Dewey’s 1979 CBX

[SanDogDewey]

It’s been 14 years since I refurbished my 1980 CBX. I rode it for 4-5 years and sold it after I moved up to Oregon. My current steeds are a ‘22 Goldwing, ‘03 Blackbird (love this bike) and my ‘19 CRF450L. I’ve restored a few bikes over the years and never thought I’d have another CBX. All that changed last week when this 1979 CBX with 16,257 miles followed me home. It had been stored down near Salinas CA since 1997. The owner died and the daughter inherited it and brought it back to Oregon. I say back to Oregon, because it has a Hood River Cycle sticker on the tail. Being in dark storage helped preserve the bike. Unfortunately, while loading, the owners pushed on the tail and cracked it. Additionally, the bike was not loaded carefully for the trip to Oregon and either fell or something fell on the tank. The PO’s unsuccessfully attempted to get it running 7-8 years ago and also cracked the headlight bucket. The only mod to this bike is the “cruise control” throttle lock. Everything else appears to be complete and stock. Not sure how far I’ll take this one, but I’m looking forward to getting reacquainted with the gang here. Patrick

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[steve murdoch icoa #5322]

Great looking starting point, Patrick.
How solid is the exhaust?

[SanDogDewey]

Great looking starting point, Patrick.
How solid is the exhaust?

Unfortunately, the original -422 exhaust has not weathered the last 45 years. I’ll be looking for a repro exhaust.

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[SanDogDewey]

The carbs look relatively clean with original jets and floats. Other than some silicon repair to the Air T’s, I think they clean up well. I still need to remove the pressed in idle jets.

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[daves79x]

Welcome back and congrats! Most of us are still here. What a shame about the bodywork. Proof of what a few moments of indiscretion can do to priceless original bodywork. I have an 1800 mile red '79 here right now that had the exact same misfortune befall the tail section. Had been a perfect original tail. Looking forward to following your progress.

Dave

[CBX-tras]

I remove and discard the tiny, plastic filter screens (only used on the CBX) from the float seats. In addition, I move the inlet Tee to the right side of the rack to go between #5 and #6. (these screens are known to disintegrate and are really of no use, bc you don't know went they're dirty/clogged and not easily serviced anyway).
This will allow a longer run for the fuel line across the rack for you to install an inline fuel filter, that won't kink if you reinstall it between #1 and #2.
Allows for regular service of an exposed filter, handy to get to.

I have spoken.

[Jeff Bennetts]

Welcome back to the fray! There’s still a few OG’s hanging around and advice is free as always, you seem like you have the hang of things but the vendors have changed, parts availability is more limited and people are sticking more to the book when restoring them.

Other than that I hope you ride it like you stole it when completed.

jb

[SanDogDewey]

Thanks guys! Got a few things on order. Prices sure have gone up!

The PO told me he had to short the starter solenoid to try and start it. So I metered the start button and cut off switch. No continuity. Took the switch apart and cleaned the contacts and springs. Everything was gummed up. Got it cleaned up and lubricated with dielectric grease and it works like new. Small victory for the day.

[Larry Zimmer]

Thanks guys! Got a few things on order. Prices sure have gone up!

The PO told me he had to short the starter solenoid to try and start it. So I metered the start button and cut off switch. No continuity. Took the switch apart and cleaned the contacts and springs. Everything was gummed up. Got it cleaned up and lubricated with dielectric grease and it works like new. Small victory for the day.

[SanDogDewey]

Did a little work on the rims. They’re very nice and I wanted to clean them without removing any of the anodizing. Used some Brasso on the rims and a light brass brushing on the rivets.

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[SanDogDewey]

Got the Pilot Jets out today and lo and behold they’re clean!

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[SanDogDewey]

Polished the float pins with gray scotch-brite.

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Polished the needle seats with a Q-tip and Brasso.

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Lightly brushed the needle faces with gray Scotch-brite.

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Cleaned the float pivot with the Q-tip handle.

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Threw everything else in the ultrasonic cleaner. Always satisfying to see the cloud of debris emerge from the jets.

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[SanDogDewey]

Does anyone know where I can get some Air T’s? Every place I’ve checked has them backordered.

Never mind, I found a pair on CMSNL.

[daves79x]

Since you last worked on these, there are several good suppliers of quality carb rebuild kits. KM Carburetor and Randakk here in the states and The Supersport Shed in the UK. Those suppliers either include the vent 'T's (and the rubber joint covers) in their kits, or offer them separately. In any case, you need to insure you are installing Viton rubber parts. Looking at your pics again - you really do need to completely separate the carbs to clean the bodies and to install new o-rings. Pardon me if that's what you were planning.

Dave

[SanDogDewey]

Since you last worked on these, there are several good suppliers of quality carb rebuild kits. KM Carburetor and Randakk here in the states and The Supersport Shed in the UK. Those suppliers either include the vent 'T's (and the rubber joint covers) in their kits, or offer them separately. In any case, you need to insure you are installing Viton rubber parts. Looking at your pics again - you really do need to completely separate the carbs to clean the bodies and to install new o-rings. Pardon me if that's what you were planning.

Dave

Thanks Dave!

Both KM and Randakk’s are backordered on the Air T’s and the kits that contain them. I ended up finding a set at CMSNL last night. I also have a kit coming from KM with new o-rings.

The carbs are separated and have been cleaned in the ultrasonic. Three down and three to go! Patrick

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