Author Topic: Honda 500/4 Racer - Blog up and running (Read 12527 times)

HondaFreak · « **Reply #25 on:** May 18, 2011, 01:06:17 PM »

I agree that is a particularly nice piston for 29 Euro, but we need the minimum amount of weight to ensure we can rev the engine. We just taken advantage of having our own rods made to minimise the piston size. The downside is that they don't work with the standard rods, but we wanted racing rods as we will be running at long periods of high engine speeds at the Manx. Short track would have been suitable for the stock rods because we wouldn't need the rpm, but when the 500 MV runs 150mph on Sulby straight the Honda will need to work very hard to compete esp. with a 2 valve head.
You should be selling those pistons if you aren't already, they look really good! Need a UK agent???

turboguzzi · « **Reply #26 on:** May 18, 2011, 02:56:04 PM »

Dont pay TOO much attention to us Dave, we are all just jealous of the work you are doing and wished we had those parts !!

how much longer you went with the rods? not even sure how long the stock ones are

TG

HondaFreak · « **Reply #27 on:** June 03, 2011, 05:36:29 AM »

Pics of carbon fibre tank now on blog. Forks are tuned and in too. Coming together now.

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #28 on:** June 03, 2011, 06:55:43 AM »

Quote from blog,.. Seems a pity to cover it with paint, but regulations are regulations....

Seems strange to have to paint it when people with ally tanks don't.

Sam.

voxonda · « **Reply #29 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:26:24 AM »

Did not know they permitted carbon fibre in Classic regulations?

??

Rob

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #30 on:** June 03, 2011, 08:40:32 AM »

Perhaps that's why they have to paint it Rob.

I've had a carbon rear fender on one of mine for years, I'm just itching for someone to tell me to take it off. It'll be 4 ounces lighter if I do.

Sam.

HondaFreak · « **Reply #31 on:** June 06, 2011, 12:35:08 AM »

Carbon is permitted in UK as long as its not shown. Alloy tanks are period and therefore don't need painting. We normally run carbon tanks, seat unit and mudgaurd on our own bike. The carbon tank offers a significant weight save as it is autoclaved from pre-preg by company who are making F1 parts. I thoght I'd put it on show before it disappeared under a lick of paint.

turboguzzi · « **Reply #32 on:** June 06, 2011, 01:56:33 AM »

Quote from: HondaFreak on June 06, 2011, 12:35:08 AM

Carbon is permitted in UK as long as its not shown. Alloy tanks are period and therefore don't need painting. We normally run carbon tanks, seat unit and mudgaurd on our own bike. The carbon tank offers a significant weight save as it is autoclaved from pre-preg by company who are making F1 parts. I thoght I'd put it on show before it disappeared under a lick of paint.

Cost? or better not ask? ( oouch!

)

Howell · « **Reply #33 on:** June 06, 2011, 11:38:22 AM »

Quote from: HondaFreak on June 06, 2011, 12:35:08 AM

Carbon is permitted in UK as long as its not shown. Alloy tanks are period and therefore don't need painting. We normally run carbon tanks, seat unit and mudgaurd on our own bike. The carbon tank offers a significant weight save as it is autoclaved from pre-preg by company who are making F1 parts. I thoght I'd put it on show before it disappeared under a lick of paint.

Carbon is also permitted by the Dutch KNMV classics rules.
By the way a very beautifull tank.

HondaFreak · « **Reply #34 on:** June 08, 2011, 08:33:40 AM »

Cost is a 'very reasonable' £595, bare carbon with a Monza cap......

Sam Green Racing · « **Reply #35 on:** June 08, 2011, 08:52:26 AM »

Don't put to much paint on it, it'll weigh a ton.

Nice bit of kit though.

Sam.

Howell · « **Reply #36 on:** August 08, 2011, 10:54:45 AM »

Is there any development , Manx grandprix is coming soon.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #37 on:** August 13, 2011, 12:59:52 AM »

Quote from: Howell on August 08, 2011, 10:54:45 AM

Is there any development , Manx grandprix is coming soon.

It sure is and no blogupdates since June...

Are you still all on schedule Peter? Will I be walking the paddock in vain looking for you

turboguzzi · « **Reply #38 on:** August 16, 2011, 03:26:34 AM »

hi rene

didnt you mention that one Davies framed CB500's came to race in holland?

how did it run?

TG

Howell · « **Reply #39 on:** August 16, 2011, 11:29:45 AM »

Quote from: turboguzzi on August 16, 2011, 03:26:34 AM

hi rene

didnt you mention that one Davies framed CB500's came to race in holland?

how did it run?

TG

Hi Yossef,

We saw one in Belgium at the races in Chimay from an english guy David Corlett, nice frame and tank but the bike was not fast.
Yrjo's laptime in that race 2.01.060 , David's laptime on the Davies 2.09.451
Maybe one comes to Holland some day.

HondaFreak · « **Reply #40 on:** August 16, 2011, 11:32:43 AM »

Apologies for the lack of posts of late. Unfortunately we have been waiting on some engine parts which has meant that John hasn't been able to get the engine up and running and tested in time for the Manx. John will be at the Manx, as usual, based at the Welbeck and The Queens, no doubt, so you can catch up with him there. I should have pictures of the exhausts in the next week - they have been fabricated anew so that they sit fully inside the lower frame rails and the meggas give full clearance for the brake/gearshift. I have designed them using stepped headers - we will see how that works out. They also use stub headers so that the downpipes are just 'sprung' in place. Digital ignition has arrived, which saves a bit of weight over the PVL and sits in flush behind the engine plate. It is also programmable. Rolling chassis is done, bar the fairing. Engine is 95% done, but that is about as much use as 5% done if you want to run it and tune it! Anyone who wants to get in touch with JD either in UK or at the Manx, his number is 07812 400449. A beer related incident awaits you.

HondaFreak · « **Reply #41 on:** August 16, 2011, 11:40:55 AM »

The bike in Belgium was indeed that of Dave Corlett (who is Manx by the way, not English

) Dave purchased a frame, seat, tank & shocks from John and has done his own engine. Hopefully he will be running at the Manx and we are wishing him all the best in the races and look forward to him making a lot of noise as he bombs round the course.
Dave's bike is the first one out there running the new frame - Colin Stockdale & his mate Dave should also be competing on their 500/4s next season with DM frames. We are on 009 now, but not all are in UK...one is in Australia, one going to Norway. Stafford is next stop after the Manx. Fingers crossed.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #42 on:** August 17, 2011, 10:38:58 AM »

Ah shame Peter - I'll catch up with you at Stafford then I guess. Not risking the Queens to see John next week in case Peter Padgett is in there and I have to buy him a beer. Has anyone ever seen Peter Padgett buy a drink...? ;-)

HondaFreak · « **Reply #43 on:** October 02, 2011, 11:20:52 AM »

Bit more of an update. Bike as it stands this week, with dummy engine, but a lot more components added - painted 4-4 meggas, VM26 carbs, cut away clutch cover, front brake cables, grips, bar ends etc etc etc. Less than 2 weeks to Stafford, so all guns ablazing to get her shipshape for the show. Weighed the bike as it is & and we are still looking good for 125kg target. Bespoke fairing won't be ready for Stafford, as that will the be the last item to be made. Should we poke the 500/4 cover through the fairing, or is that too 'flash'? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.

lordmoonpie · « **Reply #44 on:** October 02, 2011, 12:58:52 PM »

I know it's not finished Peter but you could have knocked those 4" nails under the tank in all the way!

turboguzzi · « **Reply #45 on:** October 02, 2011, 02:41:51 PM »

Quote from: HondaFreak on October 02, 2011, 11:20:52 AM

Bit more of an update. Bike as it stands this week, with dummy engine, but a lot more components added - painted 4-4 meggas, VM26 carbs, cut away clutch cover, front brake cables, grips, bar ends etc etc etc. Less than 2 weeks to Stafford, so all guns ablazing to get her shipshape for the show. Weighed the bike as it is & and we are still looking good for 125kg target. Bespoke fairing won't be ready for Stafford, as that will the be the last item to be made. Should we poke the 500/4 cover through the fairing, or is that too 'flash'? Answers on a postcard to the usual address.

looking good man but why four single 26 VM's? racked 26 of old kawasaki/suzukis 4's have almost perfect spacing for staright inlets and just one throttle cable

HondaFreak · « **Reply #46 on:** October 02, 2011, 04:16:03 PM »

In too much of a rush to knock the nails in - we will grind them off b4 stafford as they clearly distract from the overall effect. As for the VM26 carbs, a bank of 4 production carbs are heavy and it is much easier to get a full variety of jets, needles and slides for the Mikunis. Would love to have a set of affordable & eligible flat slides, but hey ho.....need some trumpets on the end yet, but bit meaningless until the engine is running and we can try different lengths at the dyno. More updates this before Stafford.

Sukin · « **Reply #47 on:** October 07, 2011, 05:04:25 AM »

To Howell: Hi could you write more about that 29 E, pistons? Diameter, whre I could buy it...

Howell · « **Reply #48 on:** October 09, 2011, 11:39:37 AM »

Quote from: Sukin on October 07, 2011, 05:04:25 AM

To Howell: Hi could you write more about that 29 E, pistons? Diameter, whre I could buy it...

My son bought them on Kreta during his holliday last year.They are 57 mm.
But they don't fit on the stock conrods , pin diameter is 13mm.
You can but them also here: http://www.akyriakopoulos.gr/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=12&products_id=130&language=en&osCsid=ec012a39a13e5a251cebb0633bd31784

HondaFreak · « **Reply #49 on:** October 12, 2011, 12:56:11 PM »

Stafford this weekend everyone! Main Hall, Stand M59. Bike has got full oil cooling kit fitted now - stock filter has gone; replaced with CNC housing, braided hoses and 6 line oil cooler. Digital ignition harness going on as I type (clearly not fitted by me!), polished alloy catch tank from Dave @ D&M is nestling nicely where the start motor used to be. Only externals not available for the show are the carb mech and the clutch actuation mech. Please pop & see the bikes, it really has had a lot of work put into it in the last 12 months. We will have the 350/4 frame on display too, plus a fully polished alloy tank and seat unit for you lovers of the Cafe Racer look. The 350/4 engine work will start in the next month, but it is more of a one off for now, to run along with the 500/4 and make a lot of noise at the Manx, at some point. We checked the weigh of the 500/4 of late and we are still on for 125kg, finished. Cheers, Pete Jones.

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Author Topic: Honda 500/4 Racer - Blog up and running (Read 12527 times)