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Author Topic: First project: '77 CB550 cafe  (Read 2284 times)

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Offline TNCafe

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First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« on: June 21, 2012, 11:21:57 AM »
This is my first build, the picture is how I bought the bike. Had a 600RR before this so vintage is an uncharted territory.
Currently making a wiring harness to replace the birds nest I was left with. It has an '05 GSXR front end
Wanting to make it a bit ratty, may even leave it primer grey for a while. Motor has been rebuilt but not reassembled yet.
My two favorite details: No speedo, kick start only

Left to do:
-Wiring harness
-figure out throttle/clutch cables matching from GSXR throttle to CB550 engine (advice welcome)
-finish engine reassembly
-rejet carbs?
-All new hardware for engine and mounts (advice welcome)
-Rearsets: where to mount/what to use
-Seat
- 4 into 1 headers/exhaust...may have custom fabricated

*The big job: the bike is too damn short, Im 6' and my knees are WAY too far up on the tank no matter where rearsets are mounted. Going to have the seat section hacked off and re-fabed longer. May change the geometry...advice welcome here PLEASE :D

Very excited to be a part of the forum and I cant wait to hear from you all. Trying to spend very little on this project (track bike is next) so keep that in mind with advice
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Offline Mcwilliams570

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #1 on: June 21, 2012, 12:14:35 PM »
Welcome to the forums. I like the rear frame section but the tail looks odd maybe camera angle. Making your seat longer might help but I think it will change how you are putting your feet on the controls and your may not like it. Jealous of your front end I would like to try that one day..

Matt
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My CB550 project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=101182.0

Project UFB Cb550 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=112143.0

Like a 10 dollar hooker on Friday night its going to be ridden.

1974 cb550
1975 cb550
2005 vmax
2009 vmax-sold
1981 gl500i

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #2 on: June 22, 2012, 01:32:35 PM »
I agree.  Your seat can be moved to the rear or you can use a longer seat base to allow you to sit futher back.  You may also weld rearsets further back and higher than the stock mount points.
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Cheffish

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #3 on: June 22, 2012, 07:28:00 PM »
First off, your bike is awesome. Second, I don't think moving the seat will effect your geometry at all. I have a long seat too cuz I'm tall like you. Its alot more comfortable. But let me tell you, with rearsets and clipons, the bike will never really be comfortable.
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2012, 06:37:54 AM »
Comfort is relative.  If you want comfortable, a cafe is not the best mode.  Since you have committed to a cafe (and a nice looking one at that by looking at your pictures), the rearsets and a longer seat will help you out.  You're coming from a CBR600 so a sportbike riding position is consistent with this set up and will not be out of synch with what you are accustomed to.
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline TNCafe

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #5 on: June 25, 2012, 10:26:17 AM »
Thanks guys, I know it won't be the most comfortable thing just wanting to fit on it lol. Still waiting on some parts to come in so I can get it running soon!
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Offline TNCafe

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Re: First project: '77 CB550 cafe
« Reply #6 on: July 05, 2012, 01:29:40 PM »
My current question:
If I am using the GSXR's throttle/bar controls do I need GSXR or CB550 throttle/clutch cables?
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