Author Topic: F2/K1 Frankencafe (Read 14232 times)

AbbyRider · « **on:** February 13, 2013, 10:33:06 AM »

Really enjoyed my '78 project last year, and got the hankering for another. Picked up a '77 that was weather seized along with an extra K2 engine (seized as well) all for $300. In these parts (Pacific NW) that's considered a decent deal. Currently have it down to the frame, cases split and ready for blasting. Still trying to decide what to do with the front end. Bike didn't have front brake assembly and the fork stanchions have a bit of rust on them, so am considering GSXR front end. But not quite sure yet, as it would involve new wheels and as it is right now my wife has no idea what this project is costing me so I need to tread carefully. Other option is to find all the stock parts - I'm still waiting to hear back from a forum member who might have everything I need.

Front end decision will probably dictate the build theme. I've already got stock(ish) 750 so might do something different. And given the shape of the bike right now, it will definitely be less expensive in the long run to create something unusual and test out my fabrication skills.

I'll post additional pics soon.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #1 on:** February 13, 2013, 10:38:44 AM »

Last year's build - before and after. The original touring version looked a lot better in the photo than when I actually got into the guts.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #2 on:** February 13, 2013, 10:44:14 AM »

Some more pics of '77 teardown.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #3 on:** February 13, 2013, 10:47:10 AM »

Couple more of cleaning etc.

iron_worker · « **Reply #4 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:08:21 AM »

Wow you did a great job on that first bike. Looks great! Did you sell it?

IW

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #5 on:** February 13, 2013, 11:55:50 AM »

Great job on the 78! I say you go for something different, for variety-sake, especially if you are keeping the 78.

I second the vote for a modern front end. If you want to do it on the cheap, you can always buy a used GL front, which will give you an easy swap to slightly larger forks and built in double discs up front. If you want something a more drastic handling and braking improvement, I think you should go modern with a GSXR or CBR front end. I am in the midst of planning the same for my second build, since my first is more period correct.

noahspop · « **Reply #6 on:** February 13, 2013, 01:39:14 PM »

Nice.

Gonna follow this one.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #7 on:** February 16, 2013, 02:27:08 PM »

Waiting in some parts, so decided to rip into the carbs. Each one was a bit different. 1 was worst I have ever dealt with, while 3 was surprisingly clean. Fun.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #8 on:** March 27, 2013, 04:17:55 PM »

Been way too long since I've posted anything, but the snowboarding has been too awesome to find time to work on the bike. So now that the warmer weather has arrived, I'm making some progress.

Frame cut and kit installed.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #9 on:** March 27, 2013, 04:20:26 PM »

Engine cases bead blasted and painted.

Vinhead1957 · « **Reply #10 on:** March 27, 2013, 04:57:42 PM »

Nice job

stewonepot · « **Reply #11 on:** March 28, 2013, 10:51:31 AM »

Hi
Which frame kit did you use. It looks clean.Nice build,love the engine,what colour?
Kind regards Stew

AbbyRider · « **Reply #12 on:** March 29, 2013, 10:59:50 AM »

Thanks! Frame kit is from DCC. Nice and simple and you never see it anyway. I might still add some bolt-in support members but for now it seems pretty solid for how I'll be riding.

Engine cases are Duplicolor Aluminum, heads are Duplicolor Cast Iron and I'm still waiting to make decision on valve cover. Most other side covers will be polished.

stewonepot · « **Reply #13 on:** March 30, 2013, 10:17:16 AM »

Hi abby
How do you unmount the frame kit. I looked on dcc and could't find it
kind regards Stew.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #14 on:** March 30, 2013, 07:46:01 PM »

Once you've slid the collars on, you drill through each one and countersink a self tapping screw. When you want to take it apart you take the screws out and slide the collars off. There are instructions on the DCC site - I remember seeing them.

Cheers.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #15 on:** March 31, 2013, 06:56:51 PM »

Cylinders bored, honed, painted and cured.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #16 on:** April 02, 2013, 07:19:40 AM »

Got the transmission back in and shifting smooth. New primary chains are nice and tight. While I'm waiting for a seal in the next parts shipment, my attention's been diverted to the K1 head that I'm using. Oil jets don't have the groove for an o-ring. Will it work just to lay one in there?

AbbyRider · « **Reply #17 on:** April 22, 2013, 12:10:07 PM »

Finally getting some more garage time. Frustrating afternoon yesterday though, thanks to my own stupidity/forgetfulness/impatience. Was so intent on getting the cylinder block down over the pistons that I forgot to put the knock pins in. Doh! Oh well. Gives me more practice getting those rings compressed. On the bright side, I haven't cranked anything down, so my gasket is still good.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #18 on:** April 24, 2013, 05:07:02 PM »

While I wait for my knock pins to arrive, attention turns to the head. Based in advice from MRieck and others, I removed the old exhaust guides and replaced with new ones from Dynoman. Now have the head at the engine shop waiting for seat recutting and valve grinding. $120 to cut all eight seats and grind all the valves. Seems like a decent price. Looking forward to a nice tight top end.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #19 on:** May 03, 2013, 09:48:14 PM »

Still waiting for parts, so did some caliper painting.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #20 on:** May 03, 2013, 10:11:05 PM »

Having trouble loading photos. Hopefully this works. If it doesn't, don't mind the lame update above.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #21 on:** May 21, 2013, 08:48:13 AM »

Rear section welded up.

AbbyRider · « **Reply #22 on:** May 23, 2013, 07:28:29 AM »

Knock pins finally arrived. Took forever, as they got held up at the border for some reason. Oh well - at least it's looking like a motor again.

Mercutiojb · « **Reply #23 on:** May 24, 2013, 11:29:55 AM »

Looking great!

AbbyRider · « **Reply #24 on:** May 29, 2013, 12:19:31 PM »

Thanks Mercutiojb. It's been a frustrating week. One step forward three steps back. Had the cam towers placed, cam in and roughly timed, sprocket attached etc. Was torqueing down the very last shaft stop bolt and it sheared off. It still had a couple millimeters to go, so I'm not sure what the issue was. Regardless, everything needed to come back off to see the damage, which also means I'll need to re-seal the pucks. Plan is to drill out and helicoil, as I've tried every which way to extract the end of the bolt (I've got nothing to grab onto.)

Was one of those evenings where the garage light gets turned off and the wine bottle gets opened.

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Author Topic: F2/K1 Frankencafe (Read 14232 times)