1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
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- Evans Ward
- To the on ramp
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- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:35 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 76 GT750, 72 H2 750, 84 RZ350
- Location: Macon, GA. USA
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
^ that looks great! What type of exhaust gaskets are required with the Jemco 3-1?
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Jemco 3-1 for myself. I wonder if he could provide one further step with a chrome option over the nickel?
I'm close to pulling the trigger on a Jemco 3-1 for myself. I wonder if he could provide one further step with a chrome option over the nickel?
1976 Suzuki GT750 (Maui Blue), 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV (Candytone Blue), 1984 Yamaha RZ350 (KRR- Yellow/ Black).
- jabcb
- Moto GP
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- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
I didn’t ask about Jemco’s current options. He may have added some options via other businesses.
Since the exhaust will be new, there are likely a lot of shops willing to chrome plate or ceramic coat it.
If you are going after chrome, you should get the exhaust uncoated. Whoever does the chroming has a standardized process where they put down the base layer (nickel, but it might vary) and they a thin coat of chrome. They might charge more if the exhaust already has a nickel base layer. You might end up paying Jemco to apply the nickel coating & the chromer to remove/replace the nickel coating.
A ceramic coater likely will also want the exhaust uncoated.
I don’t remember what we did for the exhaust gaskets. A shop installed the exhaust a few years ago. Likely used the stock gaskets but may have also used some high temp silicone .
The joint between the 3-into-1 header and the exhaust is held together by two springs. Doesn’t have as gasket. The exhaust pipe just slides into a u-shaped connection on the header.
Last year I had some trouble with the right cylinder ignition. Didn’t know it & got fed up with the joint leaking & marking its spot. So I sealed the joint with high temp silicone.
After that I realized it was an ignition problem. Replaced the coils, plug gaps & plugs. Got mass quantities of smoke when I fired it up, but the bike is now fine.
Since the exhaust will be new, there are likely a lot of shops willing to chrome plate or ceramic coat it.
If you are going after chrome, you should get the exhaust uncoated. Whoever does the chroming has a standardized process where they put down the base layer (nickel, but it might vary) and they a thin coat of chrome. They might charge more if the exhaust already has a nickel base layer. You might end up paying Jemco to apply the nickel coating & the chromer to remove/replace the nickel coating.
A ceramic coater likely will also want the exhaust uncoated.
I don’t remember what we did for the exhaust gaskets. A shop installed the exhaust a few years ago. Likely used the stock gaskets but may have also used some high temp silicone .
The joint between the 3-into-1 header and the exhaust is held together by two springs. Doesn’t have as gasket. The exhaust pipe just slides into a u-shaped connection on the header.
Last year I had some trouble with the right cylinder ignition. Didn’t know it & got fed up with the joint leaking & marking its spot. So I sealed the joint with high temp silicone.
After that I realized it was an ignition problem. Replaced the coils, plug gaps & plugs. Got mass quantities of smoke when I fired it up, but the bike is now fine.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
- Alan H
- Moto GP
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- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
- Country: England
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
- Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
CermaKrome (ceramic chrome coating) is a good option too. I had the 3-3 on my 550 done almost two years ago and it still looks good. Originally ran it for a couple of weeks in the 'built as patchwork effect' then went on holiday and two weeks later, it had just started to show small rust patches, so I then took it to Camcoat in the UK. They shot blasted, ceramic coated it and baked it a treat. http://www.camcoat.com/main/coatings6.html" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; for details
I can really recommend that and it doesn't rust - (I'm a rider, not a polisher). It's also much cheaper than chroming, so win win all round.
Clicky linky. Before and after coating details page 2 and 3.
I can really recommend that and it doesn't rust - (I'm a rider, not a polisher). It's also much cheaper than chroming, so win win all round.
Clicky linky. Before and after coating details page 2 and 3.
Last edited by Alan H on Mon Oct 01, 2018 11:27 am, edited 1 time in total.
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
- Evans Ward
- To the on ramp
- Posts: 326
- Joined: Mon Oct 24, 2016 12:35 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 76 GT750, 72 H2 750, 84 RZ350
- Location: Macon, GA. USA
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
That does look good Alan and I have a friend that had his Spec II chambers on his Kaw H2B done by Jet Hot with a similar product. I've seen his in person and it is a good option.
Thanks for some points to ponder jabcb!
Thanks for some points to ponder jabcb!
1976 Suzuki GT750 (Maui Blue), 1972 Kawasaki H2 750 Mach IV (Candytone Blue), 1984 Yamaha RZ350 (KRR- Yellow/ Black).
- jabcb
- Moto GP
- Posts: 4251
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Finally working on the motor. Transmission is in and the shifter works.
cafe-GT550-0894 by jabcb, on Flickr
cafe-GT550-0894 by jabcb, on Flickr
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
- jabcb
- Moto GP
- Posts: 4251
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Back in business! Got the crank back from Bill Bune. Fit perfectly.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
- jabcb
- Moto GP
- Posts: 4251
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Crankcase assembled.
But lesson learned. Used all new bolts & one of them has bad threads. Should have used nuts to confirm that all the bolts were ok before assembling the crankcase.
cafe-GT550-0965 by jabcb, on Flickr
But lesson learned. Used all new bolts & one of them has bad threads. Should have used nuts to confirm that all the bolts were ok before assembling the crankcase.
cafe-GT550-0965 by jabcb, on Flickr
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
- jabcb
- Moto GP
- Posts: 4251
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Setup for installing the motor: two small step stools from Harbor Freight + wood + pipe insulation.
cafe-GT550-0983 by jabcb, on Flickr
And the motor is finally in the frame.
cafe-GT550-0984 by jabcb, on Flickr
cafe-GT550-0983 by jabcb, on Flickr
And the motor is finally in the frame.
cafe-GT550-0984 by jabcb, on Flickr
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
-
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- Country: England, UK
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
That sparkly frame looks so nice.
- Alan H
- Moto GP
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- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
- Country: England
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
- Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
I went for the easy (cheaper) option. Pull lifts and a rope!
Swing it in nose down, over a bit, down a bit, top front bolt in, down a bit, rear top bolt in! DUNNIT!!!!!!
Swing it in nose down, over a bit, down a bit, top front bolt in, down a bit, rear top bolt in! DUNNIT!!!!!!
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Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
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Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Has nobody on here got muscles? Complete with pistons, barrels and cylinder head, I just lifted it in by hand. Used pipe lagging to protect frame of course. Its only 380cc, not too heavy.
Now my Bandit 1200 engine...that was a bit more difficult. I needed an assistant to push the bolts through while I lifted it in by hand. Though it was much more awkward due to being much heftier than the GT. I did have a sore testicle after lifting that one, but it was only a semi-ball buster.
Now my Bandit 1200 engine...that was a bit more difficult. I needed an assistant to push the bolts through while I lifted it in by hand. Though it was much more awkward due to being much heftier than the GT. I did have a sore testicle after lifting that one, but it was only a semi-ball buster.
- Alan H
- Moto GP
- Posts: 3182
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
- Country: England
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
- Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
A well, mine's a 550 motor which is obviously heavier (about a small planet heavier!.)
Try and lift a hippo engine - GT750 - that's a large planet heavier!
I can lift a 550 engine, but not quite far enough to get it on a 'standard height' workbench unaided. Anyway, I can't see the point of struggling - or paying lots for stuff that I won't need again. My pull lifts are at least 30 years old and were liberated from a closed work site skip. Refurbished by me, they still work fine. The rope was also liberated from a different skip. BT only use a rope once, and then chuck it away.
I love a bargain.......
Try and lift a hippo engine - GT750 - that's a large planet heavier!
I can lift a 550 engine, but not quite far enough to get it on a 'standard height' workbench unaided. Anyway, I can't see the point of struggling - or paying lots for stuff that I won't need again. My pull lifts are at least 30 years old and were liberated from a closed work site skip. Refurbished by me, they still work fine. The rope was also liberated from a different skip. BT only use a rope once, and then chuck it away.
I love a bargain.......
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
- jabcb
- Moto GP
- Posts: 4251
- Joined: Mon Dec 13, 2010 4:32 pm
- Country: USA
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 69 T350 thru 75 GT750
- Location: southwestern Pennsylvania
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
I had the easiest (for me) solution. My mechanic/friend lifted the motor & set it on an HF step stool. Then straddled the frame & moved the motor into position. I lifted those really heavy motor mount bolts & inserted them.
BAS (Bike Acquisition Syndrome) - too many bikes but have room for more
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
Suzuki:
GT750 2x75
GT550 72 & 75
GT380 72
T500 69 project & 73 project
T350 69 & 71
Honda 85 CB650SC & 86 CB700SC
09 Triumph Bonneville SE
- Alan H
- Moto GP
- Posts: 3182
- Joined: Thu Feb 16, 2012 11:50 am
- Country: England
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: 4 x GT550s - J, M, A, B.
- Location: The Republic of South Yorkshire
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Friend to look after!
Think of how stupid the average person is, then realise that half of them are more stupid than that.
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- Expert racer
- Posts: 1120
- Joined: Wed Jul 10, 2013 12:04 pm
- Country: England, UK
- Suzuki 2-Strokes: FZ50, GP100, RG125 Gamma, GT380, Bandit 1200S
Re: 1972 GT550 cafe build - new topic
Love a "found in skip" bargain too. Once picked an office chair up that way. Got back to the depot and remembered I came to work on my Bandit.... A few bungee cords and 35 miles later it was set up in front of a desk again. It did look a bit weird perched on the back of the bike and drew a few laughs from my colleagues.Alan H wrote:A well, mine's a 550 motor which is obviously heavier (about a small planet heavier!.)
Try and lift a hippo engine - GT750 - that's a large planet heavier!
I can lift a 550 engine, but not quite far enough to get it on a 'standard height' workbench unaided. Anyway, I can't see the point of struggling - or paying lots for stuff that I won't need again. My pull lifts are at least 30 years old and were liberated from a closed work site skip. Refurbished by me, they still work fine. The rope was also liberated from a different skip. BT only use a rope once, and then chuck it away.
I love a bargain.......
Yes I'm sure the 550 lump is much heavier, though I doubt the Kettle lump is as heavy as the Bandit one. That was very difficult getting it to workbench height on my own. I don't recommend you try unless you have a very strong back. It weighs almost as much a 3.0 Alfa V6 short engine. If I ever had to do the bandit again, I think I'll have to start searching in skips hoping for a pulley or two.