New project

[Paull]

Hi All,
Just got a CB650z 1979 and i am going to build a (lookalike)norton featherbed frame for it.
I have no idea if someone else has done this but any info would be handy.
A few questions first.
What horsepower does a 650z make (not what it says in the book) in reality?
What is the top speed of one (don't want to frighten myself  )? 
What is the motor like for abuse in the top end of the revs?
Thanks for any help
Paul

[mick]

Hi Paul i know that someone in the past has put a 750 sohc engine in a commando frame and i think it was calleda Horton?, maybe try Googling it and see what you come up with, cheers Mick.

[SteveD CB500K0]

I saw a modern Triton at Netley Marsh Autojumble a couple of years ago.

Modern Hinckley Trident 900 engine in a Manx Norton frame.

[matthewmosse]

JW Motorcycles build frames to fit the similar (same crank casings pretty well) cb500/4 engines, which apparently handle well enough to win classic races as well as building norton featherbed replicas that are tweaked to fit a variety of engines from Vincent twins to harleys and anything else. Not linked to the company but know of them by reputation. Chap that runs the place uses the 100% biker forum under username Dracken1. I know they use quite fancy steel and not seamed stuff to build frames and the tig welding and bronze welding I've seen of theirs is top notch.

[Paull]

Hi Chaps,
Thanks for that, the ol girl will be started soon.
Been doing a lot research on the norton wideline frame, it was 11.5 inches wide and a neck rake of 25 degs.
Started to cad some drawings for it, trying to use as much of the 650z as possible (saves money) but am looking to get rid of the comstar wheels and put spoked ones on, along with a home made Ali tank with monza cap, wide line seat, new shocks, rear sets and Ali oil tank that will hold all the electrics.
So all in all not much to do
Paul