Topic: New project for a first timer CB550 build - Slowly getting back to it!

[Godffery]

A "budget" hydraulic clutch set up.  No mods to the cover.  Approximately $110.

Do you have any more info on the parts required for this? I'm interested for my K8 750. Thanks!

No, I don't.  The guy who built it built Hellcats and Wraiths for Confederate.  It's not nearly as sophisticated a solution as Goddfery's but he says it's reliable.  He's running a 1000cc Russ Collins motor.

Zeffcat, I could make you a slave kit for the 750.  Making and installing an adapter plate for those are not as complex as the 550's are.
If your on a tight budget, I could design it to use a stock slave cylinder from another model Honda.  They are not nearly as sexy or warranted for life like the Oberon but can be had pretty cheep.

Got an estimate of what cost I'd be looking at?

I don't want to hijack this thread (any more then I already have)  so You can contact me directly at jstephens7@wi.rr.com. to discuss details & options.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Back to our original program, keep on turning wrenches, Bob.

[bambuhiphop]

Back to our original program, keep on turning wrenches, Bob.

Same bat channel, same bat time, haha! Will do.

[bambuhiphop]

Few updates:

Engine is just about ready to start. I am going to wait for the wheels to be back on but aside from some wiring and hoses it's ready to go. I had to reset my gaps for the cam after reviewing some notes. I got the C5 all wired up. Just need to finish wiring the coils and connect the plugs. I also decided to get the rotary switch so I could select different timings. I drilled out one of the old mount points for the original electrics tray. I will get a good looking knob on the post and work it in with the eventual side covers.





I also picked up a low profile banjo bot for the rear master. I really like how this just dives out of the way and hides the wiring.



And finally, I got my airbox from Cognito! I really like the look and have a ton of clearance by the frame. Got it mounted and the carbs tightened down.





I got my hubs back from being coated and got them down to Buchanan's to be laced up. Once I have those back I will get an Outex kit on them, mount the tires, and installed on the bike. That will probably be my next update unless the bracket for my speedo mount is finished before.

 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The bike is looking GOOD.  I'm curious as to how that Cognitomoto hub works out.

[SF]

That airbox makes those carbs look even better.


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[akabek]

Hopefully that air box does not restrict airflow.  You will want decent air volume to feed those carbs.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That airbox makes those carbs look even better.


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Agreed that the airbox looks good, BUT it serves a critical function.  I don't care if the box looks less attractive if it tunes easy and makes good power.

[bambuhiphop]

Agreed that the airbox looks good, BUT it serves a critical function.  I don't care if the box looks less attractive if it tunes easy and makes good power.

My hope is I get both but if performance drags because of it you'll see something else on the bike.

[SF]

That airbox makes those carbs look even better.


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Agreed that the airbox looks good, BUT it serves a critical function.  I don't care if the box looks less attractive if it tunes easy and makes good power.

Yes totally agree, few yrs back I got tintops anti pod for the same reason.


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[boaf]

That will probably be my next update unless the bracket for my speedo mount is finished before.

Excited to see what you come up with for the speedo mount.

Does the C5 ignition use the stock spark advancer?

[akabek]

If the jetting is not far off from the factory stacks you can swap between the air box and stacks to compare.  I ran CR29 and CR26 Keihin carbs on a CB550 and at one point I tried some great looking polished stacks.  After multiple jet changes my readings were all over the map causing odd behaviour.  I pulled them and went back to the factory stacks man what a difference.  Those nice looking stacks were all show and no go.

[bambuhiphop]

That will probably be my next update unless the bracket for my speedo mount is finished before.

Excited to see what you come up with for the speedo mount.

Does the C5 ignition use the stock spark advancer?

Nope...

[bambuhiphop]

And the current settings on the carbs are as follows.

MAJ = #220
MJ = #115
PJ = #58
JN = 448 #3 clip
Airscrew = 1 turn

I actually didn't set these. Carbs were setup by Powerbarn when I ordered them based on some engine setup I handed off. I have heard this thing tunes like the pods which is what the carbs are setup for at the moment. But the proof will be in the pudding when I get everything running.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I was wondering if -- before you went with the killer Goddfery hydraulic clutch system -- you considered the Magura Hymec system.  http://www.magura.com/en/components/powersports/hydraulicclutchsystems/productdetailpage/?p=1853

[bambuhiphop]

I was wondering if -- before you went with the killer Goddfery hydraulic clutch system -- you considered the Magura Hymec system.  http://www.magura.com/en/components/powersports/hydraulicclutchsystems/productdetailpage/?p=1853

I did look at that. I wasn't sure how it would work on the 550. Mainly it didn't fit the bill for me because I was looking for a radial perch because of clearance issues with my windscreen. I did have it on my list of possibilities and when I was doing more research so the setup of the Cafe Overkill bike and reached out to Goddfery. He had already done my tank so I knew the quailty would be there and the setup just fit with what I was looking for.

[Stev-o]

Just got caught up on this project, looking great!  Do you realize you recently surpassed the 7 year mark?!

[bambuhiphop]

Just got caught up on this project, looking great!  Do you realize you recently surpassed the 7 year mark?!

Why you gotta rub it in! haha. I am, its a running joke among friends. In my defense I've bought a house, gotten married, and had 2 kids in that time. But, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel now. I will be starting the motor this summer. It may blow up when I try but I will be starting it!

My final hurdle is the seat design and side covers. I changed the original idea I had. I roughly know what I want to do but I've not made a seat before so I will be stretching my knowledge base and doing something new.

[boaf]

That will probably be my next update unless the bracket for my speedo mount is finished before.

Excited to see what you come up with for the speedo mount.

Does the C5 ignition use the stock spark advancer?

Nope...

Sexy.  Should have known no stock spark advancer when you mentioned the adjustable curves. 

You're costing me money

[bambuhiphop]

So, one of the first things that drew me to the BMW front end was the ABS Sensor mount. The Motoscope Pro for the R9T uses it to get speed readings. After a little research I figured out the the stock ABS sensor is a Hall Effect unit which will not work with my Motoscope Pro. I need to run their dry reed sensor. I knew I could still use the location to mount the sensor, I just needed to create a bracket...

Well, I designed one (using the original sensor as the base) and got the bracket made up. I was able to pick it up today. I am super happy with how it turned out. It looks factory in my opinion. I will use the ABS ring (slightly modified) to mount the magnets on.

This is the stock R9T sensor and the bracket that I had made:


I picked up the beefier sensor from Motogadget. It is a 8Mx1.00. It is also a little longer than the one that comes with the Motoscope. I needed the extra length.


I tagged the bracket with some paint and it blends perfectly with the other piece that mounts to the fork lower:



Now I am working on the fitting on the fork. I will get some Flexo PET on the wire and won't tighten the sensor down until I can set the distance to the magnet. I have an additional bracket that mounts on the caliper to help the routing of the wire. It then clips to the brake line up into the headlight bucket:

[Godffery]

 Nicely done!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Impressive.

[tshrey]

Everything on this bike is awesome and set up to save weight (I love the knife edged crank and wish I would have done that before I put the bottom end together).  Why are you running a boat anchor battery?  You can save yourself 6 pounds relatively high up in the frame if you switch to a LiPo battery.

I've got to get my adapter for the CBR600rr alternator done and send you a copy so you can use it on this bike.  I won't have mine road worthy until next summer and I'm anxious to see it in action.

I've got a new compound top slide coming for my lathe and the steel rod arrives wednesday.  Hopefully I can cut the adapter this weekend.

Keep up the good work.

[bambuhiphop]

Everything on this bike is awesome and set up to save weight (I love the knife edged crank and wish I would have done that before I put the bottom end together).  Why are you running a boat anchor battery?  You can save yourself 6 pounds relatively high up in the frame if you switch to a LiPo battery.

I've got to get my adapter for the CBR600rr alternator done and send you a copy so you can use it on this bike.  I won't have mine road worthy until next summer and I'm anxious to see it in action.

I've got a new compound top slide coming for my lathe and the steel rod arrives wednesday.  Hopefully I can cut the adapter this weekend.

Keep up the good work.

Thanks man. I need to replace the battery anyway. It is kind of a bench/test battery until the whole system is up and running.

I'm totally down to test the alternator. I have a flywheel on my eBay watch list right now. I was also curious how you were going to handle the stator mounting and the reg/rectifier?

You keep up the good work too. I've enjoyed watching your build as well.

[Marissa]

Incredible work- keep it going!