CB desert sled

[Luke]

Originally Posted by wayne_l

Like your build up so far ..Thanks Have a question on the front end .. which tripple trees did you use for the forks ? did you have to modify the neck bearings to fit ?

The triples and stem are stock DRZ parts. The bearings were replaced with different sizes to match the Stem and Headtube. The diameters were off requiring different bearings but the height of the stem was about perfect for the CB head tube. The steering stops even lined up.

I got the bearings from All Balls Racing. They have lots of information on sizes for fork swaps, and lots of different sizes of bearings.

[Luke]

Swingarm madness.



As mentioned, the rectangular tubing sprung open when cut. Welding the bevels on to it was a little trickier than planned, but it worked out.







Crap picture, but it's glowing metal.




Stick welds are not subtle.



A scrap that I welded and cut up to check penetration.




More welds, this one with the slag still on.




Measure twice, cut once. Measure 10 times, weld once.



Adding some posts so that the cam snail adjusters will work.


They're a 'tap' fit. These are actually just placeholders. The final ones will be eccentrics that will be adjusted to make the snail positions match, then welded into place.




I put the camera down for a while, and when I picked it up again I had this:


I'd guess it's half done at this point. The cross brace needs to be welded in, then the mounts for the shocks, brake, chain guide and sliders.

[Ladybug0048]

Dang Luke, you're really making headway and it sure looks like you are putting a lot of work into this project. It's going to be so much fun seeing the finished product.

Yesterday Jr. stopped by and helped me with my Suzuki then we had an early dinner. We spent dinner chatting about what you are doing with this bike. Thaks for the dinner conversation.

[norton(kel)]

Subscribed. Man really like this build. Thanks for the report!

[oregoncoast]

Sorry I didn't stop by last night, Luke. I didn't leave from working on my "project" til after 9pm and you were long gone by then. Quick question, what is the weight difference between the modded swingarm and the stocker?? BTW, looks like you're getting pretty damn good at welding Wanna build a roll cage?

[Merfman]

Subscribed! Excellent work, I'm in awe!

[TwinDuro]

Awesome Luke, it's looking great! You've definitely gone where Honda SOHC CB650 swing arms have never gone before!

It appears as if the time to order a set of shocks is drawing near...

[Luke]

I'm glad everyone is enjoying the thread.


The scale says that it weighs a bit under 20 pounds. I'm not so sure about the scale, it feels heavier than that. It's similar weight to the DRZ wheel, so not totally out of line. It's much heavier than stock.

Just trying to spread the axle mounts it's clearly a lot stiffer than the stock one, and that's in its weak direction.

[Luke]

Originally Posted by TwinDuro

It appears as if the time to order a set of shocks is drawing near...

I think that time passed long ago.

What's the project management rule? Take the schedule and double it.

[LC Garage]

A few more pics of Luke's swingarm madness;

[DustyRags]

Subscribed! My first bike was a '76 CB550, and I dreamed of doing something like this. Awesome to see it happening!

[DOCsprocket]

Holy Mackerel! I've been away too long! That looks killer. My schedule has been crazy, but I'd love to get back in the shop with you. Looks like things are moving along...

[Luke]

Originally Posted by DOCsprocket

Holy Mackerel! I've been away too long! That looks killer. My schedule has been crazy, but I'd love to get back in the shop with you. Looks like things are moving along...

You'd better hurry, or I'll finish it without you.





I got some more done on the swingarm this evening.

First up was to weld in the cross brace. This didn't work out quite as hoped. It welded in great, but it pulled the arms together. So now the swingarm is just wide enough to work with the DRZ wheel, but without any spacers. The sprocket fits so I may leave it alone, or I may cut and spread it if there are any other clearance issues.

A stock 550 swingarm is included for scale:






The weigh-in:

20 pounds. Stock is 10, the frame is 30. Ouch. At least it's stout.



Time to install it:



Check the sprocket locations; it looked about right.


Good thing I cut the wedges off the front of the swingarm. The chain should just graze the guard.





Finally, starting on checking the shock length.

[Loud Al]

So the swingarm will be the strongest point on the bike

[oregoncoast]

Originally Posted by Loud Al

So the swingarm will be the strongest point on the bike

And the heaviest....

It does look pretty damn sweet, Luke.