Author Topic: Gentlemans Express Cb550  (Read 20078 times)

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #25 on: July 17, 2016, 09:00:18 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?

I noticed the brake lines too.  It may be best to reroute back along the rear side of the fork tubes?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #26 on: July 17, 2016, 10:00:18 AM »
Lol no zip ties cal just messing with you.
Not calling your idea bad at all, I just think that the brake lines wouldn't lay as "natural" clamped together. They are secured now to the fork legs and I don't see or feel any "bowing". They are routed behind the fork legs and secured now.
Funjimmy I'm looking at the YSS shocks for the rear. The lady thinks the black tracker works shocks looks to "Harley"  :) ;D I don't agree but...

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #27 on: July 21, 2016, 11:27:15 PM »
Had a very productive 9 hour day in the shop yesterday. Almost complete, just have to fine tune the carbs tomorrow.



Wiring motogadget is complete. We messed around trying to wire the mbutton for about 3 hours before chucking that thing in the unused pile, and wired everything directly. Much easier and super fast.


Sinister fabbed a rear plate, brake, and turn signal bracket. Then I hit it with the powder and got it mounted.


Man this VMR paint came out nice!!!!!


Tank and side covers on, and she has her fluids.
Started jetting with 105mains and its almost there. Really going to dial it in tomorrow, maybe try 110s. Pilot is 38.
Kicked over 2nd try and held a nice idle. 

 

Offline flatlander

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #28 on: July 22, 2016, 03:53:41 AM »
great! will be good to see what this thing puts out.

Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #29 on: July 22, 2016, 03:58:12 AM »
I can't tell from the pics, but you need a hangar on the tailpipe to support the weight of the exhaust and relieve the head studs.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #30 on: July 22, 2016, 04:18:59 AM »
Once you feel she is done let us know! I want to nominate you for BOTM....

Also with my bike I have same set up. My head was sent off for stage 2 MR work. I'm running 105, 40 stock needle. 1.75 turns. Seems to be the spot.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline sinister902

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #31 on: July 22, 2016, 05:55:02 AM »
I can't tell from the pics, but you need a hangar on the tailpipe to support the weight of the exhaust and relieve the head studs.

the bracket I made and welded on is so sneaky you can't spot it!

it's directly under the foot peg mounted to the back side of the rearset as an upside-down "L" shape.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #32 on: July 22, 2016, 06:18:01 AM »
Looks outstanding. Nice job hiding the exhaust bracket.

Can you take some photos of the rear lights in operation?
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 Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #33 on: July 22, 2016, 06:34:00 AM »
Wow Tews thank you so much! I'd be honored.  And thank you for the mixture screw ratio.
Cal - Sinister is correct! That bracket is so sneaky. Exhaust is solid and not going anywhere.
750 fan totally will. I still have to go through the munit and set up all my settings.
The mblaze pins will be on a wave setting that blinks then dims, blinks then dims.
Elegant looking.

Offline 540nova

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Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #34 on: July 22, 2016, 07:27:38 AM »
The mblaze pins will be on a wave setting that blinks then dims, blinks then dims.
Elegant looking.


I have the M blaze turn signals on my 450. People never see them, "you don't have turn signals?", until I turn the lights on. Very discreet. This is an early mockup photo, those wires are no longer exposed

I like the running light feature.
Don't forget the diodes if you have a single indicator on the dash!




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
« Last Edit: July 22, 2016, 07:33:20 AM by 540nova »

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #35 on: July 22, 2016, 08:33:24 AM »
Wow, those Blaze signals are discrete.  Nice.
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 Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #36 on: July 22, 2016, 08:36:35 AM »
Forgot about that running light feature. I got one more 550 to build , overhaul my 750, and then I'd love to pick up a 450!

Offline Camrector

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #37 on: July 22, 2016, 03:35:42 PM »
So after speaking with YSS and Works performance, I decided to order the Billet Trackers from works. They offered a lot more tuning than the YSS. So I'll slap those on as soon as they arrive. You guys are bullies ;D ;D

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #38 on: July 22, 2016, 06:07:25 PM »
So after speaking with YSS and Works performance, I decided to order the Billet Trackers from works. They offered a lot more tuning than the YSS. So I'll slap those on as soon as they arrive. You guys are bullies ;D ;D

Works makes great shocks and they have great customer service, too.
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 riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #39 on: July 22, 2016, 08:20:43 PM »
That paint looks amazing.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #40 on: July 23, 2016, 07:08:21 AM »
That paint looks amazing.

It reminds me of an orange creamsicle -- in a good way.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2016, 07:10:41 AM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
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 riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #41 on: July 23, 2016, 08:28:08 AM »
Had a very productive 9 hour day in the shop yesterday. Almost complete, just have to fine tune the carbs tomorrow.


Did you use the wiring kit from Motogadget? Also...what is the multi plug connector for? I only ask because most people going this route always post up a photo of the actual M-unit wired up which is cool but then they don't show much else. Thank you.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Godffery

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #42 on: July 23, 2016, 09:48:00 AM »
 Could we get a close up & some details on your Tack Drive Plug...?

Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #43 on: July 23, 2016, 01:06:16 PM »
That multi connector looks like the gauge connector for power, tach, and inputs from the turns, oil and neutral.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 #44 on: July 23, 2016, 08:13:17 PM »
well successful maiden voyage. Well sort of successful. Jetting is still in fine tuning. She is rich across the board. dropped down to 98s and tried 1,1.5,1.75,2 turns out on the mixture screws and no luck. Anyone have any leads for 95,92,90 jets? Jetsrus drops from size 98 to 80.
Even with the mild port ,650 cam and motogp exhaust, i thought stock jetting at the least would work. Im guessing the steel dragon air box is the issue. I had asked steel dragon to cover the sides and top of the airbox, so that air would only be drawn from the more stable lower area behind the motor. So its probably just more restrictive than i thought.
Pilots are at stock 38 size. Maybe drop there too? Needle is stock 4th position. The problem was just mild stumbling and a few stalls in 1st while decelerating. Idle is erratic as well. At half throttle to wot she torn ass!!

riverfever : I did use the motogadget wiring kit, but the 6 and 9 connectors are from the Chronoclassic Tach. Cal is correct they are power inputs and sensors. The female connector is wired with the gauge outta the box. Then you can build the male connector to your specifications. Real neat and simple.

After you guys help me figure out the jets, all thats left is to mount the front fender, and add the shocks when they arrive. ;)

Thank you guys for your help and compliments.
« Last Edit: July 23, 2016, 08:59:17 PM by Camrector »

Offline riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #45 on: July 23, 2016, 08:32:10 PM »
It's unbelievable how much space there is in the coil area along the backbone now.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline calj737

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #46 on: July 24, 2016, 04:55:25 AM »
If you are that rich, where are your needle clips? I doubt seriously that you need to go as low as you're heading. Even Riverfever's carbs are using 100s and he's at an elevation of 8,000 where there is no air. And your fuel level needs to be considered as well.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 Tews19

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #47 on: July 24, 2016, 05:12:31 AM »
Stock is 4th needle position? What carbs are you using?  I have 105s, 40 slow... Stock needle position in 2nd position. But I'm using 069 carbs.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline bwaller

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #48 on: July 24, 2016, 06:24:52 AM »
Ok I'm going to sound like TwoTired now but I have to comment.

I understand eye appeal and I've seen lots of those SD polished inlet stack things. They are more for appearance than function and good on them I suppose because I'll bet they've sold boatloads of them. Air doesn't like to bend and with that flat airbox every inlet will need to "bend the airflow 90 degrees" before entering the carb. Are there stacks or is there a filter? As a bare minimum there need be 45mm between the end of a bellmouth and any restriction.

I know this will sound negative, and please no offense intended but that box will haunt you with extra restriction and creating turbulence. I'm sure you'll be able to jet the carbs to work somehow, but ultimately there will be a loss of power because of it.

Offline riverfever

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Re: Gentlemans Express Cb550
« Reply #49 on: July 24, 2016, 09:13:10 AM »
Cam I have 85, 90, and 95 mains from Jetsrus. They've never been installed. I can't believe you would need those but jets aren't cheap. You're welcome to try them if you want.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols