Topic: Speed Pony - 550 race bike recreation

[Doctor_D]

subscribed

[Tintop]

Its been a while since I had anything to post; while I continued to research the history of the bike.

Well that search has turned up some exciting news.  I may not have to build a frame from scratch, like the original was.  Why?  Because I have located Robbie Meilkejohn's original frame.   The bad part is I have to wait until Tuesday to find out if I can purchase it, and if so how much.

The other option is I borrow it to build a new set of jigs.  Either way it is a potentially huge time & dollar savings. 

If the frame is still good, using it would be my best option, and produce the most original recreation.

[Shenanigans]

Its been a while since I had anything to post; while I continued to research the history of the bike.

Well that search has turned up some exciting news.  I may not have to build a frame from scratch, like the original was.  Why?  Because I have located Robbie Meilkejohn's original frame.   The bad part is I have to wait until Tuesday to find out if I can purchase it, and if so how much.

The other option is I borrow it to build a new set of jigs.  Either way it is a potentially huge time & dollar savings. 

If the frame is still good, using it would be my best option, and produce the most original recreation.

Build 5, sell me one. 

[bluesmoke69]

This should be super cool build. I almost bought a 550 off CL. today but my wife would kill me if I take up anymore space in the garage!!

[Tintop]

Build 5, sell me one. 

I am sure once Denis has remade the jigs and fixtures from the original, he would be glad to make one for you.

[Syscrush]

Because I have located Robbie Meilkejohn's original frame.   The bad part is I have to wait until Tuesday to find out if I can purchase it, and if so how much.

GOOD LUCK sleeping between now and Tue!!!

I hope it works out for you, this is a fascinating project.

[Tintop]

Because I have located Robbie Meilkejohn's original frame.   The bad part is I have to wait until Tuesday to find out if I can purchase it, and if so how much.

GOOD LUCK sleeping between now and Tue!!!

I hope it works out for you, this is a fascinating project.

Yeah, that was my 1st reaction Syscrush.   However, with the other 550 getting closer to start up, my synapse has been mainly filled with Honda wiring diagrams.   Better than counting sheep.

[Kemp]

TinTop, have also subscribed as this project is close to my heart. Couple of years ago I tried to track down that McLelland bike but to no avail as it appeared to have been disassembled and Wayne had disappeared. I did track down the engine which went into a stock frame and was raced successfully by Kurt Neilson, Dave Trent and finally landed with Brian Molly. I acquired the bike which had been sitting for some time and was in really rough shape. The motor was worn out but intact complete with the Jerry Branch head. I'm rebuilding the whole bike as a cafe racer for street use. The engine is almost complete using the rebuilt branch head, refurbished 590 Yosh pistons, Yosh Isle of Man cam and CB750 carbs (that's what was on it). If you get/build the monoshock frame you will have a sweet handling beast as Wayne was a bit of a lion killer on that machine. Another good contact for info about the bike is Bill Tomlin at 109 Cycle in TO. He was a parts man with Scott during that era at Ontario Honda

[Tintop]

TinTop, have also subscribed as this project is close to my heart. Couple of years ago I tried to track down that McLelland bike but to no avail as it appeared to have been disassembled and Wayne had disappeared. I did track down the engine which went into a stock frame and was raced successfully by Kurt Neilson, Dave Trent and finally landed with Brian Molly. I acquired the bike which had been sitting for some time and was in really rough shape. The motor was worn out but intact complete with the Jerry Branch head. I'm rebuilding the whole bike as a cafe racer for street use. The engine is almost complete using the rebuilt branch head, refurbished 590 Yosh pistons, Yosh Isle of Man cam and CB750 carbs (that's what was on it). If you get/build the monoshock frame you will have a sweet handling beast as Wayne was a bit of a lion killer on that machine. Another good contact for info about the bike is Bill Tomlin at 109 Cycle in TO. He was a parts man with Scott during that era at Ontario Honda

Wow Kemp, you have the engine.   We have to get together, can't be more than 45+ minutes away.  PM, or email me please.

The carb comment makes sense, given that is the norm with the 550 in vintage today.  I will make a point of contacting Bill, thanks for the lead.  Also a very big thanks for adding to the bike's history by posting, and keeping a piece of it alive.

This project just keeps getting more interesting all the time.

[Kemp]

PM sent

[Shenanigans]

Build 5, sell me one. 

I am sure once Denis has remade the jigs and fixtures from the original, he would be glad to make one for you.

If it does get to the stage where that might actually happen, let me know.

[Tintop]

Build 5, sell me one. 

I am sure once Denis has remade the jigs and fixtures from the original, he would be glad to make one for you.

If it does get to the stage where that might actually happen, let me know.

Hey Shenanigans, thanks for the interest.  It not a case of 'if', but a case of when.  Very good possibility that if you wanted one, it could be in your Xmas stocking.   I know there has been interest up here from some vintage racers, and at least one inquiry about a 'street' frame kit.

According to Denis, we are to start on the frame towards the end of September.  He has to clear up some existing orders for TZ, and H1/2 frame kits, and I also want to finish my 550 cafe 1st.  If I can get Robbie's original frame to work from (buy / borrow), then things will happen very quickly.  Having it would mean we don't have to 'work from scratch', just set it on the frame plate, and start making the jigs to reproduce it.  This will be a huge time (& money ) saver.   I will know the situation regarding Robbie's frame by mid next week.  Stay tuned.

[Industrial Rat400f Killer]

Those frames do seem like something that you could sell a few of, maybe even one to me.

[Tintop]

Those frames do seem like something that you could sell a few of, maybe even one to me.

Given that it will take either a SOHC 750, or a 550, I know you're not the only one with interest Rat400F.

Generally, one of Denis' frame kits consists of the frame / swingarm / rear axle (20mm).  A custom tailored Works Performance shock is offered for the mono shock frames, and an alloy tank.  bwaller can tell you how nice they are.

Because his frames are hand built, its easy to make certain changes, like the steering head.  If you wanted to use one for the street with a modern front end, he would just need the triple for stem sizing / head angle.  The swingarm could also be done in alloy , instead of chrome molly (xtra $'s ).

[Retro Rocket]

Good morning Tin top,when you come down under for your next holiday, just throw one of those frames in your luggage for me will ya.....

Mick

[Tintop]

Good morning Tin top,when you come down under for your next holiday, just through one of those frames in your luggage for me will ya.....

Mick

Sorry Mick, I won't be coming down under in the next while mate.  However, a country man of yours will be visiting here for our Thanksgiving.   He works for the airline, so an oversize 'carry-on' is doable.

[Retro Rocket]

Did i say "holiday"?...  i meant kidnapping...... . Actually i have a mate that builds custom Hot Rods and he gets containers sent here from California a couple of times a year.......i'll keep in the loop mate..

Mick

[Tintop]

Did i say "holiday"?...  i meant kidnapping...... . Actually i have a mate that builds custom Hot Rods and he gets containers sent here from California a couple of times a year.......i'll keep in the loop mate..

Mick

Things will get very interesting starting Tuesday.  This could all move alot faster than I had originally thought.

[Retro Rocket]

I love this forum, without this place i would never have had the knowledge i have now about these old bikes. It never ceases to amaze me what some of the  members here are prepared to do to STILL improve the breed.....
Inspiring stuff....

Mick

[Tintop]

I love this forum, without this place i would never have had the knowledge i have now about these old bikes. It never ceases to amaze me what some of the  members here are prepared to do to STILL improve the breed.....
Inspiring stuff....

Mick

+1 Mick.  Without the knowledge base this forum provides I would still be thinking about how to build my cafe; not heading into the home stretch finishing.  Speed Pony would still be a dream; instead its a project I can't wait to dig into.

And speaking of kidnaping - Paulages 735

[Retro Rocket]

   

Mick

[bwaller]

Well Brian, sounds like you may be working on two projects at once....sounds about right.

Just set up a cot in your garage and you'll be all set. 

[Tintop]

Well Brian, sounds like you may be working on two projects at once....sounds about right.

Just set up a cot in your garage and you'll be all set. 

   

Just finished setting up my folding race chair in the shop.  Cup holder in the arm holds my Tim's cup (beer better ), and a pocket for snacks.   Of course I could get out the old dog show one, it has a foot stool also.

Going to be seeing Kemp tomorrow, and see / talk about the engine's history.  Will definitely be getting pictures.  Also made contact with another of the Ontario Honda 'crew' from that time.  Hoping he can shed some light on were the TZ 750 parts came from.

No word yet on the frame.    It's a 36+ year old racing frame that has hit the ground hard more than once.   If I do get it and it is usable, it might get used for Speed Pony, undecided, we'll see what happens.  For sure a full set of jigs would be made, and at least 1 or more frames.  The frames would then probably be considered 'continuations', instead of 'recreations'; because an original was used to jig from, & made by the original builder.  Neat.

[Syscrush]

You keep working at that frame, I'll keep trying to get some extra hours in at work so I can justify buying one.

[Tintop]

You keep working at that frame, I'll keep trying to get some extra hours in at work so I can justify buying one.

Deal