81 cafe RE-build from Qc

If your battery is charged, the sounds like the starter relay is not working. Or if the battery is close dead, it isn't giving the relay enough power to turn the starter.

 

On the relay, yes it would be best to buy a new one. Here in the states I was able to buy one from a local tractor supply store. The small riding lawnmowers use the same style.

 

If it were me I would be doing a rebuild after seeing that, but it does LOOK like the ledge the kickstart spring hooks into.

The plugs look fat, but before adjusting anything make sure you're not using choke excessively; using choke a lot will foul the plugs.

Happy birthday!

 

Looks to be part of a case. I would look to see what it is from. You can tell that it has rubbed on something for a while also

 

Backing up to your tank's woes. Managing the rust in your tank is easy, and it's the first step to keeping your bike's fuel passages in ship shape. Whenever you leave your bike for any length of time, fill your tank with gas. This keeps the rust from building up.

Also, install an additional filter on the fuel line as a precautionary measure. I hate pulling the carbs all the time for cleaning, and this solution works great! Cheap fuel filters are just fine. Personally I go with a more expensive, one-time buy: http://randakks.com/products/randakks-high-performance-fuel-filter

I use these on all my bikes. You never have to replace it, and it's supporting the business of a vintage bike performance enthusiast. It's the best option around (although I don't know about shipping costs to Canada).

 

When I first fixed mine up it puffed a bit of smoke off. It could be the rings, the valves, or the head gasket. Ride it more before you go nuts chasing it. I had all kinds of problems just because the bike sat for so long. I had low compression because carbon was causing the rings to get stuck in the pinched position instead of expanding, so you never know.

If you've been screwing with the bike a lot and just letting it idle without running it your battery might be low. Make sure the bike is charging and check your battery.

 

Good idea. I think someone told me at one point that if you're riding for less than 30 minutes give or take the battery is likely not getting charged very much or is only being drained. The old charging systems on these bikes are not that strong and they don't really charge at all at idle; you need to keep them above 2,000 rpms or so to really get some action! An intense trouble-shooting session in the garage with lots of idling and starting using the electric start will kill your battery in no time.

 

#1 I tried clip-ons; fun if you're on the bike for 30 minutes at a time. I'm getting practical as I get older; I try to find something comfortable that also looks good.

#2 Just try to be creative with the routing. I don't think solder is strong enough for a brake cable. Is there a fender loop holding it in place?

#3 See the manual for tips; it's an easy adjustment.

#4 Just turn the idle speed down a bit. I can reach mine while riding even with gloves on

 

Yeah, clutch adjustment is easy.

1) undo the cable adjustment screw at the handlebar to allow slack in the cable
2) remove adjustment hole cover
3) hold adjustment screw with a driver, loosen jam nut
4) turn adjustment screw with a driver until slight resistance is achieved, back it off 1/4 turn to accommodate tightening the jam nut
5) tighten jam nut
6) replace adjustment hole cover
7) redo the cable adjustment screw at the handlebar until there is approximately 2mm of play.
8) enjoy

 

Wow. I've heard people talk of soda blasting. Never realized it was baking soda. I'm impressed.