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Dream Time

Nice. I was never really interested in the Dreams but one came up near me about a year ago so I bought it and it’s a pleasure to ride. I’m glad I got it in the end. Yours is a nice looking example. I like the blue.
 
Nice, looks like a 65-66. I've heard it said that Yoshiro was the most proud of this model. Mine is probably my favorite too. Watch out for the rear edge of that front fender, easily bent when going off curbs, that one is still straight.
 
I don't have the right mounting set up for the Twinmaster bags, I believe the system that came with set is for a BMW. I played around awhile this afternoon with some homemade fabrication and I am not sure I like the look. I will keep searching for a Buco Honda Dream mounting system, but them don't show up everyday. It still needs some more support brackets but at least I know what the bags will look like eventually, after a lot work. I am, thinking of wiring in one set of lights as additional braking. IMG_1494.JPGIMG_1495.JPG
 
Sits a little wider than I thought. Member, 2wheel has those bags mounted, might check his pics.

Cycleranger made me several extra seat logo stencils in the old script, if you want to go a bit custom, I'll gladly send you one.

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It’s hard to tell if your brackets are like mine exactly but the aluminum “plate” that the bags fasten to is bolted directly to the bike without additional hardware. The front mounts under the upper shock acorn nut and I would have to double check the rear fitment. Then there is a lower bracket that kind of hooks the muffler. I’ve seen these bags mounted without the lower brace though. Better pic of the lower brace.
 

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2wheel said:
It’s hard to tell if your brackets are like mine exactly but the aluminum “plate” that the bags fasten to is bolted directly to the bike without additional hardware. The front mounts under the upper shock acorn nut and I would have to double check the rear fitment. Then there is a lower bracket that kind of hooks the muffler. I’ve seen these bags mounted without the lower brace though. Better pic of the lower brace.
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I just noticed the spring clips on the bottom near the muffler bracket. What do they do? The Dreams do have a shake or vibration (seen a few fender cracks near tail light).I would want my vintage fiberglass or plastic protected from that.
 
You guys have been a great help. I agree the bags sit too far out. The plate that came with my set is not aluminum but chrome steel. The angle on the bend is not nearly deep enough to bolt to the top of the shock, so I am relatively sure the plates are not for a Dream. Looks like I have two choices, try to bend the set I have currently or buy aluminum stock and fab a new plates. It will have to be bent by hand, no access to a break. Any other close up shots would be greatly appreciated, particularly the rear plate mounting point, I have searched the web high an low for a Buco Dream mounting system, rarer than a loveable Mother-in-Law. Ballearian I really appreciate the stencil offer I will PM you my address. Thanks so much guys, pieces from the proto-type are going back in the scrap metal pile and I will start over.
 
ballbearian said:
I just noticed the spring clips on the bottom near the muffler bracket. What do they do? The Dreams do have a shake or vibration (seen a few fender cracks near tail light).I would want my vintage fiberglass or plastic protected from that.
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the hard bags can be removed with a couple retaining spring pins at the top of the bracket and they “snap” into those spring clips under the bags.
 
britman said:
You guys have been a great help. I agree the bags sit too far out. The plate that came with my set is not aluminum but chrome steel. The angle on the bend is not nearly deep enough to bolt to the top of the shock, so I am relatively sure the plates are not for a Dream. Looks like I have two choices, try to bend the set I have currently or buy aluminum stock and fab a new plates. It will have to be bent by hand, no access to a break. Any other close up shots would be greatly appreciated, particularly the rear plate mounting point, I have searched the web high an low for a Buco Dream mounting system, rarer than a loveable Mother-in-Law. Ballearian I really appreciate the stencil offer I will PM you my address. Thanks so much guys, pieces from the proto-type are going back in the scrap metal pile and I will start over.
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I’ll get some measurements tomorrow of the brackets so you can fab some up.
 
I will also put up a shot of the brackets I have and the mounting system that came with the bags later this morning, it is much more complicated than what the shots show a mounting system to be on an actual Dream. It might help another poor soul searching on the proper set up. It certainly has caused me to overthink a very simple solution. I will have to see what and if is needed for under the bag support concerning the muffler brackets because there are none in my case, One of the things I enjoy the most in my Neanderthal inspired shop is making "stuff", it keeps the old 75 year old synapses firing. Again thanks one and all, your efforts are greatly appreciated.....

George
 
britman said:
Picking this up next week. For some reason I have decided I needed to own one, probably the on sought on senility. I also found a set of period Buco bags I will have to restore to really add to the flair.....Will throw some additional shots up when it get home....

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Something really cool about this model. Style, design and authentic look!
 
britman said:
I will also put up a shot of the brackets I have and the mounting system that came with the bags later this morning, it is much more complicated than what the shots show a mounting system to be on an actual Dream. It might help another poor soul searching on the proper set up. It certainly has caused me to overthink a very simple solution. I will have to see what and if is needed for under the bag support concerning the muffler brackets because there are none in my case, One of the things I enjoy the most in my Neanderthal inspired shop is making "stuff", it keeps the old 75 year old synapses firing. Again thanks one and all, your efforts are greatly appreciated.....

George
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2wheel's bike is fun to see (I live close) and check out the vintage install of all the 'full dress' goodies, as it was done back in the day, with all the then available custom aftermarket and possibly official Honda accessory hardware. His turn signal switch is a real gem.
Those muffler brackets remind me of custom chromed semi-tractor pipe bracket/clamps, perhaps a source for something that could be repurposed.
 
ballbearian said:
2wheel's bike is fun to see (I live close) and check out the vintage install of all the 'full dress' goodies, as it was done back in the day, with all the then available custom aftermarket and possibly official Honda accessory hardware. His turn signal switch is a real gem.
Those muffler brackets remind me of custom chromed semi-tractor pipe bracket/clamps, perhaps a source for something that could be repurposed.
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You never got to see it in all its glory with the Buco windshield installed. I didn’t care for the look at all. Plus the little leather purse that was attached to the inside was just too much.
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2wheel said:
You never got to see it in all its glory with the Buco windshield installed. I didn’t care for the look at all. Plus the little leather purse that was attached to the inside was just too much.
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Definitely full-dress Harley-esque. The City of Tampa bikes were just like that when I started in '76, handlebar-style windshields (but mounted to the sides of the huge headlight shell/fork covers) with the leather pouch behind every one. At that time the newest bike was a '72, most were '71s and '70s.
 
Here is a shot of my bracketry, I guess there is sure a word as bracketry. No way in the world this was going to adapt to a Dream, but it looks good on a BMW. 2 Wheel, my compliments to the Chef, that is coolest dressed Dream I have ever seen....

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Ok. Here are some pics. I think you actually have most of the hardware you need for the install. The front of the chrome mounting plate bolts under the acorn nut of the shock. The back of the bracket is bolted to the rear fender brace just in front of the Honda engraved plate with a spacer behind the chrome plate to hold it out in the proper location. . I think the curved pieces you have bolt to the chrome bracket and maybe the same mounting point as mine. like you said you are missing the one bracket with the rod that the bottom of the bag spring clips attach to, but going by the pic above that uses the curved bracket I think you are close.


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2W, I certainly can't ask for any better photo's. Thank you so much. I will look at what I have again but I still think if I make my mounting plates work, they are going to have to be bent, or a new set fabricated. Your set have much more radical angles than mine do. Look at how narrow the section is where yours mounts to the shock top shock mount compared to my set. Can mine be shaped enough to work, I guess we will find out. At least I know now what it is supposed to look like. I will work something out and be on the look out for some muffler clamps. I am pretty such I can fab the bottom support with threaded rod and some angle iron stock. I will head back to the garage with copies of your photos, a cup of hot coffee, and a clear mind and see what happens. Really appreciate your efforts......

George
 
I think I have found one mounting plate on Ebay, with the right angles in rough condition but at least I will have a template. Oh well it is only money......
 
ballbearian said:
Sits a little wider than I thought. Member, 2wheel has those bags mounted, might check his pics.

Cycleranger made me several extra seat logo stencils in the old script, if you want to go a bit custom, I'll gladly send you one.

ojk6Mxzm.jpg
Click to expand...
I have lots of those seat logo stencils left if anyone wants one let me know.
 
britman said:
I think I have found one mounting plate on Ebay, with the right angles in rough condition but at least I will have a template. Oh well it is only money......
Click to expand...

you are correct that the plate you have doesn’t mount directly to the shock bolt like my setup but they do, I believe mount to the circular pieces that you have. and I think they might mount to the top of the shock and another rear point. (I’m referencing your rear pic you posted). Edit: after looking at your pic a bit longer the circular pc mounts in board of the shock and surrounds the shock. It’s hard to tell where it bolts to but I would think the rear fender brace. See if the bolt holes line up between the two image.jpg
 
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2W I have tried that circular piece in every configuration possible as base for mounting the attachment plate where the saddlebags pin, it just does not line up. If you look at the picture below my system of the BMW with system mounted it appears the bike has flat sided fenders where our Dreams have the raised section for the shock mounts. Even the holes in the piece are too small for a Dream shock bolt, which I take as sign the system is not intended for a Honda. I must say I like the close inset of the bags on your bike as compared to how far they set out on the BMW in the picture. I think Buco adapted a lot of different set ups for the bags for different bikes, many with similar pieces. There is a Buco mounting system on Ebay currently for a Honda 500 that has muffler clamps, but are they the same as Dream pipes, who knows. Your efforts have gone well above the expected, and ares so much appreciated. I am going to continue to re-think the situation, wait for the bracket to arrive, and go from there. I will certainly keep you updated and if anyone runs across a Buco mounting system for a Dream please let me know.

George
 
britman said:
2W I have tried that circular piece in every configuration possible as base for mounting the attachment plate where the saddlebags pin, it just does not line up. If you look at the picture below my system of the BMW with system mounted it appears the bike has flat sided fenders where our Dreams have the raised section for the shock mounts. Even the holes in the piece are too small for a Dream shock bolt, which I take as sign the system is not intended for a Honda. I must say I like the close inset of the bags on your bike as compared to how far they set out on the BMW in the picture. I think Buco adapted a lot of different set ups for the bags for different bikes, many with similar pieces. There is a Buco mounting system on Ebay currently for a Honda 500 that has muffler clamps, but are they the same as Dream pipes, who knows. Your efforts have gone well above the expected, and ares so much appreciated. I am going to continue to re-think the situation, wait for the bracket to arrive, and go from there. I will certainly keep you updated and if anyone runs across a Buco mounting system for a Dream please let me know.

George
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OK, I will take some detailed measurements of the mounting bracket when I get home from work later. I think Buco made brackets for about every 60's bike possible. Hope you find some. I was at an auction that sold a 59 Triumph Speed Twin and it had these same bags mounted and looked factory done.
 
I am pretty sure the one I have on the way is correct. like I said, at least I would have a template. The detailed measurements would be great. Going to spend the rest of the afternoon getting up leaves. Good time to think. Your help has been invaluable. Again thanks....
 
Being born stubborn I put the leaves off for awhile and went to the garage. I enlarged a picture of the bracket I have coming and went to work on the flat one. With the propane torch, a couple of pieces of thick steel strips, and the heavy duty vise I did a little reforming. I completely flattened the bracket first and eye balled the angles from the one in picture, it is damn close. Of course it does now have a hammered aluminum texture but I believe I can work it a little more for a better appearance. I think the metal still has good structural integrity and worst come to worst I have brackets to mount bags. They might not be pretty but they will work in a pinch. I will do the second one tomorrow, I hate leaves......

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Rainy day, perfect to play around in the garage. The Buco Saddlebag saga continues. I got the right side pretty much fabbed up today. Of course everything still needs touch up and the bags are not going to be permanently mounted until they are restored. I did add a brace from the bottom shock mount to the bottom bag bar bracket. Since I am not running muffler clamps it made the entire mounting system much more secure. I also addressed the left side missing bottom bag mount brace, I made a facsimile there of. I believe it will work until I can locate an original mounting system and chances are looking pretty slim int that department. ( Just not Buco's until to can remove them in a snap.) Tomorrow the very used top mounting plate is supposed to arrive. If the the condition is too far gone I will adjust the flat one. It is a total PITA to do so, but such is the fun time of fooling with vintage motorcycles. . By the way the dog (Byrdie) is so embarrassed about how dirty my garage is, getting a good clean tomorrow. Happy Thanksgiving one and all..... IMG_1507.JPGIMG_1508.JPG
 

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A clear case of proximity imagination contamination.

I've never ridden anything like your XS650 but it sure looks good.
 
There was a guy on Facebook Marketplace this morning that had three sets of Buco Twinmaster Bags and one set of complete original hardware. Guess what he sold first, he still has the bags if anyone is interested. Just like Agent Maxwell Smart used to say, "Missed it by that Much".........
 
My face is not red anymore and I promise no more psychedelic mushrooms when working on saddle bag problems. Homemade piece of aluminum strapping, (some pretty chrome ones are on order) and even with the thin material I was amazed at how much more secure the bag was. Put everything up till after the Holiday, the mounting plate arrived and it is for the left side, the one needed, rusty but will serve its purpose. Remember no over eating tomorrow and be nice to that weird Aunt that show up for Holiday. Enjoy a great Thanksgiving one and all......

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The bags have been broken down and the next step is preparing them for paint. I am leaning to using white epoxy appliance paint. It is a real pain to shoot because it produces a lot of over spray and takes forever to cure, but when it does, it is rock hard. I have used it on a couple of frames and center stand hardware for durability and been very satisficed with the results. I have ordered new beehive lenses for all four lights and found a bulb holder that I believe I can adapt to the stock saddlebag light bases. It is a Satco 80-2099 single bayonet socket. Use can use a 1056 bulb on the single socket and they also make a dual if you want to run a 1057 for brake and tail light. The key factor is the socket has a threaded base that should work with the support brace that holds the unit in place inside the bag. Right now the bike is on the lift and I am repairing some scratches and dings. I had a spray can of VMR Planet Blue Metallic left over from a 750K project and it is damn close to a match and showing pretty good results. I am still searching for correct period correct mounting brackets for the bags, but at least I know if worst comes to worst I can get them on with with I currently have. With the weather here turning to the cold side I am going to spend sometime detailing the bike and motor first, there is a long list of things I need to do and I am enjoying every minute of the process.....

gellerlighting.com

Satco 80-2099 SINGLE BAYONET METAL SKT WITH

Bulk Pricing Available On Satco's 80-2099. Request a quote on our website. Its UPC is 45923820991
gellerlighting.com gellerlighting.com
 
In words of Monty Python, "Now for something completely different". I was worried about the condition of the rear brakes and sprockets on the "Old Girl" so I pulled the rear wheel today. I guess I have seen a rear that was more of a PITA to pull, but I really can't remember when. I have a couple of manuals for the 305 models, but it is amazing how little is devoted to the Dream. Since we all know how much of a unicorn shoes and sprockets are for this model, I was really expecting the worst. The brake drum looks great, no scratches or grooves. I would estimate shoe wear at around 60 to 75 percent, so I will be looking for another set of shoes, or a spare set to have re-lined in the near future, but with the limited miles this bike will see, I will be fine for the time being. The sprockets are stock size, and have some wear but can go awhile longer also,. The chain is stretched considerably, enough I could probably remove a link and re-use it, but I think a new one will be ordered. Overall I was pleased and going to spend some time cleaning, touching up paint, and polishing before I bolt anything back up.......IMG_1523.JPG


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