in unison.  

At the moment, the front brake calipers are being rebuilt because we've found that they are freezing up.  Big safety issue.  You definitely always want to make sure you keep your brakes in check.  If those things lock up when your driving 40-50 mph you're up shit's creek.  I'm praying that I don't have to buy new calipers because those are not cheap and I'm already slightly over budget on this build.  Not by much though.

The goal is to take this out to the Long Beach Swap Meet this Sunday, April 27th to see if I get any bites.  I'll be listing it for a VERY fair price so I'm hoping someone will show interest.  The Swap Meet brings a wide range of bikers and you never know who is going to roll through.

Thanks for stopping by!  Check back soon to see the final product and reveal of the paint job!!