Topic: 550f front end swap with tank

[canon]

Since I finally made an account after a few months of browsing, I figured I'd bring a few of my questions that I can't find answers to to you guys. So I guess let's get the ball rolling.

I've been workin on my 74 cb350f for a little while now. Although the past few weeks have really been where progress has been made. At the moment I've swapping the front end to 550f forks. I understand  that everything's basically bolt right in except for the steering stem because it's longer. Was wondering if there's anything else that can be done to make the 550f triple trees fit without swapping stems?

With the front end being swapped I was planning on doing 550f front rotor, caliper, with hub for upgraded braking. I'm having trouble finding those parts for a 550f and was wondering if they're the same as a 500t. If there's a better option out there for better braking that will work with my set up I'm open to suggestions. Just trying to make sure everything with the front end will fit and work before I make the plunge to buy what I find.

Lastly, I want to swap the tank out for a little bit bigger and taller one to make the bike look more aggressive. If I remember correctly the 400f tank will fit but it's not the style I'm looking for. I know ill have to compensate for the copacitors on the side to make it fit but a little customizing never hurt anyone. I just dont need to be completely reshaping the tank to make it fit.

Those are the main questions I have that through searching I can't find clear answers to. So any help is much appreciated in advance.

Thanks

[toytuff]

Welcome!

Well, CB 350 F models are getting harder to come by. If it were me I would keep it as stock as possible. It is "your" ride however.

So, if you remove things..well..I'll buy the removed parts for mine. 

tt

[canon]

Everything's being rebuilt and replaced from the ground up into a cafe racer. The only thing I'm actually swapping as of now is the front end and tank. But if your looking for parts just shoot me a pm and I'll see if I can help you out.

Thanks

[toytuff]

PM sent.

tt

[canon]

Can anyone help me on this?

[dave500]

pictures?

[luap]

How much longer is the 550 compared to the 350. could you possible do some washers to make up the difference?maybe try from the bottom of the neck remove the race add spacers put race back on , just a thought but I havnt done it before

[Danno]

canon there were some 550 four f models that had a tank that might work and why did you not just put dual discs on your 350f anyway

the stem problem i believe can be solved by threading the threads a little lower on the stem and cutting the rest off I can measure tomarow for you to be sure as I have both bikes in my shop I will check to make sure if you do it that way that you will still have enough of a seat for the bearing after you move the stem up some of the guys have been experimenting with taper roller bearings using the smaller seat out of the one for the 350 f and using the cage and rollers out of the 550 if done that way the cage and rollers may need the extra part of the stem to ride on which means you would not have to cut it off and depending on how high it rode on the stem you may not have to tap it lower either but you may need to make or find a cover for the part of the bearing cage that will stick above the headstock a little bit 
I have never done this modification that way my self I have always just taken the stem off and turned it down on a lathe to the correct diameter for the 350 headstock bearing but you have to have enough meat on the stem to do that

[canon]

Honestly if i could just hack off the extra amount of thread that would work great. But I'll definitely need to have the exact measurements so if you could get the dimensions for me that would be great.

Also does anyone know if the 550f front hub, rotor, axel and caliper are the exact same as a 500t?? Trying to find those parts for a 550f are tricky, but I can easily grab them for a 500t. That would make my life a lot easier.

[camelman]

Why don't you go with an aftermarket lower triple tree?  TTR400 has a nice one you can swap in that will make a world of difference.  It'll likely be a better option than swapping to 550 forks with the stock 550 triple trees.  The weak link is the lower triple tree.  Getting a stronger one will make a world of difference no matter which forks you use.  There are other options available to improve the 350F handling too.  One of which being 400F/360T forks.  New springs with emulators and pre-load adjustment are a nice option too.

Don't forget your swingarm bushings and good shocks!

Camelman

[canon]

So he can make me a custom lower triple tree to fit with the stock top right. Do you have any idea how much that might possibly run me in price?

Thanks for the tip

[camelman]

Yep, he can make anything you want. I just got back from South Africa and saw some of his prototypes and production parts. He is definitely legit and is a real craftsman. If you order from him, then you can combine your shipping with my order if you want. It will save you a chunk of change on shipping to the USA.

His website is ttr400.com

Camelman