New guy from southern Ohio

[Guest]

I intended to keep the 650, but sentiment got in the way. My wife and I had another couple that we rode with frequently, they were very dear friends on and off the bikes. The wife became ill rather suddenly and riding was no longer an option and her husband was NOT going to ride without her. He sold their bike and bought a small camper which she really enjoyed until she passed. Jay was at the house one day when the 650 was basking in the sun and commented how he missed riding and started tossing numbers at me. Because he was a good friend and I know he will keep the bike in pristine condition (he does) I accepted an offer and sent it home with him. My 34" inseam actually made the Custom a bit uncomfortable for me and it fits him to a tee, plus that gave me the funds to start looking for a vintage "standard" bike that fit me better. The 850 fits fine.

Oh yeah, that's the way it had to be then.
You do nice work.

 

[NavyDad]

My brother and I are just starting a restoration of a 1980 Honda CB 650 Custom. Forum member chuck hahn are rebuilding the carbs as we speak. I have been spoiled by this forum with all its insight and information. Can't seem to find much info on the Honda and parts are very difficult to find. Don't think it will ever look as good as your 1981. Great work.

If you are not familiar with this site http://www.sohc4.net/ you need to sign on. It is to SOHC Honda's what this forum is to the GS. It doesn't help in that lots of parts on the 650 Customs won't cross between the years. Made it interesting finding the correct parts.

 

[kerrfunk]

Nice looking bike. :encouragement:

I am just 75 miles west of you, we'll have to meet up some time.

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I am in Huntington WV, about 90 miles SSE of Chillicothe. Some of my favorite rides are between you and me. Welcome!

 

[rkroby]

Thank you for the Honda website. Looks like it will be very useful.

 

[NavyDad]

Once I got into the disassembly of the 850 I found some paint issues that I didn't want to live with so I decided to have my buddy paint the bike. I chose the colors and told him to have fun with it. This is what he did. I like it.

 

[NavyDad]

Front fender

 

[Steve]

Nice. I would have gone for blue instead of red, but it's your bike, not mine.

I like the pattern. My son is looking for something to do to his 1000, we will likely use a similar pattern, with different colors.

.

 

[alke46]

Nice choice of colors. That bike will stand out in a crowd. Hint, hint there will be a crowd at Bedford in June. Hope you can make it.

 

[wymple]

My 81 GS850 has done me several years of yeoman duty on a small budget. I think 81 is the best year to have, starting with one of the best stock seats ever made. Do the normal upgrades and you'll have a great keeper that will grow on you. My only complaint is that I am short and it's a bit top heavy.

 

[NavyDad]

All of my bikes over the years have been blue or a combination with blue in it. My wife suggested I walk on the wild side for a change, so I did. As far as upgrades there won't be much that isn't updated or gone over as I plan on doing some traveling on this bike. I am going to have more in it than I could ever get back, but if it's going to be a keeper I can live with that.

 

[ddaniels]

Love the colors. You must be a Buckeye fan. Would also look nice with a black or white pinstripe between the two colors.

 

[NavyDad]

I was considering a pinstripe, but haven't made up my mind as to yes or no or even the color. Not really interested in the Buckeyes or any particular teams. I was kicking around different colors and of course blue was the number one choice. My painter buddy just bought a Chevy Colorado pickup and it is charcoal gray metallic with some red highlights. I liked it and told him to try it on the 850 parts. He did and I liked it.

 

[NavyDad]

Settled on a gold double stripe

 

[Steve]

Looking good. :encouragement:

.

 

[Jedz123]

Welcome!!!

Wow great job on that paint job!!!

Hope to see you at one of our GSR rallies!

Best,

-Jedz

 

[steve murdoch]

Settled on a gold double stripe

View attachment 53768

A little vintage British vibe going on with your paint scheme.
Nice work!

 

[NavyDad]

FINALLY some decent weather so I can give the "bones" of the 850 a good cleaning and inspection. I have all of the smaller assemblies cleaned, rebuilt, and ready for assembly just been waiting for some warmer temps so I could get outside. The engine will be metallic black like the fork lowers. At this point in my life I am no longer interested in chrome and shiny metals. Washing and an occasional wax job along with maintenance is all I want to do anymore. Valve adjustment, cam chain and tensioner inspection, and new clutch springs are on the list. Forks have been done with Sonic springs, carbs are ready with new o-rings, I have new shocks and the goodies for the electrical upgrade on hand. Wiring harness inspected, cleaned and all connectors shiny and tight.

 

[kerrfunk]

Hey NavyDad. I love the gold pinstriping, it really pops nice!

If you're ever riding south and east of Chillicothe and want to meet another rider, send me a message!

 

[NavyDad]

I ride WV a lot, great roads to be found there. I just installed the tank badges that were redone in gold and black to go with the gold striping.

 

[Redman]

I ride WV a lot, great roads to be found there. I just installed the tank badges that were redone in gold and black to go with the gold striping.

View attachment 54780

I like that have followed the stock pattern somewhat, but yet make it custom.

And the striping, the double gold is stock looking (for 82 anyway) but yet custom. Looks great.
THe gold for the emblems is great, is stock for sidepanels but not the tank emblems. And you reveresed it anyway with black lettering and gold background.

Is great.
Again, stock ideas, but yet custom.
Or another way to say it, most folks might think it is stock/original. Only someone that knew about GSes would think of it as custom.

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