QuestionI've had this 1983 Honda CM450E for about 2 1/2 years now, using it to commute 40 miles each way on dry, warm days. Winter garage storage. When getting it out this year, I find the seat is loose. It's probably not the original seat, but was juryrigged to stay attached by the prior owner/mechanic. The seat stays under me, but is only setting ontop of the frame. The front of the seat is tucked under the lip, but there is no back "attachment".
I enclose photos. There are two #5 metric bolts sticking down from the seat, that line up with two too large holes in a chrome bracket in the rear fender. I think the piece that had tied them together, loosened and dropped off. Prior owner says he thinks it was a wingnut affair.
I have found a machine screw that matches and temporarily attached a piece of aluminum that accepts the screw from above. But it's only aslignment.... no tightening...no attachment yet.
Can you advise anything to attach or hold it together? It must release, and I'd like to get one more season on this bike before selling it back to the prior owners' friend. ANY advice is welcome.
Thanks.
AnswerKirk, the photos didn't come through, so I am a little in the dark about your question/problem.
Look at the illustrations here:
http://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cm450e-82-us_model1052/partslist/F++15.html
The rear of the seat clipped into retainer latches, as shown.
There is hardware for sale on Ebay...
http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_trksid=m570&_nkw=cm450+seat
Searching CM400 will get you more info/parts on Ebay, as well.
You might even try some nylon ZIP-Ties to help secure things, but using the OEM seat latches and retainer system is what is going to be most satisfactory and safest, in the long run.
Don't overlook oil changes, valve adjustments, camchain adjustments and the balancer shaft adjustment on the right side cover.
Bill Silver
