A few questions from a possible new owner...

[SusieQ]

To start, I have not ever had my own bike…  Been riding on the back off and on for the past 15 yrs or so.  I had planned on getting a Honda Shadow or similar cruiser like that, my bf has a VTX1300, witch got me thinking on the cruiser line.  But… 

My brother has a CB-1 1990, and offered to give it to me.  He has not ridden it in years and it needs some work and new tires.  I have worked on cars, but never really motorcycles, he said it needed what would be the car equivalent of an alternator.  Other than that, tires, and just a little love and paint eventually..

Anyway I guess my question is; for one is it going to be a good starter bike, for a 5”7’ 120 lb girl.   And can anyone let me know if it is an easy or hard bike to work on, either way where I might find a manual for it.  I would really like to do the work myself...   Or would i be better off selling it for parts and going with a shadow?

Thanks,
Susan

[ptlcb1]

Hello SusieQ,
     In my opinion, the CB-1 is the perfect starter bike for anyone!  I say that for the following reasons...
1- Its a 400, so in terms of power, its not as intimidating as 600 and above.  If you get in trouble, not going to happen as quick as it would on a larger bike, theorhetically speaking...
2 - Its light weight.  Actually most of todays sportbikes are about the same weight as the CB-1
3 - Its power band is very user friendly.  THe CB-1 makes most of its power above 10,000 rpms.
4 -  Its a great handling bike.
5 - Its small in size. I think you will find it a comfortable fit.
6 - Sounds like it is initially not going to cost you anything to acquire it!  A huge plus!!! 
7 - Its close to 20 yrs old, so insurance should be fairly cheap.

Sounds like you have a strong interest in motorcycles.  The CB-1 is a great bike!  You will not find a more knowledgable group of people with regards to the CB-1, than you will here!  From qualified mechanics, shop owners, a few racers, amd many guys that have a passion for this bike!  The CB-1 was my first bike.  I was not a tool box kind of guy either, but I have learn a great deal working on my 1.  Its a carburated bike, or as I like to call it, "old school", in the sense that you dont have fuss, for lack of a better word, with a fuel injected system. 

If you want to do the work yourself, I say go for it!  I am sure, that very soon, others will inform you of how to get ahold of a manual.  Get it running and enjoy a great bike that very few people have had the pleasure of experiencing! 

[dummyracer36]

i absolutely agree with PTL on this one!!! the CB-1 wasnt my first bike, but it was my first choice for a racebike. and again, for all the reasons he gave you.... small, handles great, reasonable power out put.... ect ect.

Helm does all the printing and publishing for Honda Factory Manuals. youll have to order it thru a  Franchised Honda dealer (or have the place you order it from do so) they are expensive, but worth every penny. i dont have the part number handy at the moment, but i'm sure some of these guys have it on perma-link.

i question your bike needing a generator, which consists of a copper winding (stator) and a magnet (rotor). these thing RARELY go bad. more than likely its the voltage regulator/rectifier.... those are known to go bad quite often.

as for selling it off... i certainly wouldnt... but then again i hoard these things. if you DO sell it... make sure you sell it to me cheap 

i say roll up your sleeves, read as much as you can, ask lots of questions.... and enjoy one of the best bikes in all of motorcycling!!

[clarkdw]

Manuals are almost always available on ebay. Usually at not too bad a price. If you have specific needs for manual references someone will always help out .

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=021&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=310075394076&rd=1

Stator and Regulator/rectifier are also almost always on ebay or at
http://www.rmstator.com/index.php/Motorcycles

On ebay the above seller has a combination package for sale. Do NOT buy a second hand Reg/Rect if you need one. Only the new style one is reliable.

[SusieQ2]

Thanks guys for all of your encouragement… 

unfortunately when I registered it seems I had miss typed my email and was not able to log back in, or contact an admin..  So I had to re-register..  I still have SusieQ as my name though…  I will make a new post and let all of you guys know..  I would like to get to know more people here.  I am sure I will have plenty of questions for you in the future.. 

[BAA-BAA]

Lucky You Miss long legs!!  5'7.....I can only dream of getting my feet flat on my CB-1

I am 5'1..huff!!