1980 CB650 - Want to make it a Cafe Racer (need parts help)

[kputtman12]

Hello everyone,

It is hard to believe, but I just got back my 1980 CB650 from my brother. This was my 1st street motorcyle when I was 19. I gave it to my brother after a few years and thought it was gone. Well I found out that it had been siting for the last 10 yrs, so it is in need of a tune-up and a lot of work. Needless to say, I am really excited to get my bike back after almost 30yrs.

KPs 1980 CB650-in garage

1980 CB650.jpg (116.83 KiB) Viewed 8772 times

KPs 1980 CB650

1980 CB 650-2.jpg (110.41 KiB) Viewed 8772 times

So, here is my question(s).
1. The bike was completely stock, so I am going to clean, tune and get the bike running (clean gas tank, carbs, oil, new plugs, etc)
2. I want to update it to a Cafe Racer, but with some many options, I just need help getting started.

I would like the bike to look like this:

what bike

Capture - want it to look like.PNG (84.13 KiB) Viewed 8772 times

Can someone help with a starting parts list for me?
1. Brown Cafe Style seat
2. Metal seat tube for the back of the bike (I can cut the frame and weld the round tube, just want to buy the rigth one)
3. LED front and rear turn indicators ligths (I would like small lights)
4. LED brake lights (I have seen some intergrated into the seat bar, but dont know if they are any good
5. New Chain
6. Gauges
7. Handle Bars - new bar or clip ons
8. New throttle assembly
9. New brake/clutch assemblies with cables
10. Convert exhaust from 4 to 4 to 4-1 or 4-2 (suggestions)
11. New headlight
12. New rear shocks

I might have added to many items, but want to see if you all had some good suggestions on parts. I am looking forward to your ideas.

Ken

[kerryb]

Welcome to the club! I'm well into my conversion of an '82 cb650sc and want to help where possible. What city are you in? My first suggestion after looking at your inspiration photo concerns the shape and location of your rear "hoop". You want to make sure that the wheel/fender setup cannot contact the frame at full shock compression over a big bump. the photo shows my bike in mockup with the springs removed from the shocks, with the rear tire propped up to simulate full compression of the shock. I did this during the design phase to measure where the tire/fender would be. Then the other components could be sized accordingly to avoid contact. The fender design is to going to be mounted to the swingarm so it will stay 3/4" above the tire at all times. the tray mounted inside the seat hump is elevated to maintain this clearance too.

Happy building!

[Volker_P]

Welcome here, Ken

I might have added to many items, but want to see if you all had some good suggestions on parts. I am looking forward to your ideas.

I just like to mention that you obviously have the the 79/80 PD/piston carbs that are not that forgiving with regard to exhaust and moreover air side modifications compared to the 81-on VA/CV carbs (no simple swap, heads are different but compatible between years)
There are many pages in this forum about jetting with pod filters etc. If your project can live with the stock airbox and filter somehow, keep it.

BTW, if I would get back my first bike after that time I would not like to turn it into something different.

[kputtman12]

Thanks for all of the suggestion. I am well on my way to upgrading the bike, which is exciting.

[kputtman12]

So, I have a quick update. Had to take the bike into the shop, as we needed some profession help. Ended up finding Jason and Allen, with Classic Moto Works (Newberg, Or). They just started working on my bike, so I am pretty eager to get to ride her. Not the point……these guys have kept me informed, really understand what I am looking for, as well as help me make the best decisions. Look them up if you are in the area.

So, they are going to get it road worthy. First, they want to get me a detailed estimate, costs and options (must have,will need in the next year, or longer.

Just needed to get a solid foundation. I post updates when I have them.

I am looking for a new(used or replica) gas tank and Petcock. If you here of anything let me know.