CA77 Newb questions...

[stepper]

Hey there guys,
I am soon to be the new owner of a nice CA77 titled as a 1964 but has all the "early" Dream features (tank, clutch cable location...).

The bike is supposedly in very good riding condition as it was recently restored by a previous owner. The only thing that is apparently needed is a new headlight of which I plan on doing an H4 mod.

But although this should be the only issue with the bike (knock on wood), I would like to make sure the bike is safe and reliable before I set out on the roads.

Asside from the basic things mentioned in the manual, I would also like to take off the wheels and inspect the brake shoes. I have been watching videos on how to remove motorcycle wheels and everything seems very straight forward except I'm still wondering how to remove the rear wheel from the CA77 since the fender is clearly in the way. The manual says to "tilt the vehicle" towards the right. I guess the tilting will allow for enough clearance to slide the wheel out once all fasteners have been undone.

But how are you guys achieving this? Do I need someone to actually tilt the bike towards the right while I finagle the wheel? or is there a way for me to do this by myself?

Also, if I do find that I need some new brake shoes, is there a recommended place that I can send my shoes for re-lining?

Thanks for any help you guys can provide. And thanks in advance for bearing with me as I am sure to have many many stupid questions.

Jason

[stepper]

Also, is a small/modern lithium battery a viable option to fit the early Dream?

Thanks again,
Jason

[DianneB]

I got my new brake shoes through http://myworld.ebay.ca/coelacanth_vintage_bike/ - a little pricey but new old stock and fit like a glove. Probably similar cost to having the old shoes re-lined.

I have a lifting eye in the ceiling of my shop so I just lift the whole bike to clear the rear wheel. Alternately, I put the bike on a ramp (2x6 on milk crates) on the main stand with the back wheel hanging over.

Good luck.

[stepper]

I put the bike on a ramp (2x6 on milk crates) on the main stand with the back wheel hanging over.

Good luck.

Thanks Dianne,
That's a good idea. I think I will rig up two low work tables set up so that I can remove one of the tables once the bike is secured on its center stand.