XS650 Cafe - Build #4

grandpaul said:
You're going to find that the spokes MIGHT contact the edges of the calipers. Look at how narrow this gap is between the calipers-

I think you could have used lighter gauge steel on the battery box, and you need to chop off all 4 bottom corners for drainage.

Looking sharp!
Click to expand...

Thanks.

The rotors "should" clear the spokes. I plan on loosely lacing up the wheel to double check clearance once I have time.

I probably could have made the battery box from lighter steel or from aluminum, but I was willing to take some extra ounces to build a solid part.

As far as drainage, it's fine as is. I know to think of these things. The right side of the box allows for drainage and the box sits slightly angled that way.

I'm looking forward to the before/after as well!
 
grandpaul said:
I found out the hard way, on this one...

376452458.jpg
Click to expand...

Also, that's a great bike. Love it!
 
[quote author=ncologerojr]
Also, that's a great bike. Love it!
[/quote]

Thanx, it gets 99% positives; the few 1% negatives are all about the small front fender (but it's all I had to work with).
 
Some more progress on the front end.
I laced up a wheel to double check clearance, and thankfully my earlier calculations were good and it fits like a champ.



Then I got on the lathe and made up one brake rotor spacer. It took some time, but it fits like a glove. I cut the center bore big enough to allow a spacer to pass thru to the bearing when centering the wheel. Now I just need to drill some holes and that side is complete.





I'm still deciding wether to run the second caliper and rotor. I like the look, but it is overkill for this bike and just extra weight...
 
Looks like you ended up with at least 2-1/2 hairs' clearance to the caliper body.

I'd go with both discs. I like symmetry...
 
grandpaul said:
Looks like you ended up with at least 2-1/2 hairs' clearance to the caliper body.

I'd go with both discs. I like symmetry...
Click to expand...

Yep! I gained some extra clearance because the calipers need to be spaced back .75" to fit the rotors, so the spokes are a bit more tucked in.

I like symmetry as well.
 
I got the second spacer machined, and the one drilled. But, I'm still not sure about running the dual disc. I kind of feel like I'm putting in a lot of effort to run these spoke wheels, and the dual discs will almost hide the front wheel.



 
I am all for the dual discs. Time well spent - every minute of it. The spoke wheels will look fantastic when you are done, especially with the later model discs!
 
jpmobius said:
I am all for the dual discs. Time well spent - every minute of it. The spoke wheels will look fantastic when you are done, especially with the later model discs!
Click to expand...

I think I'm going to run dual.
 
I finished machining all the parts for the front wheel and brakes. The hub will be polished and laced up to a new 19x2.15" rim.

 
jpmobius said:
I am all for the dual discs. Time well spent - every minute of it. The spoke wheels will look fantastic when you are done, especially with the later model discs!
Click to expand...

Personally I can't imagine using an XS on the street without dual discs.
It's easier to learn to use the brakes than to stop by running into something
 
[quote author=crazypj]It's easier to learn to use the brakes than to stop by running into something
[/quote]

Might that comment have anything to do with your avatar?
 
crazypj said:
Personally I can't imagine using an XS on the street without dual discs.
It's easier to learn to use the brakes than to stop by running into something
Click to expand...

I've actually never spent much time on the street on an xs. I rode this one a bit with the single disc, and it was ok. Definitely not great by any stretch.

Running the twin rotors and adapters adds a good amount of weight, but in the end I think the extra stopping power will be well worth it.
 
grandpaul said:
Might that comment have anything to do with your avatar?
Click to expand...

Nope, back injury was in work putting Katana on centre stand. Teaching should be a 'safe' occupation but argumentative kids make you do dumb shit ::)

ncologerojr said:
I've actually never spent much time on the street on an xs. I rode this one a bit with the single disc, and it was ok. Definitely not great by any stretch.

Running the twin rotors and adapters adds a good amount of weight, but in the end I think the extra stopping power will be well worth it.
Click to expand...

The only downside I really found was you do tend to ride faster and brake later when you know you can stop without brakes fading (or overheating and stopping working)
I only get around 4~6,000 from brake pads and about 3~5,000 miles out of tyre. EBC organic 'wet weather' pads were pretty crap in Florida hurricane season, only lasted about 1,800miles and covered front of bike in light green/grey dust. They did work well in torrential rain though, just wore out way too soon
 
Sorry for the slow update. I picked up another cb350 for a build and sell project. The plan is to build a light and nimble scrambler. Nothing too groundbreaking, but completely re-built with detail and craftsmanship.

 
As for the xs, I received my tires, tubes etc. The rims are Excel, 19x2.5 front and 18x3.5 rear. The hubs were powder coated satin black.


Everything was great and I was very excited to lace up my fresh wheels when I found that my new spokes were too long for the drop center Excel rim. I had ordered these spokes to fit with the deep drop center, but no-go. I pulled some measurements and it seems that I just need spokes sized as if I were lacing to a 18" rim.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

DTT Light or Dark

  • DTT Light
    • www.jadusmotorcycleparts.com
    www.lostapostle.ca/
    www.sparckmoto.com

    Spread the Love

    Back
    Top Bottom