Topic: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build

[Tintop]

And now for the bright side of things - my air filter.  I call it the 'Anti-Pod'.

The 1st prototypes are being built, and I should have them (2) by the end of the month.  One will be going on my 550, the other is going to be 'road tested' on 750's.  That unit will be getting my revised stock stacks 1st; and yes, the tester has been selected.

So what is it?  The filter is being made by ITG in the UK, and is a smaller version of the filter they supply for F3000, and Ford DFV's.  These are photo's of a custom one for a Caterham, mine will look the same.




Once testing part is complete, the plan is to offer these for sale for either the 750, or 500/550.  So to keep things separate, I will be starting a thread in 'For Sale' shortly.  I will be posting all the details there.

[Flying J]

If it works well I want one. Can't do stock and not sure I want to run stacks.

[Tintop]

If it works well I want one. Can't do stock and not sure I want to run stacks.

These are based on using the basic stock Honda stack design, with the stock carbs.  The filter mounts at the end of the stack, so these are being made, and will differ from Honda's at the bell mouth.  Just started a thread in the 'For Sale'.

[Tintop]

Looks like that fire is still burning after all.

Just rec'd this from the painter, we have colour!   Maybe this will get done after all.  Just some air brush, decals, pin stripping, and clear coat to go.


Now I can get a good nights sleep.  That way I'll be all rested for the next problem.

[Syscrush]

Man, it's November - you've got lots of time to sort those issues out.  Good work on making more progress and good luck with your next trip out to Trenton. 

[tweakin]

really like the color, looking forward to the finished product.

[Tintop]

Man, it's November - you've got lots of time to sort those issues out.  Good work on making more progress and good luck with your next trip out to Trenton. 

Actually Syscrush, I have 2 weeks.  Thats when I have to have photos ready to go.  There is a show I want to take it to in January, and entries close December 1st.

really like the color, looking forward to the finished product.

Thanks tweakin.  Its a House of Colours blue pearl.  Just hope the other colours I picked, work as well as the blue.

[HedNut]

Nice Color for sure!! Love that deep dark blue look...can't wait to see them all pin'ed up!

PS... AWESOME move with the filters!! Great idea...and I'm sure they'll fly off the shelves.

[Tintop]

Nice Color for sure!! Love that deep dark blue look...can't wait to see them all pin'ed up!

PS... AWESOME move with the filters!! Great idea...and I'm sure they'll fly off the shelves.

The blue will get very deep, once the clear coats go on.

That said HedNut, I think that dual personality paint job of yours, is one of the most original ideas I seen in a long time.

[Kemp]

Fantastic build, gotta have big commitment to keep producing such quality work. This bike will be a hit at the Supershow, can't wait to see it.

[Tintop]

Fantastic build, gotta have big commitment to keep producing such quality work. This bike will be a hit at the Supershow, can't wait to see it.

Hi Kemp, look forward to not only showing you the bike, but going for a ride next year.

However, while its all still nice and squeaky clean, thought showing it would be fun this winter.  It will give people something other than stretched choppers to look at.

[Tintop]

So I know how much you all like pictures.  Figured after all the drama and delays getting to this point, all those following this thread should get to see what I am.

Just rec'd these from the painter, and yes that's all paint.  Part two is done, including a sanding prep for the next.  Just tanks decals, and a couple of details, then clear to go.
All laid out-

The Thruxton fairing-

The bike's name 'Speed Warrior', ghosted down the centre in Kanji


Trivia question: what 'logo' was used?

[Raef]

That is mighty close to a paint scheme I was considering for my 550 SS

I was considering Kandy Oriental blue, using a sliver  base, masking off panels ( to be left silver) on the side covers and tank and trimming with a hand painted red pin stripe.

I feel so violated

good choice on colors

Mark

[Tintop]

That is mighty close to a paint scheme I was considering for my 550 SS
I was considering Kandy Oriental blue, using a sliver  base, masking off panels ( to be left silver) on the side covers and tank and trimming with a hand painted red pin stripe.
I feel so violated
good choice on colors
Mark

Thanks Mark (I think )  Once the Monza cap is installed it will have the look I wanted.

[Raef]

can't wait to see it with the clear coat and buffed

[Syscrush]

Trivia question: what 'logo' was used?

That's the mon of the Honda clan.

Very, very classy.

[HedNut]

WOW... SLICK AS BUTTER!!  Super excellent choices!!

Hey what show do you want to bring your bike to this winter!?... I'm going to try and get me and the wifes bum down there to check it out!

[Tintop]

Trivia question: what 'logo' was used?

That's the Mon of the Honda clan.

Very, very classy.

Well done Syscrush.   Wanted to put 'Honda' on it, but not the word.  For those who haven't done an internet search .  A Mon or Kamon is a family crest.  The Honda clan were retainers of the Shogun Tokugawa.  And that concludes your Honda trivia lesson.

[Tintop]

WOW... SLICK AS BUTTER!!  Super excellent choices!!

Hey what show do you want to bring your bike to this winter!?... I'm going to try and get me and the wifes bum down there to check it out!

Still working things out.  It will depend on how the different dates work out.  I be posting something at a later date.

[Syscrush]

The Honda clan were retainers of the Shogun Tokugawa.

That explains why it features 3 hollyhocks.

I love it, very nice my man.

[Tintop]

So time for a quick update, before next weekend's trip to the shop.

So last weekend was much like the one before, only different.   Traced the starter circuit problem to an bad connection in the relay socket.   Cranks over great now.  According to the oil pressure gauge I have over 55lb cold.   Didn't start though.  Got out the multimeter and checked the ignition circuit, point gap / timing, and plugs.  All OK.  Next checked the carbs.  Opened each drain - 1 & 4 OK, 2 & 3 nothing.   Pulled carbs, bowls, floats, needles.  As there was still a small amount of fuel in the long start up fuel line, blew air through.  Both 2 & 3 seemed to clear.  Inspected again, reassembled, reinstalled, added fuel, and watched #2 start to over flow. WHF  

Ran out of time so that will be job 1 this weekend.  Only this time I will 'bench fuel' them, and check float levels externally, before they go back on.   Also need to find out why my horn button has decided to only work PT.

Body work is scheduled to be done this Saturday.  This time I'm sure it will be.

So pictures for sure, and maybe a video with sound if things get that far.

[Tintop]

It Lives!    It Starts!   It Idles!    It's LOUD!


You'll have to trust me on this, but the sound is unbelievable.  The expression, 'ripping the air' would not be out of line.   However, loud would be an understatement.  Anything over idle has got to be close to 100db.  Looks like 'Baffels R Us' is the next stop.

Some choke, turned over a couple of times, then 'fire in the hole'!  Gave it it's first twist of the wrist, WOW.   Closed the choke, a little adjust on the idle screw, and it held 1000 rpm. Checked the exhausts, power pulses out of each, yeah.  Then fingers over each stack mouth.  1 & 4 would suck a wrist watch off , 3 wasn't bad, and 2 (the master) was weak. A sync job is definitely in order.  Rolled open the throttle, and got no stumble, or flat spot.  Timing seems pretty good, but will scope it next week.   Also next week a video with sound.

It took two cleanings, and the realization that #2 float bowl was leaking past the drain screw.  After checking it with a magnifying glass, I found a pin hole at the base of the over flow tube.   Retrieved a bowl from my 46C set, and spent an hour getting it clean.  Fitted it, and bench checked the float levels.
Carb bench test rig

Float level check


New fuel and drain lines installed


Next up was finalizing the brake and shifter pedals.  On the brake side I decided to have the mounting plate re-cut.  The extension will hold the brake cable adjuster mount.

The answer to the kick starter question - yes it clears.   The toe piece will be moved out one more hole, and the extra removed.

Shifter mock up.  I will be using the lower hole on the pedal assembly, and cutting down, and modifying the stock shift lever.  The same toe piece mod. here as with the brake side.


In answer to the question that has yet to be asked - what does the tail light look like?  Brake / turn / licence lights.


And finally the seat has come back.   However the body work is MIA.



Next week - check the timing / sync the carbs / finish the pedal assemblies / and tidy up the wiring in the headlight.  Then its time to start the final cleanup.  Still left to do - mount the front fender / add the front brake lines / and install the body work (if it ever gets done!)

[Flying J]

Body work is scheduled to be done this Saturday.  This time I'm sure it will be.

So pictures for sure, and maybe a video with sound if things get that far.

This thread is full of lies and deceit! 

[bwaller]

Well done. I bet the drive home was more relaxed than the last couple weekends. 

[Tintop]

Body work is scheduled to be done this Saturday.  This time I'm sure it will be.

So pictures for sure, and maybe a video with sound if things get that far.

This thread is full of lies and deceit! 

It offically started for the 1st time in 12+ years at 1:03PM, everyone next door had left by then.  So no video.  However, if I had found the painter this afternoon, you could have added murder to your list.  

As for the paint.  Spoke to him Saturady morning, and he was going clean a few things up, then shot the clear. The plan was to start rubbing things out Sunday.  He disappeared Saturday PM, and never showed up Sunday!  I have yet to hear from him, and can only surmise that there has been a major f*#^up.   That was plan B, not sure if I even want to start thinking about a plan C.