Author Topic: Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafe Projects (Read 75782 times)

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #200 on:** September 20, 2015, 03:23:26 PM »

Yeah, I had watched a couple of YouTube videos about the PDM 60. It's a fully programmable system that handles 60 amps and up to 6 circuits and it's also 100% waterproof.

The reason I asked the question here is that they market it as a system to handle auxiliaries on bikes...especially on the newer bikes with the Canbus systems. But watching the videos, I can't see a reason why it couldn't be configured as an alternative to the mUnit.

Here's a video that shows some of the cool things it can do.

I think I'm going to call Rowe Electronics tomorrow and see if I can find an engineer to answer my question about whether it would work in this environment or not.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #201 on:** September 21, 2015, 05:09:25 AM »

The quality of some of the pages on the 500 & 550 manuals that are shared on the site was pretty spotty, so I purchased an original 1972 Honda CB500 Shop Manual and a 1977 CB550 Shop Manual. I have scanned the 500 manual into a single PDF document and it is shared publicly on my Google Drive. I'm going to leave the document up as a shared file indefinitely so help yourself to the download if you wish.

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B4nqeBb662mZMlMzb29PaGxoaFk/view?usp=sharing

The 550 document was a bound document so I'm going to take it apart tonight and I'll scan it and upload it tomorrow.

sethmcalister · « **Reply #202 on:** September 21, 2015, 06:21:43 AM »

I'm curious to hear what you find on the PDM...

Sent from my A0001 using Tapatalk

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #203 on:** September 21, 2015, 11:09:51 AM »

Cal,
I think you're close but after talking to the guy from Rowe Electronics a few minutes ago, I think there are subtle differences.

He said he could see no reason why the PDM60 would not function for what I want it to do.

Essentially, there are 9 wires in the PDM60. One goes to battery positive, one goes to battery negative and one is a trigger wire. That wire needs to be connected to any wire that is receiving switched power. The unit only goes active once it receives a signal on the trigger wire.

There are 6 individual, customizable circuits on the other 6 wires. Each one of those essentially takes the place of the fuse block as cal said. Using the dashboard software, you can turn off unused circuits and only turn them on at a later time if you decide to wire something up to that.

In the event of a circuit fault, the LED light on that circuit glows red as long as the fault is occurring and that circuit is shut down. If the fault was only momentary, the circuit is still shut down but the light glows amber to signal that an event occurred on that circuit. (In essence, this was your 'blown fuse' alternative). To reset the circuit, just turn the bike off and back on and it goes back to green and active, assuming the fault isn't there any more.

What it does not give you that the m-unit does is the ability to automatically turn off the turn signals or send non-continuous power (as cal also said). The PDM60 does have the ability to program each circuit such that it will remain active for up to 3 minutes after the unit is shut down. Which triggered the thought with me that, "I'll just wire up my turn signals on their own circuit and set them to shut down 10 or 15 seconds after they go active." But that won't work with the PDM60...because that timer for turning off the circuit occurs after the PDM is shut down, not on an indidividual timer for that circuit.

It would also mean that you will still need your starter solenoid, just as the m-unit also requires. But the PDM60 also means that you will need a winker relay; whereas, the m-unit provides that capability for you since it can send non-continuous power.

But, to make the long story come to an end, the PDM 60 looks like I could indeed wire up a simplified wiring harness and use it to replace the fuse block. But it won't provide me with all of the functionality the m-unit provides.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #204 on:** September 21, 2015, 12:07:55 PM »

Yep, we are in agreement. I'm definitely getting the m-unit, m-blaze and m-button(s?) for the 550. For the 500, I'm more thinking about the 'coolness' factor of the power unit because it does allow me to easily add on auxiliary items like a GPS or other system. And when I pulled out the wiring harnesses, none of the 3 in the parts boxes look like they are complete units. Rather than try & clean up old harness and wire connections, I'm thinking I want to make my own simplified harness and route it through the PDM60. And, at least to my way of thinking, it's a selling point when we do go to sell the bike.

I did want to mention that one cool thing about this unit is that they are a small company and they encourage you to reach out to them with questions or ideas. When I told him what I was thinking of doing with it, he said that I was the first to contact them with the idea of using it for such. As we talked, he even said that it wouldn't be that difficult for them to provide the ability to do some of the things the m-unit does. He said they're actually going to most likely branch out into a system that is a competitor to the CANBUS system for modern bikes. I told him if they did so, why not throw in a few of the features we talked about into the PDM 60 and then they could compete with the other units in that vertical market. Who knows? Maybe they'll try it.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #205 on:** September 21, 2015, 12:20:24 PM »

I didn't say I was going to add them. I said they "could be added". See, I'm working on my sales strategy.

Actually, the single biggest attractions to me are the cleanliness of the look that I should be able to achieve and the fact that you don't have to worry about what happens if you blow a fuse or fuses and don't have enough spares with you. From an ROI standpoint, you're right...it would be easier to go with a stock fuse block. But I think I'm like you in that it's not always about the money. I kind of want the experience of running the wires to the various components and testing them one at a time (without blowing a crap ton of fuses).

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #206 on:** September 21, 2015, 01:48:23 PM »

Ron & calj737,

Been an interesting conversation.
Lots of good points on both sides of the debate.

Here are a few things that I thought about.

In the video that Ron provided a link to, they referred to the Dashboard software. They also said that the unit is "Dealer Programmable" for all the "programmed" functions. Will they provide a "customer" with the Dashboard Software? TO me if I'm going to use their system on a bike, I may or may not know exactly what functions I want programmed and how I want them programmed.
So if I'm wiring a particular circuit, I may think about something while wiring and want to change a "stock" setting.

Next, You (whoever) needs a good changeable schematic to work from or you are going to get lost and/or boloxed up and not know where a given wire comes from/goes to. Even with a color coded wire. Having that schematic in front of you avoids a lot of trouble later on. Also, When Selling the bike you can hand the schematic to the buyer and impress the heck out of them or just feel confident they don't come back with a __________ , and want a piece of your hide.

As far as the need for "original components" goes, given the fact that many components on the SOHC's have lasted around 40 years, I don't think that reusing some of them is all that big a deal unless you are shooting for some special look that using the old components would spoil.

And last, what is the fail safe plan?

If the unit fails, do you just call a tow truck?

And now that I've stuck my oar in where it probably isn't needed, I am going to go do what every retired person does, because they can.

Charlie

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #207 on:** September 21, 2015, 01:54:24 PM »

Charlie,
You don't have to take it to a dealer. The software can be loaded onto your own computer from their web site at www.pdm60.com.

And I just ordered one. They're supposedly $199 but you can find them cheaper at multiple places. I found it on Amazon for $175.06 with free shipping, sold through Powersport Superstore. But I went directly to the Powersport Superstore website and got it for $168.19, also with free shipping. I'll let you guys know how the adventure proceeds once it arrives.

Ron

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #208 on:** September 21, 2015, 03:16:32 PM »

Ron & calj,

Cool. I'm interested to see how it works and what can/can't be programmed. I suspect that once you have it in hand you will learn a lot more than what the video's have to offer. I will have to see what that software looks like.

calj,
a debate is a pro-con discussion.

And I agree with your synopsis.

At the price mentioned, you could almost buy a spare.

Whereas with the M-Unit, it might get a little too expensive to do that.

I understand your analogy to original coils, points, condenser, etc. but the differences are that coils rarely go bad. And I can afford to buy and carry a spare set of points and condenser without breaking the bank.

I've enjoyed learning about this (and the M-Unit) from both of you!!!!!!

Charlie

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #209 on:** September 21, 2015, 05:23:40 PM »

Very interesting. This might be a good option for those who have roached wire harnesses and want something more modern than a reproduction harness without going the whole distance of a Motogadget M-unit. Me, I am a sucker for the goodies so I already sourced an M-unit.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #210 on:** September 21, 2015, 06:08:34 PM »

Don,
Where'd you buy your m-unit? Just curious what is the best price you've found for it? I'm going to need one for the 550.

Ron

RAFster122s · « **Reply #211 on:** September 21, 2015, 07:23:12 PM »

By the way, some websites use cookies to track you and determine if you have been there before. They use this to sometimes raise the price if you have been shopping prices. Then sometimes they instill a fear the price is going to keep increasing to manipulate you into buying.
To avoid that you can go incognito before going back to to purchase and you can get a lower price sometimes. That can work or another way is to clear the cookies.

David

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #212 on:** September 21, 2015, 10:14:40 PM »

Quote from: Restoration Fan on September 21, 2015, 06:08:34 PM

Don,
Where'd you buy your m-unit? Just curious what is the best price you've found for it? I'm going to need one for the 550.

Ron

I didn't get the cheapest price, but a decent price.

The absolute lowest I've seen is $299 with free shipping
http://www.ajcyclesny.com/#!m-unit---electronics/jfp80

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #213 on:** September 23, 2015, 04:48:21 PM »

I'm sure there are other great bikers who ride bikes other than SOHC Hondas. But can I say that this forum seems to have cornered the market on awesome members?

Charlie (aka oldhatt45) messaged me to say that he had some 18" rear spokes that might fit my rear rim that had one broken spoke. Well we spoke on the phone and I was immediately enthused just talking to him. Great guy. But he also said he'd send me a couple of spokes so that I could see if they worked for me. I offered to pay for them but Stev-o had chimed in and said for Charlie to send them to me without charging me and he would in turn send Charlie a part he needed. "Because that's how we roll", Stev-o said.

I go down to the mailbox a little while ago and there's a box in there from Charlie. In the box was an entire new set of 18" rim spokes plus nipples.

Charlie, you are the man. Way overkill but very much appreciated. I am in your debt, my friend. Hopefully you do indeed load that RV up with your bike and head down this way sometime soon. If you do, look me up and we will most definitely go riding! Thanks again, man. I really appreciate it.

So the two rims are loaded up in the car and I'll be dropping them off at the motorcycle shop (along with the spokes) for them to put new tires on the rims for the 500. By Friday, they'll be back on the bike and I'm hoping the PDM60 will have arrived by that point so I can start the wiring process and see about firing this bad boy up!

oldhatt45 · « **Reply #214 on:** September 23, 2015, 05:40:04 PM »

Ron,

Glad you got them before Friday!

Can't wait to see pictures. And if I do get down your way, you can rest assured that I will drop by!

Charlie

Stev-o · « **Reply #215 on:** September 23, 2015, 06:06:04 PM »

Hey Ron - yes, there are other great bikes out there, ever ride a 70's Kawasaki?

But as far as forums go, this one is as good as it gets (the Kaw forums are pretty lame).

So I posted on a thread that I was looking for a 550 head for a spare motor I plan to rebuild. Ron posts I got one for ya, I said great, but I'm paying for shipping. He's not hearing that and I get home today and there's a big heavy package waiting for me - yes he shipped me the head.

Well, thank you Ron, I owe ya one. If you are ever in Central Texas, I have a Kaw or two for you to ride and the beer and BBQ are on me afterwards!

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #216 on:** September 23, 2015, 06:21:30 PM »

Awesome, Stev-o...glad it made it there. Let me know if you need those other valves. I didn't notice that one was sticking up until I was actually at the UPS store to ship it. Otherwise, I would have pulled a couple of the valves and sent them along with the head. Hope it ends up being usable for you.

By the way, I do have an extra valve cover with the rocker arms in it if you need it.

Stev-o · « **Reply #217 on:** September 23, 2015, 07:26:14 PM »

Quote from: Restoration Fan on September 23, 2015, 06:21:30 PM

Awesome, Stev-o...glad it made it there. Let me know if you need those other valves. I didn't notice that one was sticking up until I was actually at the UPS store to ship it. Otherwise, I would have pulled a couple of the valves and sent them along with the head. Hope it ends up being usable for you.

By the way, I do have an extra valve cover with the rocker arms in it if you need it.

I should have everything I need now, thanks again.

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #218 on:** September 25, 2015, 05:33:03 PM »

Brief update on the 500:
- dropped the wheels off yesterday to have new shoes put on the rims. They had a front tire in stock but didn't have an 18" rear tire of any size in stock to fit the rear rim. So they ordered one for me and it should arrive sometime by Tuesday or Wednesday and then I get to put the wheels on for good.
- I'm still waiting on the PDM60 to arrive. Even though I ordered it Monday afternoon, it was still showing with a status of "Being processed" so I called this morning and spoke to customer service. I told the guy I wanted to know if it was possible to cancel the order since they hadn't shipped it in what was now 4 days and I could get it for a few bucks more from Amazon and get it in 2 days. AMAZINGLY, the product was shipped this morning so there was no need to cancel the order.

- I did get my clutch lever/perch and the front brake master cylinder. I was able to get the clutch lever installed onto the handlebars and once I get the new front sprocket in so that I can install it and button up the side cover, I'm going to connect the clutch cable at that same time.
- I'll be working on cleaning the carbs this weekend to get them and the pods installed on the bike sometime early next week.
- Picked up new spark plugs this afternoon and I'll be installing those and the coils this weekend.

I'm still hoping to get the bike started for the first time sometime this week. I would love to have it going by the time of the Barber Vintage Bike festival on the weekend of October 9 - 11.

Stev-o · « **Reply #219 on:** September 25, 2015, 06:17:58 PM »

What tires, Ron? You going to Barber??

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #220 on:** September 25, 2015, 06:22:27 PM »

I went with the cheap Shinkos since this is going to be a flip.

I am planning to go to Barber. One of Kelli's aunts is in pretty bad shape though and they have called in hospice. Her demise could throw a monkey wrench in those plans but otherwise, I'm planning to be there. I'm definitely taking Stella but if I can get the 500 finished by then, I figured it would be a good place to take it. Lots of potential buyers there.

By the way, there's an interesting seminar on Saturday morning @ 10 am:
Motorcycle Classics Seminar: Understanding Oil for Vintage Motorcycles with Specialists Spectro Oils

RAFster122s · « **Reply #221 on:** September 25, 2015, 11:19:49 PM »

RestoFan, so, your thinking of attending the oil talk by Spectro on why their oil is superior and whst your bike needs and a breakout of a few oils they beat. Its a snake oil sales pitch with Spectro spinning the numbers.
Granted Spectro does have a good oil, but it comes with a high price. I think I would rather spend the money on Belray...

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #222 on:** September 26, 2015, 02:53:20 AM »

David,
I actually probably will go to the talk. I'm sure it will be geared towards Spectro but at the same time, I'm sure they will teach me something that I don't know about oil and how it affects these vintage bikes.

More importantly, it was yet another opportunity to get something started about oil on the forums as a tongue-in-cheek comment. It seems that motor oil is one of those things like politics, religion and cell phone types....everybody has their own opinion and the conversation can get pretty spirited.

Stev-o · « **Reply #223 on:** September 26, 2015, 06:12:48 AM »

Doesn't Ofreen use Spectro and have 150,000 on his 750 w/o a rebuild?

Must be a good oil!

RAFster122s · « **Reply #224 on:** September 26, 2015, 08:33:11 AM »

You mean we shouldn't be running them on fish oil like they were shipped with? Next you are going to try to convince me that I should not be using the unrefined crude oil out of my buddies well the oil compay drilled. It is undiluted by additives and all that other crap the oil companies have sold the public on!

David

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Author Topic: Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafe Projects (Read 75782 times)