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Full Version: How long will a CB engine last?
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As some of us our getting into high mileage on our CB's with several of us in the 100,000 mile range, how long do you think a CB engine can go before needing major repair?

The old benchmark for longevity/reliability used to be 100,000 miles (for cars and bikes), but now we are seeing cars and bikes with well over 200,000 miles. My record is 282,350 miles on my 91 Honda Accord and I traded it in with no known mechanical issues (on another Honda Accord)... and I put 110,000 miles on my Honda ST 1300 before a failure with the braking system encouraged me to sell, but there is a guy on the ST forum that just turned over 350,000 miles on his ST 1300.
Well I think we already have 6 figure mileage on some CBs here on the forum. I'm approaching 60k myself, but I guess it depends on what you mean by a Major repair?
(04-03-2023, 12:21 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]As some of us our getting into high mileage on our CB's with several of us in the 100,000 mile range, how long do you think a CB engine can go before needing major repair?

The old benchmark for longevity/reliability used to be 100,000 miles (for cars and bikes), but now we are seeing cars and bikes with well over 200,000 miles. My record is 282,350 miles on my 91 Honda Accord and I traded it in with no known mechanical issues (on another Honda Accord)... and I put 110,000 miles on my Honda ST 1300 before a failure with the braking system encouraged me to sell, but there is a guy on the ST forum that just turned over 350,000 miles on his ST 1300.

Big believer here in frequent service intervals - I think that makes the difference. The CB engine also seems to be pretty low stressed and many of us don't push it too hard anyway.

I've seen examples of more high strung Honda motors that have lasted quite a while. I remember seeing a post about a guy who crashed his CBR600RR at 170k miles and had to replace the engine since the crankshaft touched down and cracked the block. He cracked open the engine to see that it was pretty pristine at that high mileage and the cylinders still had crosshatch marks visible. He even used some of the parts from the older engine on the new/used replacement he found.

I'm not sure if that's applicable here, but if you get 100k out of the CB and it gets regular service, I wouldn't be worried.
Yes we have several over 100K and one I think over 135K. Major motor repair would be upper end... piston, valve or cam related IMO, as in your valve guides are worn out, or your piston rings are shot, or you need a top end overhaul...something like that.
(04-03-2023, 12:59 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Yes we have several over 100K and one I think over 135K. Major motor repair would be upper end... piston, valve or cam related IMO, as in your valve guides are worn out, or your piston rings are shot, or you need a top end overhaul...something like that.

oh man, I think this bike might actually never need that. Are we still keeping a tally on people who have NEVER needed to have the valves adjusted?
(04-03-2023, 02:07 AM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-03-2023, 12:59 AM)The ferret_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Yes we have several over 100K and one I think over 135K. Major motor repair would be upper end... piston, valve or cam related IMO, as in your valve guides are worn out, or your piston rings are shot, or you need a top end overhaul...something like that.

oh man, I think this bike might actually never need that. Are we still keeping a tally on people who have NEVER needed to have the valves adjusted?

(+1) Here. Never needed.
Keep the oil changed...and I can't imagine that 200k isn't easily doable.

Wouldn't hurt to run some Berryman's through a tank every soo often. Since these bikes are typically ridden leisurely- they tend to build carbon on the pistons from what I've seen on numerous low mile wrecked / parted bike pictures.
(04-03-2023, 04:13 AM)PowerDubs_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Keep the oil changed...and I can't imagine that 200k isn't easily doable.

Wouldn't hurt to run some Berryman's through a tank every soo often. Since these bikes are typically ridden leisurely- they tend to build carbon on the pistons from what I've seen on numerous low mile wrecked / parted bike pictures.

oh goody. finally validation for my heavy throttle hand. I can just say i'm preventing carbon buildup.
PowerDubs, may be you said it somewhere and I missed it, could you please explain what one sees n your avatar (under your name on the left).
(04-03-2023, 04:30 AM)misterprofessionality_imp Wrote: [ -> ]
(04-03-2023, 04:13 AM)PowerDubs_imp Wrote: [ -> ]Keep the oil changed...and I can't imagine that 200k isn't easily doable.

Wouldn't hurt to run some Berryman's through a tank every soo often. Since these bikes are typically ridden leisurely- they tend to build carbon on the pistons from what I've seen on numerous low mile wrecked / parted bike pictures.

oh goody. finally validation for my heavy throttle hand. I can just say i'm preventing carbon buildup.


That's not a lie- on both cars and bikes.

Using them 'easy' is worse.

More throttle = more fuel spray- keeps injectors, intake ports, and combustion chamber cleaner.

More heat keeps combustion chamber (head, valves, spark plug, pistons) as well as cat if you have one, O2 sensors... cleaner.
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