Big single engine - advice wanted

beachcomber

beachcomber

TJ - Beachcomber
DTT SUPPORTER
Hi guys,

I've decided to use one of my XS500's to build my "ultimate" single.

It's got all the right basic bits, wire wheels, etc.

I'm looking at a Suzi LS650 Savage engine unit. Or similar - 500cc minimum [ I'm a fat bastard ].

What's your thoughts?
 
LS650 is a pretty reliable motor but doesn't like being over revved
You probably know it's been around since the late 80's.
New ones are jetted very lean but it's easy enough to fix (particularly in Britain)
Only real issue I've heard of is left side main bearing wear, causes cam chain tensioner to fall apart although I've never seen it happen (probably because we sold GSXR 60~70:1 compared to LS)
As the bearing wears it allows crank to tilt in cases so right side gets 'closer' to head as tensioner/chain pull it up
We had Mick Grant ride around on one at launch in 86 (Two Wheel Services, Bridgend , South Wales)
Did you mean XT?
XS500 is twin
 
Thanx for the headsup Crazy - the LS650 is looking like a good candidate!

Yes - I have two XS500's, one will keep the twin engine and I'm planning on using the "spare" bike for the single conversion.

The reason ? - The frame has the "look" of a BSA single and my bikes both have wire spoked wheels - another "must have" as far as I'm concerned for a 60's style Cafe Racer. Also, I seem to have accumulated a lot of period correct parts that will fit the frames.

I mocked up the Savage engine into the XS frame via Serif Photoplus [ very badly ! ], but already with the stock exhaust pipe it does look very "Goldie'ish" - well if you squint somewhat!

I'm not married to the idea of the LS650, but my knowledge of Japanese singles is very limited - as in what fits what, I'm not bothered about working on the engine itself.

Savages are not so plentiful in the UK - thus expensive. I was going to buy a complete bike and convert it to a CR, but when I was up the garage this weekend, the idea of using the spare XS hit me like a lightbulb moment!

SONAVON007-1.jpg
 
I am planning the same with a Honda 350 single, but it's a ways down the list. I'll keep watching to see what you come up with.
 
It would probably be easier to find an XL/XR500 enduro or even an XR400.
More parts available for tuning.
Yamaha XT singles are also a possibility as they have been around 'forever' from 350 to 660 cc capacities (Big Arthur Browning came 'chuffing' past me at one Enduro on a bored out 660 in I think a Cheney frame)
 
Ahh, I need to further qualify my ideal engine.

It MUST have an electric leg as I damaged my right knee 13 years ago playing American Football.

Not bad most of the time, but I don't think it would work after the first time the motor kicked back! :o

It has to be 500cc +, due to my weight! ;)
 
BC... what tank is that?

ill be damned, as thats more or less EXACTLY what ive been spending hours carving foam trying to get as my product...


what model etc? if i find one for cheap enough, im not even going to bother with another piece of foam. :D
 
Righteo. Then you would probably have a look at the Suzuki DR650 engine:

DR_engine_56.jpg


I've also heard of people retrofitting a Honda XR600R engine with electric start, although I think the L variants came with it stock...

Cheers - boingk
 
I got to ride a dr650... damn fun motors! gobs of power for a single... really chunky and hearty, like a good soup.
 
that 650 motor puts out some nice power... i love the sound that a single makes... My enfield rocked... but i am not sure if those sound the same
 
Rocan said:
BC... what tank is that?

ill be damned, as thats more or less EXACTLY what ive been spending hours carving foam trying to get as my product...


what model etc? if i find one for cheap enough, im not even going to bother with another piece of foam. :D
Click to expand...

Hi Rocan - these tanks were 10 a penny in the day. I think I paid $25.00 for my first one [ NEW ]. They were very popular, mainly Triumph single top tube frames - and of course anything else with that style frame. I bought the "new" one for my ex. Bob Mac. Constellation.

I paid £60 [ $85 ?] for the one pictured, and it's been on several different bikes.

There were 6 or 7 at the recent Classic Bike show ranging from £50 to £150. They work, where sometimes the Goldie 5 gallon [ Taylor Dow ] was a bit too short. They offer a good and cheap alternative to the Manx tanks.

I can keep an eye out for a cheap one if you like ?? We've [ www.realmengineering.com ] got a very good and not too expensive courier to the US now. We send the RAM shockers over to the BMW guys.

There's another Classic show in Feb / March time - looks like I might need a shopping list !
 
i would love that! can you give me measurements of the tunnel, length, etc? also some pics from other angles.

or if you have a cb350 lying around tell me how it fits :D

are they glass or alloy or steel?
 
Rocan,

they're very good quality GRP - never seen a rough one yet.

I'll go up and clear the snow [ !! ] from my garage over the next few days and get some decent pix and also the dimensions. I don't know anyone with a CB 360, but I'll ask around.

At one time I was seriously thinking of having these remanufactured.

Here's a similar tank fitted to my 850 Le Mans Cafe Racer - the bike was in mock up and still waiting for some parts when this pic was taken - with my then 6 year old Daughter Shelby - now 20 !

It has a Duke 450SS seat and I did relent and fit stainless pipes and meggas to break up the Redness! I made some lower fillet pieces to bring the seat base into line with the top tubes - one of those "wish I still had it" bikes.

Bike was named "Simply Red" - and NOTHING to do with the warbling wanker of the same name.

img511.jpg
 
Boing - does the DR600 have electric leg?

I've located a complete LS650 bike which the guy's having trouble selling.

I might just buy that and whizz the engine and ancilliaries out and sell the rolling chassis on.
 
That is one mental Guzzi, are you sure you were'nt a fan of that horrible little ginger Manc twat?.Ha ha.
 
That 'guzzi is outrageous. I love it.
Looks very 'tractor' ;D

I briefly had an XT500 back in the day. I was too lightweight to start it and kept on being late for work.
The kickback would throw me across the road.
I only kept it for a week. :-[
 
You could find a a Suzuki DR 800, (DR BIG)
USA never got them.
Electric start only if I remember right
Pretty sure that tank would be way too long for CB350 or 360, probably 24"~26"?
 
I'll check the tank dims in the next few days. If I'm honest I'm waiting for my neighbour who is bringing a small snow blower round at the weekend to clear the garages! They're all in a private road in a block immediately at the rear of the houses, unfortunately the prevailing winds have drifted the snow 3 feet up the doors. That said, we have +3 degrees today and set for the next 2-3 days.

Guess it depends on the style you're going for? The "lightweight" [ up to 350cc ] factory Hondas had very long tanks, relative to the overall size of the bike. No probs if like me you go for the "no pillions allowed" route. I tried the Benelli "Renzo Passolini" seat with the tank on a couple of projects - one being a Passolini rep based on a 500 Honda Four.
 
Looks like I might have scored a Yamaha TT600 Belgarda motor. It's the one [ European ? ] they did with an Italian factory. The guy that's selling it knows nothing about it !! However, my advantage - he thinks it's 1990 -91. It has electric starter, which only came out in 1998 !!!! Refuckinsult. $70 + 430 for carriage - that'll do for me. Fingers crossed no one else bids.
 
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