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Topics - davidcumbria

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Other Bikes / BMW R80

« on: April 26, 2024, 07:03:41 AM »

Wanted to try something different to restore after the 550k1 so have got a slightly unloved but running 1986 R80, not the faired touring rt one just the naked lighter bike. My daily rider is 1999 1100 GS and I’ve owned several 1200 GS so I could see the lighter lower R80 as a bike I could enjoy long term. The 800 has a reputation as the smoothest airhead and it does have that feel. Restoration will be next winter but my initial research makes me think self restoration of the gearbox is probably out due to special tools, intricate shimming and a press needed which is slightly disappointing and makes me reflect wistfully on the ease of doing the 550. Anyone here with any experience or thought on a BMW airhead ?

Tricks & Tips / Split link installation

« on: March 20, 2024, 08:43:44 AM »

Was fitting a new JT o ring chain to my off-road bike yesterday. Not embarrassed to say it took over two hours.

The problem is when the 4 o rings on the split link are in place the slots in the pins do-not protrude enough to slide the clip into place. Tried all sorts of pushing tools, pliers and even getting a mini c clamp onto the end of the assembly to compress it. It just wasn’t going to happen however much force I could muster because one or other ends of the spring is pressing against the full diameter of the pin not into the recessed slot. With one set of o rings left out - an absolute piece of cake just like the non o ring chains we fit to our sohc ‘s but that’s a poor solution.

So here’s the tip. Ignore every single you tube video which shows the clip being pressed on sideways using pliers/ screwdriver. Fit the closed end first and easily slide the clip fully into place on the closed end pin with the open end rotated away from its pin. Then rotate the open end of the clip adjacent to its pin and gently lever one of the arms slightly up and over the pin. It then needs pressing inwards to fully locate into the slot. With both open ends arms now in the slot you can also check that it has slid fully across. There is really very minimal bending on the clip and afterwards it’s held in place straight and secure. 20 secs from first installing the closed end to done after a two hour struggle ! Hope this helps someone - nothing I could see out there on any forums etc.

Misc / Open / Front mudguard flap

« on: February 12, 2024, 11:11:15 AM »

While I aim to ride only in dry conditions it is difficult to avoid the odd puddle or bit of damp road and have been dismayed to see the splatter all over the engine, cases exhaust etc which is quite hard to get to. A front mud flap would seem sensible but have seen differing opinions about this and nothing jumps out on eBay as being type specific (550k1). Anyone done this successfully or it just a general thumbs down and only ride when bone dry or get used to frequent clean ups.

Tricks & Tips / Threading switch gear cable through handlebars

« on: January 02, 2024, 08:06:23 AM »

Hi posting this here rather than in my cb550k1 thread as applies to several models. I have to remove and replace my right switchgear so unplug everything and bars off. Getting the old cable out and new one in seems tricky. Would be grateful to hear of tips and tricks for doing this. String or wire and best type as a pull through lead ? Best method/ place to secure it ? Silicon spray as best lubricant ? Any other tips ?

Desperately Seeking!! / CB550k1 main jet spring retainer clip

« on: November 10, 2023, 07:44:21 AM »

I have two of these broken but had seen they were listed by NRP so was not worried. Of course they are now sold out ! Anyone got some spares - happy to pay going rate. Many thanks
David

CB500/550 / Cylinder Sleeve moved During oven curing

« on: August 24, 2023, 07:21:02 AM »

The perils of meddling for cosmetic reasons !

Cured my Simoniz painted barrel in the oven at 200 degrees for 90 min as recommended. The aluminium expanded more than the the sleeve and the weight of the block has caused it to slip down the sleeve. barrel was right way up and was standing on the sleeve bottoms.

My plan is to reheat with barrel resting on cylinder head up side down so hopefully the reverse process will occur and the barrel will drop back onto the sleeves. May not drop fully so when still hot will try to tap the sleeves home with a block of wood. To support the block while tapping was thinking of trying to slide it back down onto the upper case ( pistons not fitted yet ) or support it on some wood blocks. There is not a lot space between the sleeve and barrel at the end of the block to make the latter very reliable. I do not want to bend the block.

I may have to get sleeves pressed in to get completely flush and / or get barrels re skimmed. There is a risk that if not fully home they will drop slightly when engine is run messing up the gas tight joint with cylinder head.

Any one else with experience or thoughts about this ?

Recommended Sources for Parts and Services / Bright zinc plating

« on: July 23, 2023, 10:01:35 AM »

Hello,
Any recommendations for Bzp plating various nuts bolts collars small plates etc in my 550k rebuild, never done this before. . I am based in south Cumbria but will probably end up posting so a post in post out service anywhere in the uk would work. Price and experience info would be appreciated. Many thanks David

CB500/550 / Engine to frame or frame to engine?

« on: June 28, 2023, 08:04:45 AM »

550k1 frame powder coated and engine rebuilt , everything else in bits what next ? Do I slip the frame over the engine bolt it in and then manipulate frame to put on forks swing arm and wheels OR build up the frame with wheels and then with bike on a table slide the engine in sideways. Can see the attractions of both ways but would be interested to hear peoples experience and recommendations. My previous experience was , with help,sliding an even heavier GT750 engine from a crate side ways into the frame with a jack to support it it initially but the frame was not stripped so no other option.

Desperately Seeking!! / 550 engine casing gallery plug

« on: June 05, 2023, 08:58:18 PM »

Hello I need one of these which have apparently been discontinued though the associated o ring is available. Any one have an idea what torque they should be set at or if loctite is recommended.
https://www.cmsnl.com/honda-cb550-k1-four-1975-usa_model466/cap-b-oil-path_15332300000/

Many thanks
David

CB500/550 / What’s this bit?

« on: May 06, 2023, 08:50:50 AM »

Appeared on the bike table part way through stripping down my 550 k1Looks like some kind of wiring guide ?

Thanks Guys. [ Guests cannot view attachments ]

CB500/550 / Partially Restored 74 CB550

« on: April 17, 2023, 11:57:04 AM »

Starting a thread on my bike. Im in no rush and need to delay spending until its needed for that stage of the rebuild. Bike has been repainted and has lots of new cables, refurbished clocks, new spokes etc. It had just been 'sympathetically' restored but I wanted the engine to look brighter as I feel that is the centrepiece. Decision to strip engine taken out of my hands when it dropped a shifter fork due to incorrect replacement of the fork shaft retainer. Was thinking originally to fit an aftermarket 4/4 exhaust but seeing how low the prices are for fully restored bikes am certainly reigning back my spending plans. Im not looking to make a profit but having paid 3K for the bike and being personally happy to enjoy using a non mint restoration for a few years I am weighing up the restoration spend carefully to not to spend money that actually wont actually be appreciated by the eventual owner.

I'm chewing over what to do with the cases but present thinking is paint strip and repaint with perhaps a vapour blast of the barrels and head only.

have managed to buy a later gen rocker cover with secured rocker shafts. The oil restrictors were blocked with sealant from the rebuild and there was barely any oil making it up to the top end. Also managed to get some headlamp ears from USA that will be suitable for rechroming unlike my dented ones.

I have stripped the frame completely which was a lovely easy job due to the recent rebuild. Going to send off the frame/ swingarm for powder coating gloss black and need advice re the centrestand, side stand, footpeg mounts and steering yokes. Should these be satin black powder coated to look original or the same gloss black as the frame ?

Thanks in advance for all helpful advice that is typical on this site. I will try to use search and link in previous advice for others viewing this thread when useful.

all the best

David

CB500/550 / Blasted cases

« on: March 08, 2023, 12:24:24 PM »

Actually after all that hoohah over replacing my 550k1 cases I have been able to get them welded up foc at a local aerospace facility and reckon I can source the shells I need at reasonable cost so all good. Crankshaft is fine.

I’m thinking about how to restore the cases and looked at a few threads on here. It was always my intention to get them vapour blasted but after all the concerns over residual blast media in oil ways I’m having second thoughts. I know you can do all the multiple clean outs but in the end I wonder if you can see enough to be 100% sure. Since the cases are going to be painted or ceramic coated anyway do you think it’s worth the risk. why not soda blast then paint? Also What is the advantage of ceramic coating over painting ? I’m looking for an attractive, sustainable finish and not over bothered about trying to recreate the original.

New Member Introductions / Hello again

« on: February 25, 2023, 06:34:19 PM »

Hi not really a new member since I joined in 2013 and ran a lovely 750 for a couple of years before I caught the two stroke bug and traded it in for a Yamaha RD500. Been away from forum since then. Now I've bought a 74 550k1 with intention of restoring it as a tribute to to the 500/4 which was my first big bike in 1979. Rode that bike to Adriatic coast of Italy and back which was quite an adventure but then gave up bikes until 2008 when i was the typical 50 year old born again biker. I love working on bikes and service my small collection including a Suzuki RG500, Yamaha RD350LC ypvs and my daily rider a Y2000 BMW R1100GS which unusually has been converted to run on carbs.

The 550/4 was supposed to have been fully restored mechanically but my first ride was eventful. I got to within pushing distance of home and it conked out. Turns out by resetting the tappets before I rode it I had disturbed the fuel pipe connections under the tank which were just pushed on with no clip and the pipe had become disconnected. There was no obvious stream of fuel because the restored tank had no internal or external filters and the fuel tap was almost completely blocked.
On my second outing I rolled the bike out of the garage in neutral only for it to stop dead, The only way it could be moved was with the clutch in. Turned out that the plate which secures the selector fork shaft in the clutch housing had been put on the wrong way round allowing the shaft to slide out and drop a selector fork into the sump. operating the gear lever in this condition just locked the transmission shafts. So the complete engine strip had been brought forward !

Ive enjoyed stripping the engine ( my tip is to take the head, block, clutch, starter motor and as much else as possible off when engine is in the frame making it a doddle for two people to lift and manoeuvre out.) Ive found worn out rocker shaft housing , blocked oil restrictors and best of all that the transmission bearing race pins have been driven into the crankcase by incorrect assembly. In one case the pin has cracked the housing under it and in the other actually fractured a chunk out which fell into clutch housing during the strip. Its not pretty but hopefully recoverable with some epoxy eg JB weld. photo below. Any other thoughts or previous experience with this all too common problem ?

Also not sure about the condition of the crank main bearings - look a bit like oil starved or contaminated to to me - what do people think of the photo ?

I have learned so much reading and searching for posts on here since i got the bike a couple of weeks ago and look forward to joining in the discussion which makes this such a useful place
cheers
David

New Member Introductions / Nostalgia - No fool like an old fool...

« on: December 04, 2013, 09:18:37 AM »

Hi just obtained a 750k3 in exchange for my Commando mkIII. In the 70's while a student my biking went C90 ( memorable 150 mile commutes to college on B roads in freezing weather), CB200 and finally a 30K 500/4 which I went to Italy and back on. Ironic that my 2013 CB750 has only got 8k on it ! Got back into biking in 2009 and have been through Harleys, Fireblades, street triple (currently own the bikes below) but like many wanted to have those bike I could only lust after as a youth. So first the brutish commando and now finally the CB750. It's a green US import and completely original unrestored in excellent but not immaculate condition. Now I'm faced with the usual conundrum to keep totally original or spruce it up selectively. Only ridden it once in the dark but it feels great. Super engine but compared to modern bikes the frame seems very flexible as I had previously read. Inspired to do this after reading the classic bike feature and looking forward to being a contributor on here. What a great biking autumn we are having !
cheers
David