My $Free.99 Project

[wannabridin]

WWWEEELLLLLLLLL, the project just took a turn that decimated the budget (relatively speaking of course).

A big thanks to @buzzword for working with me. Seems as if the build will now be a sleeper hot rod as Hugh's d-port 700 motor (https://www.hughshandbuilt.com/2012/07/27/sale-rephased-xs650-hot-rod-engine-1-kind/) will be going into the bike now. Looks like the current engine will go into the bobber project (assuming the motor is still in solid shape) someday. Might rob the bobber of the braced swingarm and brembo rear brake, not sure though...

Not too many changes planned for it other than a general cleanup, carb decision (VM's or EX's?) and exhaust choice.

#donttellmywife

 

[Mailman]

As Peter Egan once famously said, “There’s nothing more expensive than a free motorcycle.”
We won’t tell your wife as long as you document your build with lots of photos!
This looks like fun!

 

[gggGary]

As Peter Egan once famously said, “There’s nothing more expensive than a free motorcycle.”
We won’t tell your wife as long as you document your build with lots of photos!
This looks like fun!

Yeah cuz we wont blackmail you with the evidence..

 

[wannabridin]

that's PAINFULLY true @Mailman.... but hey, at least it'll be a fun ripper!!

I'll do my best with the pics, one of my biggest issues is documentation unfortunately...

 

[Mailman]

I'll do my best with the pics, one of my biggest issues is documentation unfortunately...

I know it’s hard to put down the wrench and pick up your phone to take photos, but think of us poor guys living vicariously through others!

 

[Team Junk]

Not too many changes planned for it other than a general cleanup, carb decision (VM's or EX's?) and exhaust choice.

Roundslides. the only choice for that build.

 

[wannabridin]

Roundslides. the only choice for that build.

Logic? Throttle response?


Why not just drop $1200 into lectrons? Hahahahaha, NO!!

 

[wannabridin]

You know, i DO have some of the hi-po AR intake manifolds that would pair nice with the VM's.

 

[wannabridin]

The journey starts! Thanks again @buzzword

 

[wannabridin]

Awaiting life in its new home...

Plan is to give it a GOOD once over, clean up the cases, figure out what's needed, then start the motor swapping between the sleeper and the bobber!

 

[wannabridin]

Got the new motor out of the crate, but upon inspection, noticed that a previous owner removed the upper motor mounts!! Damn chopper guys.....

So bare minimum, needs a new valve cover to fix that problem. Motor needs a GOOD cleaning, seems the last guy to run it used it like a dirt bike. Will get a thorough inspection too before I decide if I want to re-ring or do anything else.

But it's out and in sight, maybe if I put it next to the bike, something will magically happen.....

 

[5twins]

Unfortunately, top covers and heads are matched sets, machined together so bearing bores align.

 

[wannabridin]

welllll f-me.... looking back on Hugh's original video, it appears they've been gone since he built it. Are top motor mounts absolutely necessary??

any suggestions that DON'T require new jugs?? what about welding new mounting mounts onto the existing pads?

 

[5twins]

You don't need new jugs, just the head.

 

[wannabridin]

oh duh...

Well no way I can get a new head, that's almost ALL of the value add from this motor (It's Hugh's d-port head).

So, there's conflicting advice as to the necessity of the top motor mount. Should i look into some fab work or should I run without??

 

[GLJ]

Don't take this for any more than words on the Internet. I have read where guys have run mismatched head/cover with no problems. I think it's best for them to matched. If I had a tricked out head without mounts I would swap on another cover. At worst it might leak a little oil or cause a bearing problem. Or run without the mounts. Lots of bikes do.

 

[wannabridin]

Well, here's Hugh's response to a motor mount, so i think that answers the question of why it's not there.

Personally, i'd prefer to run one, if nothing more than vibration reduction or proper handling characteristics. Being a rephased motor, i'm sure it will be reduced, but I don't like to mess with things like this much.

Now, anyone willing to weld some tubes up so I can run a stock (or stock replacement) top mount?? Is there enough material up there to ensure no warpage underneath? What about drilling and tapping (maybe even put in a threaded insert) that area and running something kind of custom?

 

[fredintoon]

welllll f-me.... looking back on Hugh's original video, it appears they've been gone since he built it. Are top motor mounts absolutely necessary??
any suggestions that DON'T require (another head [edit])?? what about welding new mounting mounts onto the existing pads?

Hi wannabridin,
I don't see welding as a good option.
If it were my POs misplaced enthusiasm to fix I'd tap those sawn-off lugs and bolt on a 1/8" sheet steel replacement.

 

[wannabridin]

From the looks of it, there's quite a bit of meat in the circules areas. Installing an appropriate threaded insert seems like it could be a solid idea.... I do have access to a laser cutter at work to make ANYTHING I need, hahaha

 

[fredintoon]

From the looks of it, there's quite a bit of meat in the circled areas. Installing an appropriate threaded insert seems like it could be a solid idea.... I do have access to a laser cutter at work to make ANYTHING I need, hahaha

Anna press-brake to bend 'em L-shaped? Best cut 3 in case you make two lefties by mistake.