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Newbie...just purchased 1965 CB77..where to start?

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 2:54 pm
by cb77mn
Hello all! I just purchased a 1965 (that is what the title says and the former owner but the speedometer makes me wonder?) CB77 today! I have never owned one before and outside of a short stint as a CB360 owner years ago this is my first true bike and I want to do a restore to get it running well. It was running just fine previously but it sat the past year and needs some tlc.

I am as newbie as it gets but I have time, money and commitment and I really want to make this into a great runner. I attached some pics of the bike and I could use some guidance on where to begin. I know that the carbs and points need immediate attention and I need to drain the oil and get a new battery. Also I can see the air intake tubes are cracked. Other than that I am lost for a start point. Should I strip the whole thing and go through it piece by piece or should I just get it running and then diagnose issues based on how it runs?

Here is the flickr stream I set up for photos:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/79370173@N ... 511837038/

Let me know what you see and what should get priority. Thanks! I am new to all of this and could use the help.

Posted: Sun Apr 22, 2012 3:20 pm
by G-Man
Hi

Get some new plugs, clean the points and carbs then go to the FAQ in the yellow bar at the left here and look for 'how do I tune my factory stock motor'.

Follow the instruction and you should have a running motor. With the motor running nicely, you should be able to determine what other work needs doing and you can decide how much you like the bike.

If you take it all to bits it will be months and lots of dollars before you get back to this stage....

Good luck

G

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 7:26 am
by cb77mn
Thanks! That is much appreciated. I may not get a chance to get working on it until this weekend unfortunately but I will start with the carbs, points and plugs and tune it from there. I will post some photos of my work this weekend as well. Should I use a carb cleaner with the carbs or just remove all of the gunk and build up?

As for the points, how should I be cleaning those? Just remove the build up or is there a cleaner I should be using as well? I found a basic tutorial online for cleaning motorcycle points in general but I am curious if there is anything to watch out for with cb77 in particular (for carbs as well). I know these are all basic questions and I searched for some of these questions on the forum but I still could use a little more detail. Thanks for your time and advice.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 8:01 am
by G-Man
You say it was running a year ago so you shouldn't be looking for major problems at this stage.

Clean the points with find abrasive paper slipped between them when they are closed. You just need to get the contact surfaces clean and bright.

As for the carbs, yes, a spray of carb cleaner and a strip-down followed by careful rebuild should sort them out. Take plenty of pictures and notes when you take them apart so that they go back together the same way. Make a note of any numbers on jets for future reference and to answer questions if things don't go right. Having the correct jets and the same ones in each carb is a good start.

Get hold of a service manual to help you get everything set up right and read it twice before doing anything.

Check the flanges on the carbs (the part that bolts to the head) for flatness as these can distort if over-tightened.

Once it is all clean and back together, go through the tune-up recipe without leaving any steps out.

Once you are happy that the bike is running nicely you should change the oil and, if you are feeling brave, clean the centrifugal oil filter.

When you have the manual, work carefully through the regular maintenance procedures and get everything adjusted properly and lubricated. If you do this properly you will get to know your bike and will learn about all of the things that need further attention. Send pictures and someone here will have experienced (and probably solved) any problem you can come up with.

Above all, have fun!

G

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 9:41 am
by Aid3nn
listen to G-man!! he knows whats up!

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 10:23 am
by cb77mn
I will! Thanks so much G-man that is exactly the help I was looking for. I need to get a hold of a service manual and I am attempting to find a pdf form online so I can just print it off instead of waiting to order a paper copy.

I want to get reading today and the rest of the week so I can be ready to tackle it this weekend. I am already having a lot of fun doing the prep work and I cannot wait to get started. Thanks again G-man and I will be back with pics and a full report. This is an excellent community and resource.

Posted: Mon Apr 23, 2012 12:00 pm
by Aid3nn
sent you a pm. enjoy the reading. or lack thereof sometimes. =(