New Guy, New Project: GT550

[Alan H]

Just be aware that the 'direct replacement' taper roller steering head bearings aren't actually a direct replacement.
You have to lessen the diameter of the centre shaft at the top.
It's been discussed HERE at length.
I did both mine with the triple trees in a vice and a length of emery tape.

You didn't expect all this resto stuff to be straightforward did you?
If it was , everyone would be doing it, not just sad people of a certain age group like us.

[PHPaul]

Thanks for the tip! I'd have been a tad torqued if I hadn't known that when the time comes.

New question: What does everyone recommend for tires? I'll be going with stock sizes and I don't need super sticky performance tires cuz I'm an old man and ride like one. The Bridgestone Spitfires on my XS are fine, but if there's a better (or cheaper...) alternative, I'm all ears.

Edit to add:

I perused the oil forum but most of the relevant entries are at least 2 years old. So I'll ask again here: Recommendations for 2 stroke oil? Dino? Synthetic? Brand?

Again, just an old man riding on the street, no redline banzai stuff.

[Alan H]

I have Dunlop Streetsmarts on both 550s, not used the A yet but about 3000 miles on the K they are excellent, including some fast stuff on the Isle of Man this year.
Most oils will be OK. Remember that there was no synthetic when these bikes were new. better oil will make less smoke though. I have Millers in the K and Putoline (no Millers available locally) in the A.

[ukfan4sure]

I have Dunlop Streetsmarts on both 550s, not used the A yet but about 3000 miles on the K they are excellent, including some fast stuff on the Isle of Man this year.
Most oils will be OK. Remember that there was no synthetic when these bikes were new. better oil will make less smoke though. I have Millers in the K and Putoline (no Millers available locally) in the A.

Some day, one day, before this old fart dies, I'm going to the TT. I've been dreaming of it for years.

[Alan H]

Just booked for the Classic and Manx TT 2016 in August/September.

Pics from TT 2015




https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uJ09a5BSNmk" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lH_HQy3sXM" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n215cNg3GWE" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1GlzhaTeRY" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C_YEo_9cHBw" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - note the tree in the middle of the road at 2:25! RC162 rep 250cc 4 16000rpm+

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F1HqiUeKpyg" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; - Police brutality at the TT!!

Only click all the links if you've an hour to waste! Remember that some of these bikes are well over 50 years old - Ansteys 20 odd year old 500 Yamaha 'only' did 126mph average lap this year, a full 5 mph down from the 1000cc bikes in the 'full' TT.

[Alan H]

And if you think you could do it, here's Guy Martin and Michael Dunlop on 1000cc bikes.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OmNXCJt7K3Q" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

These are on 'normal' roads in the Isle of Man. I couldn't believe how bad they were, there are even tram tracks across the circuit in one place! Just watch how the bikes snake.

[PHPaul]

Well, I'll call that a success: Both handlebar switch groups disassembled, cleaned, contacts buffed and lubed with dielectric grease, reassembled and tested.

Didn't break anything, didn't lose anything (especially those itty-bitty springs...), didn't hog out any screws, didn't throw a fit or any tools, didn't even mutter any incantations.

My memory is too far gone to be sure, but that may well be a first.

Some PO must have had stock in Blue Snot tho. Damn stuff is EVERYWHERE!

[PHPaul]

Crap.

After waiting and waiting and WAITING for my carb kits to come in, it became immediately apparent that not all Mikuni VM24SC carbs are created equal. Kits that came in weren't even close.

Reordered from another source for the correct kits. Hope the first ones are returnable...

[wingrider]

Good luck on your project! I am in the process of purchasing a 74 550 as well, although the one I am getting doesn't look quite as nice as yours!

Will certainly keep an eye on your thread!

[PHPaul]

Hey, wingrider, welcome to the asylum. You don't have to be crazy to rebuild old bikes, but it doesn't hurt!

Here's a link to my personal website where I'm keeping things a bit more current on the process: http://www.shopbuiltforum.com/phpbb3/vi ... f=1&t=1770.

I'm leaning in a cafe' direction, definitely looking for some weight loss and I'm certainly NOT doing a full-on coucours restoration, so I'll have a number of stock items in various conditions for sale when I'm done. Not a complete list yet, but things like turn signals and likely front and rear fenders, center stand, possibly the seat, headlight mounting ears, headlight shell (pretty nasty...) and whatever else occurs to me.

When I'm SURE what I'm going to part with (like, after the bike is on the road) I'll post a list here.

[wingrider]

Thanks for the link! I will be sure to check it out. Not sure entirely what direction I will go with this one, thinking modern meets vintage...maybe some new suspension all the way around, but keep the feel of the original bike.

I have a couple of old Wings that are getting worked over a little bit...so I guess I am crazy enough!

[PHPaul]

Another day, a little more progress: Click Here

[GT750Battleship]

Some day, one day, before this old fart dies, I'm going to the TT. I've been dreaming of it for years.[/quote]

Do it...best thing....I was there in '89....back this year I hope ? a big tick on anyone's bucket list, I love the place Merry Christmas everyone
Cheers,
Roger
GT750A

[PHPaul]

Dang warm weather has had me out in the groj every day. Making WAY too much progress on this, I'm gonna run out of project before I run out of Winter if I ain't careful.

Bah, Humbike!

[Alan H]

Oh, you think?
YingTong, the japanese god of cockupness will sort that out.
Related to Sod, who makes lots of laws.
I think he/she lives in my garage, but you can have him/her/it FOC.



Please.