Brand New Here. Just Bought a '65 Dream. Looking for Advice.

[Cheburashka]

I've always admired the Dream, and finally found one in my price range. A '65 305 with 5,000 miles on it. I plan to get it up and running again. It's pretty close, but it needs various parts that have gone bad while it was in storage. I've seen the threads on tires (this one still has the originals, but they're not usable.) Right now, I'm wondering about mufflers. There are a lot of repros around, but I want something that will last and look close to stock.

Also, wondering what will need to be replaced on a bike that hasn't run in almost 40 years. I'm assuming it will need condenser and points. Do coils go bad?

Two last questions. It didn't come with a key. Is there a source for ignition switches, or would a locksmith be able to make a new key for it? Also, it came with stock saddlebags, but they aren't mounted and I'm not sure if all of the hardware is there. Can anyone point me to a good picture of the mounting system for the stock saddlebags?

thanks

[lrutt]

Don't assume you will need points and condensor. Likely they are fine.

You should however flush the sump, clean the oil slinger, adjust the valves and cam chain, fresh oil. You may have to pull the clutch and 'un stick' the plates. These bikes are kind of known for that. Check your air filter. You can't get these anymore so hopefully your's is still fairly servicable. Mine is and it's likely 40 years old believe it or not. Tires are going to be a bitch, but keep the original nitto's if indeed they only have 5k miles on them. You should check the brake shoes as well. Sometimes the bonded brake material can separate and cause big bad problems. Give everything a thorough greasing and clean electrical contacts. To start you can bypass the ignition switch. YOu also can get the numbers from your switch and have a key made. There are sources online that can do that. And get an AGM battery for it. I forget the size that fits but there is one and they will NOT leak acid and mess up your bike. You're petcock could be froze as well. You might have to dump ATF in your tank and let it sit on the petcock for a while to get it moving again. It may leak anyhow and require a rebuild. There are kits online that work fine for that. Hopefully your tank isn't rusted, but if so, a quick electrolisis should clean it up. Instructions on this site.

Just do your prep work well. When you get ready to start, pull the valve caps and try as best you can to squirt oil on the cam lobes, then kick generously with switch off to get oil flow throughout.

Good luck, My 65 also only had around 4000 miles on it when I got it, but that was in 1980. I just had it out yesterday for a 100 mile ride as a matter of fact.

[Cheburashka]

Good advice there.

The bike was well prepped before it went into storage. Gas tank is rust-free and the petcock is fine.

I want to ride it, and I want to enjoy riding it, so I ordered a set of modern tread-pattern tires. I went with the Shinkos on Ebay. I'll have to find a way to white-wall them.

My son is 10, and he thinks it's the coolest bike ever--well, except for the Henderson Streamliner. He's already saying "WHENWILLITBEDONE??" I tell him "As soon as you help me get it running.

[mike1969]

"coolest bike ever" That's what I thought when I got my first ride on my friend's father's brand new 1964 Dream.Didn't finally get one until I was 54!

A lot of original keys are available on ebay. I get most of mine from Rigentinc.Post the number on your igniton switch.Some members here may have a key to sell.

Also new air cleaners are for sale on ebay.

[Cheburashka]

I did find some very good pictures of the original mounts for the Buco bags. Enough for me to figure out that while I have the right bags, they weren't originally mounted to a CA77. Something the seller failed to mention to me. I'm sure I can do some creative drilling and get them to work, but I'm wondering where they originally mounted and what the connection points were. A picture of the bag mounts installed on a CA77 would be a life saver. Also, why that huge curl of metal that goes around the bumper? Is that to protect the bag if the bike falls? My mounts don't have that.

[Tango911]

one other pce of advice very important. POST A PIC OF YOUR BIKE OR ELSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :)

[Cheburashka]

I went to check the oil and found that several generations of mice had made a huge nest in the area where the dipstick is. As soon as I get that cleaned up and get the panels back on, I'll post some pics.

Bikes are finicky about whether they're fully dressed when they're photographed!