New old bike: '85 NH 650
 

I just picked up a basket case for $200. Engine is shot, but I have a replacement. The engine seems to suffer from the "Harley-fication" that happened to so many Standards from Japan in the '70s and '80s. Mangled attempt at a stepped seat, sissy bar, etc. Just out of curiosity, and to make the old engine lighter, I started dismantling it. Wow! There was a mix of Honda, Suzuki, and unidentifiable fasteners throughout the head and valves. Got the head off, and the #1 cylinder was full of rusty water, plus the #3 had 2 broken valve heads in the cylinder. Weird thing is it was one exhaust and 1 intake! I'm still trying to get my head around that, but I can't imagine how that could happen. Anyway, the report on the vin says never stolen, never wrecked, and one owner of record, but that was years ago. It has had the front brake upgraded to drilled rotors and braided steel brake lines, way too long and plumbed incorrectly, of course; I suppose they were planning for ape hangers. Once it's all apart, I'll repaint the frame and start reassembly.
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https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...1abe441676.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...5165ede36d.jpg

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Got it down to the frame. Had to replace the swing arm, since the cross brace was rusted through on the original.

I found an engine for a decent price, $310. Now I just have to reinstall it... I had to wait for replacement bushings for the rear shocks. Someone clued me in that the neoprene hydraulic pump bushings from John Deere are the correct inner diameter, and only need some sanding on the outside before they can be pressed into the shocks. The bushings cost less than $9 for four. Now I just have to wrestle the engine back into the frame.
https://cimg1.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...e60521dd43.jpg

Well, the engine is in the frame. It was a bit of a comedy routine getting it back in--- lots of jacking, pivoting, and prying. The bottom obviously has to be in far enough to let the valve covers clear the frame. Anyway the hardest (Physically, I hope!) part is done. Now I still have to fit it to the drive shaft and jack the engine an inch or so to get the mounts to line up.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...c3678de753.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...e33d662ae7.jpg

Well, I have made SOME progress. The engine is mounted. I used one of the overly long brake lines the PO had for the clutch, and a Galfer kit for the brakes, so both now have braided steel lines. New lever sets on both sides, too. Putting the shifter arm back on was fun. Those tiny punch marks on the shifter arm and shaft made me glad I had cataract surgery last year! I have looked at 3 different airboxes, and they all had the bolt bushing for mounting the TCI on the left side ripped out. Is that a common problem? I think I can fix it with a screw-in drywall anchor and some epoxy. At least that'll keep it from leaking air. Anyway, it's mostly wired now. I still have to figure out how the tail light assembly goes in. It looks like it mounts to the rear cowling first, then the whole thing bolts on--- maybe.

https://cimg3.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...6d2f5e1669.jpg

Anybody know how this goes in the tail light and cowling? The narrow side fits at the mount points inside the cowling where the tail light assembly bolts on.
https://cimg9.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...a42b9bb672.jpg
https://cimg0.ibsrv.net/gimg/hondafo...1f54475704.jpg

Ok, so a FB friend told me that thing is part of a mount for a luggage rack. Now I'm going to work on the carbs...