Finally getting around to the 550/699 project....

[tkent02]

OK, back to work.
A little heat and a little hammering and the old ball bearing races came off, fairly easily.



A little more heat to expand the frame, throw the races in the freezer, they both went in with just finger pressure.



All good so far.





The lower bearing is giving me a problem. Put the triple in the freezer, good and cold, warm the bearing up somewhat, slide it on and it got stuck hard. About 6mm or so up from where it needs to be.



Damn the bad luck.

Off to Harbor Fright. I always wanted one of these presses anyway….

[tkent02]

Sorry I only had plastic baseball bats, so the press will have to do.



Man this thing is great. It took zero effort, the bearing just slides right on, no trying to go crooked or anything.



I should have bought one of these a long time ago.

[chef1366]

I'm aboard!

[tkent02]

I'm bored too.
Back to the shop!

[cowboyup3371]

I might just send you my triple tree to get that one back on when I'm finally ready to do mine.

[tkent02]

I bet you can find a local with a press easier than shipping it, but I would be happy to do it if you get it here. It really only took a few seconds.

[tkent02]

Pain in the butt… I don't want to buy any 550 boots as they will only be on there a little while until the 650 thing happens. Found the softest set of carb boots in the bins, put in new o rings and some Astroglide and the carburetors went on with some extra persuasion, but the air box boots are hard as a rock. This part sucks, especially on the 550.
Maybe a hairdryer will soften them up a little tomorrow.

Finding little bits and pieces, sorting the best set of foot pegs, brake levers, putting things together as I find them. It is starting to resemble a motorcycle.
All of the front sprockets are worn, the rear one is OK. One of the old chains is good. I know I need to buy this stuff, but just want to ride it a bit to see which ratio I want before buying the good new stuff.

Maybe the stock 550 ratios will be good with the bigger engine. Maybe an extra tooth or two in the rear. Need to ponder this a bit .

What ratios have you other 550/650 guys used?

[pete]

I think I need to tune into this one Tom.

Is this the same engine configuration Suzuki Don did? That looked very cool... mind you I haven't seen him around in a long time...

[tkent02]

His was 699cc, my first one will be 673 or whatever the stock 650 pistons works out to.
Otherwise the same.

[pete]

His was 699cc, my first one will be 673 or whatever the stock 650 pistons works out to.
Otherwise the same.

Cool... will tag along for the fun

[tkent02]

Got to several dead ends today.

#1 No 32mm socket for the front sprocket. I need the sprocket off the engine that has the top end removed, the others are shot.. I had one a few years ago…..

#2 The air box just isn't going to happen. Boots are too hard and too small.
No big deal, I'll just throw a rag over the intakes for the test rides.

#3 Front wheel bearings, took them out a year or so ago, they were shot. Rode down to the local neighborhood bearing shop, THEY ARE GONE!!! WTF?? Moved to another town 20 miles away, way too cold to ride that far in just a light jacket, that sucks for me.

#4 With no air box, there is no place to hang all of the electrical doodads, they are all mounted to the air box on this model. Just have to make up a little plate like the bigger GSes have.

At least it is starting to resemble a motorcycle now.



In other news, almost dropped the whole works off the table trying to get the rear up high enough to put the wheel on. Doh!

[cowboyup3371]

Looking good Tom

[MAJikMARCer]

I don't know how you get ANY cooking done in that kitchen.

[tkent02]

Actually there is a microwave on top of the fridge in the corner. The fridge is full of bike parts, but the microwave still works except for the digital display.

[MAJikMARCer]

The fridge is full of bike parts

Now THAT is a shame. It should be full of frosty beverages.