It doesn’t run and definitely needs some TLC, but I finally own my (very irresponsible) dream bike.
It looks amazing, man… love that funky rectangle light
Morgan said:
It looks amazing, man… love that funky rectangle light
That headlight reminds me of that old movie Dirt Bike Kid. Brings back memories!
Morgan said:
It looks amazing, man… love that funky rectangle light
That headlight reminds me of that old movie Dirt Bike Kid. Brings back memories!
I have to see that movie now, never even heard of it .
I’ve always loved these bikes. I’ve got an '84 Honda VT500 Ascot with the same square headlight… fun to ride and so cool .
Wade said:
I’ve always loved these bikes. I’ve got an '84 Honda VT500 Ascot with the same square headlight… fun to ride and so cool!
The square headlight is one of my favourite parts, very 80s vibes
Nice! Now you need to head over to v4musclebike.com for all the info
So you got it? That’s awesome! As long as you have your dream bike, you’re set. Enjoy bringing her back to life .
Congrats on the buy! I’m also a fan of those vintage Hondas and Yamahas
I’m absolutely in love with this bike. I’ve heard good things about the Sabres… enjoy it .
Just got myself a V45 Sabre last week and already looking for a V65 as my winter project. These things are a bit of an obsession now… big bore kits, aftermarket cams… can’t get enough.
Noel said:
Just got myself a V45 Sabre last week and already looking for a V65 as my winter project. These things are a bit of an obsession now… big bore kits, aftermarket cams… can’t get enough.
How do you like the V45? Seems like there are way more of those around compared to the V65s. I held off a couple years to get the V65 instead.
Would love to hear your thoughts on the V45 .
Congrats, man… great choice 
What a beauty! Make sure to keep us posted on your progress
The seat looks incredible. Give it a good clean (once it’s running) and it’ll be a beauty. Congrats… if you need any help, just shout .
Vega said:
The seat looks incredible. Give it a good clean (once it’s running) and it’ll be a beauty. Congrats… if you need any help, just shout!
I do need help! Should I get the carbs professionally rebuilt or give it a go myself?
I’ve done GL1100 carbs, but they never ran quite right after. I want this one to run perfectly.
@Keaton
Give it a go yourself… and if it doesn’t work out, then go pro. That’s my usual approach .
@Keaton
If you can afford it, I’d suggest finding someone experienced with Japanese carbs. Tuning those jets is really important. Grab a shop manual too… YouTube doesn’t have much specific for the V65 Sabre.
@Vega
I was thinking… maybe by the time I get all the tools to do it myself, I’d be only about $100 short of having it professionally done.
With my GL, I just used a basic rebuild kit and Chem Dip, but it wasn’t perfect. I had some flooding problems after the rebuild.
With this Sabre, I want it running like it just came off the line, without spending a fortune.
@Keaton
Go for OEM parts if you can. Cheap kits are mostly good just for gaskets. Jets need to be precise, and rubber parts need to be solid.
I rebuilt carbs for a Honda Shadow and a 40-year-old CB… not worth paying for. Just need patience… the tiniest bit of dirt can clog a jet. Did my first bike’s carb three times because of dirt in the fuel line.
If it runs smoky, rev it for a few miles… should clear up any carbon. And yeah, if it’s real smoky, manuals have head rebuild specs.
Only take it to a shop if all else fails. This is your dream bike, you’ll have more fun doing it yourself .