Author Topic: A slow Seeley Turbo build (Read 7744 times)

eli · « **on:** May 01, 2018, 03:14:46 PM »

Hi there,
I didn't want to go on and just read what is to be found here but wanted to contribute to the community as well.
Introduction here:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,171909.0.html

As I don't have much time for what I really prefer to do (tinker around in the workshop) I'm afraid the whole building process can stretch out for a couple of years from now on. Please don't be disappointed. I'll try and post when possible.
My Seeley project started in 2002 when - after I almost flew off the autobahn with my heavily modified but still wobbly stock framed CB750 - I bought a Seeley frame:

I had it replated with nickel

and started searching for everything else I needed: as you can see there were Marzocchi forks and Konis etc. Built a gas tank from steel panels and so on.
Then everything got stuck until 3 years ago. In the meantime I completed my workshop with a couple of conventional machines, taught myself the metalworking (thank you youtube!) and TIG-welding and bought more parts on Ebay if I could get something for small money.
Then I aquired an ATP Turbo Kit from a guy in Switzerland who was rebuilding a Bimota HB1 and got rid of non-original components. (If there is somebody around who has a HB1 and wants to fit a Turbo, I still have a special exhaust for that which was custom built for the HB1 - not very likely, isn't it

)
From then on, the whole thing went kind of wild...
This is what it looks now:

I really love that old school cafe racer look!

As you can see, I swapped the Marzocchi for a 38mm Betor, rebuilt an aluminum rickman gas tank, made a seat from aluminum, made my own "swamp thing" style deep oil pan, built my own version of a CR750-like Alternator, an exhaust from stainless tubes and lots of other parts. Still much more to do.

I want to keep the whole thing under 180kg, so I'm making all my axles, bolts etc. from titanium:

I will post pics of the working process of the parts as far as I have them - I prefer working on the bike over making pictures of it, you know.

to be continued...
eli

SKTP · « **Reply #1 on:** May 01, 2018, 04:56:24 PM »

Holy Moly!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #2 on:** May 01, 2018, 05:06:18 PM »

180 kg! That’ll be amazing if you pull it off.

spotty · « **Reply #3 on:** May 01, 2018, 05:35:01 PM »

spectacular so far, keep up the good work

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #4 on:** May 01, 2018, 07:21:52 PM »

super duper! excited to watch whatever you share

slikwilli420 · « **Reply #5 on:** May 01, 2018, 07:29:41 PM »

Very cool! Your weight goal is very doable with the parts you are using. The frame and bodywork are key to that light weight. Titanium is a nice choice as well.

scottly · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2018, 10:18:43 PM »

Welcome Michael! What is the number of your Seeley? You might want to also post on this board your story of how you acquired the bike and it's history.
Scott (#521)
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,143304.150.html#lastPost

Zunspec · « **Reply #7 on:** May 02, 2018, 01:40:49 AM »

Wow, what a fantastic project. Looking forward to see how it develops.

Cheers Geoff

eli · « **Reply #8 on:** May 02, 2018, 01:44:05 AM »

Thanks!

Zunspec · « **Reply #9 on:** May 02, 2018, 09:20:10 AM »

Hi eli,

I also have a German spec. frame, although with a std. F1 engine rather than the powerhouse you are building. Love your workmanship, top class

Cheers Geoff

eli · « **Reply #10 on:** May 02, 2018, 12:02:18 PM »

Hi Geoff, I read your posts about your Seeley more than once

Beautiful bike that you have there.
Building an original one was my first idea, but I could't find any parts but a dented gas tank, so I decided to go the custom way.

Zunspec · « **Reply #11 on:** May 02, 2018, 04:33:41 PM »

Hi eli,

I understand where you are coming from. It's worth remembering that Seeley only assembled a total of 6 bikes (like mine) at the factory. All the rest of the frame kits went to individual builders and although the kits are very well engineered to accept the parts from a standard CB750 the variations were numerous. You have a lot of scope to build to your own requirements.

Cheers Geoff

scottly · « **Reply #12 on:** May 02, 2018, 08:29:13 PM »

How much does the turbo weigh?
BTW, I'm jealous of your plating; it looks beautiful. I'll have to console myself by thinking that mine has well earned "patina", as well as some of the original Reynolds 531 decals.

tshrey · « **Reply #13 on:** May 03, 2018, 07:57:32 AM »

Where are you sourcing your titanium from?

slikwilli420 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 03, 2018, 08:07:24 AM »

Quote from: tshrey on May 03, 2018, 07:57:32 AM

Where are you sourcing your titanium from?

He's in Germany, so may be cost prohibitive vs sourcing in the US. I get mine from Allied Titanium and fasteners from Met-tec or Ti64.

eli · « **Reply #15 on:** May 03, 2018, 11:18:11 AM »

Uhmmm, I make bargains on ebay?

It's always grade 5 oddments from professional companies and workshops here in Germany. Some will even sent papers with it. I have a bidding limit and bought only for little money for years and now I have everything I need for a couple of bikes. Could safe a lot of money comparing to buy just on the job from a professional dealer...

Darren Jakal · « **Reply #16 on:** May 03, 2018, 03:40:11 PM »

Dam, so many amazing bikes and builders here. Project Shop is over the top!

cheers, dj

eli · « **Reply #17 on:** May 04, 2018, 12:11:58 AM »

Quote from: scottly on May 02, 2018, 08:29:13 PM

How much does the turbo weigh?
BTW, I'm jealous of your plating; it looks beautiful. I'll have to console myself by thinking that mine has well earned "patina", as well as some of the original Reynolds 531 decals.

Scottly,
the Rajay turbo is around 5,4 kg or 12,1 lbs. I didn't put everything on the scales so far, but I think there will be a weight disadvantage of the turbo setup of about 6-8kg (12-14lbs) compared to carbs and 4-1

I need those Reynolds stickers!
eli

scottly · « **Reply #18 on:** May 04, 2018, 07:23:24 PM »

Back when I bought my bike I was told by a friend, who had built his own bicycle frame from Reynolds 531, that the only way to get the stickers was to buy the tubing; they included 2 stickers with each length of tube, IIRC. There is an outfit that makes reproductions, under license from Reynolds, but there were many variations over the decades since it was first made in the 1930's. I'll get a pic so you can compare.
https://h-lloyd-cycles.myshopify.com/pages/reynolds-tubing-decals

eli · « **Reply #19 on:** May 05, 2018, 01:51:49 AM »

Thanks!!!!

Morrisons · « **Reply #20 on:** May 05, 2018, 03:36:18 AM »

Scottly,
the Rajay turbo is around 5,4 kg or 12,1 lbs. I didn't put everything on the scales so far, but I think there will be a weight disadvantage of the turbo setup of about 6-8kg (12-14lbs) compared to carbs and 4-1

I need those Reynolds stickers!
eli
[/quote]

That weight doesn't sound too bad. That's not too heavy, right? Great project btw, Eli. I'm enjoying reading about the process very much.

scottly · « **Reply #21 on:** May 05, 2018, 06:35:38 PM »

Here is a pic of the left side decal; all that's left of the right side is a band from the top, which still has the "Reynolds" and the tops of the numbers. The PO placed a clamp around the tube over the decal for a muffler support strap.

My decal is approximately 25mm wide by 20mm high. The closest I found on the site I posted was 531AE NORTON, but it is 29 x 22mm, and the color of the numbers is different. Perhaps you could send them my pic and inquire if they have it in their library?
Scott