Project CB690 (KTM 690 engine in a CB550f frame)

[goodoltup_1]

Sanded back to correct some defects, then more base colour.

 

[goodoltup_1]

And the side covers.

 

[goodoltup_1]

And after the 2K clear! Wow, the gloss in incredible. But, there are some pretty bad defects from dust and dribbles and stuff. It will need to be sanded.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Sanded from 1000 to 1500 grit, then started on compounding.
By the way I have no idea what I'm doing. Just watched a lot of YouTube videos.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Ok, almost there. It's still not as glossy as before I sanded it, but it's getting there.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Tank and side covers finished, all compounded and buffed and waxed. The bits have been installed in the tank and it is ready to go back on the bike.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Not quite done yet, had to make some bushings to better support the fuel level sensor. I made some brass bushings on the lathe and installed them, they fit into recesses in the sensor body and spread the load out better. I'll put the sensor on with aerotight nuts when they arrive tomorrow.

 

[goodoltup_1]

First look at the tank and side covers actually on the bike. Very happy with how it's turned out. I do need to do some more compounding and buffing, but it's very very close.

Left to do:
Compound and buff the tank a little more (happy with the side covers)
Install tank and fuel lines
Final fluids top up, mirrors adjust, headlight adjust
Fuel up and test run
Re-map (I actually like the lower power map better, it's less snatchy on the low end)
Wash and wax
Test ride
Park it and admire it, for it is finally complete.

Hope to finish next weekend.

 

[ridesolo]

I've been following along since you started this on '18. Great work and a wonderful concept. I think that if you can rind someone w/ a CB550 so you can do some comparison riding it would make for an interesting report. Obviously there will be many differences in everything, but I think it would be really interesting to do the same route in each bike a couple of times to get the feeling of the same frame and general geometry w/ completely different power, brakes, and suspension.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Thank you Ridesolo! I'm grateful for your support. I've owned cb550s and 750s in the past, but I don't really remember what they ride and handle like. When I built this bike I tried to copy SV650 geometries, so the front end has the same rake, trail, and tyre diameter, and the wheelbase is about the same. It doesn't really handle like the SV650 I owned either. It's kind of in between. I mean, the main difference being the vicious power of the 690 single, that's nothing like the smooth delivery of a 550 four motor. I can imagine a piece in Classic Bike magazine or Classic Motorcycle Mechanics magazine where they do a comparison between my bike and a cb550, that'd be the ultimate dream.

 

[goodoltup_1]

Compounded and buffed the paint again, and installed the tank and side covers.

 

[goodoltup_1]

DONE.
Final fluids check, final adjustments, fuelled it up and checked for leaks, washed it (I wish I had not compounded the tank within reach of the bike, I got tons of compound specks in very hard to clean places) and set off for a test ride.
For one moment in time, the bike is finished. I will probably have to revise/repair/clean things in the near future, but for today, it is done. It has been 7 years.

 

[goodoltup_1]

All done!

 

[goodoltup_1]

 

[goodoltup_1]

 

[Maritime]

Labour of love bit I bet it feels great to ride it finally!

 

[ridesolo]

Stunning! Great job!

 

[Rider52]

Super job!!!

 

[Luugo86]

I remember when you started this I thought that if you pulled it off it would be an absolute little monster of a bike and super fun to ride. I'm sure those things are true, but in addition it looks incredible man. I hope it gets some circulation and your work gets noticed.

 

[adventurco]

Totally awesome! Looks amazing.