New vintage bike nut with so many questions for my cb77...

Flyn · Post by **Flyn** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 7:15 pm

Hi, No clue where to post this, so I hope here works.
Allow me to introduce myself, My name is Matt; a college kid who recently came across and purchased an old 63 CB72 with a CB77 engine installed. Recently into cafe racers, I have fallen in love with this bike. Unfortunately the bike isn't all origional: Different engine, seat, fenders, rims, and gauge cluster. Regardless, the bike still turns heads whenever I ride it around. I bought the bike with a plan: to turn her into a cafe racer. I am not keen on keeping her origional, but wish to retain all the origional parts (I have had a couple classic cars and know how valuable origionality is), incase I ever sell her. Probably not though.

I have this idea of what I would like to turn her into, but really have no knowledge about parts, what fits what, and how to install things. No clue how to install a gas tank, engine, etc....but that is why god invented books...that and trail and error. So I only have a couple questions to start.

I'd like to have a little more speed out of it (for occasional highway riding..so I can keep up with traffic). Would it be smarter to rebuild the CB77 engine (it will need it soon) or put a whole different engine in there? What can I make fit without modifying the frame? How much can I expect to pay?

It needs transmission work. Probably new gears and a clutch. I assume that constitutes a total rebuild. Is it smarter to buy a new trans. (where can I do that)?, learn to rebuild it myself, or pay someone to do that?

Those are my major cb77 questions for now. I have tons more involving mounting farings, disc brakes, forks, clip ons...blah blah blah. Any response would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much for your time.

kustommusic · Post by **kustommusic** » Mon Jan 15, 2007 10:30 pm

Welcome newguy Flynn, I too am in the process of building a CB77 cafe bike so was interested in your post. As far as engines go you will notice on CB's the engine is an intregal part of the frame so engine swaps are probably not a good idea for someone who doesn't yet have alot of experince. Don't know what your budget will allow but if you can afford it I would send the CB77 engine to a relible builder. Contact EMO@ktc.com . One other quick note and you may know this already,the transmission is included in the engine case (not a seperate unit). Start off with a repair manual and have fun! Good Luck, Steve(Kustommusic) Greer

FiremanBob · Post by **FiremanBob** » Tue Jan 16, 2007 4:51 am

Welcome, Matt. If you look around this site you'll find the original road tests that show the stock CB77 capable of 100 mph and cruising all day at 80. If you want more speed than that you'd need a larger/newer bike. A fresh motor already produces 28 hp from 305 cc, which is a high state of tune for a 1960's 4-stroke. To get much more than that you'd need to spend some serious money.

This engine is incredibly easy to work on. Parts are readily available on Fleabay and from a few vintage Honda specialists whom you can find by browsing the threads on this site. Just last week a guy was selling the transmission from a 305.

You will need the engine and restoration manuals from Bill Silver, available from this site's Marketplace.

Where in the world are you? If you are nearby some other members, maybe you can get some in-person advice and help with your project.

Flyn · Post by **Flyn** » Thu Jan 18, 2007 3:07 pm

I am in Monterey, California.

Should the 305 be able to cary my 180lb self at 80 all day? If so, I think a rebuild is in order. Any ideas on a cost-effective method? How much should I expect to pay?

Also, as I look towards building this thing up...I do have a couple questions. Where can I score better-than-OEM rear shocks for the CB77? Or am I stuck going OEM? I have heard the front forks can be replaced with almost any fork for a honda up untill 1978. Is there any truth to that?

My final questions is on the battery. I see alot of cafe racers with no battery visable. And I love that visable mainframe backbone. Have they just relocated it? If so to where? Or are they running a total-loss electronic ignition system? (I have only heard that system mentioned....no clue how it works or what it does).

Sorry for being so bothersome. Thanks for all your help.