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Author Topic: Gentlemans Express Cb550  (Read 20065 times)

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Offline Camrector

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Gentlemans Express Cb550
« on: June 30, 2016, 01:39:56 PM »
So a lot of you guys have been following Mark "Hondaman" Paris's Gentlemens Express motor build thread here, so i figured now that the motor is complete, to start the build thread.
I wanted to pay homage to the original Gentlemens Express from the 1974 Cycle World article, only with a few Modern upgrades. A lot of ideas have been done before by members here, so i want to thank you all for your wisdom/help/inspiration/sharing. Also huge thanks to member Sinister for the help. Lets begin



1977 Cb550 frame and swing arm that i picked up from member Nick2319. He had it powdered coated, swing arm bushings done, and steering races installed. Nick is awesome period.



Ala FunJimmy. I wanted to upgrade the front end, so here we are 2004 R6 forks. These i have rebuilt with race tech springs, and gold valves. Overkill i know. But they came out great!



Powdered the upper and lower triple (upper triple with mounts from Cognito Moto), and removed the ugly blue anodizing from the adjusters. Vintage BMW "s" bars.



Running dual discs here. This is one of the R6 calipers after powder and rebuild. New seals, bleeder, and hardware. EBC sintered pads.



New R6 master and clutch perch with FP racing levers.



Ill be running 18inch front and rear, Sun aluminum rims. 2.15 front and 2.75 rear. Tires are Avon road riders 100/90/18 front and 120/80/18 rear.





Seat redone by Nate Van Hofwegen



Roller! Rear shocks are Progressive "naked". Front hub by CognitoMoto requiring new gsxr spec rotors. Calipers cleared with minimal grinding then painted again. Tank is for mock up. Real tank is at paint.



and..... Almost done



Godffrey treated and lined the tank. Also smoothed out the dents.



mounting begins. Full motogadget system going on, so Cal should be pleased.

So that brings us up to speed. More to come. Hoping to have this finished by the end of July. Pack up that motor Mark!!!! :)
« Last Edit: July 01, 2016, 08:51:55 AM by Camrector »
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Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2016, 02:14:38 PM »
Ditch the crappy rear Progressive shocks. A build of that investment deserves something from YSS, Works, Fox or such.
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2016, 02:36:51 PM »
love to watch the maximum efforts...especially when they are working in the right direction :D
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM »
Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go!  ;) And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!
« Last Edit: June 30, 2016, 02:48:26 PM by Camrector »
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Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2016, 03:46:46 PM »
I get you, but realize they offer barely any tuning, horrible damping, and are pretty "wooden" feeling. With a lady rider weight, they will be even worse. Just saying...
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2016, 04:36:36 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on June 30, 2016, 03:46:46 PM
I get you, but realize they offer barely any tuning, horrible damping, and are pretty "wooden" feeling. With a lady rider weight, they will be even worse. Just saying...

I agree, nice compliant front and a harsh bouncy rear, Cal mentioned a few options, Ikon are another option, adjustable and rebuildable, and they work ... ;)
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #6 on: June 30, 2016, 04:47:42 PM »
Have to agree especially given the upgrades thus far.  Keep it in mind for a list of things to do, even if you wait until the build is completed.
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2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
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"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #7 on: June 30, 2016, 05:23:41 PM »
Noted and I agree as well.
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Offline Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #8 on: June 30, 2016, 06:56:05 PM »
Sweet ride Cam!
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Offline Kickstart

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #9 on: June 30, 2016, 08:38:24 PM »
Very excited about this build... subscribed!
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Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #10 on: July 01, 2016, 06:37:11 PM »
Quote from: Camrector on June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM
Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go!  ;) And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!

So it's really a Lady's Express
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #11 on: July 01, 2016, 07:42:49 PM »
  ;D ;D ^^ truth!!
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #12 on: July 14, 2016, 08:23:28 PM »
Well lots of progress. Hondaman motor is in. Just to recap its a 605cc with a mild port and three angle valve job.
Cam is from a cb650. Stock cb500f carbs and a beautiful airbox from Steel Dragon, MotoGPwerks exhaust. Also installed but not pictured is a boxed front frame brace from Ripple Rock Racers.







Cant wait to fire this pup up.
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #13 on: July 14, 2016, 08:40:07 PM »
Looking great....subscribed.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #14 on: July 14, 2016, 09:02:39 PM »
oh got a little ahead of myself. Mounted the Chronoclassic tach and the Bates style headlight. Headlight is a led.

 





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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #15 on: July 14, 2016, 09:19:22 PM »
This is coming along nice, Cam.
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline luvmy71

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #16 on: July 15, 2016, 08:01:28 AM »
Quote from: Camrector on June 30, 2016, 02:45:45 PM
Thanks Cal, I believe the progressive shocks will suffice for now. This build is for my wife so if she doesn't like the rear off they go!  ;) And being a mother of 3 now, she isn't really getting that low in the twistys anymore.

And thank you so much Sean!

Where was this logic when you chose the front suspension?   :)
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Offline jaguar

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #17 on: July 15, 2016, 08:03:28 AM »
Very cool project.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #18 on: July 15, 2016, 09:59:18 AM »
Thanks guys. Really excited on how it's coming together.
The logic for the front end rebuild Lovmy71 was that I had purchased the front fork from Fleabay. Even though the fork was is great condition, who knows what these crazy kids do on these modern sportbikes. The complete rebuild from race tech was more cost effective than rebuilding it  with stock new OEM components. So peace of mind and overkill upgrade=double bonus.
Rear shocks will get an upgrade ASAP.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #19 on: July 16, 2016, 07:29:51 PM »
Moving right along here. Finished rear sets and brakes today. A few minor things left and then wiring.



Once I make a bracket for the exhaust it will sit about 2 inches higher and more snug to the frame.



nice and clean. Just need to do clutch cable and throttle cable.



front view. SS brake lines
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #20 on: July 16, 2016, 11:13:29 PM »
That slimmed down seat looks nice. 
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #21 on: July 17, 2016, 03:49:53 AM »
Your brake lines look as though under full lock, they will bow badly. Have you devised a means of restraining them and still allow full steering?
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #22 on: July 17, 2016, 07:06:25 AM »
There is a tab on the fork legs for securing the brake lines, if that's what you mean Cal. Maybe a zip tie or two could be used further up, if it presents a problem.
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Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #23 on: July 17, 2016, 07:34:46 AM »
Zip ties!?! WTF!!! Surely you could fab up something more elegant than a plastic zip tie  :o

I actually discussed with Devin a retainer for this exact circumstance made from his billet waste. Essentially, a rectangular block with 2 holes milled thru for the brake lines to travel through. A center thru hole on the opposite face for mounting. Split the block lengthwise so the lines can be "clamped". Mount it on the face of the front lower. This keeps the brake lines together from the master cylinder, and allows them stop spread evenly for direct runs to the calipers. He said he was too busy to make up these little doo-dads...
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"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #24 on: July 17, 2016, 08:35:16 AM »
Great progress Cam.
Stear clear of Fox podium shocks.
As deliverered they're considerably over sprung.
You would do better talking with the folks at Works Performance if you need better shocks.
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