xbr500 cafe racer project - only 2 months to complete

[guest295]

If you're using a 600 barrel it might be wise to use the 600 head. The starter is under enough strain already without the added compression.

[guest1640]

Thanks gb500nz.
What's your reasoning other than high compression?
4strokes love high compression. Is there any issue with parts fitting? Decompression cam???
I think I'm going to start my own thread for info on this build as I'm a mechanic but I work mostly on mining machinery that's not really in the groove of cafe style bikes. and as this is my first build for big single. Plus I think that i don't want to be responsible for corrupting a really nice thread of a build with my novice questions of the bike in question.
All those who have read. Please look out for the Aussie xbr build. It will be slow and methodical. I don't like doing things twice. Hopefully by next summer in the southern hemisphere I'll be spending my weekends making my triumph mates look like the corners are made of blue tack.
Cheers
Stu

[guest1640]

Oh and anyone has some spoked rims to send down under at a reasonable price I'd be in your debt.
Here's a URL that might interest some gb riders. If you can get through the bad English text there's some interesting stuff.
Thanks
Stu
GB400TT TUNE - amy．hi-ho．ne．

[guest1529]

Hi to all Thumper enthusiasts.
Very impressive build Carbon Moto. Especially like your choice of paint.

Cheers Stu
yes we can ship to the "land down under" & often do
We made this tank & seat especially for this build (it does fit other bikes) & is now a good seller in carbon & fibreglass, we also sell the exhausts, rear lights, headlight brackets & clipons which are fully adjustable.
Dont go for the gb500 spoked wheels as they cost a fortune, i used a cb250 rs front wheel with a cb750/900 disc skimed 2mm off the caliper bracket. the rear is a cb360 laced to the rs rear rim, it had to be laced 6mm over to the brake side to get the wheel central -Then we machined up the spacers to suit
If you need any advice on your build just ask me, or anyone else on here
tony

[guest1640]

Thanks Tony
Does the cb250rs rear hub fit. Bummer if it does. My friend just sold two of them.
Wondering if any other hub suits. Xl,xr. Much easier to find in OZ.
Read a blog from a Japanese gb400 rider. Said he fitted 3' rim to the rear. Had only 1.5mm clearance with avons but it didn't rub at high speed. Are they the same swingarm? Thinking I'll attemp the same if I can source a good set of hubs/rims to suit the centre, and dress it up with some stainless spokes and some shiny black alloys.
That's pretty much my last question for now. Will be starting a thread soon.
Stu

[blew]

I fitted an XL600 barrel and piston to my XBR and kept the original 500 head.I used two base gaskets to try to lower the compression slightly.(with hindsight I would have used three).The starter will not turn the engine fast enough to fire when cold,but it will just-only just-fire it when hot.I use the kickstart normally.Without the decompressor,kickstarting would be impossible.The wide swing of the kickstart and the force needed to kick it will tilt the bike sideways.

[Steve H]

Does the cb250rs rear hub fit.

The cush drive in the 250RS is very poor. The later electric start 250RS hub would be a better choice

[guest1640]

If you're using a 600 barrel it might be wise to use the 600 head. The starter is under enough strain already without the added compression.

I get what you mean now after the quote from "Blew" about tipping the bike.
Luckily the barrel I sourced is still in a bike at the wreckers and he has quoted a fair price for the head. I'm assuming the xbr rocker box/ head cover fits but some advice here would be good before I pull it all down. Might take the whole engine for spares if the price is right.
The OZ models didn't come with kick start and I've sourced but not paid yet, for shaft and gearing, right case and kick bar for a a reasonable price. Hoping the shaft will slip on toe this model...
Apart from rims, a piston kit and gaskets I'm just about ready to start. But they can wait. Want to sort out the kinks in the engine first. Oh and a bit more cash would be nice. He he
Kind of reluctant though. It really is a good example of the bike as standard and runs sweet and clean. But I know I'll want more.
Any advice on pipes and carbie set up. Can the original carb be jetted well enough to suit the bigger bore and starting to wonder about oil flow to the top end being to slim. Had that problem with a klr650  after doing some work up top.
Thanks guys for yr help.
Stu

[Oldtimer]

Just been browsing in some of the old threads and come across this one. Did anyone see the finished project.

[guest1529]

you are more than welcome to come & see it its sat in our unit waiting to get mot'd again for this year,
we have done a few tweaks like changed the exhaust ect
tony

[timbo]

Just read the complete thread, a fantastic piece of work. Only comment I can make, is WOW!

[Oldtimer]

you are more than welcome to come & see it its sat in our unit waiting to get mot'd again for this year,
we have done a few tweaks like changed the exhaust ect
tony

If you were a bit nearer I would be round to ogle and salivate. Excellent job and credit where credit is due.  Cheers.

[guest1529]

after putting this bike into storage with minimal use we decided it had to come out & be used in anger this year.
we changed the exhaust for our best selling gp version & took it for the mot
which it sailed through with no advisaries see our facebook page for finished pictures
https://www.facebook.com/CompleteCafeRacer/photos/pcb.1609218649318098/1609218509318112/?type=1&theater

[timbo]

Lovely lovely lovely