Topic: 1977 Honda CB 550k Bobber...I hope.

[Thunderhorse]

Hi I just picked up a 1977 Honda CB550k for $100. It is in $100 condition, but I am hoping to rebuild it, and convert it to a bobber. This is my first bike and I don't have any fabrication experience, so I want to send the frame away and get it hard tailed for me. I spoke to the nice people over at customonecycles and they were kind enough to inform me that it would be far too expensive to have my bike shipped to them, as I am in Canada. They recommended a guy in Calgary at Tj's cycles. I have emailed them and am waiting on a response, I'm hoping for good news because I might even throw the bike in my truck and drive it over there, it about a 16 hour drive but I have done it many times and it would be worth it...and maybe even fun. The point of me making this post is to get some direction and feedback. Is bobbing this bike a realistic idea for a beginner? Does anyone know of anywhere in the Manitoba area that could also help me out....I'm talking engine rebuilding, sandblasting, powder coating, and junk yards/parts?? Don't get me wrong I have been out there doing my research but have come up with not a whole lot to say the least. If there's any information anyone can throw my way to build this bike as cheap as possible...and I am in no rush BTW. Please do so, I hope to hear from somebody.
Here are a few photos of the bike.

Having some fun before unloading from my truck.
Backyard dismantling (Only took a half hour!)
After carrying everything to my basement...
Some more screwing around..
My dads contribution, it would still be in the backyard without all this.


I hope that at least I entertained somebody with my dreams...I hope even more that some of you believe I can do this. Thanks for your time.

[Spokes]

Looks like a nice find for $100 Thunderhorse.  I recently got a 78 CB550 I plan on bobbing, but mine will be simpler than yours.  Due to a restrictive budget, hardtailing will be out, but once I get it stripped down, I will look at the lines and figure out what will fit my style.  Good luck on the project and have some fun.

[metalhead0283]

thats really clean for $100...ya could make ur money back an then some...how r the laws in canada far as modifications to bikes? in maine they r dicks bout it...i register old bikes as antiques so i dont have to get um inspected but ur not supposed to modify um but i dont care n i modify um anyways...figure out what parts ya dont want or gonna use n sell um on ebay so ya drum up some money to put towards the bike...i dont see why a bobber would b a bad first bike just keep it upright n dont ride beyond ur skill set

[cgswss]

Before you spend the time and money to have the frame moded, why don't you set the bike to the ride height you want and make struts to replace the rear shocks?  Much easier much less money and paint the struts the same color as the frame and you have the look for 90% of the people that look at it.

[Thunderhorse]

Thanks guys for your replies,

@cgswss do you have access to a link that would show me that process? I would truly appreciate it if you could share...I know you can't seem to put external links here, but if you could point me in the right direction.

@metalhead0283 the laws here aren't too bad, just gotta make sure I put all my lights on and don't make it too low (gotta look in to the specifics) Unfortunately though, mpi (manitoba public insurance) makes you insure a motorcycle for a full year when there are maybe six months of riding available.

@Spokes Please share your project process with me, it's hard to find bobber threads.

[Thunderhorse]

I did some research and struts might be the way to go....now to try and firgure out proper measurments...