Author Topic: Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"  (Read 2974 times)

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Offline somedumbjerk

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Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« on: June 08, 2012, 12:00:12 PM »
hello! figured since i'm actually working on the bike now i'd start a thread.

history on the bike:
my buddy got it from his old coworker who is a motorcycle mechanic now. ran, definitely rough but ran none the less. my buddy did the dyna coils/ignition set up and rode it for a bit, but it kept breaking down on him. he also came to the conclusion that he is too much of a speed demon to own a motorcycle, and the fact that he's like 6'1" made him a little uncomfortable on the small bike. so we do a trade and i end up with the bike and a bunch of gaskets, o-rings, brake pads and little parts for it. it's my first motorcycle, and i was looking for a project. I've always loved old Hondas. always wanted a scrambler, but prices are ludicrous right now so I'm waiting for that trend to die out.

The name Raven was given to the bike before i had her. and Filthy is the name of the car club i'm in. apparently the Raven has a confirmed kill so i don't want to change her name, lest i face her wrath.

some pics!

as she sat when i got her


got some bars for free and slapped em on for inspiration



cleaned up the brakes and put stainless lines on them. they went from this:


to this:


left some of the old black paint in there because i liked the way it turned out. i also resurfaced the piston and smoothed everything out so it wouldn't stick. new pads. new master cylinder from slingshot cycles.

then i tore into the top end. needs some cleaning, and possibly a valve job.

leaked a little brake clean out of the #3 intake valve. i'll clean her up and just try to lap it first. also plan on doing the Hondaman porting. 

the pistons look a wee bit carbon filled as well. going to clean them up and then mic the bores and see if i need a bunch of machine work done.


well, wish me luck!

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« Reply #1 on: June 08, 2012, 12:13:23 PM »
You are going to be busy with that lot. Good luck.  ;)
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline somedumbjerk

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Re: Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« Reply #2 on: June 08, 2012, 12:18:19 PM »
i sure am. it'll be what most of my hobbies are: funstrating. i also forgot to mention i'm making a fresh wire harness for it, as i don't really like the way the original feels. kind of brittle and the connectors are a bit corroded. plus it's been hacked so many times i don't trust it at all.

Offline LesterPiglet

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Re: Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« Reply #3 on: June 08, 2012, 02:21:50 PM »
I've just rebuilt my 550 after 20 years. Yep the wiring broke all over the place. I'm waiting till winter then make a new harness.
'Then' and 'than' are completely different words and have completely different meanings. Same with 'of' and 'have'. Set and sit. There, their and they're. Draw and drawer. Could care less/couldn't care less. Bought/brought FFS.


Les Ross.            Certified by a Professional

Offline Gurp

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Re: Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« Reply #4 on: June 12, 2012, 10:17:03 AM »
Love the name of the bike. Good luck with your bike!
slow Progress 74 cb550.

Poor boy chop 73 CB500 chop

Future project 77 Cb750 Amen Savior

Offline Old School Honda

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Ratty CB550 dubbed "Filthy Raven"
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2012, 10:29:30 PM »
Subscribed. Working on a crusty 550 myself. Might help with the inspiration.