CX650 (lack of) progress report.

Downeaster

Downeaster

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The CX project has been on hold for several reasons, mostly excuses to disguise a lack of motivation.

1. Carbs need to be synched and tuned but that's an outdoor/open door project and it's too cold.

2. Seat cover needs to be installed, but I'm using the weather as an excuse for that as well. If I'm honest about it, I'm scared of screwing it up. If I really wanted to, I could turn the heat up in the shop.

3. New tires on on hand, but not vital and works MUCH better in warmer conditions.

4. A piece of aluminum is on-hand to form the right hand side cover but I'm the farthest thing from a tin bender. However...

I've been watching videos on forming panels on an English Wheel. Horror Fright has one that folks seem to think is at least adequate, particularly for an amateur/beginner. Thinking I'll wait until my next Insider Club 15% coupon shows up and grab one.

Any amateur tin benders here? Input/Advice?
 
I know where you're coming from about the cold.
I'm out doors too and really can't take like I used to.
We have industrial stuff where I work, never used a small one but It's pretty easy to get the feel.
I'd get a second piece of material and do a rough test pc first.
By the time you're done you'll have a knack for it.
If the fist one comes out good, make another for fun and sell it. :D
 
Shoot almost forgot.
Most important.
Go slow on your adjustments.
A little at a time, a little at a time you can't put material back,
you can push it to different places but really can't put it back.
Think pizza dough.
 
1709040559389.png
 
motormike said:
Photos.... we need photos of the Cx.... I got the 500 version... they love Rpm's... 😎
Click to expand...
cx2.jpg


As purchased. Side covers missing, lot of surface rust on the chrome, mufflers rotted in spots, seat all tore to hell, air filter missing, fugly windshield.

cxshop.jpg


As it sits at the moment (except mufflers have been repaired). Carbs cleaned, cooling system resealed, front caliper rebuilt, fluids changed, pod filters mounted, battery replaced. Starts and runs but carbs are WAY out in the trees. New seat cover and tires on hand.
 
jetmechmarty said:
Can you utilize an English wheel to remove small dents from an XS650 fender?
Click to expand...
Bearing in mind that I have exactly ZERO experience, I would think so, with the right die. I expect you'd want to make sure both sides of the fender were absolutely clean and smooth so as not to press dirt/rust into the metal and make things worse.
 
jetmechmarty said:
Can you utilize an English wheel to remove small dents from an XS650 fender?
Click to expand...
I would think a planishing hammer would be the better tool for that.
If I ever get around to buying one, I'd like to have one of the combo's out there, a planishing hammer and english wheel in one unit. Kinda spendy though...
 
jetmechmarty said:
Can you utilize an English wheel to remove small dents from an XS650 fender?
Click to expand...
I'd gently tap it down with a hammer first, then try the wheel to finish it off.
Don't pinch the metal or you'll end up with a Snapple top oil can.
Found this, gonna order one for myself as I have some serious dents in mine
as well. There's lots of info on the web too.


1709137154069.png
 
JOHNDADDY said:
I'd gently tap it down with a hammer first, then try the wheel to finish it off.
Don't pinch the metal or you'll end up with a Snapple top oil can.
Found this, gonna order one for myself as I have some serious dents in mine
as well. There's lots of info on the web too.


View attachment 262708
Click to expand...
Is that Amazon? Another reason I love this group - makes me want to buy more tools. Coincidentally, I walked by the RR fender of my beetle and saw a dent. I thought I should try banging it out but don’t have the proper tools. Lol
 
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JOHNDADDY said:
Yup Amazon, probably at HF too but their stuff is always a gamble it seems.
Click to expand...
I agree and seldom buy anything from Horrible Fright that is powered (i.e. an electric...anything) - but I have found that their simpler stuff like hammers etc. are reasonably good and the price cannot be beat.

BTW - they (HF) had a BIG display at the recent SEMA show in Las Vegas and there is a good YouTube video that showcases their new line of toolboxes and other stuff. They are clearly trying to go up-market, which is good.
 
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Downeaster said:
View attachment 262636

As purchased. Side covers missing, lot of surface rust on the chrome, mufflers rotted in spots, seat all tore to hell, air filter missing, fugly windshield.

View attachment 262639

As it sits at the moment (except mufflers have been repaired). Carbs cleaned, cooling system resealed, front caliper rebuilt, fluids changed, pod filters mounted, battery replaced. Starts and runs but carbs are WAY out in the trees. New seat cover and tires on hand.
Click to expand...
I've seen some great look'n Cafe's based on these units... I took a test ride on a Cx500 Turbo..... rather lame until the boost kicked in ! ! ... took it back to the dealer... told him I'd pass... bike was faster then me... :)
 
motormike said:
I've seen some great look'n Cafe's based on these units... :)
Click to expand...
The original plan and the impetus for looking for a CX in the first place was a cafe.

After watching multiple videos on the topic and seeing the amount of $$$ and work involved, a minor resto-mod seemed like a much better plan...:cool:
 
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