Author Topic: Bourget, I finally have it home  (Read 1415 times)

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Offline rb550four

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Bourget, I finally have it home
« on: December 22, 2021, 11:03:27 AM »
 It was in November of 2020 when this bike came to my attention. It was purchased  original owner ( died ) as a part of a Harley collection  he had, not that it was a Harley , just that , if Harley went all out this would be the bike of his dreams and it's about as close as one can get without a Harley stamp.( It's close enough to Harley to me too) He went through some hoops to get this machine built too. It comes with a 40th anniversary S and S engine that he really wanted and was only sold to motorcycle shops...so he opened a motorcycle shop on paper so that he would qualify for the engine of his choice that would come complete with 2 custom NOS canisters that were carved into the tank one on each side for balance. 
  Anyways, I picked it up last Thursday and brought it home for a good clean up , service..... It only has 97 miles on the clock and was always stored in a heated room all these years. I suspected that this machine could be a handful for the rider thus 97 miles is the proof. With this TA radial ,wide tire on the rear wheel  it is a handful to push around ....it always wants to stand upright....there is no leaning it to turn even with both feet on the ground. Only meant for straight launches.
   The first plan of attack is to get this beautiful machine back to purring condition and a good clean and polish since it has been forgotten for 5 years. Then the rear tire gets changed out to a rounded motorcycle tire instead of that wide radial that was probably intended for a Camaro or Firebird, to see if this is a rider or just a looker. This machine in the end, is to be sold, well, that's the plan so far , like I said before ,it's enough like a Harley to me. I will be posting as soon as some progress happens.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #1 on: December 22, 2021, 02:10:12 PM »
Looks like it has decent brakes, you’ll need them:-}
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline ekpent

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #2 on: December 22, 2021, 04:41:48 PM »
Friend of mine had a custom bike with a big S & S engine in it. Every time I would ride it it would put a large smile on my face. Very powerful with a lot of torque.Wasn't finicky about what gear it was in,just twist and go -  :)

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #3 on: December 22, 2021, 07:11:58 PM »
    I should have picked it up last fall, now I'll have to wait  'til spring to try it out. This'll be a  long winter.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #4 on: January 03, 2022, 11:49:55 AM »
  So I've started the polishing process first to get to know the machine and see how it's made because there is no manual for for BBW custom machines. I've been scouring the interweb for any information I can find before I put a wrench to any of it.
  So far I have discovered that the battery doesn't come out of it hiding spot just in front of that massive rear tire, and it seems the best way to do it is to remove the rear wheel . I'm planning a new tire for the rear anyways so not a biggie.
 I was wondering if this engine was a dry sump because I didn't seen an oil tank anywhere. It seems that it's like an old Bonneville ( if I remember correctly) and the oil supply is in the frame tubes and it is.. I really want to change the oil since it is original to this machine , never been changed since it was built and has 97 miles in it. Which brings me to a new can of worms, what oil to replace it with since oil has improved since 1997. and since it hasn't had ample break in  period yet, so should  I put in real oil for a while then switch to synthetic or just go straight to synthetic since I won't be on it long or stay away from synthetics and let the next owner change it to whatever....I still have to look a little deeper on that 40 year anniversary engine with nitros oxide to see what the factory recommends or call them and see what they would recommend for today's oil instead because it is better now and they wish they had whatever it might be then to run in their engines. The hunt for answers will be on soon.
 The polishing...omg the polishing! The only thing that isn't polished aluminum on this bike seems to be the frame ,tank , engine cases, and chain. everything else is aluminum, luckily it's been in a climate controlled mancave all it's life, so that continues until it's done. Got 3 days on it so far.
pics when it looks decent.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline Alan F.

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #5 on: January 03, 2022, 11:58:35 AM »
There was an early Biker Build-Off episode with Bourget building one of these. It might be useful viewing, I'll see if I can find it.

Not a valid vimeo URLmbedded=true&source=vimeo_logo&owner=39162617

« Last Edit: January 03, 2022, 12:23:36 PM by Alan F. »

Offline ekpent

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #6 on: January 03, 2022, 12:48:25 PM »
 If it is not really broke in yet I would be using Dino oil personally till it is. Does this engine have a separate transmission/oil like Harley does ?
« Last Edit: January 03, 2022, 09:06:54 PM by ekpent »

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #7 on: January 03, 2022, 06:49:40 PM »
Yes it does.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #8 on: January 04, 2022, 12:28:04 PM »
  I've just had a thought that I would like to get some input on , just in case I am out to lunch, and see if it's a good one.
So this Bourget motorcycle has a ridability issue beause of the drag strip type build ,and it is a Bourget  which has been flooding the market for years and doesn't move or sell at the prices that they used too.....not even close , all that and the  chopper market is a flop right now.
  So I am thinking that this machine as beautiful as it is , may be on the sale market for longer than I want...but the engine. the engine is a true 40 year anniversary S+S  engine , only 400 made and numbered with only 97 original miles on it. There seems to be more interest in the engine on the interweb than the complete motorcycle. I looked up this engine every where and stumbled across the same engine on Ebay with 9k on it   So I was thinking , what if I just sold the engine and maybe the transmission, and kept the unpopular roller and maybe fit the cradle for a big bore 750 build ( if it'll fit the frame) with the funds that this engine alone would generate. I don't have any allegiance to S+S engines or Bourget. So why not see if I can sell that drive for fair coin and profit  before I even touch this engine? Then put the remains together the way I would like. Does that sound like a good realistic idea to anyone else?
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #9 on: January 04, 2022, 01:49:40 PM »
Sounds like a good plan to me...
Go for it!
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Alan F.

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #10 on: January 04, 2022, 02:06:25 PM »
That could make for one nice SOHC chop, and it's already an oil-in-frame setup. I wonder what the weight would be?

Can't seem to locate a weight spec for one of these bikes.

If you visit his website he's even selling off an orange roller. Seems like he had the same idea minus the SOHC4.
« Last Edit: January 04, 2022, 02:36:14 PM by Alan F. »

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #11 on: January 04, 2022, 03:55:31 PM »
I was never a fan of those "Biker Build Off" bikes, or their "builders". They had their 15 minutes of fame and most of them disappeared around the Global Financial Crisis in 2008 when they couldn't sucker big business' into paying them $100K plus for a garish unrideable pile. The OCC bikes were the worst, and I've seen some of them going on Ebay for pennies on the dollar. The only bikes I liked were built by Indian Larry, who was a great designer and builder, but not a great stunt rider.

The S&S engines are great though, and while I'm no expert on what they're worth used, I agree Rich, sell the engine and tranny and make some decent money, the bike certainly won't be missed. I'd sell/throw the bare frame away and use some of the money you make on the S&S stuff, and buy a CycleX chopper CB750 custom frame and mate those wheels, brakes and front end etc from the Bourget mess, build a nice 836 engine and shove it in, and you'll have the best of both worlds. I'll look forwards to seeing what you'll turn it into. ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #12 on: January 04, 2022, 04:03:15 PM »
Yup, Terry is right on all counts...the S&S engines are actually better than the real thing.  The rest of that bike makes me want to vomit.  Sell that engine, stick it in a Norton Featherbed, whatever...get the money and use it for what you love.
If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Kelly E

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #13 on: January 16, 2022, 01:20:00 PM »
I agree with Terry, some of the OCC bikes were absolutely hilarious.
Here's my idea of a nice Harley. An 05' Fat Boy with a factory stage II motor and wire wheels. I do wish it wasn't lowered,  I keep scraping the floorboards hanging with the sport bikes. 8)
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline MauiK3

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #14 on: January 16, 2022, 01:37:01 PM »
Got an MG in back? Cool.

The biker build off bikes are just like the car show cars. They look ok on the tv but watch out, here come the problems! Many of the ideas are mind farts.
1973 CB 750 K3
10/72 build Z1 Kawasaki

Offline Kelly E

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #15 on: January 16, 2022, 01:49:45 PM »
Got an MG in back? Cool.

The biker build off bikes are just like the car show cars. They look ok on the tv but watch out, here come the problems! Many of the ideas are mind farts.

We have two MGB GT's. A 71' and a 72'. I am building a set of twin 10 to 1 compression hotrod motors for them. They got sidelined when I got diagnosed with cancer in 17' but I hope to get back on it soon.
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #16 on: January 16, 2022, 03:33:58 PM »
Yep I love Fatboys, back in 1996 I rode a shiny new black one from the Harley shop in the city back to the barracks 20 miles away because the buyer (one of my soldiers) didn’t have his full license when the bike was delivered. It was a great ride, being new everything was nice and tight, and while no power house it had plenty of torque to propel me ahead of the traffic without having to wring its neck, like we do with our jap multi’s. I’ve no idea why someone would lower one though, it’s not as if they’re high to begin with, was the PO a munchkin? ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline Kelly E

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #17 on: January 16, 2022, 05:01:36 PM »
Yep I love Fatboys, back in 1996 I rode a shiny new black one from the Harley shop in the city back to the barracks 20 miles away because the buyer (one of my soldiers) didn’t have his full license when the bike was delivered. It was a great ride, being new everything was nice and tight, and while no power house it had plenty of torque to propel me ahead of the traffic without having to wring its neck, like we do with our jap multi’s. I’ve no idea why someone would lower one though, it’s not as if they’re high to begin with, was the PO a munchkin? ;D

The stage II motor has another 100cc and some other power mods, it pulls pretty hard. 8)
Never Give Up - Never Surrender

The Rust Bros. Garage Collection
1974 Honda CB 550 K0                                            1971 MGB/GT
1975 Honda CB 400F Super Sport                          1972 MGB/GT
1977 Kawasaki KZ 1000 LTD                                   1985 GMC S15
1978 Kawasaki KL 250
1980 Suzuki GS 1100E
1982 Honda CB 900F Super Sport
1983 Honda CB 1100F
1984 Honda VF 700S Sabre
1984 Honda VF 1000F Interceptor
1990 Moto Guzzi 1000 Le Mans
1994 Kawasaki Concours ZG 1000A9
2005 Harley Davidson Fat Boy

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #18 on: January 21, 2022, 12:23:14 PM »
  I've spent a few hrs cleaning up this bike just getting to know a little better, and finding out some of the secrets that allude me. Especially since ther is no shop manual for any BBWs and I have been getting good information directly from sources like S+ S about their engine ,they have good customer service. I contacted Brigette Bourget directly to get as much build info and other info about subcontacted manufactures for all the specialty shiny parts  and she will be sending copies of the original build sheet for this particular machine and all the paperwork it ever had,she seems like a lovely lady, she's helpful and there's been no bull#$%*  ,just good customer service . They keep paperwork on every machine that they built , keep track of current owners and accident histories on each machine as if those bikes were family. I like that. So I'm sending here some pics of this bike so she can see if anything has been changed since the original build  so I know what parts to source and whatever else I might need to know about. couldn't ask for a better experience that way.
  So today is another freaking cold day so I skipped work again went down to take some pics to send Brigette . Thought perhaps I could post some  just because.
 
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline rb550four

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #19 on: January 21, 2022, 12:29:24 PM »
 Holy cow , I polished my ass off on this engine, it looks a hell of allot better in person than in these pics. Guess I'll have to do it again....when it gets warmer.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,137317.msg1550907.html#msg1550907

Offline Terry in Australia

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #20 on: January 21, 2022, 02:34:35 PM »
Looks good Rich, so what’s the plan, wait till spring and flip it? Or is it a keeper now? ;D
I was feeling sorry for myself because I couldn't afford new bike boots, until I met a man with no legs.

So I said, "Hey mate, you haven't got any bike boots you don't need, do you?"

"Crazy is a very misunderstood term, it's a fine line that some of us can lean over and still keep our balance" (thanks RB550Four)

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: Bourget, I finally have it home
« Reply #21 on: January 21, 2022, 03:32:12 PM »
He needs to see if he enjoys it at all... different beast than all the 500/550/650 and few other oddballs thrown in ...
David- back in the desert SW!