Topic: Q's about Mosfets and aluminum rims

[geoluv]

So I have a basket 1974 cb550k.  It needs a fair amount of work so I figured I'd upgrade it as I go.  The rims are rusted and not round anymore so I want to lace on whatever the best aftermarket rims can be matched with the stock hubs.  I want to keep spoked wheels on the bike.  What are the best/lightest rims and spokes?  I'm considering going wider than stock on the rims and/or tires.  What setup would you run on a 550?

I want to upgrade the regulator/rectifier but I don't know which unit is best.  4into1 has three models, the rick's, the electrosport, or the no-name one.  What's the difference?  Or should I instead use a mosfet style reg/rectifier scavenged from a new bike as I see some people doing?  I also saw some companies advertising reg/rectifiers that used "technology that is 25% cooler than mosfets".  There is so much info on these things I just want to know the best option.

Basically my goal is to get it running smooth and hot rod it up a little but not dump tooooo much money into it.  I know how to lace wheels and it needs new rims/spokes so that cost I am comfortable with eating for nice aluminum rims, but I just want to try the cheap mods like porting and the 650 cam first before I decide to do electric ignition, race cam, 718 top end etc.  If the rear end wasn't so sloppy feeling I'd be more comfortable investing money into the bike, but it seems like with the 550 you spend a modest amount of money and time for power gains that still put you well below modern street bikes and the 550s have some value but hopping them up doesn't really add that much value. 

[seanbarney41]

stock restoratiion gets the most bucks...just ride the stock #$%* until you know what needs the most improvement...the parts are available.  Sounds like you have a clue.  Good wheels are a HUGE improvement as the stock steelies and spokes really stink bad.

[geoluv]

Better to ride a slow bike fast....  Very wise words. 

Basically this is the story:  it's got a leaky valve seal.  So I'm gunna do the valve job, port it myself, and throw in the did cam chain with a 650 cam.  While I'm in there it's silly of me to do the head work without boring it.  Thing is I don't wanna spend $550 on Dynoman pistons.  On eBay they have the 59.5 piston set for $150 but they require "cleaning up" apparently which I'm not sure I know how to do and also I want 61mm pistons.   Is my cheapest option to just get CB 750 61mm pistons and modify them?  I *might* be able to get them modified for free.  Otherwise I'll have to pay to get that done.    Are there other pistons out there that will work? 

As far as the swing arm I'm gunna make my own bronze bushings just like hondaman I just need to find what type of bronze rod I need to make them from.

[drumstyx]

Heh, restos in general are very rarely financially worthwhile. I've got 10 grand into this thing, and I could put another 5 grand and *maybe* have it perfect by then. You can bet I wouldn't get 15 grand for it.

[tlbranth]

Heh, restos in general are very rarely financially worthwhile. I've got 10 grand into this thing, and I could put another 5 grand and *maybe* have it perfect by then. You can bet I wouldn't get 15 grand for it.

As my friend Bob said...."but it's a hobby, right?"

[754]

I use 660 Bronze, Hondaman uses Oillite bushings or stock.

[drumstyx]

Heh, restos in general are very rarely financially worthwhile. I've got 10 grand into this thing, and I could put another 5 grand and *maybe* have it perfect by then. You can bet I wouldn't get 15 grand for it.

As my friend Bob said...."but it's a hobby, right?"

I consider the fact that it's a hobby and don't get burned up about losing 5k in a year, that's just an entertainment budget. I don't go out, I don't go to movies or bars, I keep out of trouble in the garage, which is more than most millennials can say!

[geoluv]

Just saying, if you want best value for your dollar, the 650 motor is the way to go. Drops right into your stock frame.

By the same logic wouldn't half a 750 motor be cheaper still and more powerful after I mate it to the 550 bottom in unholy matrimony and make a 718? 

Allow me to further explain the situation; I'm not looking to restore this bike or sell it, but i have an aversion to putting more money into the bike than what it'll be worth when I'm done, and I already overpaid for the bike itself considering its condition.  this is my beater bike I ride and park in NYC.  I have been riding this bike for a year to get back into it  and just to get use to riding in traffic.  I plan on buying either a Ducati 848 evo or possibly a 998 in the fall but not keep it in the city.  I'm still gunna keep the 550 to use and park in the city.  I like the hobby of working on it but it's not like I prefer to work on it all weekend.  It needs work so I'm going to do all the cost effective mods as I go.

I kinda wanna keep the original engine in the bike too.  I kinda think throwing an entire new motor in is cheating.  Also even if I went for a 650 engine I'd still wanna fix my 550 motor and pimp it up a little so I get a few extra bucks for it and it stands out and sells faster (Or build another bike).  It only has 12,000 miles on it.  Porting is free, the 650 cam cost me $85 shipped, the did chain is $35, the tach plug is $20, the gasgets and seals are $45 for the whole engine.  $180 ain't bad for a mild street engine rebuild, so that leaves a little change left over for pistons or dyna 2000 ignition.  If I was gunna throw another couple hundred bucks at the engine what should it be? 

I can rebuild carbs, what good used race and/or street carbs can I get on eBay for cheap?

I also didn't realize those rims are $260 each.  $500 on rims is a little much for this 550 and I need tires too.  What kinda rims can I get for $150 each   The stock rims are $100 each.

Also thank you 754 for the info.  Any advantages of one material over the other?  I'm sure each part maker has thier reasons. 

[geoluv]

^we talking the dual cam or the single?  Will the dual cam head fit in my frame? 

[Duke McDukiedook]

Seriously man, if you want the best performance bang for your buck do what cal recommends. You sound exactly like me when I first bought my 750 when I was ready to tear into my engine and throw a bunch of money at it for performance mods when I decided to take the advice of the guy at the local Ducati shop. Just enjoy your motor as it is if it runs well and decide to do something when you lose compression on the cylinders and you are forced to do something about the engine.