Figured I'd start a build thread of my 74.
Plans are pretty much a stripped down Cafe treatment that is light and fun.
Heads and cylinders are currently at EC getting some work done.
Highlights as follows
New boring and porting, pistons and rings. Complete engine and trans rebuild.
KN Y boot
HPI Ignition
Will run premix
Progressive Series 12 Magnum shocks on the rear and Progressive springs in front.
Slipstream Cycles rearsets
Might upgrade the front brakes to FZR. Stopping might be important at some point.
I have old SpecII pipes that came with the bike. I just refinished them but I have my eye on JL Street in SS with a carbon fiber silencer.
All parts being media blasted and repainted/refinished.
I planned on doing a front end conversion to something a little more modern but I just had a lifter failure in my vette so I have to put some funds towards that. If anyone ever told you going fast is cheap, they're full of shit.
I'll update as I get things done but I'm OCD on things and pay close attention to detail and small things. It's a winter project and I have a daughter that is a 3 sport athlete and a son who wrestles so time is limited.
The guy I bought the bike from had some cool literature that some may enjoy.
(https://i.ibb.co/51snqk7/20231027-224732.jpg) (https://ibb.co/10RdHMS)
(https://i.ibb.co/KFxjcLq/20231027-224646.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ZWz6RY8)
(https://i.ibb.co/6t0TKqJ/20231027-224634.jpg) (https://ibb.co/rp2zBXf)
(https://i.ibb.co/HXtkHYB/20231027-224747.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YbcqL8P)
(https://i.ibb.co/dr692B6/20231027-224837.jpg) (https://ibb.co/MspTVnp)(https://i.ibb.co/b10YZPM/20231027-224754.jpg) (https://ibb.co/cJBRH1S)
(https://i.ibb.co/JnKhCcB/20231027-224916.jpg) (https://ibb.co/nrbWRwg)
(https://i.ibb.co/s2RDhkv/20231027-224856.jpg) (https://ibb.co/kxBrpkg)
Teardown began
(https://i.ibb.co/r2w1kBG/20230808-201026.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1GmwZCf)
Old SpecII pipes need help
(https://i.ibb.co/6RT646C/20230825-224844.jpg) (https://ibb.co/ccZzNzn)
Much better
(https://i.ibb.co/DpFLBbz/20231027-230249.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YZSb5WP)
I have probably read that "Carving Lines and Grinding Ports" a hundred times or more. The article features Gary Shumake (Spec2) as the engine tuner.
Nice build
Quick update. Fully disassembled frame is detabbed, holes filled and grinded smooth. Almost ready for paint.
(https://i.ibb.co/tD1DkwJ/20231113-195117.jpg) (https://ibb.co/CQSQNpH)
Waiting on a bunch of parts from Economy so I can start engine rebuild.
I'm so jealous when I see everyones garages.
Engine rebuild pretty much completed.
very clean
:clap:
Seat arrived today. Tuffside makes a great product, although not cheap. Had to sell my soul to my wife for this one. Progress should be made a little more rapidly I hope.
The pipes look brand new now.
Quote from: STLMike on June 17, 2024, 09:33:08 PMEngine rebuild pretty much completed.
:clap: purdy!
Quote from: LMS on June 19, 2024, 06:33:40 AMThe pipes look brand new now.
Ditto! Those look great! :bacon:
Body parts painted, seat cowl and headlight painted. Pretty happy with the tank.
Tail section needs a little more aggressive sanding and buffing.
Looks great :patriot: :patriot:
Looks terrific! I'd keep the Spec2 pipes, they look like new after the refurb. Massive thumbs up for M in SC's front brake upgrade if you go that way - it's a very cheap, bolt on conversion, and you end up with modern race-bike quality brakes.
Frame painted. Needs to cure then clear.
Finally starting to look like a motorcycle.
Yes it is, and a fine looking one at that. Workmanship is killer. :vroom: :vroom:
It looks fantastic!
:clap: i like it, very clean lines. :patriot:
Thanks all. I'm no professional bike builder or fabricator. I just enjoy spending time in my garage working on projects and will re-do things many times until I'm happy. This project is taking longer than it should, I'm going as far as polishing ever nut, bolt, washer and even springs. This is the easy part to me. I'm more concerned with wiring up the HPI Ignition to run without a battery. I'll be reaching out for help on that one for sure.
Got the engine mounted in the frame tonight. no time for the bike tomorrow. I have a 16 year old daughter and am going to be installing a new stereo in her car tomorrow. I want her to have all the fancy wireless connectivity a new car has so she's not fumbling around with a phone. Then off on a little vacation for a week.
Little more progress.
Can't decide between clubman or clip on bars.
Rims are polished and spokes/hubs black.
I'm trying to match the theme of my vette. Even the engine, black with a little shine
NICE!!
That's really cool using the matching theme there. Bike is looking great and nice Vette.
Great looking build ...you can check Paulo Tarozzi Clip ons .. Clubmans are good but they really break the back : )
Quote from: Pravin on July 23, 2024, 07:53:24 AMGreat looking build ...you can check Paulo Tarozzi Clip ons .. Clubmans are good but they really break the back : )
The previous owner added tele-fix clip on's. I decided to stick with those to save some $$$.
A little more progress. Exhaust is hung, need to figure out a mounting solution since the mounts on the Spec II Exhaust don't quite line up with the slipstream rearsets. I spent a lot of time restoring the gauge cluster but nit really happy with how high it sits. Maybe once the headlight is on it will balance things out.
Waiting on a few parts to show up. Then, I'll get everything mounted amd start the part I dread the most....wiring!
Quote from: STLMike on June 17, 2024, 09:33:08 PMEngine rebuild pretty much completed.
Clean !!!
Do I see the Intake on the exhaust side ? are the blocks mounted in reverse direction ?
Cheers,
Pravin
Quote from: Pravin on July 31, 2024, 08:32:36 AMQuote from: STLMike on June 17, 2024, 09:33:08 PMEngine rebuild pretty much completed.
Clean !!!
Do I see the Intake on the exhaust side ? are the blocks mounted in reverse direction ?
Cheers,
Pravin
Lol good eye. I had my son help with with assembly. I didn't notice until I got the engine in the frame. Whoops
That is looking sweet
I really like the overall look of the build, and the seat is :bacon: :bacon:
Took a little time off from the bike project. Had a misfire develop on my vette and chased that down to a plug wire which had maybe 200 miles on it.
Anyway,
RD is coming together. Not terribly happy with the engine side cases. They are scratching easily. May sand them down and reshooot clear.
Handlebar controls and levers mounted, brakes functional.
Next up is my least favorite part....wiring. Pretty stressed about wiring up the HPI. Also have to find a rear tail/brake light solution.
Also, the HVC kickstand relocation kit is great!
looks good but i think youre going to drag the shit out of that sidestand.
as far as the engine covers, try vht or caliper paint and cure it in an oven maybe.
Quote from: m in sc on August 23, 2024, 10:38:29 AMlooks good but i think youre going to drag the shit out of that sidestand.
as far as the engine covers, try vht or caliper paint and cure it in an oven maybe.
You're overestimating my leaning abilities lol.
Started the wiring process and learned just how bad the old wiring was and looks like a precious owner kinda hacked some things. I decided to rip it all and start fresh. Going to be using a Motogadget mo.unit
Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!
yeah, Precious owners are known to do that :wink:
Good luck on your wiring project! At least it looks like they provided a complete schematic to work from. Just don't feel rushed and go back and check and re-check connection points as you go for confidence in your completed work.
Quote from: STLMike on September 18, 2024, 09:13:41 PMStarted the wiring process and learned just how bad the old wiring was and looks like a precious owner kinda hacked some things. I decided to rip it all and start fresh. Going to be using a Motogadget mo.unit
Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it!
Cool! Eager to see how straight forward it is. The concept is good.
Had a bit of a health scare recently that kept me out of the garage. But after many tests and beating myself up over nothing, I'll be getting back it at. The mind is a dangerous thing when you start to get freaked out over health problems. I'm only 47, just hitting my prime
Working on bikes is good for our overall health and well-being! Take care of you :like:
Little more progress on wiring. Ignition, lighting and horn all work. Was a bit of a challenge figuring out the programming of the motogadget unit to work with the stock switches but I managed.
Wishing now that I would have went with the bluetooth version. Now that I have my head wrapped around it, should be pretty straight forward.
Yes the wiring is a disaster right now but I'll tidy it all up once it's fully functional.
Once you get it sorted, would love to see it, just looks like such a clean build. So if you get across the river, give me a shout, I am on the east side, just across 270 bridge. Keep up the good work.
Quote from: mixedbikes on November 08, 2024, 12:54:19 PMOnce you get it sorted, would love to see it, just looks like such a clean build. So if you get across the river, give me a shout, I am on the east side, just across 270 bridge. Keep up the good work.
Absolutely! Too close not to connect.
I have headlight, blinkers, horn, tail/brake lights and all indicator lights now functioning. Just have to figure out the Trail tech RR and HPI ignition wiring, tidy everything up and see if she'll fire.
I'm going to put the bike on the back-burner for a few weeks though. Going to be giving my Vette some upgrades before winter hibernation. Going for the 1,000whp club!
Back at it. Got my lighting figured out. Decided to stick with motogadget stuff to integrate nicely with the m-unit. For the front blinkers went with the moblaze tens1 which are just amber blinkers.
For the rear i went with the moblaze tens3 which are an all-in-one tail,brake and amber turn signal. These lights are tiny but extremely bright. I'm really happy with them. Perfect for the look I'm going for and weigh nothing.
i have to ask.. aside from possible bluetooth ability, whats the actual benefit of these units on a practical level? I don't see much of a reduction on wiring overall vs a custom simple 'conventional harness. Not criticizing, just trying to get a viewpoint.
I used a Rowe electronics PDM60 for a rewire of my RD and on advantage is the unit has circuit breaker integrated in the device. When a fault occurs just a matter of power cycle to reset circuit.
Quote from: m in sc on December 22, 2024, 09:14:18 AMi have to ask.. aside from possible bluetooth ability, whats the actual benefit of these units on a practical level? I don't see much of a reduction on wiring overall vs a custom simple 'conventional harness. Not criticizing, just trying to get a viewpoint.
For someone like me who is not good with the electronics side of things, it makes the wiring pretty dummy proof. It does cut down on the wiring a little. It also has a built in flasher, can shut down a circuit if there is a fault and notifies you. I can change how the brake lights operate, ie flash before a steady light.
I think it makes more sense on something more modern with a bunch of electronics. It's definitely overkill on an RD. I think it's cool technology and wanted to modernize.
id get it on an FI vehicle more so, or a car, but, i doubt it cuts down on wiring vs a custom harness on a vintage bike. (having made quite a few). But, it's neat. The engineer in me sees it as a centralized failure point TBH. this has ups and downs. As long as you like it, thats all that matters.
Quote from: m in sc on December 22, 2024, 05:39:46 PMid get it on an FI vehicle more so, or a car, but, i doubt it cuts down on wiring vs a custom harness on a vintage bike. (having made quite a few). But, it's neat. The engineer in me sees it as a centralized failure point TBH. this has ups and downs. As long as you like it, thats all that matters.
They are nothing more than a multi-channel relay control module. If you've ever been around automation, you've most likely seen a million variations. In the case of an RD wired with Vape, for example, they actually complicate the system and really act like nothing more than an expensive fuse box. They have nice features like bluetooth security and remote start, but I don't see myself using that on vintage bikes. I installed one on a BMW R100/7 and I am seriously considering pulling it after 5 years.
I actually design machines for an automation company for a living. :dawg: lol. yeah, i've been around it. i agree.
I have the wiring completed and nicely tucked away in a loom. Was preparing to start getting the timing dialed in and seeing if I can get some smoke rolling but life had other plans. On my way home from work a nice motorist decided to make a left turn right in front of me. I had nowhere to go, didn't even have time to fully get on the brakes. T-boned his car, bounced off his car, had another collision with a ditch. smacked my head a couple times since my air bags did not deploy for some reason. Got nasty whiplash, screwed up neck, back, concussion and my right foot keeps going numb.
Was driving a 2023 Grand Cherokee that is now totaled.
My insurance found him at fault, his insurance says he is at fault and this dick had the nerve to lawyer up and come after my insurance for injuries due to his carelessness. What a world we live in.
I'm in physical therapy now and seeing chiropractor. Full recovery expected in 2-3 months.
holy shit. Mike, heal fast. thats awful.
Quote from: irk_miller on December 22, 2024, 06:07:59 PMQuote from: m in sc on December 22, 2024, 05:39:46 PMid get it on an FI vehicle more so, or a car, but, i doubt it cuts down on wiring vs a custom harness on a vintage bike. (having made quite a few). But, it's neat. The engineer in me sees it as a centralized failure point TBH. this has ups and downs. As long as you like it, thats all that matters.
They are nothing more than a multi-channel relay control module. If you've ever been around automation, you've most likely seen a million variations. In the case of an RD wired with Vape, for example, they actually complicate the system and really act like nothing more than an expensive fuse box. They have nice features like bluetooth security and remote start, but I don't see myself using that on vintage bikes. I installed one on a BMW R100/7 and I am seriously considering pulling it after 5 years.
To a certain point I agree. On any older japanese bike with battery ignition, I would at least recommend using relays for power to coils, headlight and maybe horn. Starters come with their own heavy duty relay. Reducing voltage drop over various 40-50 year old connectors and switches is always a good thing.
Wow - sorry to hear about the accident. Glad you weren't on your bike!
Geez man. I'm sorry to hear about the accident. I hope your recovery goes well and you can get out riding this summer.
Hope your recovery goes well. Sure sorry to hear that happened.
Thanks for the well wishes all.
Heal quick!!
Hope you recover quickly.
Quick update - My body is on the mend. Feeling decent although, I have some nerve damage on my right foot. Will heal eventually doing PT I hope.
We had a major storm come through where I live a few weeks ago. My house was between 2 tornado's. Picked up some intense golf ball size hail and high winds. Our house, wife's Jeep, daughters car took a beating. Wife's Jeep, 12k worth of damage. Totaled daughters Ford Escape out. Just bought her a used Lincoln MKX to replace.
I feel kinda shitty as my new car, my vette and bike were well protected in the garage.
Sunday, My 82yr old dad fell and broke his hip. I must have pissed off someone/something. I've made some easy progress on the RD (pics to come shortly). Still need to time it, add fuel and kick her over.
3 sides of my house look like this. Hail was piled up like snow...
Quote from: STLMike on April 09, 2025, 01:22:10 AMQuick update - My body is on the mend. Feeling decent although, I have some nerve damage on my right foot. Will heal eventually doing PT I hope.
We had a major storm come through where I live a few weeks ago. My house was between 2 tornado's. Picked up some intense golf ball size hail and high winds. Our house, wife's Jeep, daughters car took a beating. Wife's Jeep, 12k worth of damage. Totaled daughters Ford Escape out. Just bought her a used Lincoln MKX to replace.
I feel kinda shitty as my new car, my vette and bike were well protected in the garage.
Sunday, My 82yr old dad fell and broke his hip. I must have pissed off someone/something. I've made some easy progress on the RD (pics to come shortly). Still need to time it, add fuel and kick her over.
3 sides of my house look like this. Hail was piled up like snow...
Powerful weather in May there.. :confusing2:
Alright, back at it. Fuel lines ran. Some clutch issues I was having are sorted.
Wasn't happy with the side covers, stripped and repainted those.
Punch list
- Set timing
- Adjust carbs
- Check all bolts and nuts
- Top off fluids
- Check tire pressure
- Fill w/ premix
- Fill garage with smoke
That's a pretty short list! Congrats! It looks good. :thumbs:
I updated your list slightly :wink:
Quote from: STLMike on June 10, 2025, 11:21:19 PMPunch list
- Set timing
- Adjust carbs
- Check all bolts and nuts
- Top off fluids
- Check tire pressure
- Fill w/ premix
- Fill garage with smoke
- Install front fender
- (Optional:) Install RSW Racing fork brace
The RSW fork brace is exactly what I planned on using
Quote from: m in sc on June 18, 2024, 02:59:05 PMvery clean
:clap:
Yes,very nice painting on the cylinder & head fins;
How did you clean the ends of the fins so Nice ?
Quote from: grcamna3 on June 17, 2025, 06:30:03 PMQuote from: m in sc on June 18, 2024, 02:59:05 PMvery clean
:clap:
Yes,very nice painting on the cylinder & head fins;
How did you clean the ends of the fins so Nice ?
Sandpaper after paint. Then polish. Very tedious
Im still at it but took a little time off from the RD to address an overheating issue with my Vette. First, fan controller went out. Got that fixed, then the radiator decided to start leaking, fount out that the radiator support bottomed out somewhere and got mangled I had to spend a considerable amount of time and money modifying a new radiator support to get more clearance. Now just waiting on a beautiful new all aluminum "race" radiator. Also pulled the intercooler, piping and other crap out to clean and polish.
Back to the RD. Got the RSW fork brace installed, fixed a brake fluid leak and tried to set initial timing but I'm not getting any spark. SHIT! I believe I have a bad relay as I have power going in, I can hear it click when I turn the key. Have voltage into the relay, but not out. Should have a new relay from amazon in a day or so.