Topic: CB550 Cafe Interceptor - Gentleman's Roadster

[akabek]

LED signal lights are great at night but are usually to small and to dim to perform well in daylight.
Here's a quick video of the Eagle Eye LED signals with a Joker Machine LED tail light.

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That video is too quiet Jimmy.  You need to add the sound of an idling bike...

[Syscrush]

LED signal lights are great at night but are usually to small and to dim to perform well in daylight.

This is often exacerbated by the use of ballast/load resistors in parallel with the signals to make the low-draw LEDs flash at the correct rate.  For others reading this and planning a swap to LEDs, you absolutely must use an electronic flasher in place of the old-fashioned relay to get the full brightness from your LEDs.

[FunJimmy]

For others reading this and planning a swap to LEDs, you absolutely must use an electronic flasher in place of the old-fashioned relay to get the full brightness from your LEDs.

Excellent point. Thanks for mentioning it.

[Syscrush]

Excellent point. Thanks for mentioning it.

I'm happy to save others the heartbreak I experienced after that evening "fixing" my too-fast flashers...

[FunJimmy]

Still sorting out the CR26 jetting since installing the C5 multi-spark ignition.
I've gone one size leaner on the pilot jets and the needles so far and the bike it running great.

Interestingly I started logging the trip distance vs number of litres of fuel over a few rides and the fuel consumption data is pretty interesting.

CB550 Interceptor (4 ride total) 419.7KM = 44.86L (9.36 KM/L)
                                        vs
Ducati 999R (4 ride total) 701KM = 49.66L (14.12 KM/L)

At this rate I can make a pretty strong economic argument justifying the Ducati purchase.
I wonder if Laura would see the value in me having another?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Still sorting out the CR26 jetting since installing the C5 multi-spark ignition.
I've gone one size leaner on the pilot jets and the needles so far and the bike it running great.

Interestingly I started logging the trip distance vs number of litres of fuel over a few rides and the fuel consumption data is pretty interesting.

CB550 Interceptor (4 ride total) 419.7KM = 44.86L (9.36 KM/L)
                                        vs
Ducati 999R (4 ride total) 701KM = 49.66L (14.12 KM/L)

At this rate I can make a pretty strong economic argument justifying the Ducati purchase.
I wonder if Laura would see the value in me having another?

Economies of scale?   

It sounds like the C5 is making your 550 more fuel efficient though!

[FunJimmy]

and you still like the C5 from a performance perspective, FJ? I ask because I just ordered it for my 500 build with CR-26s so I'll be paying close attention to your jetting setup as a starting point. Then I will head to a dyno armed with your info, and some extras for optimum tuning.

I love it Cal.
I've previously had the Dyna and Pamco units and from a performance perspective, this is the best ignition I've used.
BTW, what's you CR26 jetting now?

[scottly]

Still sorting out the CR26 jetting since installing the C5 multi-spark ignition.
I've gone one size leaner on the pilot jets and the needles so far and the bike it running great.

Interestingly I started logging the trip distance vs number of litres of fuel over a few rides and the fuel consumption data is pretty interesting.

CB550 Interceptor (4 ride total) 419.7KM = 44.86L (9.36 KM/L)                                       

If I did the math right, that is only about 22 MPG? I averaged 51 MPG over 760 miles on the 2013 relay with my 836cc, Weber carbed, Gerex fired bike. What was the mileage with the Pamco?

[FunJimmy]

If I did the math right, that is only about 22 MPG? I averaged 51 MPG over 760 miles on the 2013 relay with my 836cc, Weber carbed, Gerex fired bike. What was the mileage with the Pamco?

Three of the four tanks are with the Pamco ignition.
Not a big difference to report with the C5 yet.
Pretty piss poor though.

[seanbarney41]

My '91 Chevy Caprice ex cop car got the same mileage   it weighed 4200 pounds and had a 5700cc engine ...I generally expect 45 mpg out of a bike.  My stock 550 only got 39mpg.  22mpg on a bike?  Does the tank leak?

[bwaller]

Not to rub salt in your wound Jimmy but that is poor mileage indeed. Especially considering the engine's not a worn out heap.

Deb's 591 gets over 50 (CDN gal) but she maybe isn't as hard on the throttle!

If it runs well who cares, just buy Petro Can stock. 

[RAFster122s]

Anodized and assembled!

Nice!

You like the black finish...
I think you should have finished them in that blue that was on your calipers, the bike's "Fung Sheway" is all off with that missing...
Adding that much black to the bike just won't do... 
Do it again...   

[RAFster122s]

You're also using CR-26 carbs which are not fuel misers. Any chance the speedo/odometer gearing is off? Done a GPS comparison for calibration?

My Garmin 220 reads slower than my TomTom Via 1505M. My 2000 vintage Ford Crown Victoria (unmarked Police Interceptor package) reads low above 50 mph running Goodyear Eagle GT2s (couldn't afford the $140-160/tire original Goodyear GA? Z rated cop car tires that wear quickly).
These suck in the snow and complain before they break free on dry ground but can be tail happy on wet pavement when pushed hard. I love the sure footed flat cornering, just like I had tuned my Volvo 240 sedans with Bilsteins and heavier springs and a bigger front sway bar, strut braces, etc.
But, I would run dedicated snow tires on the Volvo when I lived in Ohio...so, here in TN I'm traction challenged when snow falls as the Goodyear tires are awful in snow. Could be the 245 tire size having a small factor and the 4400 pounds as opposed to a 195 tire with 2900-3200 pound car.
With new Autolite Iridiums I'm getting 20-22mph on highway in the Crown Vic when I don't tap the ponies on the 4.6L too much. Otherwise I'm lucky to see 17mpg. Thirsty Cop car...but it will move traffic and move down the highway at a good clip.

Not sure what a stock 550 will get, imagine 39 could be possible. I'm looking at a worn cam cover, egg shaped rocker shaft holes...
650 cam awaiting install after I source a '77-78 cover inexpensively...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

True.  Calibration could be off a little.  A tuned motor generally tends to drink more, but not likely that much.

[FunJimmy]

Teaser pic!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Wow! The double color logo looks like Honda made it. The fender looks nothing short of terrific.

[Restoration Fan]

WOW!  Just wow!
Those fenders are incredible.

[brandEn]

NICE!

[Retro Rocket]

Very nice....

[bwaller]

It's the little touches Jim, great finish.

[timbo750]

Very nice indeed. Is the rear fender done as well?

[FunJimmy]

Thanks guys. I'm really pleased with the results too.
The painter did an amazing job with the increadabily challenging detail of painting the emblem and I think I got the cut of the fender right this time too.

[754]

Damn I miss them blue calipers...
Looks great Jimmy, but skeerily close to Molson,s Canadian colors......... It looks like..

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Hehe. But who can fault those sweet Brembos.

[754]

Look at the can packaging, six pack boxes has the gold stripe..
 Bet you don't drink that though..I would not..