Topic: forum noob

[cbmekg]

Hey guys...new to the forum but I've been riding for a few years ( buell xb12r). Cafe racers are what began my whole obsession with bikes. I recently got a 550 that's spent the last couple of years outside as a lawn ornament. I don't have the time or money to get her exactly where I want but my goal is to get her running and to use as much of the stock parts that I got her with by the end of this riding season. I'll break her back down and paint and go to town with her next summer.

My two initial questions. What are the benefits of no starter besides weight loss and how is it wired up if I do choose to go that route? Also, would setting up dual stock calipers on the front be a waste of time and money? All I have read is that the original font braking system is "not the best".

[Stev-o]

Welcome from Texas.   Personally, I see no benefit from omitting the elec starter, I like it! But besides weight savings, the wiring could be simplified if you are building a new harness.

My current project is a 550F and I find the front brake adequate when used with the rear brake.
True, compared to modern systems, it is not the best.
Will you be tracking the bike?
Why not get it on the road, evaluate your needs and then upgrade later if you feel the need?

[dusterdude]

Welcome

[cbmekg]

I won't be tracking it, just riding whenever possible. You're probably right though I'll reassess after this season. I really just broke it down to do engine work on it. Also to clean off the rusted parts and to see whats salvageable. My electrical components look like they need some work so it's a safe bet that I will be redoing the wiring harness.

Thanks for the response and the welcome . I'm in no rush with this project. Just want to take my time and get my hands dirty.

[Stev-o]

Is the motor "stuck"?  That is pretty common with bikes that set a long time.  The rings will rust to the cylinders.

[calj737]

Omitting the starter doesn't accomplish much in terms of simplifying the harness. You've got 1 wire from solenoid to battery, 1 wire from solenoid to starter, then 2 small wire from solenoid to power and switch. Maybe saving 5# total weight? Then you need to install a case plug where the starter motor used to live. And, you'd better hope you never need to electrically start the bike because you can't kick it over due to a bad knee, or parked sideways downhill...

[madScientist]

Welcome. As others have said, removing the starter doesn't accomplish much aside from building up the strength in your right leg.

If you were going to be removing the battery and going with something that's going to be a track only bike...then I could understand it. I started going down this route with a CL350 that I'm building up and then I started to sort out carburetor whoas. About 30 minutes into the ordeal I'm redoing things so I can have my starter back :-D

Plus the starters on these bikes aren't exactly boat anchors. I think they weigh maybe 5lbs. In the grand scheme that doesn't shave a lot. Just my opinion though so take it at face value. Blue is the only 'racer' I've built for now.