now with ceramic coated chambers 02/02/09 Jaybob's 550

jaybob · Post by **jaybob** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:38 pm

Just thought I would finally get a couple of pics up on the board since i have a few nice parts now and I've been doin' a lot of talkin' but not alot of showin'

My biggest hurdle right now has been the deep freeze that the bike sits in. Plenty cold in Iowa right now. Soon I will be able to get going on it.

You can barely see one of the chamber pipes hanging in the first photo.

Arne · Post by **Arne** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 4:40 pm

I really like the 550's; plenty of power and still a nice light two stroke feel.

Good luck! Arne

jaybob · Post by **jaybob** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 5:25 pm

I wish I had made it but I cheated and just bought it. It is the perfect dimensions for the GT frame although it was designed for a cb750.

It is called the round stop seat base with upholstery at this link

http://www.roccitycafe.com/store.htm

Sean is a super guy to deal with. You can get a discount if you register at

http://www.dotheton.com

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:23 pm

jaybob,
Looks pretty good. Why do you need the three cylinders, those look good to me??
Kevin

jaybob · Post by **jaybob** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 6:43 pm

Kevin

I am going to do the suspension, bodywork, lights, ignition, pipes, and make a few changes to the headlight and guage cluster.

I am going to assemble and mock up this spring, ride and tune the rest of the summer.

I am trying to get together all of the engine parts for more of a long term project for next winter and spring. I want to have a whole extra top end with some mods to try out.

The bike is currently supposed to be already bored out to .5mm

I already have a set of .5 pistons and rings and a spare head, so I was going to get a new set of jugs and then get the intake cut, welded, and machined to accept the early 750 intake flanges and 32mm carbs from a 1972 750. Possibly get a good street porting job done, then a head skim and jet with pipes.

That way I can ride the bike while I am working on (and paying for) the new top end. And if anything goes wrong with the new set up I will have a good stock top end to return to.

I hope this does not seem to silly. I have had worse ideas before.

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 9:36 pm

OK Just was curious. Sounds real abitious to me, good luck with the project. Any luck with finding a left had cyclinder yet?

Kevin

jaybob · Post by **jaybob** » Sat Jan 17, 2009 10:28 pm

You mean sounds like a lot of work? LOL yes most likely and money. Heck who knows... just depends on if I can get a set of jugs for the right price. I have a good local aluminum welder and machinist.

As for the left cylinder there is one on ePay now.

Triplerocky · Post by **Triplerocky** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 6:09 am

Beuatiful, that black look over chrome is superb!

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 6:25 am

Jaybob,
You might want to check with Frank at http://www.ozebook.com/board/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=355
Sounds like he is going to have extra 550 parts, may have something you need.
Kevin

rngdng · Post by **rngdng** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 9:17 am

Humble beginnings???? It looks more like a great start to me. If your stock exhaust system has good internal baffle plates, etc, you can get some good operating funds by selling them. 550 pipes are notorious for coming apart, so they draw good price, and those look to be pretty nice.

I also like the seat. That's a nice choice.

Lane

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 10:33 am

550 pipes are always in demand. I have seen them go for more than a running bike, depending on who wants them, and what condition they are in.

Kevin

jaybob · Post by **jaybob** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 5:52 pm

Thanks for the tips. I'll be offering the pipes up here before anywhere else. I have not taken the baffle plates out yet but the bike is quiet as is so they should be good. It's not about the money. I've already gotten some bucks worth of advice out of you guys, and I'm sure many $$ more with some of the technical hardcore hitters around here.

So thanks for the words of encouragement.

H2RICK · Post by **H2RICK** » Sun Jan 18, 2009 7:17 pm

Good looking start, jaybob....and a good choice to build from....although some say I'm prejudiced....

More pics as you go along, please.

jkevinlilly · Post by **jkevinlilly** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 6:38 pm

jaybob,

There is about 2 hours left on the three ebay cylinders, with no bids.
$25 apiece ain't bad, unless they have some kind of non-invisible flaws.

Kevin

water cooled · Post by **water cooled** » Tue Jan 20, 2009 8:30 pm

WOW....Great looking bike! I really like the lines. Keep up the good work and keep posting.

Kevin H