XBR replacement tank

[mthee]

Well, I snipped a "branch" of the original ground wire off to reuse at a different position. Upon stripping the end prior to crimping on a connector, I found the answer to my own question - check first. The pic shows a comparison with a good wire off the same loom. The copper was this black all the way along 200mm which increased resistanceby 40%. 🤪

[themoudie]

OH! mthee that looks nicely toasted. Similar in appearance to some original Italian wiring I am familiar with and solder will not flow on it. Time for a visit to VWP and to get some proper cable and solderable Japanese bullet connectors to make a proper job.

Rain has arrived with us this morning, after a cracking but cool day yesterday. Workshop time, rewiring the wee Moto Morini 125H.

Good health, Bill

[mthee]

I'm sure we've all heard about the infamous Italian wiring, so rather you than me!? Luckily, I am on Honda which has retained colour coding from the XBR to the CBR125 controls I'm using. So, even though I'm moving components (everything except battery and CDI unit) and simplifying (no rear light bulb check, led lights on with ignition, off when cranking) it should be all straightforward. I'd even go so far as to say, if I can't do this, I need tasering!😁🤪

[mthee]

mthee if  you do come across a xl600 barrel make sure its stamped with 591cc on it theres another one thats stamped 589cc thats  no use to put on  a xbr as its a different stroke  tommy

I'd be grateful for comments on the state of this cylinder and piston from those with a good eye for such;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-XL600LM-RM-PD04-Cylinder-With-Piston-Etc-/304039014549?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

[themoudie]

Who are "PJ motorcycle engineers"? Ring them up and see what they say directly, rather than through a third party seller. If the seller won't tell you their contact number, smell a longtail.

From image #5 from the left, it would appear that the rings seized in the bore at some time and the "honing" hasn't removed the corrosion. For me it would either be a rebore, new piston, rings and gudgeon pin. Or, new liner and rings, with the liner bored and honed to suit. But then I'm a fusspot!

What is the ring gap between the ring and the piston ring lands. OR. How much verical play between new rings and their respective grooves in the piston?

If that is too large, then you may have possible compression problems.

Make sure that if you do purchase these items and fit new rings that you end gap the rings correctly. If left too tight or not done at all you end up with lovely vertical scores in the bore! 

I'm no saying dinnae go there, just go canny and ask lots of questions and if the seller or his engineers go schtum, walk away.

Check Eastwoods for new Wiseco parts (Eastwood_Racing) or Dave Silver (Dave_Silver_Honda_spares)

Good health, Bill

[mthee]

Thanks for sorting me out with this, Bill. I'll get onto it and let you know 👍

[xbally]

If its the same company PJ Motorcycle Engineers did a rebore and piston kits for my RD400 -going back some years now but they used to specialise in 2T rebuilds are near Wolverhampton. Never had any problems with the work they did.

[themoudie]

Aye mthee,

Here's the link to PJ Motorcycle Engineers if you haven't found it already.

Link: PJ_Motorcycle_Engineers_website

Appear to have plenty of experience.

Link: PJME_Cylinder_Re-Boring

Regards, Bill

[mthee]

Thanks Martin and Bill.

I asked the seller for any history and he replied promptly;

"Ibrought a 1987 Xl600lmh & a spare xl600lmf bike came with it,the guy told me that he brought it back from France as it was the red engine version(more desirable)
But when I started to look into it I discovered it was a bit of a bitsa bike & because it didn't come with any paperwork i decided to strip it down & keep some parts for my 1987(lmh)& sell the rest to fund renovating the 1987(lmh) bike.
I've stripped both engines & both are more or less in the same good condition really.
Hope this helps some wot?
If there is any other questions I can help you with, please feel free to ask.
Best regards
Adam"

Seems genuine. So do I point out the probable seizure to drive down the offer, or email  the engineers with a link to the item for a quote to get it properly sorted with a rebore and Wiseco?  Actually, I have no idea if his asking price is good value?
Thanks again, Matt.

[themoudie]

Aye Matt,

When compared with the asking price for eBay Item #384228146195, your prospective lot would appear to be good value. How many other barrels of the type you require have you found?

If you scroll down your proposed purchases page (Item #304039014549) there are new Wiseco piston kits that appear to be of the correct type for a reasonable price, eBay Item #113815834884

I would contact PJME direct, as you suggest and see if they would supply a set of rings to suit, or would they recommend a rebore, with a new piston and rings? Asking them to quote for both and see what you want to do.

Good health, Bill

[mthee]

Excellent, thank's Bill.

[Moto63]

I can feeeeeel the power coming on from here. 😉 Best of luck with it Matt. Oh and don’t forget to keep us posted 👍

[mthee]

😂 I haven't even finished the wiring yet - spending the little time I get riding and de-Bonnifying the W650 👍 Plan now is to finish it as is over the winter, have a ride or two and then engine out in the spring, having collected the bare necessities - cylinder, piston, gaskets, etc. With a plurality of bikes, I can really take my time without the worry of missing out on riding👍

[mthee]

mthee if  you do come across a xl600 barrel make sure its stamped with 591cc on it theres another one thats stamped 589cc thats  no use to put on  a xbr as its a different stroke  tommy

I'd be grateful for comments on the state of this cylinder and piston from those with a good eye for such;

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Honda-XL600LM-RM-PD04-Cylinder-With-Piston-Etc-/304039014549?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l6249&mkrid=710-127635-2958-0

Getting confused here! Seller gives the bore at 97mm which would indicate a stroke of 80mm to come out at the 591cc stamped on the barrel. An XR600 barrel?

The XL600LM is the one I want because the stroke is the same as the XBR, but Googling reveals this has a capacity of 589cc

https://www.motorcyclespecs.co.za/model/Honda/honda_xl600lm_84.html

So, 100x75 gives 589cc in which radius is 5cm and radius sq = 25cm

Working it backwards for both 591cc and 589cc;

Capacity÷pi÷stroke=radius sq.

589÷3.142÷7.5=24.995cm
591÷3.142÷7.5=25.080cm

So which stamp is it for the 75 stroke?

Have I confused myself by trying to do maths? Wouldn't be the first time!  🤪🤯

[mthee]

I eventually found a link to the XL600 model history here;

https://second.wiki/wiki/honda_xl600

After some cross-referencing, I'm fairly certain the XL's with the pd03 engines are all 100x75 and stamped 589cc. Those with the pd04 engines are 97x80 and stamped 591cc.

I couldn't find anything at all about why Honda changed the bore and stroke.

So, the Motorcyclespecs.co.za link I used for the eBay cylinder was incorrect for displacement, bore and stroke and I'm back on the no-rush hunt 😁