[tatagatha]

Hello all,

I've got a Honda Hawk CB450T last summer as a decent sized bike to learn on. When I got it, it wasn't quite running yet. I overhauled the carbs and was able to get it to start, but had a stuck float pin, so the bowl was overflowing with gas. I spent last summer trying to fix it myself instead of riding. I'd like to change it this summer. I can't find a shop in the Boston area that will work on my bike, and I can't seem do to it myself. Does anyone know of an independent shop that will work on a bike like this?

Marc

[JohnnyV]

Firstly, take the carbs off the bike, take the things apart(fairly simple you probably already know) and clean the ever living shit out of them. Order this:
eBay Motors: Honda, CB 450, 2 new . Carb Rebuild Kit (item 270111201417 end time Apr-24-07 19:22:32 PDT)

You also might want to adjust the valves, timing, etc... but I bet money with the carb rebuild kit you'll be able to at least get it running, then tune it from there. These old hondas are somewhat finicky but fun to work with.

[JohnnyV]

Here's the site I always used to order parts for my CB160.... hope it helps.
Vintage NOS Honda Motorcycle Parts from RetroBikes

[TheIglu]

That is a simple engine. I used to have a CM400T, which had essentially the same exact engine. Buy the book (Haynes or Clymer) and spend the money you would normally pay someone else to fix it on tools. Then you end up with a running bike, more knowledge and free tools for the same amount as you would of paid just to have a running bike!

If you need help, let us know. I've had that engine as a bare block and had a running riding bike in under 2 hours.

[tatagatha]

I did take the carb off twice and clean everything. I have the shop manual which was very useful. I got it running once, but as I said, I had a stuck float pin so it was overfilling with gas. The second time I took it off, I couldn't get it back running. I enjoyed working on the bike last summer, but at this point I just want it running, which is why I'm looking for a shop that would do it. Everything I've learned about my car has been because something broke and I fixed it. Starting with a non running bike is a little different. I'd just like to have someone who really know whats going on to make it run first and to make sure it is a safe bike.

[TheIglu]

It's a sad reality, but you will probably end up paying more to get the bike running than it's worth.

[tatagatha]

Despite the value of the bike, are there no places that would work on it in the Boston area?

[rmbbikes]

I'll give you $350 for it!

KB

[SSearchVT]

You'll have a lot of trouble finding someone to work on the bike. Their fear is that they'll do the work - you'll end up with a bill that is more then the bike is worth, and walk away from it. They'll be stuck with a bill, and a bike they legally can't sell.

Do a little trouble shooting -
- Look in the tank and see if it's rusty, clean it out (and the filter attached to the petcock).
- take the air filter out and displace all the mice and squirels that made a home in the airbox over the winter.
- Check the exhaust for the same mice and squirels.
- get a new set of plugs, and check for a decent spark.
- From here (with the petcock turned off), put about 1/4 of a teaspoon of fresh gas in each cylinder, put the plugs in, and try to start it. If it runs for a few seconds and dies the engine is fine, ignition is working, etc...

- carbs - check the intake boots for cracks - order new ones if you need to.
- Look at Dennis Kirk for a rebuild kit (jets, gaskets, needle and seat, and float).
- Take the bowls off, and carefully take them apart. Use a spray carb cleaner, make sure that every hole you spray it into has one that it comes out of. Carb float bowls can not be too clean. Do not use a dip tank for cleaning the carbs unless you know where all the gaskets and 'O' rings are, and exactly the number of turns for all the adjustment screws.
- put in all the new parts, mount the carbs.

- You should be good to go... Good Luck.