Newbie looking for guidance

kenkah · Post by **kenkah** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 12:38 pm

I recently picked a honda dream. From what I was told the carburetors were rebuilt. I know the bike sat for quite a while in a garage. I don't have an experience with motorcycles but I would like to get this bike in working order. I'm just not sure where to begin. I do have 2 manuals for the bike. I know that there is some wiring that needs to be put in order. I did pickup a new battery for the bike. What I was wondering is what should I start with? I was thinking if fixing the wring, hooking up the battery and seeing how it runs but I dont want cause damage to anything.

I believe the bike is 1966 CA77. I posted a pic of the bike as well.

Jethro · Post by **Jethro** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 1:38 pm

Hi welcome. Some people here will be more willing to help you out if you update your location. So first off you should make sure it turns over well with the kick starter. Next make sure you have a good spark with new plugs (put the ignition leads on a new set of plugs and hold the plug to the engine somewhere and kick the engine over; battery required). Once a good spark is established pull the bowl off of the carb and make sure it looks clean in there. After that I'd say you're good to start it as long as the air filter looks clean and intact.

Good luck,
Jethro

pknopp · Post by **pknopp** » Sun Jun 12, 2011 4:01 pm

The one thing you might also do first is change the oil. Many bikes have been started with just the basic preperations after having sat for years.

conbs · Post by **conbs** » Mon Jun 13, 2011 11:49 am

Jethro is right that the first thing you want to know is that the engine turns over. Try the kickstart. If it turns over you have the right order for tending to things. Troubles in your wiring can drive you nuts and keep your bike from starting. I agree with pknopp that changing the oil would be a good idea next. Jethro covered the remaining steps before starting.

You will really be well served by getting Bill Silver's Dream Restoration CD. It includes an owner's manual, parts manuals, shop manual, restoration guide and alot of historical info to boot. You will thank yourself. You will also find an enormous amount fo help from forum members. Go slow and be ready to ask any questions you have.

You key switch has 3 (or 4) red dots and 2 black dots. The black dot on the end is NOT off, though you can remove the key. It is for parking and the tail light will be on. The other black dot is off. The red dot on the end next to off will allow the starter to turn, but the bike will not fire. Before you start it up the first time, use this red dot to get oil up through the motor. Then turn the key through "off" to the red dot on the other side and that is "run" without lights.

If someone rebuilt the carb and then it sat for an extended time, be prepared for issues there. If they used the brass pieces from a Keyster kit, I think most on this site feel it won't run well until you have genuine Honda brass back in the carb.

Hope this helps and good luck.

kenkah · Post by **kenkah** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 5:19 pm

Thanks for the help guys. Hoping to get things started this weekend./ I will try to keep you all posted to how I make out.

joeweir1 · Post by **joeweir1** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 8:34 pm

Usually the clutch plates are seized also and possibly rusty.It may be in your best interest to take off the left side cover and take the clutch apart and clean it.That would save you some headaches possibley.Also, if there are phillips screws still in the side covers you may want to invest in a impact screwdriver set.I tried taking these old screws out and had poor success on most with a screwdriver.Impact usually pops them loose without stripping them.My 2 cents.Joe

lifewithoutparole · Post by **lifewithoutparole** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:22 pm

When I bought my 67 X6 Suzuki it had been sitting for over 30 years. Changed the trans. oil. After cleaning out the gas tank and carbs I put some marvel mystery oil in the plug holes and turned the engine over 10-12 times to make sure the rings were free. I was surprised that it started so easily and I jumped on it for a quick ride. Well, I pulled the clutch in and put it in first and it leaped forward and stalled. The clutch plates were frozen some from the bottoms sitting in oil but the tops not. I doscovered I could start it and put it in second and drive off...after 4-5 miles the plates loosened up but it took 30-40 miles for te clutch to straighten out. I say think about cleaning the gas tank and petcock strainer/bowl before starting the engine. Mine had indescribable stuff from years of sitting. Good luck!

Honda305.com Forum

honda305.com Forum

Newbie looking for guidance

Newbie looking for guidance

Where to start

Thanks

Ditto on the clutch plates..+ think gas tank