My R65 Cafe Build

[NathanR65]

Hi everyone!
This is my first post and also my first build so I thought I would share a few photos of my progress so far and a little info on my plan for the build.

Today i stripped the bike down to bare frame just need to get the damn swing arm out of the frame! I have grinded off the battery mounts and will delete the center stand also.
So far I have a rebuild kit for my carbs, new seals and gaskets for engine, new shaft bolts for rebuild (throw old ones out), new brush kit for alternator, tarozzi low rise clip ons, boxer metal rear set, cowl and seat pan on the way. New headlight mounts, acewell digital tacho/speedo, indicators, rear light and grips. Airbox delete kit with pod filters and choke pulls. I have also already rebuilt the forks and added new gators.

Plan to powder coat rims and paint frame satin black, engine to be painted cast aluminum with satin black highlights, not sure on colour theme for tank and cowl and fenders.
I am soda blasting my carbs and a few other bits tomorrow so i will post again with some updates. Any ideas/tips for my build appreciated!

[NathanR65]

Some pics from today

[NathanR65]

Started soda blasting tonight. Carbs come up pretty good I think

[arvo92]

That soda blasting is pretty cool. I have looked into it myself but unluckily I do not have a compressor. The results are pretty impressive taking into account the starting point. Good luck, I think they will look cool once they are polished up and back on the bike.

[ShutterPilot]

My '81 was also "born" in 10/'80.
Great job - keep it up and keep us posted!

[montmil]

Confirm for us that your engine lift straps did not bear on the pushrod tubes.

[NathanR65]

I lifted the engine using the straps tied around the bottom of the heads not on the tubes.I also had a jack underneath to take most of the weight.

[tc80211]

Looking good!

[montmil]

I lifted the engine using the straps tied around the bottom of the heads not on the tubes.I also had a jack underneath to take most of the weight.

That would be a bit better. Your photos show the lift straps at the bottom of the cylinder jugs rather than the bottom of the heads as you stated. Depending on how far you plan to take the engine, it would be much easier to replace the pushrod tube's rubber grommets while the engine is removed from the chassis.

[NathanR65]

I'm replacing all gaskets including the boots on the pushrods as well as wheel bearings, steering head bearings etc. here's a pic of my clamps I took to work and had bearing heated up to remove from bottom  and I deleted the bar mounts on the top clamp just need to give it a polish. Powder coating frame, rims and a few other bits this week!

[NathanR65]

Hit it with some wet and dry

[NathanR65]

Made my own driveshaft socket at work on a wheel grinder

[NathanR65]

Test fitting of the cowl and seat pan before sending the frame off

[dav]

Nice work mate, love your work bench was the missus at work

[NathanR65]

While I'm waiting for the frame and other bits at the powder coater I have been busy with cleaning and painting and have changed over most nuts and bolts to Allen head stainless for the rebuild.