should I ride this bike?

[seth]

I just acquired a CA77 with what appears to be a Honda Dream 305 engine. It's been in this configuration for some time. But then, from about 1983 until 2005, the bike sat in a garage. The gas had been drained. The oil had not. The guy I got the bike from just woke it up recently by pouring regular 10W-30 auto oil in it and moving the pistons about manually once a day for a week or so.<br /><br />Today, I drained the oil and gave it 1.5 L of 30 weight oil. The bike started on the second kick. I rode it around a couple of miles. No smoke. No leaks. It accelerates kind of rough and the gears are really sticky. I've read that this shifting problem can be from gunk on the clutch discs.<br /><br />I am concerned because while it runs, the engine sounds like stuff is really grinding around in there. I'm worried about the cylinders being rusty and wearing out the piston rings. Is this valid? Also, is a clutch job really difficult for a beginner? I've already ordered Bill Silver's manuals, but haven't received them yet.<br /><br />Any insight on this would be much appreciated. At present, I'm not so concerned about doing a cosmetic restoration on the bike. I would just like to get it running in as good condition as possible. It's really a cool motorcycle.<br /><br />Appreciatively,<br /><br />Seth

[FLYHAVEN2001]

Clutch is easy. Just pull side cover off. Watch how oil slinger and it's chain comes apart also. Four bolts hold clutch plate on. Can remove plates one by one or remove retaining clip and slide whole pack out. Wire clips hold last couple plates on.

[Pigeonalley]

Seth <br /> Welcome! The Dreams are great bikes and a lot of fun. Sounds like you are on the right track. Before you tear into this baby read the books. <br /><br />Fly is correct about the clutch. In addition I would caution you to be careful with the case screws. They are very soft and most likely tight. I use and old Black and Decker electric impact wrench with Bosh tips on mine. That has been a lifesaver for me.<br /><br />I always soak my cylinders in Marvels Mystery oil for as long as I can stand to. It seems to minimize any damage to the parts.<br /><br />Let us know if we can help<br />Rob<br />

[seth]

Fly and Rob,<br /><br />Thanks for the good information!<br /><br />Should I expect to take the engine out of the bike for the clutch job? Or can I get to it by just taking that cover off? Thanks for the warning about the screws. I'll borrow my friend's impact tool set.<br /><br />To soak the cylinders, that sounds like I'd need to take the complete top end off the bike and then put it in a tub of oil... Is that what you're suggesting? Is there a way to do it by just removing the valve covers?<br /><br />Also, do you guys think I'm ruining my piston rings by running this engine with what is likely an oxidated pair of cylinders?<br /><br />Appreciatively,<br /><br />Seth

[FLYHAVEN2001]

No need to pull engine for clutch! Just pull header pipe and muffler and take foot peg off and shifter lever. You may need a rubber mallet to tap on case top or wherever you feel need to to pop cover off. There are locator studs on each end of case that help line it up for installation and may stick alittle when trying to pull case off. Gasket may stick alittle also. If you plan on trying to reuse gasket just take your time. It may stick partially on the cover and some on the engine block. I have used a razor blade and slowly lifted off the stuck part and have used hondabond to reseal with good results. I have also bought gasket material at autozone and cut out a new one for about $6.00.I think when soaking cylinders he ment to take plugs off and shoot some oil the plug hole. I think every newbie has gone thru what you are. I got a really bad dream last year adn have done what your doing and more and still not done!.

[Pigeonalley]

Seth,<br /><br />Fly is so right! I just picked up a bike by another manufacturer A 1965 150cc (2 cycle) “stroker” I haven’t ridden one in 30+ years let alone work on one. I’m reliving my first Dream. Stuck clutch and all! To add insult to injury the marvels didn’t unfreeze the motor. One piston up the other down how to get the marvels on the crank? Had to pull the jugs (one anyway)<br /><br />Never hesitate to ask before doing something you aren’t sure of.<br /><br />Seth hang in there we are all with you!. <br /><br />Rob<br />