Motorcycle Repair: 1981 Honda CB650 Custom - Handlebars, honda cb650 custom, 1981 honda cb650

Question
My dad brought a 1981 Honda CB650 Custom bike in to a mechanic who has so far billed us for $950 and still does not have the bike in running condition.  According to him, we still need a set of handlebars and a gas tank to get the bike operational. I think I have a line on a used gas tank, but I am not sure what the specs are for the handlebars.  I know he really enjoyed the "sit back" feel of the bike when it was operational, do you have a suggestion on a parts dealer we could contact to get the handlebars and/or the specs (ie. rise, pullback,etc) on the OEM bars that were on the bike?

Would also welcome comments on the current price tag for a repair job on a bike that had been idle for at least 9 years...
TIA.
steve

Answer
Steve, it is hard to evaluate the cost of repairs of your bike w/o a lot of details. When any motorcycle sits unused for 9 years, a lot of deterioration can occur. The fuel system is often the most difficult and expensive part to repair/refurbish. Old gas deposits can cause corrosion, rust in the tank, petcock and carburetors, often etching the metal away requiring replacements. Most fuel tanks can be chemically treated with several products available like POR15, KREEM, Yamaha fuel tank cleaner, etc. IF the tank is rusted through then it becomes a pretty big repair and often it is cheaper to replace it with a good used one, if they can be found.
I have no idea about the issue with the handlebars... either they are bent or cracked I suppose. The specifics of the OEM bars would probably be hard to find, but lots of handlebars are out there in the aftermarket. IF you want a new set, to go www.westernhillshonda.com
53100-460-000 HANDLEBAR 1 $68.95. Check Ebay auctions for fuel tanks, too.

As far as the rest of the bike... I would be replacing or repairing: air filter, battery, fuel tank, carburetors, petcock, fork seals, caliper and master cylinder, drive chain and both tires, in order to be safe and fully functional out there on the highway. Parts are not cheap and if you are paying $60+ hour for labor the bill adds up in a hurry. FYI a new rack of carburetors is listed at over $1,000 now.

Bill Silver