db Customs CB1100RD RestoMod

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 4:46 am

Noblehops wrote:

Right, where were we?

Looks fantastic Darren, and I really appreciate you and Jim sharing the details of the geometry explorations. Have a project on the horizon for which I am going to have to learn a lot more about that.

For sure there are a lot of custom bikes getting built with zero thoughtful consideration for chassis dynamics, and it frankly scares me to see the shit that passes for a motorcycle on some of those "builds".

This bike is going to be awesome, as usual.

N.

I think that I might be starting to become only a reference for engines but there is far more that I have experience with and "other" area is the chassis. Our Superbike is no toy and part of it's success is the fact that the handling improvements are far beyond what anyone would expect for one of these generation bikes.
If you really want to know about the chassis geometry then do a search for some posts or threads on it and where I discuss our Superbike because everything I have said pertains specifically to the CB DOHC "F" and nothing else. I have given dimensions of all the major attachment points, the front end rake and trail changes, triples offset and the effect of changes and explained the why's and wherefore of it all, I have even explained the moving the steering head back in order to increase weight on the front and increase the speed of turn in. The effect of this reduced wheel base is underestimated IMO and after doing it I know the advantages are pronounced to the point that the results have much more in common with a modern bike than the OEM based architecture could ever allow. This is not an abstract discussion point nor a throwaway statement as I have implemented and tested every one of these changes. In summary there is a mountain of experimental work done here and more comprehensive than any other "F" that I am aware of and I am very confident that what we have settled on is very-very close to the best you are going to get with this era of chassis technology.

Captain

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 5:04 am

Many of us have our own expertise and specialties while others never cease to amaze me with how much they know overall in so many different areas. I don't pretend to be an expert in chassis dynamics but am at the tail end of a build that has had some considerable changes made to it. Fortunately, my build is based on sound advice from JJam using his own proven experience. For that I'm very thankful and excited to be able to do this. Knowing that Jim is just a phone call or email away if I have any questions is also huge. Darren's track record is also well established now and I would never hesitate to ask for his advice.

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:30 pm

Glad we got that out of the way. We can now proceed with our normally scheduled program. Very Happy

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 12:35 pm

Captain wrote:

Noblehops wrote:

Right, where were we?

Looks fantastic Darren, and I really appreciate you and Jim sharing the details of the geometry explorations. Have a project on the horizon for which I am going to have to learn a lot more about that.

For sure there are a lot of custom bikes getting built with zero thoughtful consideration for chassis dynamics, and it frankly scares me to see the shit that passes for a motorcycle on some of those "builds".

This bike is going to be awesome, as usual.

N.

I think that I might be starting to become only a reference for engines but there is far more that I have experience with and "other" area is the chassis. Our Superbike is no toy and part of it's success is the fact that the handling improvements are far beyond what anyone would expect for one of these generation bikes.
If you really want to know about the chassis geometry then do a search for some posts or threads on it and where I discuss our Superbike because everything I have said pertains specifically to the CB DOHC "F" and nothing else. I have given dimensions of all the major attachment points, the front end rake and trail changes, triples offset and the effect of changes and explained the why's and wherefore of it all, I have even explained the moving the steering head back in order to increase weight on the front and increase the speed of turn in. The effect of this reduced wheel base is underestimated IMO and after doing it I know the advantages are pronounced to the point that the results have much more in common with a modern bike than the OEM based architecture could ever allow. This is not an abstract discussion point nor a throwaway statement as I have implemented and tested every one of these changes. In summary there is a mountain of experimental work done here and more comprehensive than any other "F" that I am aware of and I am very confident that what we have settled on is very-very close to the best you are going to get with this era of chassis technology.

Captain

I only learn from those that have paved away and "demonstrate" success in these areas, and who continue to do so.

Posted: Sat Sep 24, 2016 1:31 pm

Quick aside (sorry Darren, it'll be short), I have based all my chassis improvements on your posts/dimensions Brent. And having ridden it a few times the past week it is AMAZING how much better the handling is/feels. And I have only "modified" the rear suspesion. More details in my track bike thread. Carry on........

Oh yea.....Nice work as usual Darren. But I miss that black one you "threw" together.

Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 1:30 am

1100russ wrote:

Quick aside (sorry Darren, it'll be short), I have based all my chassis improvements on your posts/dimensions Brent. And having ridden it a few times the past week it is AMAZING how much better the handling is/feels. And I have only "modified" the rear suspesion. More details in my track bike thread. Carry on........

Oh yea.....Nice work as usual Darren. But I miss that black one you "threw" together.

Cool man, keep going!

Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 2:05 am

Yea Russ but black is so boring lol

Posted: Sun Sep 25, 2016 2:28 am

Yea Russ but black is so boring lol

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 6:58 pm

Since the last update 3 weeks ago, the engine was removed, taken apart, cleaned, spec'd out, and rebuilt (with viton seals and cam hold down bolts from genesound, oversized oil pickup from headless, and with cam chains / curved guide, and rear tensioner from Captain), with slotted cam sprockets (cams degreed), and primary chain oil spray nozzle mod. All the cases, cylinder block, head, and covers were coated with VHT caliper paint and baked as instructed prior to assembly. The stator cover and ignition covers were coated with a gold metallic and clear coated.

While the engine was out, the frame was stripped of the side cover mounting tabs, center stand mounts, and rear brake switch mount. I then used my own RC seat cowl to locate the position of and weld on mounts for the seat cowl. I also welded on front mounts onto the steering headstock for the front fairing bracket (that needs to be made), and as well the two tabs that go onto the frame. Frame was then cleaned and coated with VHT roll bar chassis paint.

I also restored the rear fender and rear inner fender pieces, after I had trimmed the excessive rear fender off. Wiring harness was also cleaned up with connectors cleaned and all re-taped. The RC51 switch gear was all converted to accept the CB1100F harnesses and connectors.

Engine was reinstalled.

Bracket was welded onto the FCRs to extend the throttle cable mount locations since the stock cables are too long. You have to extend the bracket about 35mm and angle the it slightly forward. FCRs were installed onto two #1 and two #4 intakes (since these are 93-95 GSXR750 WC carbs), which allow them to line up.

Since time is of the essence on this one, I had commissioned cliffiec to make me some cooler lines and send me a cooler (most places wanted crazy $ for shipping). Since then, I have made a bracket for it, painted the brakcet and cooler and made some aluminum spacers to mount to the stock mounting location. Rick did a great job on the lines.

I've also installed the fuse relocation kit and the Dyna 2000. My kits didn't come with wires and so I have 8mm Accel spiral core wire kits coming (designed for a "V8"), that I can use to double up for other Dyna's I have in stock for future builds on contract.

The JayGUI exhaust is also installed and as always fits perfect. Nice and tight.

Next up is to make the large battery cables (you can see the cables on the ground under the bike), finish the wiring on the KOSO gauge, and then fabricate the rear brake caliper mount and stay for the Brembo rear caliper. As soon as the spark plug wires arrive, it will be time to fire it up. I also need to order the Spiegler custom length lines and bleed the brakes.

This week, I am hoping that the bodywork will be finished so it can be installed.

Getting close!

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 7:10 pm

Mmmmmmm. Goooood. Looks badass without the fairing! Love those R tanks.

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:02 pm

Wow.

Posted: Tue Oct 18, 2016 8:38 pm

toronto78 wrote:

Wow.

Double wow. Totally drool-worthy work you have going on there. And man, you're moving along fast!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 12:58 am

DONE

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 6:32 am

Awesome.
Well done.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 6:48 am

Very very nice Darren!.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:14 pm

Another great job! Great work Darren!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:30 pm

Gorgeous! Darren scores again!

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 1:47 pm

looking top class Cool

however the level of quality is - IMO making two items stand out for a bit of refinement
The front mudguard needs lowering and the crank breather tubes could do with a bit of bling - kevlar sheath would be nice - please this is no criticism on what is a fantastic build, more probably because of the quality that these minor points stand out

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 3:10 pm

nlovie wrote:

looking top class Cool

however the level of quality is - IMO making two items stand out for a bit of refinement
The front mudguard needs lowering and the crank breather tubes could do with a bit of bling - kevlar sheath would be nice - please this is no criticism on what is a fantastic build, more probably because of the quality that these minor points stand out

No problem. When I went back and looked at the pics I was going to modify the fender height. I also have a few things to tidy up. I was under the gun to take the pics as a snow storm was coming in. As expected, this morning the ground was covered with 6 inches of snow. Winter is now here.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 3:21 pm

A full suite of pics is available here >>>> https://www.facebook.com/pg/DBCustomRetroMods/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1148366555271586

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 5:24 pm

Awesome job as usual Darren. I wish I deep pockets....Who is the lucky owner of this beauty??

Cheers!
Chris

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 5:38 pm

CDN1100F wrote:

Awesome job as usual Darren. I wish I deep pockets....Who is the lucky owner of this beauty??

Cheers!
Chris

Going to New Zealand

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 6:51 pm

Fantastic build, Darren.
I see turn signals. I hope the bike also gets some track time to really strut its stuff.

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 10:02 pm

Great job! Question, were did you get the fuse relocation kit? Additionally, how is the speedometer? Is it plug and play?

Matt

Posted: Mon Dec 05, 2016 11:34 pm

zwicker wrote:

Great job! Question, were did you get the fuse relocation kit? Additionally, how is the speedometer? Is it plug and play?

Matt

Fuse relocation kit from Webike Japan. Speedo isn't completely plug and play but quite simple to hook up. The speedo is driven by a series of magnets placed on the front brake rotor (I install them in the brake rotor bolts, and then there is a sensor that gets mounted). You have to do a simple calibration based on tire diameter. Tach is driven off the Dyna tach output.

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 2:36 am

Thanks. Any idea who manufacturers the fuze relocation kit is?

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 7:39 pm

zwicker wrote:

Thanks. Any idea who manufacturers the fuze relocation kit is?

You need these two items

http://japan.webike.net/products/21378050.html

http://japan.webike.net/products/21378053.html

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 7:40 pm

Pics update above with some more views ....

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 7:45 pm

Thanks!

Posted: Tue Dec 06, 2016 8:18 pm

Cutting that wind screen must have been nerve racking. Lol

If you get a chance to do another R I would love to see some update to the paint scheme. Something subtle... I think I remember sanctuary doing one with some airbrush details in the paint that really made it pop.

Does jaygui offer any other cans?

Either way looks great!