Author Topic: Gentlemans Express Cb550  (Read 21973 times)

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Offline Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #25 on: July 22, 2016, 04:18:59 AM »
Once you feel she is done let us know! I want to nominate you for BOTM....

Also with my bike I have same set up. My head was sent off for stage 2 MR work. I'm running 105, 40 stock needle. 1.75 turns. Seems to be the spot.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline sinister902

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #26 on: July 22, 2016, 05:55:02 AM »
I can't tell from the pics, but you need a hangar on the tailpipe to support the weight of the exhaust and relieve the head studs.

the bracket I made and welded on is so sneaky you can't spot it!

it's directly under the foot peg mounted to the back side of the rearset as an upside-down "L" shape.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #27 on: July 22, 2016, 06:18:01 AM »
Looks outstanding. Nice job hiding the exhaust bracket.

Can you take some photos of the rear lights in operation?
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 Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #28 on: July 22, 2016, 06:34:00 AM »
Wow Tews thank you so much! I'd be honored.  And thank you for the mixture screw ratio.
Cal - Sinister is correct! That bracket is so sneaky. Exhaust is solid and not going anywhere.
750 fan totally will. I still have to go through the munit and set up all my settings.
The mblaze pins will be on a wave setting that blinks then dims, blinks then dims.
Elegant looking.

Offline 540nova

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Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #29 on: July 22, 2016, 07:27:38 AM »
The mblaze pins will be on a wave setting that blinks then dims, blinks then dims.
Elegant looking.


I have the M blaze turn signals on my 450. People never see them, "you don't have turn signals?", until I turn the lights on. Very discreet. This is an early mockup photo, those wires are no longer exposed

I like the running light feature.
Don't forget the diodes if you have a single indicator on the dash!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 22, 2016, 07:33:20 AM by 540nova »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #30 on: July 22, 2016, 08:33:24 AM »
Wow, those Blaze signals are discrete.  Nice.
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 Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #31 on: July 22, 2016, 08:36:35 AM »
Forgot about that running light feature. I got one more 550 to build , overhaul my 750, and then I'd love to pick up a 450!

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #32 on: July 22, 2016, 03:35:42 PM »
So after speaking with YSS and Works performance, I decided to order the Billet Trackers from works. They offered a lot more tuning than the YSS. So I'll slap those on as soon as they arrive. You guys are bullies ;D ;D

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #33 on: July 22, 2016, 06:07:25 PM »
So after speaking with YSS and Works performance, I decided to order the Billet Trackers from works. They offered a lot more tuning than the YSS. So I'll slap those on as soon as they arrive. You guys are bullies ;D ;D

Works makes great shocks and they have great customer service, too.
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 riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #34 on: July 22, 2016, 08:20:43 PM »
That paint looks amazing.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #35 on: July 23, 2016, 07:08:21 AM »
That paint looks amazing.

It reminds me of an orange creamsicle -- in a good way.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2016, 07:10:41 AM by CB750 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 riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #36 on: July 23, 2016, 08:28:08 AM »
Had a very productive 9 hour day in the shop yesterday. Almost complete, just have to fine tune the carbs tomorrow.


Did you use the wiring kit from Motogadget? Also...what is the multi plug connector for? I only ask because most people going this route always post up a photo of the actual M-unit wired up which is cool but then they don't show much else. Thank you.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Godffery

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #37 on: July 23, 2016, 09:48:00 AM »
 Could we get a close up & some details on your Tack Drive Plug...?

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #38 on: July 23, 2016, 08:13:17 PM »
well successful maiden voyage. Well sort of successful. Jetting is still in fine tuning. She is rich across the board. dropped down to 98s and tried 1,1.5,1.75,2 turns out on the mixture screws and no luck. Anyone have any leads for 95,92,90 jets? Jetsrus drops from size 98 to 80.
Even with the mild port ,650 cam and motogp exhaust, i thought stock jetting at the least would work. Im guessing the steel dragon air box is the issue. I had asked steel dragon to cover the sides and top of the airbox, so that air would only be drawn from the more stable lower area behind the motor. So its probably just more restrictive than i thought.
Pilots are at stock 38 size. Maybe drop there too? Needle is stock 4th position. The problem was just mild stumbling and a few stalls in 1st while decelerating. Idle is erratic as well. At half throttle to wot she torn ass!!

riverfever : I did use the motogadget wiring kit, but the 6 and 9 connectors are from the Chronoclassic Tach. Cal is correct they are power inputs and sensors. The female connector is wired with the gauge outta the box. Then you can build the male connector to your specifications. Real neat and simple.

After you guys help me figure out the jets, all thats left is to mount the front fender, and add the shocks when they arrive. ;)

Thank you guys for your help and compliments.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2016, 08:59:17 PM by Camrector »

Offline riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #39 on: July 23, 2016, 08:32:10 PM »
It's unbelievable how much space there is in the coil area along the backbone now.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #40 on: July 24, 2016, 05:12:31 AM »
Stock is 4th needle position? What carbs are you using?  I have 105s, 40 slow... Stock needle position in 2nd position. But I'm using 069 carbs.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline bwaller

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #41 on: July 24, 2016, 06:24:52 AM »
Ok I'm going to sound like TwoTired now but I have to comment.

I understand eye appeal and I've seen lots of those SD polished inlet stack things. They are more for appearance than function and good on them I suppose because I'll bet they've sold boatloads of them. Air doesn't like to bend and with that flat airbox every inlet will need to "bend the airflow 90 degrees" before entering the carb. Are there stacks or is there a filter? As a bare minimum there need be 45mm between the end of a bellmouth and any restriction.

I know this will sound negative, and please no offense intended but that box will haunt you with extra restriction and creating turbulence. I'm sure you'll be able to jet the carbs to work somehow, but ultimately there will be a loss of power because of it.

Offline riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #42 on: July 24, 2016, 09:13:10 AM »
Cam I have 85, 90, and 95 mains from Jetsrus. They've never been installed. I can't believe you would need those but jets aren't cheap. You're welcome to try them if you want.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #43 on: July 24, 2016, 09:46:46 AM »
Carbs are stock 500four not sure of the model. Everything is brand new inside and out.
Before I ditch the $300 SD box I'm going to remove the metal top and side pieces that limit the air flow to the bottom.Hopefully this will free up some of the restriction I'm experiencing.

Bwaller: the SD box has Vstacks built in as the intake ports. They are 45mm from the back of the box
And port matched to the carb body. Uni foam is also around the airbox opening. I don't see how this would be any different than pods which are also closed off at the back.
By covering the sides that was my exact logic, decreasing the turbulence into the carb itself.
Regardless she needs more air. And thankyou no offense taking at all. If I have to ditch it that's what I'll do.
Really thank you guys.

Offline bwaller

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #44 on: July 24, 2016, 10:42:25 AM »
I was about to delete my post, been bugging me since I posted. Sorry man, it's not my call how you proceed.

Some of the manufacturers offer proper alloy stacks designed for their carbs and K&N has 4" long pleated filters to clamp over the stacks. My son's FZR400 uses 32mm FCR's like this & they work very well. I had some bellmouths made for my smoothbores and settled on dual sock foam filters. It's the best option I could come up with. Any filter affects laminar flow to a certain extent, but to not use a filter is silly.

For our older beauties we're left to our own devices. 45mm (1.75")from the bellmouth opening, Tintop had a company build him some foam filters over stacks that allowed this amount of space and pulled air straight through. The 500/550's don't offer much space so that is the limiting factor.

Absolutely remove all restriction, and good luck.

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #45 on: July 24, 2016, 04:39:29 PM »
No Bwaller no worries. Any advice from you is treated like gold. I removed the airbox covers and took here for a rip. Idle is better but she was still falling off and stalling when decelerating down to first. Pulled plugs when I got home and she is still rich.
This is at 98 mains 38 slows and air screws at 1.75 turns out. She did seem to run smoother though.
What do you guys think? Go to Uni pods? Could any of this have to do with a brand new built engine? Rings not seated yet? Or she just wants more air?

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #46 on: July 24, 2016, 06:17:01 PM »
Cal: These carbs came from Carburator Keith on eBay. They have been stripped,blasted, and re cleared.
Both bowls and top covers are polished and every nut, spring, and bolt re zinced. Inside every part is brand new. Every float, peice of brass, seal etc etc. They have only been run on this motor. Look him up and see for yourself the quality of his work. Bring your wallet too cause this rack of carbs cost me $650.
Hondaman stated that they were the cleanest carbs he had ever seen.

Needle position as stated before is in the 4th position. Which I believe is the stock position for the cb500f carbs. I could be wrong though. Could you advise?

Offline Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #47 on: July 24, 2016, 06:35:38 PM »
What number carbs do you have? 022a or 069..... if your stock main jet is 98, I'm assuming 069.... If so your needle is not at stock height.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline bwaller

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #48 on: July 24, 2016, 06:39:17 PM »
For #$%*s n giggles pull the airbox and run it briefly without to see what happens.

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #49 on: July 24, 2016, 06:51:09 PM »
022A Tews
did I miss something?

Bwaller: I can try that. What should I expect to see?