Author Topic: CycleX Parts 'vs APE - (Prices included) (Read 4710 times)

odin836 · « **on:** March 10, 2009, 05:47:56 AM »

Hello,

I've been breaking down my engine during the sunny hours of most weekends (photos to come soon), and spending the night hours reading posts and googling until I get RSI.

I've still not come across anyone that has installed a complete CycleX Kit #2, $1699
http://www.cyclexchange.net/Engine%20Parts%20Page.htm

I'm not certain if I should source some parts from APE, and others from CycleX, or just run with the complete CycleX kit.
How do the APE parts compare to CycleX? Have APE ever put together a complete kit, similar to CycleX at a reduced price for anyone on the forum?

Part for Part price list is below, although parts do come in a bit cheaper from CycleX if you buy as a complete kit.

Done to the best of my knowledge, intentions are not to misrepresent either business...

KB02 · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2009, 07:08:56 AM »

My engine contains a bit of parts from both places. Some of my choices were simply motivated by a cheaper price. I'm running a Cycle-X 850 OB kit as it was cheaper than an 836 kit. I got my gaskets, adjustable cam gear and a few other parts from Cycle-X; my cam, cylinder studs and a few other parts from APE (as well as a few more parts that I will be ordering).

Here is the basics that I have figured out about the two suppliers:
APE produces and sells a higher end, higher quality product at a higher price.
Cycle-X sells a Good quality product at a good price (I think they buy their cylinder studs from APE, actually).

If you plan on bringing your bike to the track and racing it, you would better off filling the engine with APE products. If it's going to be a street bike with the occasional hot lap through the twisties, then Cycle-X products will work without a hitch.

A lot of it depends on the skill of your engine builder, too. You could spend $5000 in parts and have a sh!t engine that gets beat up by a $500 engine job if the work is sloppy.

JLeather · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2009, 07:42:35 AM »

I've got a trans and a crank done by Ken that is going into my motor in just a couple weeks. Crank was polished and setup with his rods, and the tranny was bead blasted and undercut. I'm very pleased with what I've gotten so far. I'm pondering installing their "superflow" valves in my ported head soon. Ken's a little hard to catch on the phone sometimes, but he's been real helpful to me so far.

As for the overbore, I really wanted a forged setup which is why I stayed away from the 850 kit, but I've got special plans for this engine down the road.

I am likely going to be using the APE clutch setup in this engine though, and I'm considering their lower-end studs (not sure if they're necessary for my engine or not) and I've got a set of their upper HD studs.

It all depends on what you're building and how much budget you've got. Frankly I'm just glad there are so many great companies still making stuff like this for these engines.

odin836 · « **Reply #3 on:** March 11, 2009, 01:59:36 AM »

That's what my understanding was.
I'm still yet to hear from someone who has only CycleX within their engine.

I don't understand why if the kit has been available for a while no-one on the forum had run with it.

Fear of the unknown?

voxonda · « **Reply #4 on:** March 11, 2009, 03:45:22 AM »

I have the 850 Cycle-X kit and see absolutely no problems using it on and off the track at all. Forged or cast pistons, if the clearance is right, see no reason why one would be better. The pistons in the kit sure look great, measurements are good, weight is equal. Seen some rubbish with Wiseco's when installed incorrect.

Cheers, Rob

754 · « **Reply #5 on:** March 11, 2009, 07:53:49 AM »

Make sure you ask about shipping price too..

unless you dont mind paying 26.00 higher than actual shipping price on a box of rods..
emailed , even phoned them in person, but no explanation given.. even asked if I could add to the order to save shipping, said not an option, would be even more..

rachet · « **Reply #6 on:** March 11, 2009, 10:20:58 AM »

Quote from: 754 on March 11, 2009, 07:53:49 AM

Make sure you ask about shipping price too..

unless you dont mind paying 26.00 higher than actual shipping price on a box of rods..
emailed , even phoned them in person, but no explanation given.. even asked if I could add to the order to save shipping, said not an option, would be even more..

For Cycle-X or APE?

Old Scrambler · « **Reply #7 on:** March 11, 2009, 06:17:03 PM »

I've been to Ken's shop (Cycle-X) and will tell you he is mostly focussed on the CB750 SOHC motors. Kenny gets a lot of help from his wife for the parts and internet contacts. He has good dragstrip knowledge and likes to build performance motors. I have watched him assemble heads and paint the barrels and cases. He does nice work and generally supplies parts that will fit your application without the need to mod it..........Yes, he tends to be pricey and does not have time to handle change orders, but its all he has to sell.

754 · « **Reply #8 on:** March 11, 2009, 06:49:08 PM »

Ratchet.. just saying..

...sellers in general, better to ask first..

rachet · « **Reply #9 on:** March 11, 2009, 07:19:57 PM »

Good advice SevenFiftyFour. I worked in an industry where shipping was unavoidable. It was standard to mark it up 5 dollars per package, but we never really gouged... well... not people we liked

MCRider · « **Reply #10 on:** March 11, 2009, 07:53:15 PM »

Quote from: rachet on March 11, 2009, 07:19:57 PM

Good advice SevenFiftyFour. I worked in an industry where shipping was unavoidable. It was standard to mark it up 5 dollars per package, but we never really gouged... well... not people we liked

Don't want to get into who did/does what. But S&H is shipping and handling. Handling is an open ended deal. It takes shop time to pack a box.

I can't believe how much time it takes me to pack something when I sell it on eBay. I'm whispering to myself, if i had to do this for a living I'd go broke.

Retail price is picked up at the store. Unpacked. As 754 says, be sure to ask.

To the original question, I'm so glad both these places are into CB750s, I split my orders/desires between the two, and others, and sometimes pay the higher price just to feel like I'm contributing to the preservation of CB750s.

rachet · « **Reply #11 on:** March 11, 2009, 08:22:19 PM »

Quote from: MCRider on March 11, 2009, 07:53:15 PM

To the original question, I'm so glad both these places are into CB750s, I split my orders/desires between the two, and others, and sometimes pay the higher price just to feel like I'm contributing to the preservation of CB750s.

If you would really like to contribute you can buy me all sorts of parts!!!

MCRider · « **Reply #12 on:** March 11, 2009, 08:58:15 PM »

ha ha.

odin836 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2009, 12:24:45 AM »

I guess really the two major differences are the CycleX Rods and BigBore Kit, vs APE Rods and use of Wiseco Kit...

Anyone got feedback on the CycleX Rods and BigBore Kit?

Sweep · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2009, 04:28:42 AM »

I went 100% APE, including for headwork and cylinder boring. They did a top notch job and my motor has been bulletproof since putting it together. I did think they were a bit expensive and took a months to get my parts back to me.

For buying parts, Dynoman gave me my best and most personalized service. You order from him online and he'll ask questions about your order via email if there is something questionable. He seemed to have the best prices too.

andy750 · « **Reply #15 on:** March 12, 2009, 04:50:14 AM »

Any photos of your bike Sweep? And how does it run? Sounds like a monster...

thanks!
Andy

Sweep · « **Reply #16 on:** March 12, 2009, 05:09:54 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on March 12, 2009, 04:50:14 AM

Any photos of your bike Sweep? And how does it run? Sounds like a monster...

thanks!
Andy

This is still pretty much how she sits. I have it all apart right now to do the cafe rear. I'm also doing some tuning on the suspension, things were way off and wiggly on the highway. It turns out that the rear was sitting really low with the suspension I have back there in combination with some very stupid lowering blocks. The bike sounds like a beast alright.

andy750 · « **Reply #17 on:** March 12, 2009, 06:15:01 AM »

Very nice! Thanks for the pic. What suspension are you going with?

cheers
Andy

754 · « **Reply #18 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:14:59 AM »

Sweep, you may consider a 2nd disc up front..

Sweep · « **Reply #19 on:** March 12, 2009, 07:50:24 AM »

Quote from: 754 on March 12, 2009, 07:14:59 AM

Sweep, you may consider a 2nd disc up front..

This baby needs it. I was thinking of going disc in the rear also. OH that sounds bad.

Big Jay · « **Reply #20 on:** March 12, 2009, 06:23:33 PM »

Quote from: odin836 on March 10, 2009, 05:47:56 AM

Hello,

I've been breaking down my engine during the sunny hours of most weekends (photos to come soon), and spending the night hours reading posts and googling until I get RSI.

I've still not come across anyone that has installed a complete CycleX Kit #2, $1699
http://www.cyclexchange.net/Engine%20Parts%20Page.htm

I'm not certain if I should source some parts from APE, and others from CycleX, or just run with the complete CycleX kit.
How do the APE parts compare to CycleX? Have APE ever put together a complete kit, similar to CycleX at a reduced price for anyone on the forum?

Part for Part price list is below, although parts do come in a bit cheaper from CycleX if you buy as a complete kit.

Done to the best of my knowledge, intentions are not to misrepresent either business...

Thanks for pointing out the typo on our sohc page on the valve springs. As you can see on the main page they are supposed to be $69.95
http://cbrzone.com/cams.html

Also you got our gasket set price wrong. We are $78.00

Thanks

Jay

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Author Topic: CycleX Parts 'vs APE - (Prices included) (Read 4710 times)