Hopefully Going to Buy a CB-1 Tomorrow!!

[SV_Hadder]

Hey guys!  I'm new here, been lurking for a the past week trying to find out everything possible about the CB-1.

A little background on myself.. I'm a 19 year old college kid, I've had about 12 motorcycles in my life...  1st and 2nd gen SV650, KLR650, Norton 750 Commando, 1993 GS500, 2001 Ninja 250, 2010 Ninja 250, 1992 VFR750 and some dirt bikes as well.  I've always wanted a high revving 4 cylinder, and I especially love the whine of gear-driven cams, so I'm pretty excited about this CB-1.

But anyway, I was browsing the web a few days ago, and low and behold a Honda CB-1 popped up; I knew they were rare so I took a peek.  Its a 1989 with 27,000 miles on it.  The valves were adjusted at 24K, so that's one less thing to worry about, I'm not a big fan of shim under bucket lol.  It's been pretty well kept mechanically, the owner said he has changed the oil, flushed the brakes front and rear, changed the coolant, etc.

He said it will need new tires, the seat is a bit tattered, but worst of all the tail is painted flat black.  The owner before him installed some flushmount signals directly onto the damn tail plastics and vibration ended up cracking the plastic, so the current owner did some fiberglass repair internally and had to paint it flat black.  He did say though that the chain and sprocket were replaced less than 5,000 miles ago, so that's good news.  It also has a stainless front brake line and a M/C off an R6, but he also has the original. 

He's got the price listed at $1200 FIRM, which sort of sucks, but I understand that its a rare bike and he most definitely has plenty of other buyers interested, so I don't think I can really talk him down any.  I'd love to get it for $1000 even, since it will need front and rear tires, seat recovered, and either the tail painted or a whole new paint job.. the wheels have also been painted black, instead of the original silver, something I would most likely change.

What do you guys think?

I go to look at it tomorrow afternoon, plan to test ride it and go through it with a fine toothed comb, anything special I should look for?  I read to check the frame/mount for cracking, but the pics don't show anything.

[CB1 in SF]

Looks pretty clean.  $1200 seems okay depending on your location.  Out here we pay a "California Premium" for any motorcycle it seems. 

Let us know how your deal went down.

[clarkdw]

Not a bad deal but you should count on replacing the missing infill panels on the front of the frame because without them you might have some quirky flat spots in the carbueration and it is missing the chain guard. Just a couple of small bargaining points.

[SV_Hadder]

I bought it!   

Tried to knock the price down... but of course he said what I was expecting him to say, "I got 5 other guys in line behind you".  I ended up paying the full $1200, but considering the next closest CB-1 for sale is about 5 hours away and was $2300, I guess I did alright. 

The tires are absolutely spent.  The rear is completely bald, and the front was run overinflated, I'm about to buy some BT-45's in the standard sizes, I have read those are pretty decent tires for the CB.  The bike will be used mostly for commuting and I'll rarely be taking it to the mountains, so I don't need super sticky tires.  Tread life > grip

The timing inspection bolt-head had some tool marks on it, like someone used the wrong size allen wrench, so I'm pretty sure the valves have been checked/adjusted like the PO said.  The engine oil was way above the full mark, I sucked out about 4 or 5 ounces of oil to get it where it was supposed to be.  The carb float bowl screws all had tool marks, so I know the carbs have been cleaned/rebuilt at one time or another.  I want to take the gas tank off to check the air filter and make sure its not deteriorated.  Also found out that the exhaust can had some road rash on it and had a plate of steel welded on as a repair, and the mount bracket also had some welds on it as well.  I'd really like to get a used aftermarket can for this thing, I know it would sound great.

My 93 GS500 (w/full exhaust & jetted) feels quicker/faster than this CB... does that sound right or is there something wrong with my CB-1?  From the numbers that I was reading it seemed that the CB-1 was the quicker bike, or maybe it just feels slower because of the smooth power?  I was kinda hoping for a nice healthy kick in the power around 8 or 9k, but its not really there...

I'm you all will be seeing me around on this forum, since its just about the only resource on the web for this bike lol.

Thanks!

[ptlcb1]

If your 1 is running right, the kick in the pants, should hit at 10 grand

[SV_Hadder]

I figured I would mention that I got my bike running right....  I was complaining about a lack of power, but not anymore!

For some reason, I decided to tear into the carbs and check everything out.  While I was in there, I raised the needle 1 notch to richen it up, and I also opened the pilot screw 1/4 turn.  I pulled the baffles out from the inside of the airbox, and I also found that the PO had the wrong heat range plug installed; too cold.  I put in the proper plugs and took it for a ride.... and it rips!  This is the bike I was hoping for!  At 10k, there is a very nice kick in the pants, even in 6th gear.  It reminds me of Honda's VTEC on their S2000, it goes from a docile little 400 to a rip roaring 600 animal!  I love it!  Honestly, it feels like I picked up about 10hp, no joke.  When I first got this thing it accelerated neck-and-neck with my gf's ninja 250, it was THAT slow! 

Out of curiosity I pulled the exterior snorkels to try it out, and I wish I never had...  The intake noise that this bike produces is absolutely phenomenal!   BUT, it ran like crap above 1st gear or 30mph.  It would surge at nearly any throttle position, ran rough unless it was WOT, etc.  Since I couldn't have the intake noise, I had to have a nice exhaust note, so I bought a 2nd hand D&D slip-on.

Just thought you all should know that my CB1 is running like it ought to!