Author Topic: Giannini Racing - Any Experience/Feedback (Read 3139 times)

.RJ · « **on:** March 19, 2019, 09:07:08 AM »

I've got a 350 project that is underway and just about everything is ready for assembly except my crusty looking engine and I've been looking for an engine builder that's familiar with these and does non-stock rebuild work. I came across Giannini's shop through this article - http://www.bikeexif.com/1972-honda-cb350-cafe-racer - and I rang him up to talk about building a motor for me. He seemed knowledgeable and says he's built several of these for vintage racers and really seemed to know the ins and outs of the motors, the parts and what will work and what not and what to do about it. I left our phone call feeling pretty confident I've found someone that can order the parts I need and do my motor assembly - these are not terribly complicated motors, and if were a stock rebuild I'd do it myself but introducing new parts means inevitable surprises along the way.

Right now our plan is to strip the motor down, bag & tag everything, have my local guy vapor blast the cases/jugs/head and then drive everything up to NJ (I'm in VA) to drop it off with my 'wish list'. Currently thinking +2mm pistons, mild cam, springs, plus refreshing all the seals and head parts. He says he can complete the assembly within a few weeks of dropping off the parts.

Anyone have any experience with him? He seems to have a good reputation around the vintage racing community.

bwaller · « **Reply #1 on:** March 19, 2019, 09:16:43 AM »

Of course, Frank Giannini has lots of experience. TimV here has worked with Frank and 350 twins previously.

There are several top notch riders involved with Giannini Racing.

So are you vintage racing?

slikwilli420 · « **Reply #2 on:** March 19, 2019, 09:20:51 AM »

Guy knows his 350 Honda's well. I have talked with him a few times and he is legit. He is getting power out of a 350 that was only a dream for many.

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #3 on:** March 19, 2019, 10:34:22 AM »

May as well get the head done too while you're at it

.RJ · « **Reply #4 on:** March 19, 2019, 10:41:14 AM »

Thanks for the notes - I dont plan on doing any vintage racing, at least not right now, so this will be for a street bike.

TimV840 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 19, 2019, 07:58:57 PM »

Frank does great work. Vintage racing season is upon us. Make a plan with him, and get things done now and not later. Frank deals with a handful of people he trusts for certain jobs with these engines, and they're getting into their busy season too. If you jerk him around, he will not hesitate to tell you where to go. LOL!

Say hi to the grumpy old bastard for me.

TimV #840 from Canada

gschuld · « **Reply #6 on:** March 20, 2019, 03:56:49 AM »

Quote from: TimV840 on March 19, 2019, 07:58:57 PM

Say hi to the grumpy old bastard for me.

TimV #840 from Canada

That’s funny, I said nearly the same thing in a PM yesterday.

Frank had a spell of poor health for a bit after Barber this past fall. But he is certainly back and kicking hard again. He is even borderline chipper and excitable with the new project he is working on. Almost hard to recognize him😂

George

.RJ · « **Reply #7 on:** March 20, 2019, 06:38:26 AM »

He mentioned that when we spoke on the phone. As soon as we get all of my kitchen renovation @$#% out of the garage I'm going to get my engine stripped and get my stuff up with him, sounds like he's the right guy for the job.

turboguzzi · « **Reply #8 on:** March 20, 2019, 11:10:47 AM »

had a look at his site, those 8 valve heads conversions to honda twins using GSX400 heads are mighty impressive!

MRieck · « **Reply #9 on:** March 20, 2019, 12:34:57 PM »

One of my customers gave those guys fits last racing season.

Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er · « **Reply #10 on:** March 20, 2019, 01:02:15 PM »

And that's why I said to get the head done! Mike is the head maestro.

MRieck · « **Reply #11 on:** March 20, 2019, 01:10:14 PM »

Quote from: Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er on March 20, 2019, 01:02:15 PM

And that's why I said to get the head done! Mike is the head maestro.

Don't get me involved Jerry....I was just making a point.

The Giannini bikes were making more power but they had real competition.

gschuld · « **Reply #12 on:** March 20, 2019, 02:03:45 PM »

Quote from: MRieck on March 20, 2019, 01:10:14 PM

Quote from: Jerry Rxman Griffin aka MuthaF'er on March 20, 2019, 01:02:15 PM
And that's why I said to get the head done! Mike is the head maestro.
Don't get me involved Jerry....I was just making a point. The Giannini bikes were making more power but they had real competition.

They could use it. They have had the class mostly to themselves for too long.

George

bwaller · « **Reply #13 on:** March 20, 2019, 02:24:21 PM »

Mike, your guy win the F500 class at NOLA on his CB550 against a fast RD so he's a rising star!! That's aside from the 350T.

MRieck · « **Reply #14 on:** March 21, 2019, 08:04:43 AM »

Quote from: bwaller on March 20, 2019, 02:24:21 PM

Mike, your guy win the F500 class at NOLA on his CB550 against a fast RD so he's a rising star!! That's aside from the 350T.

Yes....Kevin is doing very well.....I am looking for more power out of the 550....pretty sure I know how to get it.

bwaller · « **Reply #15 on:** March 21, 2019, 08:18:23 AM »

Yes....Kevin is doing very well.....I am looking for more power out of the 550....pretty sure I know how to get it.

Me & my big mouth!

cb550fcafe · « **Reply #16 on:** April 05, 2019, 03:21:59 AM »

Quote from: MRieck on March 20, 2019, 12:34:57 PM

One of my customers gave those guys fits last racing season.

I may know that guy

cb550fcafe · « **Reply #17 on:** April 05, 2019, 03:25:33 AM »

Quote from: MRieck on March 21, 2019, 08:04:43 AM

Quote from: bwaller on March 20, 2019, 02:24:21 PM
Mike, your guy win the F500 class at NOLA on his CB550 against a fast RD so he's a rising star!! That's aside from the 350T.
Yes....Kevin is doing very well.....I am looking for more power out of the 550....pretty sure I know how to get it.

Mike's work put me in first place at CMP last weekend in two more races on my CB550, that thing screams!. Also won Formula 250 on Sunday with my 350T only a couple seconds per lap faster then 2nd.

bwaller · « **Reply #18 on:** April 05, 2019, 03:41:21 AM »

Now Kevin, don't go letting the cat out of the bag!

People know the CB550 to be just a docile little street bike.

cb550fcafe · « **Reply #19 on:** May 22, 2019, 08:26:39 AM »

Took another win Monday at Loudon on the MRieck powered CB550. Beat up on some Period 4 Formula 1 bikes in the process. Thanks Mike!

MRieck · « **Reply #20 on:** May 22, 2019, 04:12:26 PM »

Quote from: cb550fcafe on May 22, 2019, 08:26:39 AM

Took another win Monday at Loudon on the MRieck powered CB550. Beat up on some Period 4 Formula 1 bikes in the process. Thanks Mike!

Great work Kevin and my pleasure.

bwaller · « **Reply #21 on:** May 22, 2019, 08:11:27 PM »

Good riding Kevin.

turboguzzi · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2019, 07:56:52 AM »

congrats! looks like you run a ducati fairing like me.... but cant find pics of your bike (sorry for the thread hijack)

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Author Topic: Giannini Racing - Any Experience/Feedback (Read 3139 times)