[Y333KIN]

Found this forum after getting through the majority of my bike project, now I'm in need of some advice and knowledge. Glad this forum exists!
I purchased a 2008 Honda CBF250 on a whim as the price was right to gamble on it being worth while. I knew it needed work and I've been happily plotting away with it. I'm used to working on cars so this has been a really interesting challenge. Below is a photo of the bike in it's current state, I am rewiring the butchered loom but can't find clear diagrams for this model to follow, so I've come to the forum for help.

Also what are your thoughts on keeping the gas tank with it's patina or should I respray?

 

[TrialsRider]

First problem is your motorcycle has been stripped and modified so much that original wiring diagrams will have little relevance. Might better start a schematic of your own design.

Patina ? If that's patina I sure wouldn't want any of it on anything I own.

 

[woodsman]

You cut out structure and didn't compensate for it. What's holding the seat support?

 

[CaTacL1sm]

You cut out structure and didn't compensate for it. What's holding the seat support?

I believe that's the previous owners work.

The first bump that bike hits will see the seat bend and hit the tire

 

[Tinsnips]

Well the modifying is done. Time to restore. First you need to support the seat, that is not safe. Second, you may be better off just of get another wiring harness and route it properly, unless you have access to a lot of different colored wire of the right size it will be almost impossible to trouble shoot electrical issues later.

I'd not keep the tank as is - personally "patina" means wear on the original finish due to age and weather. That doesn't apprear to be the case.

What does it need electrically? Where is the battery and fuse block?

 

[jaguar]

Cut your loss.
Buy a stock bike that works, and challenge yourself to keep it working.
If looking to "learn".....go to a local yard sale and buy a broken lawn mower. Challenge yourself to make it work

 

[Y333KIN]

You cut out structure and didn't compensate for it. What's holding the seat support?
View attachment 105999

I thought this might be an issue, as Catacl1sm pointed out, this modification was done before I owned it, I've already repaired the awful welding job that it had before.
To be honest, I think it would look better and be safer if I add support structure to the seat frame. It was already bent when I purchased it, So I have straightened it out. Thanks!

 

[Y333KIN]

First problem is your motorcycle has been stripped and modified so much that original wiring diagrams will have little relevance. Might better start a schematic of your own design.

Patina ? If that's patina I sure wouldn't want any of it on anything I own.

That makes sense. I've found nothing that applies to the wiring loom that it came with. I've created a schematic of my own based on what was on the bike and have posted it elsewhere, I've received some good advice so far, so I'll work on those points

 

[Y333KIN]

Well the modifying is done. Time to restore. First you need to support the seat, that is not safe. Second, you may be better off just of get another wiring harness and route it properly, unless you have access to a lot of different colored wire of the right size it will be almost impossible to trouble shoot electrical issues later.

I'd not keep the tank as is - personally "patina" means wear on the original finish due to age and weather. That doesn't apprear to be the case.

What does it need electrically? Where is the battery and fuse block?

I'll get on to supporting the seat frame as other users have also pointed out, especially as it's a safety issue.

I've thought about running my own custom loom, at this point I think it will be easier and cleaner.

I'm in two minds about the tank, I purchased some nice gun metal grey paint to respray it with. Then anyone who came and saw the bike loved the tank as is, so I put that idea on the back burner. In my opinion it looks a little odd now as the rest of the bike is restored and resprayed, so the tank is kind of out of place.

Electrically it needs a fair bit of work, I've posted here about it if you are interested / have any advice. Honda CBF250 Electrical advice needed - First time builder | Cafe Racer Forum Thanks!

 

[Y333KIN]

Cut your loss.
Buy a stock bike that works, and challenge yourself to keep it working.
If looking to "learn".....go to a local yard sale and buy a broken lawn mower. Challenge yourself to make it work

At this point I'm a little too invested with my time to cut the bike as a total loss. It's been a great process either way. I'd like to get this bike up and running again to prove to myself I can do it.

I've already restored a lawnmower years ago, still cuts my grass to this day! My last project was an old and mistreated E30 BMW, I figure seeing as I fixed that, the bike should be doable.

I may be falling for the sunk costs fallacy

 

[jaguar]

I may be falling for the sunk costs fallacy

You are.
Would be better off to find a stock bike and use yours as a parts donor.

 

[TrialsRider]

Jag's right on that, if you plan to put anything on the road and not parked in a garage you need to start with a complete motorcycle.

 

[Y333KIN]

Fixed the wiring on the bike, got her started today and she purrs after the full service.
Also added support to the seat frame, still need to paint them but I'll get to that soon. Next up tidying the loom and servicing the forks.

 

[oldhondacafe]

I tried to make a "seat subframe that bolted on " for a "cafe bike" I did years ago. I didn't like it and it broke several times. I re did it by welding the stock size and wall thickness tubes back in and will not make the same mistake again. The OEM guys are engineers and know what will be strong enough. I've learned to trust that expertise now and not cob stuff up so much. The struts you made look thinner and lighter and are bolted on? First off it looks to light and it is a focal point? I would try to make it less obvious by using the stock size tubing, weld it, and paint it black to match. I think you could find a gas tank that fits better too, I would. It's cool to have "custom look" but it's really not so cool if it doesn't "flow". A tank off a late 1990s bike might make the transition better? and also cover more of hoses and fittings by the steering head. Or re shape the tanks tunnel so it fits more forward and lower? The rest of it does look pretty neat and clean and it looks like it could be a fun ride. note, I also have gone back to having both fenders on my bikes because it's much better to keep myself and the bike clean, and of course it's safer in the wet weather if I get caught out in it.

 

[Y333KIN]

Thanks OldHondaCafe, I have wondered how well the bolt on solution would work long term, this answers my question haha. Ideally I'd weld the correct diameter tubing form the seat rail to the frame, Will see if I can get a friend with a welding machine to help me out.

Waiting on a front fender to be shipped and working on a rear fender solution at the moment. The bike build has been an enjoyable rabbit hole. Plus the weathers turning towards the wet season in my part of the world so have to think about riding in that now.

I've done a fair bit since the last upload, here's the bike as it is now.