Hi Brent,
Only raced the CB450 in Shennonvile, On Sat it went very well, finished 3rd in heat race, one second per lap slower than on the CB550, considering it was my first time on track it went very well. This bike handles so much better than the 550, very stable in fast corners and easier to throw around. Obviously the drum brakes are a bit of an issue after 3 or 4 laps. the motor shakes as a paint mixer but the low end power and drive out of corners is much better than on the CB550, less top end power though.
Things didn't go as well on Sunday, I started running out of gas with 2 laps to go (my fault), finished the race one before last on a single cylinder (right hand side) and the tank was BONE dry.
Now here is why I'm worried: There was oil leaking of the exhaust port of the left cylinder, so it indicates that the exhaust copper seal is a goner and I new about it but how and why the oil will get into the exhaust port?
With fresh fuel the motor started in my driveway on both cylinders but the left one was running so much cooler and actually quite cold, both carbs are setup equally and both sides are very rich but why is there so much difference?
Any suggestions?
Can it be that in the process of running out of fuel, the left cylinder was so lean that it caused detonations and now there is some damage?
BTW: the CB550 motor needs another 2-3 hours before it's ready to go into the frame (now with much longer rear shocks).
The motor is rebuilt with fresh everything (pistons, gaskets, camchain,etc..) will start it over the weekend. It wouldn't be as strong as the Yosh motor was with it's radical camshaft (and very low compression due to humongous valve pockets) but should have good bottom end.
At least will have two bikes for Mosport and will run 4 categories (can run even in more but figured out that 4 heat and 4 finals are enough).
Are you coming to Mosport?
Dan