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05-09-2010, 8:37 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07658x.jpg Here's an interesting shot, of the view from a higher angle.  All of the heads come off easily, with the engines in the bike.  From this angle....it is a monster. JimL    Report

05-09-2010, 8:40 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07652x.jpg The crankshafts are set 180 degrees apart....I have no idea what it will sound like.  It should be running within the next month, and then we'll see what happens. I'm going to try making a tool that removes the powertrain unit at a package......fingers crossed on that, because it would speed the build process from this point forward. I like this view....pretty slim considering all the stuff packed in there! Regards, JimL    Report

05-09-2010, 9:23 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,861 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project What do the hoses do or how does that works. They're to oil the system right. The holes seem to line up with the areas where they need to be. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

05-09-2010, 9:45 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project The lower front hose (not mounted yet) is the output from the oil pump (I've got the connection built, but ran out of time this evening to mount it)..  It goes to the inlet side of the remote filter mount (uses a standard FL11 spin-on filter).  The outlet from the filter goes to a junction, which sends oil to both the upper tubes.  These lines go straight into the main oil galleys of each engine, using the original o-ring sealing method..  The rear elbow fitting will have a small line feeding the countershaft oiler for the trans. The front engine does not have a countershaft, and the mainshaft is fed from the rear crank bearing.  All the holes are blocked (except the end bearings) on that front mainshaft, because it only carries a gear.  The oil pump will pick up from a fabricated sump, below both engines. The gear drive system is oiled by the pump relief flow, which is directed into a shallow sump under the center gear.  This distributes oil onto all the drive gears.  These is no pressure feed to the clutch release bearing....this bike won't be sitting at long stoplights.  I've moved the clutch release cover outboard .180" and use facing release plungers, to prevent damage to the release cam during high RPM upshifts. The forward access plate allows direct access to the oil pump sprocket.  I'm making up a second sprocket, which will be used to prepump the system with a socket welded to it (with the oil pump chain disconnected) before starting the engines.  That"s why I have to put an electric heating element in the oil sump.  I'll be running 15-40 DELO (because it still has zinc additives, and car/motorcycle oil doesn't). Simple as dirt.....I hope. JimL      Report

05-11-2010, 5:38 PM BillRod Joined on 11-09-2009 Richton Park, IL 33 miles SW of Chicago Posts 350 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project In 1977 a child hood friend of mine and a Yamaha dealer raced a TZ750 at Daytona.  Ours was one of the later ones as the earlier ones were actually 700cc's as they were made from 2 RD350's.  It was an interesting engine as it actually had 2 crankshafts that were linked by a gear on each crankshaft that was spanned by a transmission gear that was twice as wide as the crankshaft gear.  It was possible to blow only half of the engine. After a few practice laps at speeds well over 150 mph we found a grove down the center of the front tire.  We were all looking at each other asking who grooved the tire.  We finally determined that the front fender was attached to a fork brace with 2 pop rivets that were put in from the top and the extra that stuck out the bottom grooved the tire when it grew larger at the high speeds this bike is capable of.  We took the tire to Good Year and they said it was no problem so that is the tire we ran.  We did, however remove the pop rivets and replace them with new from the bottom side of the fender so the pulled section was on top of the fender/fork brace combination. I guess I am asking if you have considered how much you tires are expected to grow at speed and allowed extra clearance in your measurements? I also question if you can use E85 for fuel, which is now readily available as automotive fuel.  E85 has a octane rating of at least 110 which should work well at the compression ratios you are using.  You mentioned the throttle being magnesium and so was the engine cases.  This, sadly, was discovered by the fellow that bought the bike from my friend 3 years later.  He dropped the bike in a turn and put a hair line crack in the engine case.  A friend of his attempted to heli arc the crack and the bike went up like a railroad flare. There was not much left other than the cranks. The bike sold for $6000,00 in 1977 and I can only imagine what they would sell for today.  You are doing a great job and I wish you well and have fast and safe runs.  BillRod 71 years old (April 1939) Richton Park, Illinois Just bought 1982 GL500 Naked 13,000 miles Never worry about theory as long as the machinery does what it is supposed to do.    Report

05-11-2010, 5:41 PM BillRod Joined on 11-09-2009 Richton Park, IL 33 miles SW of Chicago Posts 350 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project AMSOIL now has synthetic with zinc added.  It even says so on the front of the can.  BillRod 71 years old (April 1939) Richton Park, Illinois Just bought 1982 GL500 Naked 13,000 miles Never worry about theory as long as the machinery does what it is supposed to do.    Report

05-11-2010, 11:30 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07668x.jpg Thanks for the news....I really enjoy the history that comes with this hobby.  Regarding the Amsoil, I don't think I have enough clutch for that.  It's pretty slippery. Here's a pic of how I solved the "oil pump-to-outside line" problem.  I cut up a primary cover on the band saw, got the piece that fits the dowel sleeve/o-ring, and then shortened the original oil filter bolt.  I welded a nut in the end of the bolt, which allows me to set the tension against the o-ring after the primary drive is installed (the outside Allen bolt is loosened, and then the bolt is turned by using a pin through the original oil holes).  The internal AN line feeds through the bulkhead fitting to the remote oil filter.  I still have a straight shot at the front crankshaft bolt (this is the one used to hand crank both engines) and I can get the oil pump sprocket off without disturbing the fit-up.    Report

05-11-2010, 11:36 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: trans oiling.jpg How I connected the external oil supply to the rear transmission gallery.  Again, part of the original cover was cut out on the band saw, and then tapped 1/8" NPT to accept an AN-3 fitting.  The small AN fitting is fed from one of the main external supply lines.    Report

05-18-2010, 12:00 AM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: oiling.jpg Here's a pic of completed oil system.  Front pump feeds filter, and then to both engines and rear trans, along with gauge.  Front sump is doubled to get even oil levels for the two engines.  I hand filed the bottom of a sump, then made a steel plate to match the lower sump, and joined them all with long bolts.  The oil pickup is in the lower sump, with the pickup tube extended to reach. Also rigged the clutch cable, and found I need to lengthen the arm (super hard to pull the lever!)     Report

05-18-2010, 7:50 AM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,670 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Jim, I have been following your build since the beginning. And like the rest here am very impressed with it. Looking at the oiling system brings up a question. It appears your only running the front engines oil pump to deliver oil to both engines, how do you know that the oil level will stay equal in both engines while at speed. Since any fluid under pressure or suction always takes the path of least resistance, wouldn't there be a chance that the rear engine might over fill with oil and leave the front one eventually starving for oil? Pulling oil through the longer line from the rear engine will take more effort than from the front with the shorter line. Thus not keeping the oil level equal in the long run. Is there, or would there be a benefit to restricting the return line from the front engine to balance out the possibility of this happening? After sitting here rethinking my question, if your running pumps in both engines I guess it wouldn't be a problem. But I didn't see the pump in the rear motor. I'm sure you have it all figured out. So please forgive me with such a uneducated question. I may have missed something in your post's that covered this. If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std, 79 CX500 project, 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

05-18-2010, 9:46 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Aha!!  There's your trouble!..... you think I might have it figured out!  Actually, I don't.  I am running just the front pump, but no countershaft oiling on the front engine (no countershaft) and no forward piston oilers on either engine (which saves some continuous flow).  I should have more than enough oil flow (these things should normally be "on the pressure relief" by the time they hit about 4-6000 RPM; I should get there by 6000-8000 RPM or so).  I can live without the extra piston oilers because they are used to prevent detonation on low grade fuel....and I'll be running 118 octane with no ethanol and plenty of tetraethyl lead.  I'm also running DELO (diesel low emission) oil, which you should all be using.  It still has zinc to keep cams and followers alive....most oils have quit using it. Regarding return from the rear engine, there is an AN-8 line from the rear sump to front, but most of the oil will be shipped forward by the rear clutch basket.  Remember, the bottom half of that big basket is going reverse rotation (that's how the stock engines keep the transmission bay partially evacuated).  I have a wide open channel, outside the 1/4" carrier plate, from the rear to the front.of the primary drive case.  The only gear rotating clockwise is the center coupling gear, which I've got in a narrow channel to reduce it's ability to pump oil rearwards (and of course the crank gears which are high and small). All that said....it's still cross our fingers and hope I muddle through.  Too late to stop now!!    Report

05-19-2010, 9:36 AM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,670 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project OK. I follow you on all of your explanations about controlling the oil flow and pressure. But you lost me on the front piston oilers. What and where are they? (I'm sure I'm not the only one) Are you referring to the holes on the big end of the rods that point upwards? If so, why only the front pistons? One other question. Are you going to need to have a higher or lower oil level in each motor due to them sitting sideways? Sorry for all the questions. But I have one of those inquiring minds. If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std, 79 CX500 project, 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

05-19-2010, 11:27 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project The front piston oilers are a small tube, welded onto the oil supply tube (which is bolted into the primary drive cover).  The front oiler tube has a "smashed end" with a small hole drilled in the upward facing side.  The tube sticks through a small window in your main crankcase, just ahead of the crankshaft primary drive gear (actually, just left of the crank gear, for you shaft drivers).  The rear cylinder oiler is a small aluminum nozzle, on the alternator side of the engine.  It is mounted in the large aluminum plate that carries the rear crankshaft bearing. The oilers spray the bottom of the pistons (at the bottom of each stroke) to help get piston crown temps below detonation levels.  This is commonly used on turbo cars and bikes, but also used on engines destined for 3rd world areas.  I've seen them on some Land Cruiser engines, my Transalp, and various other brands.  Many engines have an oil pressure control ball-spring arrangement, in order to shut off the oilers at low pressure.  Our engines must have plenty of pump capacity, because there is no shut off on the oilers. Regarding oil level, I've made the pump pickup lower than normal (almost 2 inches) so I can keep the oil levels as low as possible.  I'll use a clear cover during test running, to find out where the oil level actually is at very high RPM. Interesting note about an engine I tore down Monday night (GL500).  I found the rod and main bearings in excellent condition, no wear on the cam chain guides (though the chain is a little loose), and clean, straight bores.  Pretty good for an 80,000 mile engine out of a very rough beater-bike!  The tip-off is that the cam lobes have very little pitting.....which means it spent most of it's life being ridden conservatively (the lobes pit when the valves are floated). This engine is getting the big-valve heads, porting, 36mm carbs, and high compression pistons....it's going into a Production "naked Silver Wing" to chase a record held by a Buell.  Owner/rider is Shaun Austin. Started welding on brackets for mounting coils, hose, gas tank, batteries, etc. tonight.  I'm hoping to start on the upper rear shock mount this weekend, then time to paint the frame. Regards, JimL    Report

05-20-2010, 5:44 AM TonyG Joined on 04-05-2006 Central Pa Posts 745 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Are you going to sell the heads after the ride? :P The 650 Turbo's had the oil jets to cool the bottom of the pistons. Not sure if the 500T's did also.    Report

05-20-2010, 10:45 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project No...the heads won't be sold....even if I don't break them! Yes...all CX, GL, and CX Turbo have piston oilers, as far as I can tell.  One of the cool thing about oilers (and why so many cars have them now) is that you can keep the bottom of the cylinder bore hotter (by using less coolant flow in that area) which prevents quenching and subsequent loss of efficiency.  The oilers cool the bottom of the piston crown only when the piston is pretty much at the bottom of the bore.  Bore hot - piston controlled - that's the name of the game for low emissions and high mpg. Regards, JimL    Report

05-21-2010, 5:50 AM Silverado 6x6 Joined on 08-13-2009 Wasilla, Alaska Posts 440 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project In my youth I heard some race guys ran their fuel line through a coffee can filled with dry ice, chilled the fuel and supposedly made more horsepower. I can see a technical advantage there in a hot climate. Just a thought I had. You going to run the oil through a cooler? Makes me kinda wonder if Bill Munro actually did drop a heart nitro pill in his fuel tank, I would think it would have plugged up something in the carbs. 1980 CX 500 Deluxe with Vetter Vindicator Electric Fan conversion LED lamp conversion Bridgestone Spitfires New Ricks Motorsports stator H4 HID headlamp 2009 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer New stuff being added every day.    Report

05-23-2010, 9:49 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Ok.....some of my 500s don't have oilers.  May be depending on how old, or whatever.  It doesn't matter for us anyway, we have pretty good gas and we don't have any "unlimited speed limits".  An interesting not about the nitro pill in the movie; it really wouldn't do anything.  Nitromethane is the fuel that makes power, because it is oxygenated and has a lot of volume (makes high cylinder pressures).  It also needs lots of heat to vaporize, which is why the top fuel dragsters pre-run so long without a regular cooling system.  I had a friend that ran a Kawasaki 1000 on nitro, and he had to make a solid aluminum billet head with NO FINS, in order to keep enough heat. No pics tonight....many struggles.  I'm fitting the fiberglas and had to move the footpegs down and back, and now will have to find a new home for the oil filter.  The pain never ends!!    Report

05-24-2010, 11:05 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07705x.jpg I'm fitting the fiberglass, now, and had to move the footpegs (again) and will have to move the oil filter (???where???).  The belly pan is a tough work out, due to the low frame rails because some fool just HAD to put two engines where one should be.  There will be some holes in the right side, to get the exhaust out of course. I couldn't use the TZ750 throttle because nobody wants to tackle the cable.  Barnett can solve the cable, so onward we go, and it'll be easier to fit up than 4 individual runs. At least the rear brake works well, and there's plenty of room for the shift linkage.  I need 3 batteries on the left side (too heavy on the right, and a big electric water pump (Dedenbear), two fans (SPAL), two starters, two ignitions).  Maybe ballast as well, but it may have to be in my left boot!    Report

05-25-2010, 1:54 AM Panther Joined on 05-09-2006 Las Vegas, NV Posts 1,264 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Concidering how much of a "daily rider" this Isn't. Couldn't you have three cables do the work of two? Pull cable from throttle to carb set one pull cable point, push cable point from carb set one to carb set two Pull point, carb set two push point to throttle push point. add an adjuster point on the carb to carb cable. Adjust  both "pull" cables, done. this may make syncing all 4 carbs to each other easier too. Peace & Light >^..^< .......... '83 GL650swi "My Little Grey Lady" '82 GL500swi parts bike '78 DT175 '86 LS650 Milady's bike    Report

05-26-2010, 4:43 AM Silverado 6x6 Joined on 08-13-2009 Wasilla, Alaska Posts 440 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I was thinking of just having the regular push-pull cables sent to a mounted housing with the secondary quad cable housing, like a pair of cut off throttle tubes attached together on a pivot.Sort of like having two throttle housings on a bar end controlled by a primary set on your handlebars. 1980 CX 500 Deluxe with Vetter Vindicator Electric Fan conversion LED lamp conversion Bridgestone Spitfires New Ricks Motorsports stator H4 HID headlamp 2009 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer New stuff being added every day.    Report

05-26-2010, 10:16 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Really great looking fairing!  I am blown away again and again by your work and willingness to share it with us, Jim!  Thanks! Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

05-26-2010, 8:38 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Hi all....thanks for the notes and questions.  The throttle cable issue is bigger than it looks at first blush; the new carburetor positions are VERY close to the intake ports and pretty high in the frame.  This is due to the short tuned length required for 10-11000 RPM power peak, and the need to have the very large float bowls clear the flywheel case.  Barnett is making a package with staggered length cables from a 1-4 coupler, which will include length adjusters in each individual cable run.  These adjusters will be about 5 inches from the top of the carbs, because I have to bend the cables over fairly sharp (to get them under the planned fuel tank). As you can see, Salt Flats bikes (and cars) rapidly turn into a "packing a backpack for a 5 day hike" game.  Over the years, I've seen many great ideas compromised by packaging problems.  I made a lot of them myself, and am finally getting a little better at it. An interesting bit of land speed racing trivia for you all:  The most successful streamliners, down through the years, look a lot like a good WWII or Korean War fighter plane (inside the skin, packed with STUFF!)  The truth of the matter is that those racers were often the very same men who engineered and built those great planes!  They were already in Southern California when the wars ended, having spent years developing their planning, packaging, and metal working skills.  They naturally gravitated together, then found their ways to the Dry Lakes and the Salt Flats.  That is why so many great cars were aluminum bodied (unlike today's typical fiberglass stuff). Cool stuff! Regards, JimL    Report

05-27-2010, 1:07 AM S8mikey Joined on 10-22-2009 Salt Lake City Utah Posts 56 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Hey im in salt lake. let me know when you will be out at the salt flats so i can see this thing in action! 1979 cx500 cafe SLC Utah    Report

06-08-2010, 10:00 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07739x.jpg I will keep all posted for Speed Week.  It runs August 14-20 this year; hopefully this one makes it! Exhaust pipes are coming along.  Note:  These are stepped headers, before the short megs, and tuned for 10-11000 RPM power.    Report

06-08-2010, 10:41 PM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,861 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Holy pipe. Are they all independent or is there a bracket besides the head/flange bolts that hold them in place. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

06-09-2010, 7:13 AM gary50 Joined on 09-02-2008 Posts 250 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project No crossover tubes between cylinders? What diameter are the steps from head to end? I would love to hear this engine combo at full song. Exciting to watch. Cheers, 50gary    Report

06-10-2010, 11:30 PM dana_h_acdc Joined on 05-20-2010 Pittsburgh PA Posts 58 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I could not even imagine the wondrous note that would make at 11,000 RPM!  I'd bet money that at a mile away across the desert people's mouths will drop open in disbelief of the beautiful tone coming out of those megaphones! JH2PC011XBM201193 1981 CX500 Deluxe THE TURD [everyone says you cant polish a turd So I guess the name is going to stay]    Report

06-11-2010, 12:58 AM Vanmor Joined on 01-11-2008 Northeast Arkansas Posts 323 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project That is one piece of wonderous engineering. It would be nice for all of us here on the forum to show up for the run. After looking at all of this, I will never ever bitch about taking my engine out again ! Vance    Report

06-12-2010, 9:16 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07751x.jpg Exhaust hangers are all in, fairing is cut and secured, intakes manifolds are made (but the rear one needs a little mod to get a carb out of my left knee).  I'm starting on the ground stand, because I have to get this thing up to normal ride height to continue with the belly pan work.  I'll have about 4-5" ground clearance. Thanks for the continued interest. JimL    Report

06-13-2010, 3:39 AM Moriarty Joined on 06-02-2010 Brighton, UK Posts 21 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Having now read the thread, and your previous one, two thoughts come to mind: 1) You are mad. Gloriously, utterly, totally mad. 2) See 1. And that's why we all LOVE it! Respect, Sir. You blast 'em at Salt Flats. Give 'em hell. Rip 'em to shreds. Record or not what you have done here is wonderful. 1980 Honda CX500. Mostly rust or dirt coloured.    Report

06-13-2010, 5:22 AM Silverado 6x6 Joined on 08-13-2009 Wasilla, Alaska Posts 440 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I know you are advanced to a point where this idea would take you back timewise in as such as even trying it out but what kind of an engineering feat would it be to adapt the setup to use Fuel injection? I am in my early morning thinking mode and I was wondering if just for experimentation you could use a fuel injection system from a 4 cylinder car like a Honda and or a true aftermarket kit that will allow you to build a programmable fuel map. It could make for a more compact fuel distribution setup, and possible make your throttle fly by wire as well. 1980 CX 500 Deluxe with Vetter Vindicator Electric Fan conversion LED lamp conversion Bridgestone Spitfires New Ricks Motorsports stator H4 HID headlamp 2009 Yamaha V-Star 1300 Tourer New stuff being added every day.    Report

06-13-2010, 9:14 AM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project The uneven firing would be extremely difficult to work out.  Also, I'd need more electricity to run the EFI pump and computer.  Worst of all, it'd take money.... most of this thing is homemade or "traded for work" (other than the pistons and cams). In some ways, not having access to, or skills with, lathes and mills..... has speeded up the job.  You just grab some likely metal, good files, welder....and move ahead.  If something just doesn't work, change the plan. same as life. Regards, JimL    Report

06-13-2010, 10:51 AM Spacetiger Joined on 05-16-2009 Chantilly, VA Posts 1,353 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Another fuel Injection comment here.  Fuel injection is great to cover a wide variety of engine conditions; cold/hot, RPM range, emission control, [fuel] efficiency, etc. This project has a narrow mission, go as fast as you can.  Efficiency will only matter at the top end.  In this case, carbs are well suited to this.  They can be optimized to feed all the fuel the air going in the engine at the top of the RPM range.  IN many ways, this simplified approach will eliminate problems to track down. Jerry 90 PC 800 (commuting steed) 82 GL500I (50+mpg, great bike) 66 BMW R 50/2 (No brakes/HP) 80 CX500C (Loved this bike) 74 CB360 (Fun; but too small) 79 CX500D (40,000+ mi in 3 years) 76 CB550 (step up from 200cc) 74 KZ200 (1st bike!)    Report

06-13-2010, 4:27 PM Joel Joined on 08-13-2009 Grand Rapids, Michigan Posts 621 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Jim any way you can mount a small video camera so we can ride along with you on the flats?  I'm serious even if it wasn't live I would and many others would absolutely love to do something we probably will never get the chance to do.  And that is ride on the salt flats with two gl650's wizardly connected together roaring at god only knows what speed. Please consider doing this.  1971 Yamaha 360 1977 Xr75 1973 Cl350 1980 cx500 custom 1983 gl650i 1969 Norton Commando Fastback 750 project (x2)    Report

06-13-2010, 7:13 PM enriquez Joined on 03-12-2007 San Francisco, CA Posts 130 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project What type of metal did you make the exhaust from? I'm seriously considering riding to the salt flats this summer, seems like a gearhead's dream. 1979 CX500 Custom, slowly becoming cafe styled    Report

06-14-2010, 7:20 AM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project The megaphone portion is made from header parts sold by Speedway Motors.  They sell the megs in the hot rod header section, as a separate part from a kit.  The rest is just various tubing bends and straights, all put together by a friend.  He's a much better fitter and welder than I am.  It's all just plain steel. JimL    Report

06-14-2010, 9:32 AM ramprat06 Joined on 03-22-2006 Vancouver WA USA Posts 361 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Wondrous stuff Jim......I can only imagine.  As to the video cam, *snicker*, maybe you could get NASA to lend you one they use on the Shuttle?  *snicker* Joel in the Couve May the multitude of wheels in your head always control the two wheels between your legs. 1982 CX500 custom. 99% stock. 3rd owner New to me, Spring '03 ~7k miles Now, ~23k miles Age 55    Report

06-14-2010, 9:14 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project To tell the truth, fellows, there's not much to see at speed.  No reference points, so to speak, so the speed doesn't seem as high as on a fast road course.  If you look up Bonneville on You Tube, you'll find many videos from bikes and cars....all a lot faster than I'll ever go. This year, we won't even have black lines to follow..just the mile markers to aim between.  That's ok, actually.... in '98 I was running about 180 in a roadster when I noticed the center black line was wiggling back and forth like a drunken snake.  I didn't like the idea that it might be me, so I moved left about 30 feet and quit looking at it. JimL    Report

06-19-2010, 8:51 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07759x.jpg Made a stand, mounted wheels/tires, mounted the carbs (have to rework the rear manifold to angle the carb forward), reworked belly pan and it's mounts to clear the pipes, mounted the batteries but don't like them....will move them more "left" and put the water pump between the engines.    Report

06-19-2010, 8:51 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07762x.jpg Here's a pic of the bike on the ground stand.  Things got spooky....I had to put some extensions on the end of my table!    Report

06-19-2010, 10:15 PM LRCXed Joined on 05-15-2008 Sacramento, California Posts 1,670 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I'm sure I speak for the majority when I tell you it has been a real honor watching you take this from an empty bench to a totally awesome work of art and ingenuity. I would love to see you make the run at the record. But reading and watching it happen here will have to do. Thank you for sharing this project with us all Jim. Amazing workmanship. Larry If your going to do something, do it right, don't do it half as@*d. 78 CX500 Std, 79 CX500 project, 80 CX500C, 83 GL650I http://globalcxglvtwins.hostingdelivered.com/    Report

06-28-2010, 11:11 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07780x.jpg This is a fun pic....see if you can figure out what all is in there!!  Besides the carbs, cables, batteries (3rd redesign of the trays), there is 18 feet of 3/4" hose for the cooling system.  I still have to make the forward inlet water pipe.  Also have to find two more velocity stacks. The fans are mounted to the radiators (between the wheel and radiator....barely clear the axle vertical travel). More below. JimL    Report

06-28-2010, 11:13 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07781x.jpg Here's a closer shot of the battery mounting, with the electric water pump below.    Report

06-28-2010, 11:17 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07777x.jpg Latest right side view with the skin off.  Not much more to add....mounts for the rear lower streamlining, tachometer, 50-100 pounds of ballast under the rear engine/swing arm pivot area, coolant recovery bottle, wiring, switches.... I guess it is a lot more to add, after all. JimL    Report

06-29-2010, 12:27 AM enriquez Joined on 03-12-2007 San Francisco, CA Posts 130 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project What kind of filter are you using with the velocity stacks?  Did you do any tuning with the velocity stacks? Looking great! 1979 CX500 Custom, slowly becoming cafe styled    Report

06-29-2010, 7:48 AM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Attachment: DSC07782x.jpg No filter....the salt seems to go right through the engines.  Intake tuned length is about 7-8".....aimed at power peak around 10,000 RPM (or a little more). Here's a close pic of the middle area.    Report

06-29-2010, 10:12 AM Blindstitch Joined on 03-14-2009 Greenfield Wisconsin Posts 9,861 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project Damn that's all kinds of crazy. 1979 CX500 Supertanker ATGATT makes riding a bike like a sled easier. Quick Reference    Report

06-29-2010, 10:53 AM RichNCT Joined on 03-02-2006 Connecticut, USA Posts 3,463 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project That is soooo cool! Thanks again for the great pics! Refueling on The James Bay Road, 2009 Born to be relatively wild (for a grampa x 3) GL650I, CX650E, CX650T    Report

06-29-2010, 1:50 PM BillRod Joined on 11-09-2009 Richton Park, IL 33 miles SW of Chicago Posts 350 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I am curious as to the 50-100 pounds of ballast. Does it have something to do with the stability of the bike at speed or is in the rule book for the particular class that you are running in? BillRod 71 years old (April 1939) Richton Park, Illinois Just bought 1982 GL500 Naked 13,000 miles Never worry about theory as long as the machinery does what it is supposed to do.    Report

06-29-2010, 3:54 PM JimL1581 Joined on 04-19-2009 Posts 176 Re: Another Salt Flats Silver Wing project I'll use ballast to balance the bike left-right.  It'll also help prevent wheel spin (assuming I can make some horsepower).  I know that the 'Busas are typically running 60-70 pounds of lead in the swing arm, but I want my weight a little more toward the middle. Once I get it on the scales I can figure it all out. Soon, I think. JimL    Report

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