What to look for/problem areas

[ssnead]

I've been looking for a nice CB1 in British Columbia, Canada and would like to know  the bike's typical problem areas on this great looking 20 year old motorcycle.

If there is a thread(s) on this already - pointing to the link would be greatly appreciated.

BTW, this may be sacrilegious - but is there anything out there that is a modern close equivalent?

[clarkdw]

Probably the most common problem  with the CB-1 relates to the same thing that many Hondas of that era had and that is a weak regulator/rectifier. Very few will still have the original and if they do it can fail at any time. Fortunately if you buy a new Honda or almost any aftermarket replacement, the problem has been addressed by adding cooling fins to the unit.

The next biggest problem in my estimation is the lack of or difficulty in finding replacement parts. Common stuff like plugs, oil filters, bulbs and clutches are all easily sourced but body parts, seats, tanks, engine covers and in particular gauge clusters are like hens teeth if you are looking for new or mint originals.

If you are looking for a bike to mod then look elsewhere. Aftermarket performance parts virtually do not exist and the amount of money and work required to gain even a minimal increase in performance just doesn't make any financial sense. Brake discs and exhaust won't fit from any other bikes and the stock ones are hard to improve on. Even a shovel full of cash into headwork, exhaust, etc. will net you a bike that makes maybe 5hp more than my bone stock original on the dyno. The most bang for the buck comes from improving the suspension and investing in a high performance riding school.

I suppose a modern equivalent would be the SV650 but there was a recent thread here in which the consensus seemed to be that it was definitely not a step up. The same would apply to most of the modern 500 -650 starter bikes. I would consider the Honda 599 a modern equivalent but not nearly as good a starter bike. Unfortunately for us in the U.S. and Canada there are no more of what I consider to be great "little" bikes that serve as well as the CB-1. The 125's and 250's are just not adequate for the longer distances and many of the "600 starter" bikes now will get new riders in trouble with throttle shock.

[91cb-1]

If you were looking to buy a bike problems to look out for would be any stressing or warping of the frame, in particular up around the head stem, wear on the turn stops or any dents that might indicate it had a sudden fast impact, check the steering head bearings, wheel bearings and wheel rims, as was said here earlier parts are hard to source for this bike so getting a new set of wheels, clock cluster tank seat cowl or front fender are hard to do. then check for any stress marks on the engine, the sump the coolant reservoir the usual stuff to check for when buying a bike. you can ensure the frame is straight by getting two planks of wood lined up either side of the rear wheel and seeing if there is any difference between the two sides. then take it for a ride it should go in a straight line if you take your hands off it

[Daveontheedge]

Keep your eye on Craigslist in Vancouver and Richmond. There seems to always be one or two of the North American versions of it for sale here. No idea what type of condition though. Also, have a look at Windbell Motorcycles in North Vancouver, that was where I picked mine up from and they always get new stock in.