To rebore or not...

[drycounty]

Hey <br /><br />First post here -- although I'm sort of double posting here and in the &quot;general&quot; forum, so greetings everyone!<br /><br />I just picked up a running '65 Super Hawk (ebay purchase in case anyone recognizes the photo) along with two spare frames, two spare engines and a ton of parts for around $1170 (in my mind, a great bargain). There looks to be enough parts to adequately assemble 80% of another bike. The only problem is I'm not too mechanically inclined -- I've rebuilt top ends before, but that's about it. Nonethless, I'm excited and looking forward to a winter challenge.<br /><br />The runner is in great shape despite the fact that it has over 40k on it -- it travelled across the USA twice in the 70s and was rebuilt top to bottom in the mid 80s by the previous owner (in Japan, btw). Other modifications made were replacing the bars with higher, motocross style bars, painting the fenders and side covers, shortening the front fender and adding turn signals...<br /><br />So here's my engine question -- I'm considering either buying a set of standard pistons and rings or going with a larger bore 350 kit (which I should be getting with some additional parts soon). What would you recommend? Is 45cc really worth it? If I undergo this task, I'm also considering rebuilding the entire engine (which would be a good winter thing).<br /><br />Any/all help appreciated! Thanks in advance.<br /><br />Erik / Richmond VA USA

[kustommusic]

Eric, Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you've got somthing to keep you outta the bars! Congrats! My opinion(you know what they are worth)is go for the 350 kit. In the late 60's my older brother put a 350 kit in his cb77 and had a ball suprising friends etc. with similar bikes in a race. Also rode the bike from Texas to Calif. (he was in the army at the time) He was alwayse happy with the preformance. That is all I can tell ya, I know if I had a &quot;spare&quot; kit I shove it in.But hey, Good Luck either way. Keep us all posted on your progress.Steve Greer

[FireBob]

Hey Drycountry, great buy, lucky you! Definitly I would go with the bore kit, particularly if you have spare engines. Especially on the highway for long commutes it'll save you from having to downshift frequently to maintain speed, plus it'll be fun as hell to twist the throttle in city. If you end up swapping engines around be sure to use the serial # when ordering parts because of mid year model changes. When you get your bike built maybe you can put together a list of parts for sale on the forum, I know that I and others are always looking for spares. Good luck, and check out the tech pages on the site - very helpful!

[drycounty]

Firebob -- thanks for the kind words. Just got back with my second load of parts -- this batch contained some gaskets, the larger pistons (.25) and rings, a new speedo (shows a big &quot;1&quot; on the clock although glass is broken), new grips, a new headlamp some brake parts and more.<br /><br />As the advice of this board will be a PRICELESS thing I will gladly offer some of the spare parts up for sale provided I don't need to run through them during the rebuild. What are you in particular looking for? If you want, I'm at grotz at mac dot.com<br /><br />Thanks again.<br />