Topic: '73 500 - Subframe Fabrication

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

When I contacted Jeff directly, he indicated that his kit was fully
complete. His has all the linkages, intakes, filters, etc. Whether they differ, only he can say.

There is a $500 price difference between the two ($699 for Cycle X vs. $1199 for Godffrey).  The Godffrey's kit appears to include pods in addition to the stock velocity stacks, manifolds with vacuum adpatper (not sure how those work), and extra jets.  Not sure how else the two kits differ, but I'll have to ask Jeff down the road.

[calj737]

Actually, that's a pretty darn expensive rug. Not the best backdrop for a black engine photo though...

I'll be documenting the single switch to M-button on my 550 thread within the week.  Using the m-unit, m-button, and their Chrono gauge on that bike. So it should be comprehensive coverage. This bike will add the m-key (wiresless ignition). But you're right, the wiring for this bike is months away.

[riverfever]

Bad. Ass. Cal. Super psyched to see this start to come together. Also very interested in seeing more of the motogadget unit.

[calj737]

I'm hoping I can get a buddy to anodize m new gauge bracket for me tomorrow, so I can exorcise the electrical demons installed by a screw-up shop... If there will be a major delay, I'll run the bracket in semi-polished aluminum until fall-

Keep an eye on the 550 build for progress with MotoGadget. That bike is also running Dyna coils, Dyna ignition, Rick's regulator, and a single multi-function switch on the left. LED indicators and H4 headlight. And a Shorai Li-Ion battery. I'll also be pulling some charging info before, during and after for documentation.

[calj737]

These little beauties arrived today...









Monday they go off for a spa day and get their thermal reflective coating for the domes. Should keep them beautiful their whole life (and perform better). Take note of the clearance info on the package. Gotta love a high quality product. No one will ever see them, but at least I can show them a picture of "whats inside!"

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

These little beauties arrived today...









Monday they go off for a spa day and get their thermal reflective coating for the domes. Should keep them beautiful their whole life (and perform better). Take note of the clearance info on the package. Gotta love a high quality product. No one will ever see them, but at least I can show them a picture of "whats inside!"

Purty!  Cal, do you know how the Wiseco 59mm (0.05 mm over) 10:1 pistons compare PERFORMANCE-wise with the lower compression cruzinimage ebay 61.5mm pistons (http://www.ebay.com/itm/161127970617?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_1047wt_1124)

Jordan is going to run the larger displacement/lower compression cruzinimage kit on his motor, and you are running the smaller displacement/higher compression kit on yours.  There are some other differences in your build specs, too.  Do I see a Dyno comparison in the future?

[calj737]

"IF" I could find a reputable shop locally to actually run my engine on a dyno, I would do that for information purposes. I think I'll have the advantage though: M Rieck Stage 3 head, cam, these beauties, and CR-26s. I know he's planning on Mikuni carbs and 600cc, but hey, he's a KID! No way can youth outperform wisdom and experience...

I'm far to wise not to use every trick in the book. My motto, win at all costs, cheat if necessary 

(I'd probably hook up my buddy's SuperDuke and sub its numbers just to screw with him!)

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

"IF" I could find a reputable shop locally to actually run my engine on a dyno, I would do that for information purposes. I think I'll have the advantage though: M Rieck Stage 3 head, cam, these beauties, and CR-26s. I know he's planning on Mikuni carbs and 600cc, but hey, he's a KID! No way can youth outperform wisdom and experience...

I'm far to wise not to use every trick in the book. My motto, win at all costs, cheat if necessary 

(I'd probably hook up my buddy's SuperDuke and sub its numbers just to screw with him!)

Holy crap.  Your buddy has The Beast!  That bike is ridiculously awesome.  Way too much bike for me, but I LOVE it!

KTM 1290 Super Duke R - The Beast Escape

[calj737]

His is the 2007 SuperDuke, 900. Beautiful bike. I caught up with him today for anti, and the bastard drops the bomb on me that it's for sale!!! What the Ef? I would have bought it 60 days ago before I plopped down my kids inheritance on this 500 and my R90 build... Timing is everything and mine sucks!

He runs the parts department a nearby BMW dealer so the bike is spectacular condition and well upgraded. $6,900 with only 17k on it. And not a scratch or knick.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

His is the 2007 SuperDuke, 900. Beautiful bike. I caught up with him today for anti, and the bastard drops the bomb on me that it's for sale!!! What the Ef? I would have bought it 60 days ago before I plopped down my kids inheritance on this 500 and my R90 build... Timing is everything and mine sucks!

He runs the parts department a nearby BMW dealer so the bike is spectacular condition and well upgraded. $6,900 with only 17k on it. And not a scratch or knick.

Don't get me wrong.  The 900 Super D IS a great bike.  And that sounds like it might be a deal -- how spectacular of a deal depends on the upgrades.  All of us would probably be pleased as punch to have it.  All that said, my jaw hit the floor when I saw and threw a leg over the new 2014 1290.  It truly is The Beast.

[calj737]

Roger that. Although, BMWs new S1000R Naked due out would  be a strong contender too. That bike, KTM and the new Monster 1200 would make a pretty interesting 3-wide ride!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Roger that. Although, BMWs new S1000R Naked due out would  be a strong contender too. That bike, KTM and the new Monster 1200 would make a pretty interesting 3-wide ride!

I like all three, but I think the KTM is the performance leader. The BMW is a second but will probably retain its value better.

[riverfever]

I don't even smoke and I think I need a cigarette. 

[Tsunami]

sHEEEEITTTTT, knock of 40 years and I would match my death wish on it!  Hey in the day a Kawi Triple just about had me crap my pants as it got airborne!!!!!  Luckly at my age I can say, fellas go have a great time, as long as you don't have children?   

[calj737]

Fear not, Tsunami. We may throw a leg over them, but you don't hear us telling tales of actually buying them! I might have bought the 900, and I am lusting quite heavily after a new K1300s to fill a void in the stable, but a 1300 hooligan, nah, wisdom is overtaking ego readily.

But a man must dream- 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Fear not, Tsunami. We may throw a leg over them, but you don't hear us telling tales of actually buying them! I might have bought the 900, and I am lusting quite heavily after a new K1300s to fill a void in the stable, but a 1300 hooligan, nah, wisdom is overtaking ego readily.

But a man must dream- 

WAY too much bike for me. But it is so damn cool.

[calj737]

So I got in the mail a new set of Wiseco 59mm pistons for this build. They are so dang pretty, almost a shame to hide them away inside-


I then promptly ran them to the power coater for a thermal reflective coating. This coating will significantly aide in increasing the combustion temp by preventing heat radiating through the piston, and substantially reduce damage to the piston from detonation. Lean is mean, they say-

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

So I got in the mail a new set of Wiseco 59mm pistons for this build. They are so dang pretty, almost a shame to hide them away inside-


I then promptly ran them to the power coater for a thermal reflective coating. This coating will significantly aide in increasing the combustion temp by preventing heat radiating through the piston, and substantially reduce damage to the piston from detonation. Lean is mean, they say-

That's a very thin coating in the dome - you can still make out the laser-etched serial numbers.  Any idea how the Cycle X coatings rate?

[calj737]

No clue, didn't know anything about it. These pistons came from Dynoman via MRieck.

This engine has been treated with thermal coatings everywhere appropriate: head, jugs, oil pan, filter cover, piston domes, inside of exhaust. Doing everything possible during the build to provide the longest lasting cooling and heat control I can. Build it once, build it right, build it forever.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Damn skippy. Have you seen any heavy duty cam chains or tensioners available? Or are they even necessary as they are recommended for hopped up 750 engines?

[calj737]

No feedback, no advertised parts. I'll just use stock parts, but get an adjustable cam sprocket from Dynoman. It's only $38 and it's got to make the new Mega cam much easier to dial in.

Mike R sent me a bevy of emails today. Head is done, ended up milling it a scosh to flatten the gasket surface. Sending along a new MLS 0.30 head gasket with my project. Godferrey sent me an email yesterday that the CR carbs should be heading to me late next week.

I'm going to have to get busy and build this dang thing. I'll have $9k worth of parts sitting around with no home! (Maybe I'll drop the power plant in my 550 build :-) that would shake the college boy up!

[bwaller]

Damn skippy. Have you seen any heavy duty cam chains or tensioners available? Or are they even necessary as they are recommended for hopped up 750 engines?

You can shorten a 750 HD Tsubaki camchain to use in a 500/550. The stock slipper type tensioner is kind to camchains and I've never seen anything offered as an improvement. However turboguzzi installed a tensioner from a CBR600 in his race engine, mostly because of drastic decking work.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=55162.0

[calj737]

Appreciate the heads up. Doesn't seem necessary by most peoples account. And the engine isn't that hopped up to warrant a "race" type solution. Seems as though stock is good.

Cheers-

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Appreciate the heads up. Doesn't seem necessary by most peoples account. And the engine isn't that hopped up to warrant a "race" type solution. Seems as though stock is good.

Cheers-

That seems to be the consensus on the forum. I'm going to find some OEM replacements for my 550.

[bwaller]

Yes for certain, the stock chain is not a weak link. I suppose the only advantage to the Tsubaki is the side plates are a little thicker with flat edges so at constant high revs is easier on the tensioner blade.

The blades obviously do get hard but we've all seen some that were like new after thirty five years. It's a good support system for a chain, although ideally the 6mm adjuster screw set-up could be a little more robust.

I tend to be pessimistic about some of the claims out there. However I had Swaintech apply piston crown & skirt coatings on a set. I was impressed with the skirt coating. I replaced the copper head gasket with MLS after 10,000 miles and the coating looked really good. For something so thin (0.0008" I believe) I expected it to be gone frankly.

The crowns become "carboned over" so it takes a bit of faith that a thermal coating works as advertised. BUT after seeing the skirts I think these coatings definitely offer some advantage.