Where did you order the tank from?
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The Norda
- Thread starter Ratranger
- Start date
The UK is great for that kind of thing. There's another shop up in Scotland, The Tank Shop, that also makes some beautiful items, thought it might be him.
Looking through the norton forums it seemed that tabclassics was the most recommended. I don't think any of them would be the wrong answer. They all have good reputations and a desire to keep it.
Since the tank gets here tomorrow I did some prep so I can double check clearances. It's a tight fit, but I should have plenty of room for air filter and oil tank. I can't wait to see how it looks with the tank on.
Tank arrived safely, it looks great in person. Gotta give a thumbs up to TAB Classics. The mini manx tank will be a good fit with the CB engine.
Started working on a head steady. From what I've read it's not recommended to skip running one on a featherbed. I'll weld the piece onto the breather cover, and put helicoil or time serts where it bolts to the head.
90* in a closed garage sucks for welding aluminum. But the head steady is now permanent.
I'm debating how I want to do the exhaust on this. I have 3 options, 4-4, 4-2, or 4-1. Off the shelf isn't going to work since it's not in the stock frame. 4-1 is tempting just because it'll cost less, mufflers are spendy. 4-2 would look more balanced and easier to make headers for. But 4-4 is just classic cb750, headers about the same as the 4-2 to make, but 4 mufflers. I could probably make mufflers, but I'd spend almost as much as just buying them to do that. I'll probably wait until I have it on the wheels to decide, but I have to start thinking/saving now.
Also do I want to just buy mandrel bends and piece it together, or attempt filling the pipe with sand and bending it to get a more flowing look.
Also do I want to just buy mandrel bends and piece it together, or attempt filling the pipe with sand and bending it to get a more flowing look.
My input for what its worth:
- 4 into 1 for sure, for that unmistakable and glorious sound of an in-line 4 bike engine. Anything else doesn't do it justice, however the classic Triton look has pipes on either side. If there is room, a flat 4-1 collector split into two tailpipes?
- mandrel bends equally for sure, as the "flowing' look looks inevitably out of place, IMHO.
- Please, no pipe wrap.
isn;t 4-2-1 considered to be the best for overall performance?
Definitely won't use pipe wrap, I don't like the stuff. I only used it once on an ATV to try to keep my wife more comfortable.
4-1 is definitely popular with the CB, so is 4-2. 4-4 is classic CB since so many came with it OEM and honda did it on race bikes.
I'm leaning 4-1 or 4-4. Trying to avoid running pipes under the engine for ground clearance and oil drain access.
Most CB750 pipes are straight 4-1, or 4-4. From reading I've done, which is limited, not much power to be found with steps or different merges.
I would go with 4-2 to keep the classic look of a British twin. Plus would have more money to get the best mufflers.
Yep as I said in an earlier post
The head steady forms part of the frame structure
I see you have the age old problem of a short engine in a featherbed frame
Push the motor all the way forwards for the best handling and you have an over long chain flapping around
Or move the motor back and lose some handling
Have you considered shortening the frame?
Although it's a bit late now you've got that beautiful tank
The CB engine is long enough to have the countershaft closer to the swingarm pivot than the original norton or a pre unit triumph. I have it fairly forward in the frame, and the exhaust will help hide the little bit of gap at the front. Overall it should be in a decent spot. Here's a pic that shows the location a bit better.I see you have the age old problem of a short engine in a featherbed frame
Push the motor all the way forwards for the best handling and you have an over long chain flapping around
Or move the motor back and lose some handling
Have you considered shortening the frame?
Although it's a bit late now you've got that beautiful tank
Must be an optical illusion
It looked to me like the sprocket was further forward than the Norton one
I know it's favoured to use the long alternator chain cases (when you can get hold of them!) when building a Triton because of the long final drive chain issues
At the end of the day, the Norda is your creation, so you do you. You can please some of the people some of the time but you can't please all of the people all of the time. looking forward to the next Norda installment!
The clutch being fairly large and inline with the output makes the triumph and norton engines look closer to the swingarm than they really are.
Oh definitely. I've already angered one old guy on a different forum by daring to put a japanese engine in a featherbed. And plenty were angered on facebook by the head steady.
I'm leaning more towards 4-1 or 4-4. 4-1 pipes just sound great. But the 4-4 has such a strong honda heritage.
I'm with GLJ on the 4-2. I like symmetry when it comes to exhaust.
On the other hand, if you built a 4-1 like the CB400F....
Still the sexiest exhaust ever created in my opinion.
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