Author Topic: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special" - muffler fell off at 80mph (Read 30782 times)

Ringo · « **Reply #25 on:** April 24, 2011, 11:34:17 PM »

Thanks Ecosse, the kind words are appreciated.

moham, would you mind telling me a little about what kind of setup you were running? Did you use 750 pistons? I've got a set of .25 oversize 750 pistons, which from what I can tell are about pushing the max bore on 550 liners. Are you talking about using cb650 cylinders?

Anyways, these are the Dynoman pistons:
http://www.dynoman.net/engine/pistons/dp-CB550.html
I really don't know a whole lot about them yet, other than they're not cheap. $:-\$ I've got plenty of time to do some homework though.

greenjeans · « **Reply #26 on:** April 25, 2011, 06:34:33 AM »

Man - what a killer bike ! The gulf GT40 was always on the top of my favorite race cars of all time list. There will never be such an iconic paint scheme
ever again. Those foam blocks....where'd those come from ? It almost looks like "sign-foam" ??

Great work. Love the silencer on the end of those pipes as well - very racy looking. Orange frame - oh my. Me likey.

Hurry up and finish this build.

joeyputt · « **Reply #27 on:** April 25, 2011, 09:13:46 AM »

Brother Ringo it is good to see you here! That is the perfect exhaust for this build, I really like it!

Ringo · « **Reply #28 on:** April 25, 2011, 10:46:11 AM »

Thanks Joe, it's good to see a familiar face around here!

moham · « **Reply #29 on:** April 25, 2011, 07:40:21 PM »

Quote from: Ringo on April 24, 2011, 11:34:17 PM

moham, would you mind telling me a little about what kind of setup you were running? Did you use 750 pistons? I've got a set of .25 oversize 750 pistons, which from what I can tell are about pushing the max bore on 550 liners. Are you talking about using cb650 cylinders?

sure...one of the members here had some 58.5mm pistons taken from an 85 ninja (4-valve but he cut reliefs for two)...CR stayed the same at 9.0 and the displacement bumped to 574. I had the head worked on by another member (stage 2) and i added the ubiquitous 650 cam. changed out springs/retainers and added dyno ignition. once i got it together tho, my hobby time got cut short so i haven't had much time at all to get it tuned (which i hope to remedy this year

yeah, those dynoman pistons gotta be new, i don't remember those being an option a couple years ago. looks like good kit...

Ringo · « **Reply #30 on:** April 25, 2011, 10:45:10 PM »

Ah, very cool moham. The cam, head work, and little extra displacement should liven it up some, eh?

In other news, the wiring is dialed. I gave myself a scare when I briefly confused the acc position for run on the ignition switch. But all the rewiring I had to do for the dash switches and to hide the wiring under the seat turned out well, so that's a big load off my shoulders.

Whenever the spokes get here, I'll be able to lengthen the kick stand and fire her up. So so close..

This photo was taken a good while ago, but shows the flush mount tail light. Unfortunately the epoxy used to secure the lens reduced the brightness by a little, so it's a little dimmer than this. I have yet to look at in bright daylight, but I'm a little worried.

Ecosse · « **Reply #31 on:** April 26, 2011, 12:35:49 AM »

although your pix are excellent i am unable to tell if the gauge wiring resembles the old timey cloth type. kinda looks it from my chair.

any pix of the frame construction/modifications?

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #32 on:** April 26, 2011, 12:50:07 AM »

Very nice

Ringo · « **Reply #33 on:** April 26, 2011, 01:05:10 AM »

Thanks RR

Ecosse, the wiring is wrapped in a sort of heavy nylon (I think?) mesh. It's a good bit stiffer than the cloth stuff.
Here's the frame modifications, at least most. I don't have pics from some of the little stuff.

Greggo · « **Reply #34 on:** April 26, 2011, 02:05:29 AM »

Gorgeous. I too was following your old thread.

Oette · « **Reply #35 on:** April 26, 2011, 10:01:43 AM »

This GRP work is brilliant. Oh, sorry, the whole body is brilliant. It's a shame that GRP tanks are not allowed on Germany's streets, so I am not able to try my skills by manufacturing my own tank like you :/. My compliment for your work.

Ringo · « **Reply #36 on:** April 26, 2011, 10:15:51 AM »

Thanks fellas.

Oette, that's a shame. What kind of penalties are in place for running one. I bet you could be sneaky about it...just keep the stock tank for inspections.

evan77 · « **Reply #37 on:** April 26, 2011, 12:48:14 PM »

excellent work and very original. that is going to be one beautiful bike!
keep up the good stuff.

Oette · « **Reply #38 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:51:35 AM »

I thought of this, too, but I would be happy if at least the inspection and approval of my current project will be done without any problems.
When I read about your projects in the states, I admire you for your range of allowed builds.

Keep posting your progress, I am really interested in the finished project!

Bakeoff · « **Reply #39 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:05:50 PM »

I really dig the frame work. Can't wait to see some wheels on it!

Don't worry about the lack of response on here. I was confused by the number of views and lack of comments on my build thread as well. I made a comment on mine, asking if I was wasting my time and got a handful of replies!

Ecosse · « **Reply #40 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:40:38 PM »

bakeoff, et al... just an idea but try listing a link to your build in your signature line. it's pretty handy for the rest of us.

Gman · « **Reply #41 on:** April 27, 2011, 06:35:12 PM »

Ringo,
I'm VERY glad you reintroduced the build here - your bike is inspiring and I'm awed by your level of craftsmanship! What a beaut - well done, sir.

Cheers,
Greg

Ringo · « **Reply #42 on:** April 28, 2011, 01:59:43 AM »

I was really worried that I would have to do some kick start tweaking because of the rear sets, but it turns out it clears them with plenty of room. Who would've thought? I'm stoked on that.

Got the linkages dialed..

Made a polished aluminum hanger for the silencer, and did the same for the rear brake stay as well (you can kind of see it in the other pics)..

And by chance, the angle of the silencer pretty much matches than of the lower subframe tube. How nice.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #43 on:** April 28, 2011, 03:10:32 AM »

Subscribed, GREAT work so far!

Ringo · « **Reply #44 on:** April 28, 2011, 02:01:51 PM »

Thanks fastbroshi.

So help me out here guys. I've been struggling for months what exactly to call this bike. I don't think it has much in common with many cafes. It's not a race rep. Or a chop...bob...drag...resto...

"Special" is really the only thing that comes to mind. Any "categories" you'd lump it into? So I can tell people what the hell it is!

wixil · « **Reply #45 on:** April 28, 2011, 02:21:48 PM »

Subscribed! Wow. I'm not sure how I've missed this thread before, but I'm glad I finally came across it. The tank and seat flow so well together. I'm not sure what I'd call it either, but it definitely has some racy lines. Keep up the amazing work.

Ecosse · « **Reply #46 on:** April 28, 2011, 02:29:31 PM »

Quote from: Ringo on April 28, 2011, 02:01:51 PM

So help me out here guys. I've been struggling for months what exactly to call this bike. I don't think it has much in common with many cafes. It's not a race rep. Or a chop...bob...drag...resto...

"Special" is really the only thing that comes to mind. Any "categories" you'd lump it into? So I can tell people what the hell it is!

opening a can of worms her but i think this fits the cafe and repli-racer category. true, it doesn't resemble a cr or rc, and doesn't look like the generic cafe we see all over the place, but if you get back to what a cafe really is (a stripped down and souped up hot rod) or a repli-racer (granted this one may be a stretch but a road going racer look a like) then your gulf racer fits.

but the classic "special" works too i suppose. since i think the british sorta coined that term maybe the more insightful brits here can lend an opinion. i think a special is usually a "one-off" often sourcing production parts and custom parts built by a home builder or small shop. does that sound right?

maybe my car background is showing but i like "hot rod."

fastbroshi · « **Reply #47 on:** April 28, 2011, 05:49:08 PM »

You could just say "oh it's a Honda" and then watch them pick their jaws up off the floor after they see it.

fastbroshi · « **Reply #48 on:** April 28, 2011, 06:04:37 PM »

Oh and someone asked about your wire sheathing. I wrapped my harness in some real nice stuff that looks just like that after I repaired it. Supposed to be fire resistant, greaseproof, etc. Real tough, but it gives a nice finished look to wiring, not to mention the extra protection. I have a link on my laptop at home if anyone wants it.

Ringo · « **Reply #49 on:** April 28, 2011, 06:57:25 PM »

"It's a Honda"...I do like that.

I wouldn't mind having that link...the stuff I used wasn't anything-proof. Just pretty.

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Author Topic: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special" - muffler fell off at 80mph (Read 30782 times)

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