Author Topic: Gentlemans Express Cb550 (Read 22652 times)

Camrector · « **on:** June 30, 2016, 01:39:56 PM »

So a lot of you guys have been following Mark "Hondaman" Paris's Gentlemens Express motor build thread here, so i figured now that the motor is complete, to start the build thread.
I wanted to pay homage to the original Gentlemens Express from the 1974 Cycle World article, only with a few Modern upgrades. A lot of ideas have been done before by members here, so i want to thank you all for your wisdom/help/inspiration/sharing. Also huge thanks to member Sinister for the help. Lets begin

1977 Cb550 frame and swing arm that i picked up from member Nick2319. He had it powdered coated, swing arm bushings done, and steering races installed. Nick is awesome period.

Ala FunJimmy. I wanted to upgrade the front end, so here we are 2004 R6 forks. These i have rebuilt with race tech springs, and gold valves. Overkill i know. But they came out great!

Powdered the upper and lower triple (upper triple with mounts from Cognito Moto), and removed the ugly blue anodizing from the adjusters. Vintage BMW "s" bars.

Running dual discs here. This is one of the R6 calipers after powder and rebuild. New seals, bleeder, and hardware. EBC sintered pads.

New R6 master and clutch perch with FP racing levers.

Ill be running 18inch front and rear, Sun aluminum rims. 2.15 front and 2.75 rear. Tires are Avon road riders 100/90/18 front and 120/80/18 rear.

Seat redone by Nate Van Hofwegen

Roller! Rear shocks are Progressive "naked". Front hub by CognitoMoto requiring new gsxr spec rotors. Calipers cleared with minimal grinding then painted again. Tank is for mock up. Real tank is at paint.

and..... Almost done

Godffrey treated and lined the tank. Also smoothed out the dents.

mounting begins. Full motogadget system going on, so Cal should be pleased.

So that brings us up to speed. More to come. Hoping to have this finished by the end of July. Pack up that motor Mark!!!!

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #1 on:** June 30, 2016, 02:36:51 PM »

love to watch the maximum efforts...especially when they are working in the right direction

Camrector · « **Reply #2 on:** June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM »

Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go!

And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #3 on:** June 30, 2016, 04:36:36 PM »

Quote from: calj737 on June 30, 2016, 03:46:46 PM

I get you, but realize they offer barely any tuning, horrible damping, and are pretty "wooden" feeling. With a lady rider weight, they will be even worse. Just saying...

I agree, nice compliant front and a harsh bouncy rear, Cal mentioned a few options, Ikon are another option, adjustable and rebuildable, and they work ...

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #4 on:** June 30, 2016, 04:47:42 PM »

Have to agree especially given the upgrades thus far. Keep it in mind for a list of things to do, even if you wait until the build is completed.

Camrector · « **Reply #5 on:** June 30, 2016, 05:23:41 PM »

Noted and I agree as well.

Tews19 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 30, 2016, 06:56:05 PM »

Sweet ride Cam!

Kickstart · « **Reply #7 on:** June 30, 2016, 08:38:24 PM »

Very excited about this build... subscribed!

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #8 on:** July 01, 2016, 06:37:11 PM »

Quote from: Camrector on June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM

Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go! And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!

So it's really a Lady's Express

Camrector · « **Reply #9 on:** July 01, 2016, 07:42:49 PM »

^^ truth!!

Camrector · « **Reply #10 on:** July 14, 2016, 08:23:28 PM »

Well lots of progress. Hondaman motor is in. Just to recap its a 605cc with a mild port and three angle valve job.
Cam is from a cb650. Stock cb500f carbs and a beautiful airbox from Steel Dragon, MotoGPwerks exhaust. Also installed but not pictured is a boxed front frame brace from Ripple Rock Racers.

Cant wait to fire this pup up.

Stev-o · « **Reply #11 on:** July 14, 2016, 08:40:07 PM »

Looking great....subscribed.

Camrector · « **Reply #12 on:** July 14, 2016, 09:02:39 PM »

oh got a little ahead of myself. Mounted the Chronoclassic tach and the Bates style headlight. Headlight is a led.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #13 on:** July 14, 2016, 09:19:22 PM »

This is coming along nice, Cam.

luvmy71 · « **Reply #14 on:** July 15, 2016, 08:01:28 AM »

Quote from: Camrector on June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM

Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go! And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!

Where was this logic when you chose the front suspension?

jaguar · « **Reply #15 on:** July 15, 2016, 08:03:28 AM »

Very cool project.

Camrector · « **Reply #16 on:** July 15, 2016, 09:59:18 AM »

Thanks guys. Really excited on how it's coming together.
The logic for the front end rebuild Lovmy71 was that I had purchased the front fork from Fleabay. Even though the fork was is great condition, who knows what these crazy kids do on these modern sportbikes. The complete rebuild from race tech was more cost effective than rebuilding it with stock new OEM components. So peace of mind and overkill upgrade=double bonus.
Rear shocks will get an upgrade ASAP.

Camrector · « **Reply #17 on:** July 16, 2016, 07:29:51 PM »

Moving right along here. Finished rear sets and brakes today. A few minor things left and then wiring.

Once I make a bracket for the exhaust it will sit about 2 inches higher and more snug to the frame.

nice and clean. Just need to do clutch cable and throttle cable.

front view. SS brake lines

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #18 on:** July 16, 2016, 11:13:29 PM »

That slimmed down seat looks nice.

Camrector · « **Reply #19 on:** July 17, 2016, 07:06:25 AM »

There is a tab on the fork legs for securing the brake lines, if that's what you mean Cal. Maybe a zip tie or two could be used further up, if it presents a problem.

FunJimmy · « **Reply #20 on:** July 17, 2016, 08:35:16 AM »

Great progress Cam.
Stear clear of Fox podium shocks.
As deliverered they're considerably over sprung.
You would do better talking with the folks at Works Performance if you need better shocks.

Stev-o · « **Reply #21 on:** July 17, 2016, 09:00:18 AM »

Quote from: calj737 on July 17, 2016, 03:49:53 AM

Your brake lines look as though under full lock, they will bow badly. Have you devised a means of restraining them and still allow full steering?

I noticed the brake lines too. It may be best to reroute back along the rear side of the fork tubes?

Camrector · « **Reply #22 on:** July 17, 2016, 10:00:18 AM »

Lol no zip ties cal just messing with you.
Not calling your idea bad at all, I just think that the brake lines wouldn't lay as "natural" clamped together. They are secured now to the fork legs and I don't see or feel any "bowing". They are routed behind the fork legs and secured now.
Funjimmy I'm looking at the YSS shocks for the rear. The lady thinks the black tracker works shocks looks to "Harley"

I don't agree but...

Camrector · « **Reply #23 on:** July 21, 2016, 11:27:15 PM »

Had a very productive 9 hour day in the shop yesterday. Almost complete, just have to fine tune the carbs tomorrow.

Wiring motogadget is complete. We messed around trying to wire the mbutton for about 3 hours before chucking that thing in the unused pile, and wired everything directly. Much easier and super fast.

Sinister fabbed a rear plate, brake, and turn signal bracket. Then I hit it with the powder and got it mounted.

Man this VMR paint came out nice!!!!!

Tank and side covers on, and she has her fluids.
Started jetting with 105mains and its almost there. Really going to dial it in tomorrow, maybe try 110s. Pilot is 38.
Kicked over 2nd try and held a nice idle.

flatlander · « **Reply #24 on:** July 22, 2016, 03:53:41 AM »

great! will be good to see what this thing puts out.

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Author Topic: Gentlemans Express Cb550 (Read 22652 times)