CB900F2 Restoration

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 3:30 am

Having promised my other half that 5 projects at one time was all that I would start I suddenly had an opening in the schedule when I finsihed the resto of my Honda CX500. So now I am off and running on the CB900F2. So what have I learnt so far?

1. It's a CB900F engine in a CB750 frame. The frame is F2C late model as it has the separate resovoir rear shocks.
2. The engine has been painted to look like an 1100 engine but is definitely a 900 (after a couple of seconds excitement) as I found the marking on the block.
3. I'll be redoing the bike as a 900F2 with red frame. I had previously bought a bunch of parts for the bike including a new tank and exhaust system. I know the bike runs as I started it once but was very rattly so will be replacing the internals. The oil was nice and clean and no bits when I dropped it as part of the dismantling process.
4. The number of zinc plated bolts around the place is amazing - why I don't understand - a great Honda idea I guess
5. The oil cooler underside mount lug had broken off at some stage so have sourced a new cooler. The speedo drive was cactus too so eBay has provided one of those.
6. The bar end weight on the RHS wouldn't come off so debating options there. And the side stand rubber mount snapped so will see what I can do with that - another great Honda idea.....
7. Alll in all doesn't need too many specific bits and most of the stuff is what you would consider a consumable with a resto.
8. The wheels are in good nick but will be repainted and the cush drive rubbers look new.

So now I have to sort all the bits into their resto piles - paint, chrome, clean and get them off to the various places. I'll post some pics soon.

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 11:46 am

I am jealous, only 3 projects to complete.
Sounds like you have a good game plan set out, pkay.

Posted: Thu Aug 11, 2016 12:09 pm

I am curious..you id and "date" a frame by the rear shocks?

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 2:49 am

ID'd the model by the type of rear shock. Of course confirmed by the frame number as well but given it was an obvious external difference was a place to start.

Posted: Fri Aug 12, 2016 10:03 am

You sure it's a 750 frame? I don't believe they had the oil coolers? Shocks are easy to swap, so that may not necessarily be a reliable indicator?

Posted: Mon Aug 15, 2016 4:47 am

Yup has an R04 chassis number and the Australian compliance plate also notes it as a CB750 - can just make it out on the plate.

Posted: Tue Aug 16, 2016 3:37 am

So I've now collected all the bits that were missing or trash on the old bike and am now getting organised to sort into their various work piles. So far I have had to source;
- rear disk cover
- bar end weights
- new oil cooler
- RHS handlebar
- chain guard

And this is before the usual consumables like seals, bearings, cables, rubber bits etc. So it all slows down from here while I sort it out. I also need to hire a box trailer to trasnport the engine to my mechanic - what a ridiculously heavy lump that is.......