Greetings,
I just read a post about one of you that inherited a Honda due to his Dad passing. That's probably why I'm here...because I've had this thing in my life forever. I plan to finally get down to it and get it on the road. My story is not that different to so many others. My Dad is a Harley rider to the bone but back in the day like so many others began riding a CL77. I'm 41 now and I remember the day he found this bike which is almost the same exact bike he started with. I even remember the seller trying to kickstart it. I was probably about 12 years old as we were all out there in the rain. I'm getting wordy with my first post but while I was in Afghan land in '04, I told myself this would be something I would put on my to-do list. I would like to post some pics shortly. I was hoping to post them here using Sasha's pic post...but it wasn't all that clear. The first thing you will notice when you eventually see the tank is that the tags and knee pads are gone and the screw holes filled in long ago...then probably spray painted over. Horrible treatment for this treasure. Take care all.
Jay
http://www.flickr.com/photos/63002753@N05/5731427399/
I'll never get away from this CL77
I believe the Flikr link worked out for me showing a few views. I will also say that coming up with a username wasn't easy. I chose Scrambled because I had this thing apart before the Army took me away, and many times after I came home. It's been scrambled!
I even bought a new fine wire wheel today at Sears for some of the parts. I will continue to read what has already been posted in the past to get my answers, otherwise I hope to post my own questions. I do have one question of my own though...I need a reputable website to order parts from that can be agreed upon by all. Email me if you would rather not post it. I guess I have one more thing. How do you all feel about original chrome that is still in good shape with some of those little ridges that can be worked down with Brasso? Keep it, or come up with a totally new paint scheme. Again, regards all for your time.
Hi Jay,
Welcome to the forum, and thank you for serving our country!!! The scooter looks like a great project ... you'll enjoy it. Here's a few good sources: Ohio Cycles (Nick). Great for hard-to find parts http://www.ohiocycle.com Retrobikes: (fastest shipping in the known universe) http://www.olypen.com/retro/ Western Hills Honda (good supply, great guys) http://www.westernhillshondayamaha.com/ There's a sticky on how to add pics to your posts. Have fun! Dana
1966/7 CB-77 Red of course 1976 CB-550F (project over-budget and under-funded) 1985 GS-450S (Land Speed Racer) SE, welcome to the forum and I echo the sentiments here regarding out appreciation for your military service.
I would put that wire wheel in a drawer and save it for cleaning up rust cast into stove parts. I would also put the Brasso in the same drawer because other than maybe the aluminum parts, it is not the stuff to use here. Get yourself some chrome polish. The Turtlewax Chrome polish, sold in Wal-Mart works well and is inexpensive. That's the only thing you should use to spruce up your chrome. Based on the chrome fenders, it looks like a late '67 model. The exhaust looks great in the pics. The tank being modified is typical for that period. You can always look for a tank on ebay if you want it to be orginal again. You need one with a seam down the middle for your mode, if I am not mistaken. I'm pretty new to these bikes, but have learned a lot recently both from the good folks here, researching on the web and talking to local dealers and enthusiasts. I agree that get it running first to see what you have. Then if she's a good runner, you can decide how to proceed. I bought a running bike last August and started working details bits I could do in a day or few hours while riding season was still here and then when winter came dug into more involved sprucing up. When spring came I had a nice looking bike that ran well and carried me thru a two day event with the only problem being a bit of oil out the breather. I think you will find you love this bike. I have always ridden Harleys too, and my CL77 is a hoot to ride. regards, Rob
... while some of us here have differing (yet equally valid) opinions.
I agree with Rob on the Brasso ... I would store it. It's great for Brass because the Amonia reacts with the tarnish (the oxidized coating) and pulls it off. I don't like it for Aluminum because raw Aluminum is too reactive to strong acids and bases. However I used wire wheels throughout my resto project. The coarse wheel on the rust covered parts as a primer prep or heavy rust/scale removal, and the fine wheel and/or #0000 steel wool on the chrome. And because I don't plan on showing my bike, I even used the fine wheel (with a light touch) on some Aluminum parts ... carb bodies, linkages, case innards and even some gasket surfaces. I also used multiple wire wheels in my Dremel for those hard-to-reach places (carb body innards). Most chrome is extremely hard and durable and nearly impossible to scratch with a fine wire wheel or steel wool, so IMHO it's an appropriate first step (cheap, thin aftermarket chrome plating is another story). I would use the above-mentioned polish as a final step as well. Dana
1966/7 CB-77 Red of course 1976 CB-550F (project over-budget and under-funded) 1985 GS-450S (Land Speed Racer)
Thanks all for your replies. Sort of an exciting moment just happened. I just got it started, and it ran for a few seconds. It has to be the carbs because I've had these things on and off so many times knowing they are the problem. I know I've seen someone post the initial carb settings here a couple of years ago but I can't remember now. I did get it started at about the same time but the thing was revving extremely high. I gave up until now. I know the screws aren't set properly but it also seems like its not drawing fuel.
I need to finally break down and get a book for this thing. I have a parts catalogue though. I need to use the book to make sure this wiring is right. I'm going to go jump on the kickstart for a bit with the screws turned out two times.
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