Author Topic: CB550 revamp (Read 22538 times)

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #25 on:** December 12, 2012, 12:05:44 PM »

yes, that's the exact junction. I have an email out to my machinist to see if he can check the sleeves to be sure they're all the way in and whether or not the cylinders need to be decked. I was mostly curious if Honda has any type of tolerance spec for the sleeves to cylinder height diff.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #26 on:** December 17, 2012, 12:20:31 AM »

Just got the bolts back from the platers and they look awesome! Also took the plunge and layed up the fiberglass for the new seat I'm planning for the bike. Was thinking of going without covers at first but now think it looks more interesting with the covers. I can always run with them off if I want to go for that look. Leaving the tabs on won't bother me and I like the idea of being able to have a place to stow things...

knowsnothing · « **Reply #27 on:** December 17, 2012, 09:07:07 AM »

Looking good.

Not sure if you have figured it out yet, but the sleeves should all be flush on the top. What i am guessing happened is you painted the block and then cured it. In doing so, the block expanded just enough for the sleeves to slip a bit. You can actually heat the block upside down in the oven enough to have the sleeves fall out.

I am not sure of the best way to fix this, but I am positive someone knows on this board. Maybe trying asking in the main section. Good luck.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #28 on:** December 17, 2012, 01:11:07 PM »

Yeah, been getting lots of feedback regarding the sleeves. I'll be trying warming up the block and gently tapping it down to see if it moves back down. Keeping fingers crossed that's all it takes.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #29 on:** January 02, 2013, 01:12:16 PM »

Got the cases closed back up over the holiday and the new forged pistons are connected to the rods. It's slowly becoming an engine again!

Pistons are JE pistons for the cb650 I sourced from Dynoman as a kit while they were on sale for $400 including a new cometic head gasket/pins/rings/clips. They're so shiny and new I almost don't want to put them in there!

Swingarm is off to Hondaman for a rebuild and I'm now looking for someone in my area to do some welding on the frame before I send it off to the powdercoater.

iron_worker · « **Reply #30 on:** January 02, 2013, 02:13:03 PM »

It's really coming together nicely in here! I hope to be at the engine re-assembly phases soon!

IW

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #31 on:** January 07, 2013, 12:28:56 PM »

It's definitely a process to get this all done. I spent a few hours polishing the covers this weekend and realized that the ignition cover I got from frankenstuff will not work with the stud on the 650 crank. It's simply too long. I've resorted to using the 650's aluminum cover instead which was a better call anyway since it matches the stator cover on the other side of the engine. I didn't go too crazy on the polishing either, this is a street bike so it's not going to be perfect all the time anyway.

Another issue I'm dealing with is that the clutch cover doesn't clear the 650's clutch gear...just need to remove a tiny bit of material from the cover for the clearance, same as what paulages had to do.

If anyone wants the cover, make me an offer. It's brand new, painted with dupicolor cast coat aluminum. The stainless bolts are included and the plexi panel is already installed. You'll need a cover gasket though as the kit did not include it.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #32 on:** January 07, 2013, 12:32:36 PM »

On another note, I talked to Geoff over at Colt Camshafts. He told me they offer 2 grinds of the 650 cam. The specs he mentioned were:

intake .226@50
lift .344

exhaust .237@50
lift 332.

I don't fully understand cam measurements yet so I'm not sure how these would even compare to the stock cam. He said it's just a little bit more than the stock cam and gives the bike a bit more on the midrange power. $165 for the regrind not including shipping sounds like a deal to me since I can use stock rockers and hardware and don't need to get hardweld rockers etc.

Would love to get some input on this.

Thanks!

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #33 on:** January 07, 2013, 12:54:17 PM »

Your project is coming along nicely.I kept the side covers on mine I like the way they look..

Matt

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #34 on:** January 07, 2013, 01:08:53 PM »

Matt,

you bike looks awesome! I'm planning on keeping my sidecovers as well. Also planning on using the same mounts for the electrical but will be making my own panel there for the motogadget m-unit I'm planning to use. What rear shocks are those btw? I'm looking at options...

-earl

Mcwilliams570 · « **Reply #35 on:** January 07, 2013, 01:16:08 PM »

Thanks for the compliment here is a link for the shocks not the same one but look on the guys store he will have them. I am not going to bash these shocks you get for what you pay for they work too stiff for my taste.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/13-5-340mm-Pair-Air-Shock-Absorber-Clevis-Honda-CB-750-RD-350-CB-Series-Replace-/170790257778?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&hash=item27c3e48472&vxp=mtr

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #36 on:** January 15, 2013, 11:18:01 AM »

The plan is to use Progressive or Hagon shocks/springs when I get to that point. Of course, I can't help it and also looked at Ohlins... Luckily, they don't have anything that would easily fit. My wallet thinks it's lucky at least, those shocks are expensive!

On another note, I do need some input on clutch setup. I have the 650 clutch basket and clutch disks installed but would like to know if there are other options on substitute products that are worthwhile. I don't plan on changing the springs but I do know EBC and Barnett offer Heavy Duty options...

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #37 on:** March 29, 2013, 03:10:02 PM »

Moving along albeit slowly. The frame is at my metal fabricators shop for the addition of a fork stop and the closing up of some frame ends as a result of me cutting parts off. Also got my swingarm and ported head back from Mark (aka hondaman). As soon as the frame is back, it's all going to powder coating..black.

I also scored a set of 3 point engine guards which I'll also have powdercoated. I resisted the thought of using them at first but decided that since nobody knows how to park a car in San Francisco, it is probably a good idea since I won't be parking off street much. Pics of the before and after as soon as it's back.

Also getting more parts nickel plated and the fiberglass seat I made is almost ready to go to out for upholstering. Tank and side covers have been debadged and will be getting painted in Sepang Bronze. I'm ordering the paint now.

I took pics of all the extra parts and I'll be updating my FS post with pics.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #38 on:** April 01, 2013, 08:44:18 PM »

Ok, dilema. I have a CB650 cam and the original CB550 cam. Should I get the 550 cam reground and sell the 650 cam? Or, should I just keep the 650 cam, run it and see how I like it. I know the 650 cam is considered to be a mild performance upgrade for a stock 550 but the engine I'm building up is a hybrid 550/650 with JE pistons and what should be 10.5:1 compression. Is keeping the 650 cam worthwhile or should I just get the 550 reground? Those cores are generally so much cheaper and I could sell the 650 cam to help offset the cost.

Any input would be appreciated!

goldarrow · « **Reply #39 on:** April 02, 2013, 12:37:52 AM »

Quote from: spdygnzlz on April 01, 2013, 08:44:18 PM

Ok, dilema. I have a CB650 cam and the original CB550 cam. Should I get the 550 cam reground and sell the 650 cam? Or, should I just keep the 650 cam, run it and see how I like it. I know the 650 cam is considered to be a mild performance upgrade for a stock 550 but the engine I'm building up is a hybrid 550/650 with JE pistons and what should be 10.5:1 compression. Is keeping the 650 cam worthwhile or should I just get the 550 reground? Those cores are generally so much cheaper and I could sell the 650 cam to help offset the cost.

Any input would be appreciated!

I have no clue what is or isn't beneficial in tour case of hybrid motor, but if you're letting go of the 650 cam, I'm interested. Along with the tach drive and plastic left and right side covers.

Great to see your project coming along nicely.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #40 on:** April 02, 2013, 01:11:41 PM »

I'll def. keep you posted once I decide which direction I'm taking it.

...and to think, this was just supposed to be a bike for getting around town, nothing too complicated. Funny how everything always ends up this way...complicated.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #41 on:** April 02, 2013, 02:15:03 PM »

Quote from: spdygnzlz on April 02, 2013, 01:11:41 PM

I'll def. keep you posted once I decide which direction I'm taking it.

...and to think, this was just supposed to be a bike for getting around town, nothing too complicated. Funny how everything always ends up this way...complicated.

Matt,

If your intent is to have a (hot) bike for getting around town, I’d keep the 650 cam and see if you’re happy with it. You can always change your mind and swap it out later. The value of 650 cams isn’t going down any time soon.

I’d be interested in the clutch case for my Interceptor if you still need a loving home for it.

Cheers
FJ

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #42 on:** April 02, 2013, 07:27:00 PM »

That's what I've been thinking about doing recently. I figured, I'm already putting money into powdercoating the frame/swingarm and replating some of the old hardware. I can hold off on the cam and get the motogadget m-unit for when I start wiring it all back up. Hoping to have it all buttoned up in the next few months so I can actually ride it this summer!

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #43 on:** April 03, 2013, 02:49:40 PM »

FJ,

I have the full bottom end cases and covers for the 650 except the alloy ignition cover which I'm using. If you want the 650 clutch cover, I can take a photo to make sure we're talking about the same thing first.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #44 on:** April 05, 2013, 12:23:05 PM »

Psyched! Everything it out getting things done! Frame/Swingarm and assorted bits are all at powdercoater. Bolts are at plater. Head is at machine shop getting machined for fitting of external oil lines. Not really looking forward to the sudden lightness of my wallet but it's good to know it's all moving along. Pics as soon as it's all back in the shop.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #45 on:** April 07, 2013, 10:41:56 PM »

Ok, was working on the engine covers and going through the parts...and I seem to have misplaced this part. I'll keep looking but now I'm not so sure it was ever there. If anyone knows whether or not its necessary, let me know and I'll start the hunt for the part.

Thanks!

http://images.cmsnl.com/img/products/protectorcase_big11353363000-01_7df0.jpg

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #46 on:** April 19, 2013, 12:28:31 PM »

Got the frame back from powdercoating and couldn't help myself from bolting some of the stuff together loosely. I know it has to come back apart to make installing the engine easier but still, it's fun to do. Still not sure if I'm going to run the case guards I also had painted but seeing as SF people don't know how to park their cars, it's probably a good idea. I can always take them off later.

Also took a closer look at the 650 cam and saw some pitting on 2 of the lobes. You guys think this is ok? The rockers have already been coated at cycle-x.

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #47 on:** April 19, 2013, 01:38:05 PM »

When I got my frame back I went through all the threads with a tap to chase out all the powdercoat

RAFster122s · « **Reply #48 on:** April 19, 2013, 01:52:31 PM »

+1 on the thread chasing, saves grief from what I have read. Looking good.

spdygnzlz · « **Reply #49 on:** April 21, 2013, 01:56:27 PM »

Just chased the threads. Not really many to do that on. Anyway, now planning out the wiring up of the bike and considering the ratty state of the original harness, I'm looking at other options. I know of 2 modern wiring options out there: the motogadget m-unit or the thunder heart harness controller. The thunderheart unit looks to be a complete wiring solution and includes a full set of new wires to run as needed. The motogadget unit is about the same price but does not include anything except the controller itself. Has anyone tried either of these two?

Would appreciate the feedback!

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Author Topic: CB550 revamp (Read 22538 times)