mild resto job

[Phoenixdoll]

ok i have some resto work that needs to be done and i am wondering if i would be better off just parting the bike out.

i have an 87 rebel 450. i am not sure if it is a cmx450c or cmx450ac. i have been told that the cmx450c is on the rare side of things and worth more.

i know for a fact that the gas tank needs to be dipped. i am scared to find out if i will need a new one, as they are very hard to come by. next i have front brake problems. i am not sure if i just need to have the system and calipers cleaned or replaced and possibly the master cylinder. the carbs need work as well. the fuel valve leaks like a waterfall when turned on or on reserve. just discovered today that also the gear shift needs work. when you shift up the gear shift doesn't return.

i paid 550 for this bike and have no clue if i should take on this restoration job or dump.

FYI- this bike has been sitting for 8 years. i was told only 3. when i went to pick it up i noticed it had not been tagged since 2000.

i guess i am looking for opinions, advice, and clues about where and what to start on.

[sox]

ok i have some resto work that needs to be done and i am wondering if i would be better off just parting the bike out.
i have an 87 rebel 450. i am not sure if it is a cmx450c or cmx450ac. i have been told that the cmx450c is on the rare side of things and worth more.
i know for a fact that the gas tank needs to be dipped. i am scared to find out if i will need a new one, as they are very hard to come by. next i have front brake problems. i am not sure if i just need to have the system and calipers cleaned or replaced and possibly the master cylinder. the carbs need work as well. the fuel valve leaks like a waterfall when turned on or on reserve. just discovered today that also the gear shift needs work. when you shift up the gear shift doesn't return.


I don't know where you got your info from but afaik, the CMX450ac doesn't exist (never heard of it myself. Could be wrong though...sh*t happens lol)... There is only the 86/87 CMX450c (or the very rare CMX450e on this side of the pond).

The gas tanks are around (but rare) and it is entirely possible to fit one off of a different model of bike if yours is too far gone.
The front brake problem is probably a set of seals in the caliper. They do wear out. I've had my Rebel 450 for about 7 years now and I'm on my 3rd set.. Not expensive though... I'd change the brake fluid anyway if it's been sitting around that long.
The gear shift might be something as simple as lubing all of the linkage. Try spraying some WD40 or a light machine oil in there...they are also notorious for not shifting properly if the oil is old (the model runs a "wet" clutch system where the engine oil lubricates the clutch as well). If you haven't done so already, change the oil and filter. You'll be surprised at how much difference it makes to the bikes gears! (I get mine done every 1000 miles personally but most do it every 2-3000).
The fuel valve probably just needs a new gasket set and these are quite inexpensive as well. Contact Jack at www.rebelcatalog.com, he is "the man" and quite possibly the best shop in the whole of the western world for friendliness and goodwill :)

You've bought a very unique machine and with a little love and attention, hopefully you'll be able to get it on the road. If you do, it'll be a collectors item and is considered to be a classic Japanese cruiser.
If you part it out, you'll be helping other owners continue to keep their bikes on the road with some of the bits being hard to find.

Your call :)

sox