Author Topic: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine  (Read 125170 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline bwaller

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,484
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #275 on: October 06, 2015, 06:47:16 pm »
The engine really can't be considered a stressed member without ream fitting larger mounting bolts. The original bolts are just too sloppy. Both turboguzzi designed a "head steady" for his CB500 racer and friends do the same with their CR750. However it's the pressed steel surround of the steering head that would be best supported and that isn't easily done.

The swingarm pivot area is another spot that is often stiffened. Originally I used a bolt in alloy brace here using high grade splined bolts plus welded braces underneath.




As far as welding in braces. They should be welded on the outside of the tube not the middle, and a saddle style brace is best. Note where the welds start & end, don't weld solid.




Where Honda joined the front downtubes they made three spot welds. That area can be welded down the joints.

Kemp's bolt in brace in the front is a good idea.

Most often all we're doing is adding weight as the frames are quite adequate as is. The Italian 500 class champ that races a CB500 has no frame bracing at all. Makes you wonder!  ;)

Hope you don't mind Don.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #276 on: October 06, 2015, 09:59:09 pm »
I don't mind at all, Brent.  That's one of the perks of the forum -- all the free intel!

1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #277 on: October 06, 2015, 10:04:49 pm »
So a little interlude.  I purchased a 1979 CB650 head.







It cleaned up well.





I am planning on sending this one to Mike Rieck for some head work.  The advantage of the 1979-1980 heads are that the intake spacing matches to CB750 carburetors; the 1981-1982 heads do NOT.

Depending on when I can get the turnaround from Mike, I may install the 1979 head from the get go.  If the wait is longer and the bike is otherwise ready, I can run the 1981 head and Harisuluv (James Hale) rebuilt stock CV carburetors.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,275
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #278 on: October 07, 2015, 12:58:55 am »
When clean (the CV has some tiny passages) the CV carbs are nice carbs, but they might not be as tunable as the early carb design. With pressed in jet for one of the main jets it isn't a trivial task. The ones with screwed in jets everywhere are easier.
So, with significant work on the motor you need a design people understand and know how to tune. Most on this board don't have that knowledge as it is a different animal with constant velocity carbs.
CRs, stock carbs and Mikunis they are familiar with... but unless they have had CVs before there is a learning curve.

Going to go with stage 2 on the head work by Mike?

David
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline MessnerMoto

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 710
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #279 on: October 07, 2015, 01:25:13 am »
The engine really can't be considered a stressed member without ream fitting larger mounting bolts. The original bolts are just too sloppy. Both turboguzzi designed a "head steady" for his CB500 racer and friends do the same with their CR750. However it's the pressed steel surround of the steering head that would be best supported and that isn't easily done.

The swingarm pivot area is another spot that is often stiffened. Originally I used a bolt in alloy brace here using high grade splined bolts plus welded braces underneath.




As far as welding in braces. They should be welded on the outside of the tube not the middle, and a saddle style brace is best. Note where the welds start & end, don't weld solid.




Where Honda joined the front downtubes they made three spot welds. That area can be welded down the joints.

Kemp's bolt in brace in the front is a good idea.

Most often all we're doing is adding weight as the frames are quite adequate as is. The Italian 500 class champ that races a CB500 has no frame bracing at all. Makes you wonder!  ;)

Hope you don't mind Don.

Thank you for this info. Can you elaborate more on this: "ream fitting larger mounting bolts"... Can you point me to some pictures, more info?

Also "head steady" means you can brace top of the engine to frame? I found http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=23539.0 post from turboguzzi.....

Sorry for asking these question in your thread Don ;)

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,007
  • I refuse...
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #280 on: October 07, 2015, 05:00:44 am »
The swingarm pivot area is another spot that is often stiffened. Originally I used a bolt in alloy brace here using high grade splined bolts plus welded braces underneath.
Quote
That brace looks pretty thin, Brent. What thickness was used?

Quote
As far as welding in braces. They should be welded on the outside of the tube not the middle, and a saddle style brace is best. Note where the welds start & end, don't weld solid.
Quote
Im curious as to why not fully weld the seam?

Quote
Most often all we're doing is adding weight as the frames are quite adequate as is. The Italian 500 class champ that races a CB500 has no frame bracing at all. Makes you wonder!  ;)
Quote
No fork brace either? Don't tell "those other guys"  ;D
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #281 on: October 07, 2015, 05:53:47 am »
The swingarm pivot area is another spot that is often stiffened. Originally I used a bolt in alloy brace here using high grade splined bolts plus welded braces underneath.
Quote
That brace looks pretty thin, Brent. What thickness was used?

Quote
As far as welding in braces. They should be welded on the outside of the tube not the middle, and a saddle style brace is best. Note where the welds start & end, don't weld solid.
Quote
Im curious as to why not fully weld the seam?

Quote
Most often all we're doing is adding weight as the frames are quite adequate as is. The Italian 500 class champ that races a CB500 has no frame bracing at all. Makes you wonder!  ;)
Quote
No fork brace either? Don't tell "those other guys"  ;D

I've said this before, a good rider can ride around a lot of handling querks, I could easily show anyone the twist in an unbraced sohc front end, its surprisingly easy to do.. ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,007
  • I refuse...
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #282 on: October 07, 2015, 05:55:55 am »
Fish on!  ;D That was like throwing a topwater bait in the spring time... Easy, Retro, I was only poking a bit of fun. You know we are mates to the end and that I do value your input.  :)
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #283 on: October 07, 2015, 06:02:13 am »
Fish on!  ;D That was like throwing a topwater bait in the spring time... Easy, Retro, I was only poking a bit of fun. You know we are mates to the end and that I do value your input.  :)

No animosity mate, just a comment... ;)   We call them "poppers" here...
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #284 on: October 07, 2015, 04:54:19 pm »
I'm open to more advice on the frame mods, especially the tried and tested wisdom from Brent!

I just spoke with Mike. I'll be packing my '79 CB750 head for a Stage 2.5 job.  My guess is that I'll have the finished head long before I will have  coating, paint and wiring (to come after fabrication and wheel building).  (I might just shelve the '81 head and stock CV carbs for now. . .)
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #285 on: October 07, 2015, 05:50:03 pm »
I'm open to more advice on the frame mods, especially the tried and tested wisdom from Brent!

I just spoke with Mike. I'll be packing my '79 CB750 head for a Stage 2.5 job.  My guess is that I'll have the finished head long before I will have  coating, paint and wiring (to come after fabrication and wheel building).  (I might just shelve the '81 head and stock CV carbs for now. . .)

Brents gussets are the cats meow... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #286 on: October 07, 2015, 05:54:21 pm »
His 550 is awfully pretty but it is all tested and proven on the track.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Retro Rocket

  • Eggs are hard due too a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 19,279
  • ROCK & ROLL
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #287 on: October 07, 2015, 05:55:25 pm »
His 550 is awfully pretty but it is all tested and proven on the track.

Yep, its a pretty well thought out and sorted bike.... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline GV1390

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 586
  • Express Gratitude.
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #288 on: October 08, 2015, 11:20:00 am »
Damn, this one is cool as well! I'm jealous. I will be looking into one of those exhaust setups as well, they look pretty!
93' GSX-R1100, 78' CB550, 71' CL350, 71’ CB500 & 02' ZRX1200R.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #289 on: October 08, 2015, 11:22:44 am »
Damn, this one is cool as well! I'm jealous. I will be looking into one of those exhaust setups as well, they look pretty!

With the CB650 engine, there are more limited options.  Up to discovering the Hindle (via Jim), I was looking at having a custom one made, since I did not want the stock or Mac system. 
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #290 on: October 16, 2015, 07:46:36 pm »
Christmas came early today.  My Hindle 4-2-1 exhaust arrived from Kemp/Ripple Rocker Racers, and it is beautiful.  It is also much lighter than my MGP pipe.  I won't be fitting it for a while (engine head is out for porting, and frame is undergoing fab), but I am very happy with what I received.  The welds are nice and clean.  It was also packed carefully with plenty of cushioning material.  The slash reverse megaphone looks very well made.  Along with tab welded to the muffler, Kemp also included a hanger strap to secure it to the frame.  Teaser pic:

image_zps4rfnhpkr by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

The frame brace is also a very high quality finished piece.  I think I am going to use it on my 550 bike and simply weld a cross-member on the 650/550.

image_zpswgomscv0 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr
« Last Edit: July 03, 2017, 01:35:02 pm by SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #291 on: October 16, 2015, 08:00:34 pm »
Good looking pipes, Don.  It appears from the photo that they're just a bolt-on and might need the little 2-piece collar inserts.  Is that correct or will you still need those and the copper crush washer to install them?
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #292 on: October 16, 2015, 09:37:35 pm »
Ron,

I haven't looked at the installation specs but I believe they install just like the MGP pipes with the exhaust flanges and springs.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline FunJimmy

  • Who you calling
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,802
  • Vancouver
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #293 on: October 16, 2015, 10:37:35 pm »
I've got the exact same stuff arriving next week.
I'll be fitting mine as soon as I can. Gonna polish it up too.
Can't wait.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,007
  • I refuse...
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #294 on: October 17, 2015, 04:19:48 am »
I read somewhere that pipe is made from super lightweight or very thin stainless, can't recall which? You say its lighter than your 4:1. Thats impressive. But, if it is thinner walled tubing, I would encourage you to ceramic coat internally to help prolong its life. Stainless doesn't last as long from repeated heat cycles like mild steel will, but its corrosion resistance is much higher. I'm not suggesting it will split in short order, but I even coat my 4:1s and would definitely do it if this tubing is thinner yet.

It does look from your pictures that it is uses the pre-mounted spigots and then has flared ends and springs. I love that mounting detail, so convenient and reliable.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Bigsam302

  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 224
    • 1976 CB750F (915cc) Super Sport
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #295 on: October 17, 2015, 05:00:59 am »
Don,

Those pipes look sweet!  I can't wait to see them installed.

Sam
1976 CB750F (915cc) Super Sport: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=142578.0

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #296 on: October 17, 2015, 09:32:31 am »
I was planning not to coat the outside, but I will likely ceramic coat just the inside of the pipe due the tube wall thickness.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline bwaller

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 7,484
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #297 on: October 17, 2015, 09:57:54 am »
Well Merry Christmas to you Don.  ;D Sweet looking pipe.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #298 on: October 17, 2015, 06:39:26 pm »
The 1979 head arrived at Dr. Mike Rieck's mad scientist laboratory. Thanks Mike for accommodating the head into your busy schedule!  Since the 650 head is a little more efficient than the 550 and 750 heads, this one is getting what Mike calls a Stage 2.5 job.

In the interim, the replacement ring set went on and the cylinder block is now on the engine -- ready for the killer Mike Rieck head! ;)

image_zpsrursht7b by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr
« Last Edit: July 03, 2017, 01:35:59 pm by SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine
« Reply #299 on: November 06, 2015, 08:00:16 pm »
I checked in with Mike Rieck today.  My head is about 2-3 weeks out.  Mike is trying to get some last minute winterizing and repairs done before Mass. starts getting winter weather. 

He confirmed the head is in good condition and a strategy for porting. 

As for carburetors, Mike recommended (for the 1979-1980 head) looking into 30mm CV carbs if available (as they are very streetable), CR26s or possibly CB750 carbs.

Does anyone have experience using 30mm CV carbs with a 650 engine?  I am going to ask on the 650 forum too, but there's not much posting there.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold