Dream As a Touring Bike?

[joeweir1]

I have put about 2000 miles on my CA77 in the last two years riding it back and fourth to work and on errands.So far only a broke clutch cable and front brake cable(quality issues with them) just this spring.Still fine tuning the carb.I am using an original engine that has not been rebuilt.Just clutch plates.Not perfect but it runs descent for bing 42 years old.joe

[Tom Foolery]

Thanks for the feedback, everyone. I find it all very encouraging.

Now for the question that every wannabe-restorer asks: To what degree can I improve the machine's reliability by replacing the original, vintage parts with more modern parts? I know many people want to restore their motorcycle so that it's 100% authentic, just like the day it rolled off the showroom floor. I understand the desire behind that goal, and I think it's a very admirable pursuit. However, I'm more interested in a bike that I can ride so I'm willing to sacrifice originality for practicality. Will using more modern parts make the Dream more reliable and reduce the need for maintenance? If so, which areas should I focus on to get the most bang for my buck?

Thanks again, everyone. I really appreciate you sharing your insights and experience.

[fastjoe]

Here is the answer everyone is thinking, but no one is saying.
Why on earth would you want to aquire a 40 something year old vintage machine and then set about what would apear to be a test to destruction?

best mod.....
jack up the gas cap and put late model SV650 , FLH or some such under it.

Joe

[piecutter]

Now, now, lets not go wrecking a man's dream...uh, I guess you could take that either way.
Just replace all the rubber you can, cables, drive chain, brake shoes and make sure all the electrical connectors are clean and solid. You might also want to replace your rectifier with one of the modern units from retrobikes, that old selenium is bound to crack some time. You'll be fine. Well, the BIKE will be fine, YOU however, might want a room with a jacuzzi each night of your trip!

http://www.olypen.com/retro/

"31700-259-030
This is a replacement rectifier for the CA72/77. It was manufactured exclusively for RetroBikes, and is designed to look and fit like the original, while utilizing modern technology. The rectifier uses 4 modern discrete diodes to form a full wave bridge that is more efficient and durable than the original selenium type."

[Dogsbd]

Picutter (or anyone else who would like to chime in) how does that rectifier compare to these being sold on eBay:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayI ... 0119760559

[4shorts]

Here is the answer everyone is thinking, but no one is saying.
Why on earth would you want to aquire a 40 something year old vintage machine and then set about what would apear to be a test to destruction?

best mod.....
jack up the gas cap and put late model SV650 , FLH or some such under it.

Joe

Ok at first I thought the same thing and realized that a ride on a 40 year old bike is no where like it is on a modern day bike. The ride on the older bike is better in my opinion. Just the other day I jumped on my 1800 wing and went up the road for a ride. When I returned I got on my old 72 C-70 and I'm telling the truth when I say I had more fun on the older bike.

Now that being said there's no way I would take my better half on a long trip on the back of the my Dream. I'm like most. Love the old bikes but not when it comes to serious long distance riding. Wouldn't want to risk ruining my off time sitting on the side of the road trying to figure out how the heck and I going to get back home. My motto is short rides, old bike. Long ride new bike.

[piecutter]

The Ebay rectifier is functionally equivilent, it just doesn't bolt up the same way and uses different connectors. I like the repro because of the fact that not only does it look identical to the original, it doesn't take any thought at all to mount. No wiring diagram needed.