Rebuilding Clara's Heart - Montana Project

Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 9:39 pm

Hi guys,

It's taken me all summer but I've finally made a decision and am moving forward with rebuilding the engine on my CB750F (Clara Brave), which I lost the use of on May 27 (it was a sunny Thursday and I was 30 miles from home) due to a broken cham chain.

For those of you who knew or have read about Matt @ PSB, I was his mate of 14 years. I still miss him so much, and I really don't want to let go of any of his things, but I am liquidating his spare gas tank (never been used) for his CB1100F. I figured he'd be proud of me, because I'm using the proceeds to fund my rebuild project.

Right now, Clara Brave is in the motorcycle shop. I've found a donor engine (from an 82 CB750 that had been chopped). Unfortunately, the compression turned out to be not so good and I'm having to have some machine shop work done. They're using part of this engine and my engine.

Some of my friends told me to part out the bike and get a newer one, where parts are easier to find and it's lighter to maneuver, but I couldn't figure out how to swing that one, and I really didn't want to part out the bike that Matt found for me in 2003. So I'm trying to swing her rebuild. If any of you need a good tank, or know someone who does, let me know. I've provided a link to pictures.

Thanks for your support over these last three years...and thanks again to Larry, who purchased Matt's 1100F and started a thread on its rebuild.

Until our next communique, may this day, and all days, bring you some smiles.

Glenda from Montana

Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:04 pm

Good luck on your rebuild........
Don't worry about the tank, I am selling the knockoff wheels from the Corvette to
fund my CBX obsession....I think my Dad would approve........you can't take it with you....

Posted: Wed Sep 23, 2009 10:32 pm

Glenda you are a strong women and I think that you are doing the right thing by rebuilding Clara. If there is anything we and I speak for all of us can do just say the word.

Best of luck to you and Clara

Posted: Thu Sep 24, 2009 6:42 am

I"m relatively new and did not have the honor of interacting with Matt.

As was said, Keep us in the loop in your rebuild.

Spike is right, if we can help/do anything please don't hesitate to ask.

You would be honoring us by allowing us to help in honor of you and

Matt.

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:04 am

Guys,

...splain it to me please. Is the 1100F tank that different from a CB750F? How about a 900
F tank?

Glenda one thing going for you is that the 750's were sold here for four years.

Good luck and keep your spirits up.

Posted: Fri Sep 25, 2009 4:35 pm

glenda wrote:

...I figured he'd be proud of me, because I'm using the proceeds to fund my rebuild project....

I think so, too. Good luck.

Posted: Sat Sep 26, 2009 2:55 am

I think I missed the point. Glenda is judt trying to sell a tank, not replace an 1100 for a 750. Sorry for the confusion.

It was educational though.

Thanks

Posted: Wed Sep 30, 2009 11:47 pm

Hello folks,

I'm back. Thanks for all the support. I guess we can chalk it up to make lemonade out of lemons - if my bike hadn't broke, I most likely wouldn't be here so often to get to know you all (although some of the names are familiar).

To update: It looks like my engine replacement is getting complicated. Charles has explained it to me a couple times, but I'm having trouble retaining all the names of the parts (doesn't help that I'm still trying to grasp how a motorcycle engine works Smile

Essentially, the new engine is in poor shape, with little compression; meanwhile, one of the teeth on my crank (?) is missing and so the new engine can provide this. So the plan is to use the best of both engines, or as I understand it, use the bottom of the new (donor) engine, with my top, which needs a valve job (?).

Specific question to any who might know - Are there any inherent problems with using a bottom end from one CB750F (82) and the cylinders, pistons, with new rings and a Fresh Hone (?), from another CB750 (79). Not sure if I got it right? But I figured I'd pass along what I wrote down for your all consideration.

Thank you so much. PS Do you think I should pose the question as its own thread?

Until our next communique.

Glenda from MT

PS The weather has changed to fall in the northern Rockies. Yesterday it was 80. Today our high was 50 with a week's forecast of not much better. I'm running out of season, so you all ride for me! Have safe, be fun!

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 12:33 am

glenda wrote:

Hello folks,

Specific question to any who might know - Are there any inherent problems with using a bottom end from one CB750F (82) and the cylinders, pistons, with new rings and a Fresh Hone (?), from another CB750 (79). Not sure if I got it right? But I figured I'd pass along what I wrote down for your all consideration.

Thank you so much. PS Do you think I should pose the question as its own thread?

Until our next communique.

Glenda from MT

Yes Glenda you got it right. I don't think there would be any issues using a bottom half of an 82 750 and the top top half of a 79 750.

I am by far an expert on a swap like this but I don't think Honda would re-tool evrything on the 750's to make them different over the course of 3 years but I am sure someone with far more knowledge about a swap like this will confirm it.

Best of luck
Emil

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 1:39 pm

Glenda wrote:

To update: It looks like my engine replacement is getting complicated. Charles has explained it to me a couple times, but I'm having trouble retaining all the names of the parts (doesn't help that I'm still trying to grasp how a motorcycle engine works Smile Essentially, the new engine is in poor shape, with little compression; meanwhile, one of the teeth on my crank (?) is missing and so the new engine can provide this. So the plan is to use the best of both engines, or as I understand it, use the bottom of the new (donor) engine, with my top, which needs a valve job (?).

Glenda , Did you consider looking for another 750 engine to swap right in to your bike with minimal work?

In the Northeast a 750 engine goes for $150. I found four separate engines here at that price range. All had less than 10K miles.

Those would most likely be plug and play using your carbs and changing the various seals and gaskets (old leaks). Pay for the valves to be adjusted while engine is out and you can get out with a running bike for a few hundred bucks.

I realize that living in the Northeast may be apples and oranges to your area as far as finding a donor engine, but I thought I'd throw the idea out there.

Good Luck

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 6:12 pm

Hi again,

For F4Fast - After talking to Rob T., who helped me find the first donor engine, you guys have a distinct advantage over us here in the west. These bikes are harder to find out here, so we talked about shipping one here and what does that do to the budget. So I spoke to the motorcycle shop again and essentially I've got $440 in labor already invested in work on the two engines and the only way to make it comparable in cost is to find a new motor for $280 - otherwise, from what I understand the cost of using the engines I already have to essentially create a like-new engine is the same. Does that make sense?

It's all so complicated, but I'm trying my best to keep on top of my choices.

So ... To be continued.

Thanks for your help!

Glenda

Posted: Thu Oct 01, 2009 9:32 pm

Hey Glenda,

I joined shortly before Matts untimely passing. I never had the good fortune of actually picking his brain but I still go back and read his words. Lots of what he had to say was a little controversial and he always had great empirical evidence to back it up.

I think you should keep at that old clunker and never give it up. They are heavy at stop lights but I find they ride much lighter than they are and they actually handle really well for there age and intended use. I love em and it is obvious you do. We will help you keep it going for as long as you want to keep it going.

Good luck, Grant

Posted: Fri Oct 02, 2009 11:15 pm

Grant,

Thanks for the words of encouragement. I can't really explain what I'm doing in logical terms but I'm plowing ahead. I figure it's part of my path and I'm looking for guidance from those ahead and I find along the way.

I know that Matt would be enjoying hanging out with me right now. My computer got cranky this morning and I think I got too impatient and made a few wrong moves and long story short, she's in the shop and I'm at a bar in my tiny town using the computer at the end of the bar. Here in Montana they just instituted a Smokeless policy and so everyone is out on the patio in 59 degree weather and I have the bar to myself and some good music on the radio. Matt was good company in a bar. And, yes, Grant, he was controversial - he liked a good dialogue and didn't shy away from the word "provocative." He called me his "worthy adversary" for many years into our relationship. I knew it was a compliment but I eventually called him on the "adversary" part. I was his partner, not his adversary. He meant I could hold my own in an discussion (debate HA). I've not read many of his entries here. I just know he knew a lot and the proof was in the pudding. I miss the pudding. He was aggravating at times, but I would never willingly give him up for anyone, anything.

Ahh...so here I sit in a Montana bar in an old railroad town with a few friends in the smoky cold...so that is where I go.

PS I got the greenlight from the shop that they're proceeding with marrying my bottom to my top...so how bad can the world be.

Good rides to you all who have 'em and where the weather is still warm.

Until the next time.

Glenda

Posted: Sat Oct 03, 2009 12:38 am

Well you end up with a fresh motor..it will give you years of service!
Enjoy the fresh engine....keep us updated and fire off a pic when you can Very Happy

Jeffrey

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 6:58 am

Hold on there.

Who said anything about logic in this?????

I've got two 25+ year old bikes that I'm spendiing

a great deal of time/money on when I could be riding!

What's up with that?

Who gives !#@42#5!

I love the bikes.

Posted: Sun Oct 04, 2009 3:49 pm

Glenda;

Keep it going! I've been an infrequent passer-by to this site, but now that the bike's up and running, that'll change.

To the point; I'm in Great Falls. There's a shop here, name of Mr. Salvage that's a fairly decent motorcycle graveyard, especially considering that it's literally in the middle of Montana. And it doesn't hurt that Rich, the proprieter & I have a long-standing business arrangement.

So, let me know if there's anything I might be able to find for you.

Posted: Tue Oct 06, 2009 10:01 pm

Back again Smile

Thanks for noting that logic doesn't have to play a big part in owning a CB750F. It takes me a long time to make some big decisions and when funds are tight, well, it's just hard to explain to some folks. Guess that's why I keep coming back here. You guys let me know I'm not alone.

As for the Great Falls, MT, connection - that's great to know. It's nice to know there is a fellow Montanan out there following this saga.

I will definitely get pictures. Next time I'm in town I'll stop by the shop and get some photos of the progress.

Thanks folks.

Until our next communique.

Glenda from MT

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:11 pm

Hey folks,

I got my computer back. Yipee! (I'll have to think of another excuse to visit the local watering hole. It was kind of nice to head down there in the early afternoon. The bar was virtually empty, has a very nice lady bartender, and there's always good music on the satellite radio station).

As for the engine project, not much progress to report yet. Will get those photos, as I've indicated. Meanwhile, our group of local riders have their "season closer" tomorrow @ Hot Springs. May sound nice but the weather is frigid!!! And it snowed last night. Right now it's 26 degrees with a coating of snow on the ground that fell last night. It's supposed to be 33 and sunny tomorrow. The roads are clear and that's what my friends say matters most. They are planning on riding. Of course, they've got the latest cold weather gear. Me, not so much, so I'm just as glad that my bike is out of commission. Plus, I have too many good memories of Matt at this particular place and it's still tough to contemplate being there without him. Someday I will return, but not this weekend. Got to catch up on my work and house work. Yeah, I've been know to claim the title WUSS. But I'm not your average WUSS. So all is good.

Until the next time...

G from MT

Posted: Fri Oct 09, 2009 8:13 pm

Oooh.

Almost forgot.

I sold the tank to Larry, who bought Matt's CB1100F. I'm glad that he wanted to keep all Matt's stuff together. It made letting the tank go a tad easier. I think Matt would be glad, too. As the proceeds will help get my bike up and running again.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 12:35 am

Glenda;

My gals are headed for Missoula tomorrow. I know time will be spent at Sean Kelly's, there's a 24th birthday to be celebrated you see. What's yer pub to hang out at?

And, which hot springs for that matter? Lolo or Quinn's? Good roads to either, in the summer. Don't know as I'd trust either to be completely clear with the weather we're havin' now.

Should a Montana Springs ride get organized? I vote Chico, and then, in the Chicago tradition, I'll vote it again.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 7:28 am

i think if outdoors activities are to be had, Saturday will be a bad day for a trip to any hot springs [temps in the sub 20s range]. the U of M homecoming should keep everyone busy this weekend, though. the Griz are playing Cal Poly, and the cold weather should be "interesting " for the Rolling Eyes

California sunshine lovers.

Posted: Sat Oct 10, 2009 6:09 pm

Sub 20's in early October? Man, and I thought New England was harsh. Shocked

Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 8:52 pm

Fella's;

OK, it's Sunday & we need updates.

In fairness, I'll provide mine even though I didn't ride. The Griz beat Cal Poly 35-23. Cal may scream "foul" but the weather was the same for both teams. I went out this morning & harvested a pronghorn antelope for chili. It's nice to be sucessful & back in the warm homestead before noon on opening day. Believe me, it was C-O-L-D this morning at O-darkthirty.

So, how did the masochist springs ride go yesterday?

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 1:42 am

Hello. I'm back and embarassed to admit - with no pictures and no real updates.

The latest is the motor (a part of it?) is with the machinist and eventually I'll get her back, before the spring arrives, although truth to tell, this January has been very open - several cold snaps, some snow, but a lot of rainy warmer than average temps that bring dense fog to the valleys and strings of diaphanous mist to the mountain tops when the valley mist clears.

I've stopped by the shop several times to give the old girl a pat on the rump. She likes it when I talk to her.

Nuf with the silliness.

Back with real news - and pix.

Until then...then.

Glenda

Posted: Tue Jan 19, 2010 7:49 am

Dear Glenda,

To me it ain't silliness.

I believe in mechanical personalities.

I do believe that they get it.

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 3:03 am

Again, I find reinforcements for my quirks here. There are some non-bikers that get it, usually they are the ones that name their vehicles.

Smile

Glenda

Posted: Wed Jan 20, 2010 3:35 am

some of the names i call my toys are not to be repeated in mixed company....you need to bleed a little from the knuckles, not just the heart.

i know G puts effort into her bike. better than having someone else do all the dirty work! Cool

unless you spill a little of your own blood, a thing is not truly yours. Wink

Posted: Thu Jan 28, 2010 12:35 am

Hey Rob - thanks for coming to the rescue. I understand your CB Service Manual was needed recently for my bike. Sounds like work is progressing at the Machine Shop. No pictures still. And, yes, I've cracked a knuckle or two on my motorcycle. I know I put a lot of spit and polish time into her before she three the cham chain last spring and now I think I shouldn't spit and polish her so much. Let her run as she will - with humility and joy.

PS I rode today! The first time on a bike since the summer. It was glorious - even as a passenger for five minutes!

Back again soon...

G from MT

Posted: Tue Apr 06, 2010 7:10 pm

Greetings from Montana,

Hope you all had a good Easter holiday weekend.

I got good news today. The parts are in for my bike at the machine shop and I could be riding again soon. The weather is typical spring: snow, hail, sunshine, wind, daytime temps ranging from 42 to 58.

Will be back with specifics and with some photos perhaps. May even know the total $ damage for my work to rebuild Clara's heart. Will be well worth it for the mental health Smile

TTYL For now may you feel sunshine on your face and a smile in your CB-loving hearts.

Glenda from MT (G@PSB)

Posted: Tue May 18, 2010 2:45 am

Hi folks,

Greetings from Montana. Today the weather was blue skies and 80 degrees. Not your typical May day, but I'll take it. I sure wish I had my bike to ride on such a day. My engine rebuild (marriage of my top end with a donor bottom end) is progressing but SLOWLY. UGH.

Anyway, I was hoping one of you might weigh in on a new question posed to me today. Should I replace the cham chain in the donor bottom end? Charles (Lake Missoula Motor Sports) tells me that it was broken teeth that took out my engine, not the cham chain breaking per se. He says if these engines have a tendency to break teeth rather than chains I should just go with the one I have and save myself the cost of a new one (which I gather they need to take apart the bottom end to install - or they break the chain and then rivet it together).

Any thoughts? All welcome.

Thanks!

Glenda

PS I WILL BE BACK WITH PICTURES. Charles said he would take some with his cell phone. Last couple times I've been at the shop,I didn't have the camera. I picked up and delivered the bottom end from the machine shop myself. That's when the camera would have come in handy. It looked so shiny and the machine shop (Jerry's Machine Shop here in Missoula) gave me a 50% discout - partially because Matt was my mate and aslo because of a rare snafu it took longer than normal to get to us. I'm just so grateful!