# Maxwell's '74 cb450 cafe build. **URL:** \ **Category:** Builds\ **Created:** [January 8, 2013, 10:35am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067 "2013-01-08T10:35:36Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 16
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 4:50pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/301 "2013-06-12T16:50:36Z")
I’m out Saturday. Golf (I hate golf but its a work thing), reffing, stag party. Saturday is shot. Sunday for me… ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 7:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/302 "2013-06-12T19:25:21Z")
> [@checko](#): > > Do it. Lets get a few of us ridin this weekend. Nicks bike is super close. Hopefully it will be done by the weekend bike hates me. it’s “done” but for some reason is still having wiring issues. AGAIN. yeah…pretty fucking heated with it at this point. I hate that I didn’t even really mess with the harness and it doesn’t seem to work now. fucking thing. ---
**Author:** ![checko](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/checko/32/5422_2.png) [@checko](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/checko)\ **Post date:** [June 12, 2013, 7:28pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/303 "2013-06-12T19:28:06Z")
> [@focusinprogress](#): > > bike hates me. it’s “done” but for some reason is still having wiring issues. AGAIN. yeah…pretty fucking heated with it at this point. I hate that I didn’t even really mess with the harness and it doesn’t seem to work now. fucking thing. Buy us lunch anyways :shrug: ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2013, 9:54am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/304 "2013-06-14T09:54:08Z")
Since Sunday is fathers day and some of us have family obligations would you guys want to ride earlier in the morning? Maybe race to the coffee shop to get coffee? I know I’m busy around 3 but that can be altered some I’m sure. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2013, 9:57am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/305 "2013-06-14T09:57:16Z")
> [@GV1390](#): > > Since Sunday is fathers day and some of us have family obligations would you guys want to ride earlier in the morning? Maybe race to the coffee shop to get coffee? I know I’m busy around 3 but that can be altered some I’m sure. I can just run my bike as is and work on the exhaust/front end swap back to old ears/clubmans later in the day. Bike runs just fine and i’m down with that idea. ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2013, 10:00am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/306 "2013-06-14T10:00:36Z")
Cool, I know Checko is down as well and Nick MAY be depending on bike/family obligations as well. Just let me know! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2013, 10:23am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/307 "2013-06-14T10:23:33Z")
pm me your #. I’m not always up on that social media shit. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2013, 10:55am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/308 "2013-06-14T10:55:45Z")
I’ve gotta tee time at noon so I gotta be back home by like 10:30 because we’re playing all the way out in darien. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 11:32am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/309 "2013-08-14T11:32:10Z")
Thread bump. Out in SOCAL now, and the trip went well. I’ve been so busy the past 2 months with the move, and starting out here, and I feel the dust is finally starting to settle. I made a few cosmetic changes to the bike, and as of now it’s also running like shit. New home. ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-40.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-40.jpg) new front end, clipons, hl ears, mc. It totally changes the front end, and I love it. ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-38.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-38.jpg) tail section with racing padding from amazon. ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-36.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-36.jpg) … and on to the issues i’m having. It’s still not running 100% and i’m at a loss. Timing/advance are set, charging system is good, battery and harness are good, carbs are good… but i’m still spitting and sputtering from time to time, and it appears the right side is burning oil, even though compression is ok. Also, its been bucking me out of second gear lately. I am worried that there is something seriously wrong with the engine, or it’s just getting tired… but i’m not quite sure where to start at this point in either fixing it, or sourcing a new engine. ugh. Advice? right side spark plug, fouling and wet, with what appears to be oil. no bueno ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-35.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-35.jpg) Here’s the wierd thing, warm comp is the same as COLD comp, and it took a lot of kicks to get it here, but it holds. A bit low for warm, but not outside of spec. 130 and below is rebuild time, 180 is perfect. I’m ok… but even with ok compression, could I still be burning oil? Dipstick doest look terrible, but right side exhaust pipe is wet and nasty at the tip… ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-34.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-34.jpg) Left side compression… this side burns well on the plug, doesn’t appear to be burning anything, and isn’t fouling plugs like the right side. Not nearly as sloppy inside the exhaust too. ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-33.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-33.jpg) So, what am I missing? Could timing still be a whack off causing this? With compression being good i’m somewhat lost. Also, after a short ride when I first got here, once I parked it I saw a wee little bit of smoke coming from the breather. Bad news? Sorry for rambling, i’m multitasking at work. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 14, 2013, 11:46am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/310 "2013-08-14T11:46:55Z")
test leakdown. could be a valve seal issue. Did the number displayed for the left side take just as many kicks as it did to get a similar number on the right side? if not, you have leakage somewhere or the compression is NOT as good even though the gauges numbers are close because of the differing amount of work each cylinder had to do to get to that number. also, you could very well need to change jetting due to different weather/height above sea level. if one plug is burning differently than the other is either a weak spark, loss of spark, or carb related. What fuel are you running? these vintage bikes were designed and built when fuel was LEADED…87 leaded is closest to unleaded 93, at least in terms of what’s available at the pump. ---
**Author:** ![newman](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/newman/32/7569_2.png) [@newman](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/newman)\ **Post date:** [August 15, 2013, 5:22am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/311 "2013-08-15T05:22:23Z")
> [@maxwell](#): > > ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-40.jpg](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/3X/9/6/9689171a351903576a590265ec2a06be10d23ae5.jpeg) [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZe9_LWlOtM) [![]( " - YouTube") ](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PZe9_LWlOtM) ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 11:36am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/312 "2013-08-16T11:36:33Z")
^ I don’t quite get the reference… Nick… it took about the same to pull compression on both sides. I don’t have a leakdown test tool, or compressed air, but I am looking to find an old honda tech to give it a once over, plus I would like to have the tank acid washed and sealed. Jetting seems ok, as the left side is burning a nice gold brown on the plug. it’s the right side that is fouling with oil and misfiring. it’s not spark related. As far as fuel, I always run 93, unless only 91 is avail at the pump. I have not put any additives like k100 through it yet. As far as kicking me out of second gear, thats a whole other issue i’m worried about looking into. Thoughts on that? ---------- Post added at 02:36 PM ---------- Previous post was at 02:30 PM ---------- EDIT: Here’s a terribly grainy photo of the mini tach… it was cheaper than the speedo so I purchased it and I like the look and fit. I’ll most likely pick up the speedo soon. ![http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-42.jpg](http://i362.photobucket.com/albums/oo65/maxwell8888/null-42.jpg) ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 11:40am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/313 "2013-08-16T11:40:59Z")
kicking out of second gear is either a clutch adjustment issue, an oil level/oil weight issue, or an internal issue (worn shift fork or gear). oil fouling the plug means a seal or gasket is leaking into the chamber somehow causing your poor running conditions…either valve seal or head gasket weep ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 11:43am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/314 "2013-08-16T11:43:45Z")
Running 10w4 moto oil… valvoline i think… I’ll check out the adjustment… I’m worried about the health of the engine. I wouldn’t put it past HG… it seems to get worse when the bike is running and to temp for a while, but what do I know. I’m a garage hack with a marketing degree. lol ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 11:59am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/315 "2013-08-16T11:59:20Z")
> [@maxwell](#): > > Running 10w4 moto oil… valvoline i think… I’ll check out the adjustment… > > I’m worried about the health of the engine. I wouldn’t put it past HG… it seems to get worse when the bike is running and to temp for a while, but what do I know. I’m a garage hack with a marketing degree. lol trust me, I know the pain. Mine toasted the HG last year in july and I parked it. sold the motor at VMD’s mid-ohio. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 12:04pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/316 "2013-08-16T12:04:59Z")
FAAACK. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 12:17pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/317 "2013-08-16T12:17:19Z")
> [@maxwell](#): > > FAAACK. it’s just part of the game man. These old bikes’ gaskets are of a different makeup of rubber and sometimes even just cork. That’s why a lot of people have sourced places to make up MLS headgaskets for these. Being air-cooled doesn’t help the cuase, if you really hammer on the bike on some hot days for a couple hours it’s pretty easy to break the seal of the old gaskets…that’s why it’s so common for people to tear down and refresh motors when doing a build. ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 12:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/318 "2013-08-16T12:20:39Z")
it’s easy enough to pull out. I was unsure as to whether i’d have to go that route, but i’m prepared to do so. ---
**Author:** ![focusinprogress](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/focusinprogress/32/7227_2.png) [@focusinprogress](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/focusinprogress)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 1:20pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/319 "2013-08-16T13:20:04Z")
> [@maxwell](#): > > it’s easy enough to pull out. I was unsure as to whether i’d have to go that route, but i’m prepared to do so. that’s totally going in the undertones thread ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/uploads/speedlife/original/2X/b/b7170c8eddc0b95ece6b88172b2f416a08489a45.png) [@system](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/system)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2013, 1:52pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067/320 "2013-08-16T13:52:02Z")
lolll yesssssssssssssssssssss [Previous page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=15) [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/maxwells-74-cb450-cafe-build/228067.md?page=17)