Motorcycle!

Well, my huge readership probably doesn't realize it, but I got a new motorcycle awhile back. It's a 1978 Honda CB400, also known as the Hawk II. This would be the first of the Honda Hawks as they were so called, and would evolve into the various other Hawks (Super Hawk, Nighthawk, and Hawk GT). So, as usual, I've decided to buy a vehicle that's an early version of something modern that actually works.

I did some work on it today though, for the first time since I bought it. I pulled the seat, tank, and side covers off so it was pretty bare and I could have easy (i.e. possible) access to some of the inner workings. It needs some work. There's more work to be done to make it run smoothly and look and feel exactly the way I want it to, but here's what I did today:

• Changed engine oil and oil filter, cleaned drain plug and oil filter cover
• Replaced speedometer cable (don't drive when you have a disc brake lock on)
• Cleaned air filter and air box
• Adjusted cam chain tension
• Adjusted drive chain tension
• Cleaned and lubricated drive chain
• Torqued cylinder head bolts
• Gapped spark plugs

Then, as it got dark, I realized that I had quite a bit more work to do (valves, carb adjustments), so I reassembled and parked it. I noticed some other things that are causing problems. Namely, the valve cover gasket is chewed up because someone reinstalled it instead of replacing it last time it was apart. It drips oil out the front of the engine and onto the exhaust, which causes nice black smoke. At least I know where it's coming from now. At any rate, here's what I have to do next:

• Valve adjustment
• Valve cover gasket replacement
  
• Carb rebuild (disassemble, clean, reassemble)
• Fuel line replacement
• Master cylinder check, brake system clean and adjustment
• Clean engine, check for leaks

And I've got a whole slew of stuff that I want to do once the thing is running smoothly:

• Replace rear turn signal mounts with something a little cooler looking
• Replace front headlight bracket
• Replace front turn signal mounts with something less rusty
• Replace rear suspension
  
• Pop out dents on the gas tank
• Either: polish, polish, and polish some more or paint the tank and side covers. I think that a custom paint job might be cool. I kind of like black with a white racing stripe, but we'll see if that ever actually happens.

I think that's a good summary of where I am now with this project. Good times.