1977 CB125 Twin Project

[ish765]

Hi.

This was sitting for 10 years in a garage before I got it. It was running (just) I think the main problem was a broken condenser.

I now have 2 new exhausts. Replacement forks (un-pitted), new condenser + new bits and bobs coming for the crabs.

The plan is to do what I can while I wait for the bits. This will be painting some black bits with (satin) Hammerite which is pretty close to the original black + stripping the tank and repainting. I guess I should do the frame now also.

I have done some Photoshop on the tank to show my latest idea of what to do with it. It’s not fixed yet so any suggestions would be welcome. RS paints quoted me £85 for the original colour, 4 cans including primer, silver base, blue and lacquer.

Not enough paint and too much money.

I did some work with a friend in the past that used to spray custom bikes and stuff. I hope I can recall some of his teaching during this. I’m seriously debating getting an airbrush instead of cans for the finish. I think I will have to thin the paint but I am comfortable with one and at least it will give me some control. Duno yet though Maybe I will find someone who will just 2k the lacquer for me after I do the main colour.

You will have to piece together how it looks as a whole but you get the idea. I still haven’t decided if I am keeping the stickers on.

Click on image to go large.

https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_fdfd.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_dd.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_DSCF1296.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_DSCF1289.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_DSCF1290.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_IMG04371.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_IMG04368.jpg

[stinkwheel]

Slightly odd.

The twinshock CB125s had spoked wheels. The 1977 one definately did, along with a rediculously ineffective cable operated disc brake. I know because I used to own one.

Those look like CB250 style comstars too. The monoshock CB125 ones had the drilled "spokes" I know because I have one downstairs (picture below).

Now, this is in no way a bad thing. The running gear on the CB125T was inadequate at best. Yours appears to have been uprated. It just might be of interest before you spend a load of money getting an "original" paint job done on the tank because the rest of the bike is fundamentally non-original in the first place.

This is what it ought to look like in standard form:
https://www.bestcars.com.ua/images/cars/3756_6957.jpg
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ish765]

[stinkwheel]

By running gear, I meant wheels, brakes and suspension. I was assuming they had fitted the whole front end of the wheel donor bike. Closer inspection reveals this may not be the case.

If it still has the cable operated front calliper, make an appointment, in writing, two weeks in advance if you think you might want to slow down a little.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ish765]

Ok I have surrendered to the blackness. I’m not sure on the lettering but this will be close to the finished design.

https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/dd-1.jpg

[Mudskipper]

Looks mean in black.
____________________
CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."

[ish765]

Yea. You know I’ll be a bad boy on this. Someone key your day glow sports bike?
Duno mate

[Mudskipper]

[ish765]

[Mudskipper]

Lol I currently have no dayglo sports bike and just spent 2 hours struggling on the M1 on my '81 CB250RS.

I is hardcore mate, no power ranger here
____________________
CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."

[Endless Nameless]

https://www.bikechatforums.com/viewtopic.php?t=141201

'Nuff said
____________________
A2 passed 22/07/08; restriction up 22/07/10 (just so I don't forget)
'79 Suzuki GS550E. Yes, that's a GS550, not a GS500.
Supersports "In a video editing competition I'd kick your sorry ass"

[ish765]

It was general comment, not directed at you skipper. Please don’t set your bike on me, it looks mean.
All you need is gun rack and it will be complete


Anyway back to the subject. I have been striping a few bits of black trim and the tank. I picked up some Acid #8 primer today. In hindsight it may be waist of money because I could probably have just used some on-to-rust paint.

But now I have it I am going to treat the rust with kurust. Then sand, treat again and then sand again. Hopefully this with leave me with just a small amount if pitting that will be ok to prime over.

This is what it looks like so far

https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/DSCF1319.jpg
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/DSCF1318.jpg

[ish765]

[ish765]

More Photoshop work

https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/wdwddw.jpg

[stinkwheel]

How about doing the writing in black too? Like if you did the tank gloss black, do the writing in satin/matt.
____________________
“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[ish765]

Thanks for the suggestion. Mmm duno though. I think I like way it sets it off.

The lettering is silver on the badge and I have thought of making the stripe silver. I still want to try and match the style of Honda bikes from that period. I had though of doing the white pearl as well but it seems a little over the top for this style of bike.

I am trying electrolysis today. I know something like this has been posted before but this is my set up.

Tub
6-12 volt charger
(Iron) file
Soda crystals.

I had a charger so the only cost was soda crystals.

I am doing a peg and its fizzing nicely. I actually tried niotromors on this and it was not very good, I don’t know if it’s been re-painted though. Anyway the electrolysis method seems to be great, removing the paint I left on as well as the rust. It has not got far into the pitting yet but its still fizzing lots after 1/2 hour, set at 6 volts.

Safety tip. Don’t use stainless steel. Link to info
https://myweb.tiscali.co.uk/andyspatch/rust.htm
Click to enlarge
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/th_DSCF1322.jpg

[ish765]

Update. Not much,

My bits have arrived but I am having to rebuild the work area/ conservatory at the moment. It has given me some time to do more research which is good.

I have taken this picture to show what my electrolysis is doing for me.

From left to right. (1) Rusty wire hose clip. (2) Just out of the electrolyte (3+4) after treatment with kurust.

It work’s wonders and it removes nothing but the rust. Very tempted to try and zinc plate them but I may just stick to a lick of Kurust
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/DSCF1324.jpg

[ish765]

Time for an update.

My idea was to do the worst bits (tank ect) and stick them back on. However now I have nearly done them, it just shows up how bad the rest is. I can’t in good conscience put these back on a rusty bike. So I took the front bits off. The wheel and forks are also off now.

Can someone please tell me to take the engine out and do a proper job. And that it will all be ok.

https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030596.jpg?t=1236793686
Http://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030594.jpg?t=1236794298
https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030595.jpg?t=1236794369
____________________
RXS100 On the Road.

[ish765]

Ish, Take the engine out, it’l be fine, your almost there anyway, can’t be that hard a job.

It will make all the difference.
____________________
RXS100 On the Road.

[Mudskipper]

Ish, Take the engine out, it’ll be fine, your almost there anyway, can’t be that hard a job.

Do eeeeet!!!
____________________
CBR125|||GSXR400|||CBR400|||CBR400|||CB250RS|||GSXR750|||CB250RS
"You're clumsy, you eat too much and you behave like a 12 year old boy. But you know what? Every once in a while, you find a thumb."

[ish765]

Thanks Mudskipper
____________________
RXS100 On the Road.

[unspec]

Ish, Take the engine out, it’l be fine, your almost there anyway, can’t be that hard a job.

If you're going to do it, may as well do it properly!

[ish765]

I was just reading my Haynes manual, actually it does look easy, 10 out of 14 steps done. All I really need to do is remove the sprocket and any leads, and the bolts, then hey presto, broken foot.
____________________
RXS100 On the Road.

[Mudskipper]

[ish765]

1. Obligatory soak of cover bolts in wd40 + Mark gear lever before removing. https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030602.jpg?t=1236883858

2 Some Bits for the job. book, impact driver and foot, all set. https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030603.jpg?t=1236884003

3. Actual cover removal. Errrr. PG Rated image. https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030604.jpg

4. Job so far, stopped by Darkness and the need to soak front mouning bolts, very rusty.
Both rear bolts have now been removed. https://i338.photobucket.com/albums/n424/ishim42/P1030606.jpg
____________________
RXS100 On the Road.