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Messages - davidcumbria
1
« on: October 21, 2024, 09:11:05 AM »
Good luck with the resto Ted looks like a good buy and that model would also high on my list as an interesting rideable bike in the end. Getting started on my BMWR80 soon after I’ve sorted a near engine death belt issue on my Volvo Xc60. Hope the thumb gets better !
2
« on: October 03, 2024, 08:15:22 AM »
I have come to the view that with the twists and turns it may be nigh on impossible to clear a partially blocked air screw circuit so it doesn’t work as intended. Playing tunes with smaller pilot jets in affected carbs might be the solution as it was for my sooty number 1 cylinder. This could play into the hanging idle scenario.
3
« on: September 23, 2024, 09:09:09 AM »
That’s a very good read - really gives an insight as to how the 750 and 500 were compared back then.
4
« on: September 07, 2024, 11:20:34 PM »
Congratulations on the restoration Ted. It’s looks really good - especially the exhaust. Maybe a bit more comfy for distance than the 400…..?👏👏👏👍
5
« on: August 22, 2024, 07:20:08 AM »
Sobering news Ted. At my local bike meets there are still significant contingents of crazy riders. Agree that group riding is a major contributor to the problem. I now prefer riding on my own or on IAM organised rides though the safety of those can vary from group to group. Cruising on my classic bikes with no pressure is becoming more and more my core motorcycling activity - and fettling in the garage most enjoyable of all.
7
« on: July 24, 2024, 08:21:53 AM »
Get that 500 0n the road - much more comfortable than the 400 if I recall ! when turning out of your drive make sure your head is turned to look down the road ( not straight ahead) and try setting off slower and faster to see which gives you a better feeling of control.try to get your feet on pegs asap - it feels more in control. Keep away from the front brake lever which is the cause of many a drop in these circumstances.Glad to hear you’re getting out but see my other post today 👍
8
« on: July 24, 2024, 08:00:13 AM »
Absolutely loving my 550k1 which gets better with every ride as the new rings/ pistons/engine bearings bed in. Out today and a very nasty moment which could have badly damaged me and bike.
30 mph, sunny day, headlight on, hi vis full face helmet and car is emerging in the exit of a hotel on a quiet country road. I slow down but the car just keeps coming and turns out when I am almost on top of it. Either didn’t see me, didn’t care or was just not properly in control. I emergency braked but to avoid contact had to swerve between the car and nearside curve as it pulled away.
With the benefit of hindsight I could / should have had my horn button covered and used it as the car never fully stopped in the exit. Also tried to make eye contact and changed my position on the road. But I was just jumping on the brakes almost as soon as I clocked the car. I think it could have been the missus driving husbands unfamiliar car after a big night at Cartmel races, didn’t look fully in control and then proceeded at 20 mph for a few hundred yards before I overtook and gave her the stare.
The front brake is ok on my bike but not up to more recent standards. Had I been riding my GS or Fazer ( but not my R80)then I reckon I could have stopped behind the car and not needed to swerve. Moral of the tale keep that horn button covered in places where this can happen and make allowance in your riding for the braking performance of a 50 year old design. Be careful out there SOHC pals.
9
« on: July 22, 2024, 07:22:31 AM »
I bought an aftermarket tensioner blade from Cmsl - it seemed more flexible than the original but that could be due to heat hardening of the ( slightly cracked ) original. It’s a critical area on these bikes and if I had my time over I would splurge on a new complete oem unit to be sure that chain noise is minimised after all the rebuild effort, though for now at least it’s quiet on mine. Primary chain is reputed to be the source of a lot of noise.
10
« on: July 15, 2024, 08:24:20 AM »
11
« on: July 10, 2024, 10:44:52 AM »
Hi Murf,
I also found some shoddy work on my 550 k1bike same colour .Wonder if we both got them from that serial hobbyist restorer on eBay. I do have a spare updated replacement valve cover with the pinned rocker shafts if you are interested.( pm me)
Good luck and enjoy
David
12
« on: July 07, 2024, 08:10:50 AM »
Whilst not an owner of these fine bikes myself ( I remember being at uni with the now famous actor Tim mcinnery who had one in 1978 when we had some 500 v 400 discussions) I do think this event might well be of interest on here.
13
« on: June 30, 2024, 08:38:31 AM »
Thanks Matt will do. Still tinkering with R80 before stripping - considering these bikes were always a real extravagance in terms of price competition when new it’s good to get to ride and own one now. Very different engine feel to CB550 but enjoyable and makes a good stablemate.
14
« on: June 22, 2024, 08:43:39 AM »
Sorry to hear Dom - there are a couple of different tap outlet sizes and my 550 k1 is this 20mm. Bummer.
15
« on: June 19, 2024, 03:17:37 PM »
I had to take my carbs off again after I’d done the first rebuild and like you was not much looking forward to it. It went smoothly thanks to the thread you had raised and in particular Ian’s comment about how to easily refit the carbs. So maybe rereading this might kindle some enthusiasm - and every bit of hose rubber you find will be a small victory worth celebrating 👍 And thanks for all your input on here which definitely helps to maintain enthusiasm and interest in these bikes. http://www.sohc.co.uk/index.php/topic,29954.0.html
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