Author Topic: CB550 CAFE Done Again with new pics  (Read 4095 times)

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Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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CB550 CAFE Done Again with new pics
« on: November 16, 2012, 09:10:47 AM »
 Since i have received all of my inspiration from this forum and others, I figured I would share my project as well as some pictures (with huge gaps unfortunately) with all you guys. My project is under way, and I just shifted gears into reassembly mode. I am in the process now of drilling my rotor which is an abortion! But honestly when I walk past this bike in the garage I get so excited for the day it might leave the garage with me on it. I  rebuilt the top end, and lapped in the valves, as well as new gaskets, and I heard it run! The carbs hadn't been cleaned in a while, so I tore those down to fully clean and replace all the seals. Rear sets are my next project, although it feels dams good with the stock location of pegs. I am tall, so i dont need some hiked up rearsets. Just want to hear your input, and comments are greatly appreciated, and I promise to picture bomb this post as soon as I get them.
« Last Edit: April 12, 2013, 07:23:27 AM by SPRBYKRYDR »

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #1 on: November 16, 2012, 09:12:25 AM »
more pics

Offline cabrala

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #2 on: November 16, 2012, 09:24:43 AM »
If the foot pegs feels comfortable in the stock position, then why reposition with rearsets?? You want to ride this bike, not go around the block once and park it because it doesn't fit you well.

Looking forward to following along. Keep posting.
-Alex

'75 CB750F
'77 CB550K
'78 CB550
'93 FZR600

Need a better, newer points cover gasket? How about rubber washers for the headlight bucket? Click the link below:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=122308.0

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #3 on: November 16, 2012, 09:42:25 AM »
You're absolutely right. But stock pegs are so ugly. Has anyone swapped out pegs using stock mount? I would like some light aluminum GP style pegs. Could build some steel ones and knurl them on the lathe, but that's alot of work, and time is money.

Offline Spike

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #4 on: November 16, 2012, 10:54:56 PM »
Hey Cole!  Glad you made it over to this forum.  You're making good progress it seems to me!  It' much closer to looking like a whole motorcycle again.  I was tempted by rearsets but I'm sticking to my budget build.  I'm still interested in that seat loop it you are still offering...  Looking forward to more pictures.

Mike
« Last Edit: November 16, 2012, 11:01:27 PM by Spike »
Any road...anytime
IBA# 6154
'73 CB 500
Concours C14
BMW R100/7

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #5 on: November 17, 2012, 09:04:14 AM »
here are some more pics! hope they come out better.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #6 on: November 17, 2012, 09:05:29 AM »
MIke, sold the frame with the hoop, bu thave some extra tube. Whats it worth to you,might be able to bend one up for ya.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #7 on: November 17, 2012, 09:08:42 AM »
another

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #8 on: December 19, 2012, 10:51:23 AM »
This project is still moving, despite take several steps back. I didn't like the rear half of the frame, So i changed it! Looks way better, more streamline. I am in the process of doing my brakes, But i need some new info from you guys. I am building a new lower hard line, since the fitting had all the edges rounded off. Does anyone know what the threads are on the fitting that go in to the caliper and into the union? Come on guy, my searching has turned up no results.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #9 on: February 24, 2013, 09:43:24 PM »
My project is almost done. I am trying to dial it it, because it is running rich. New points, condensers, plugs, exhaust, and pods, and rich all the way across the board. It has 100 mains in it, and 627B carbs. I think the timing is on, I have yet to check it with a strobe, but checked it with my test lamp, and seems right. Just some fine tuning, and getting ready for some nice weather.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #10 on: February 24, 2013, 09:57:03 PM »
and pictures....

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #11 on: February 24, 2013, 09:58:30 PM »
and more.....

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #12 on: February 24, 2013, 10:01:15 PM »
and when I got it, a big old box of parts...

Offline davis96

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #13 on: February 24, 2013, 11:36:13 PM »
What's the deal with the gauge? It appears to be a factory unit remounted in a new housing, I've been thinking of doing the same thing. What did you use? Also what shocks are you running? They look cool with the remote reservoirs and all. Bike looks killer!
'74 CB350F - sold
'71 CB500K

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #14 on: February 25, 2013, 07:30:28 AM »
It's a 2 inch Speedo, and I just made the bracket to mount to the bar clamp location. Didn't want to cut the top clamp, so I just covered it. worked out really well, and kept the Speedo low and out of the way

Offline Greggo

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #15 on: February 25, 2013, 07:43:50 AM »
Nice!

Offline Garystratos201

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #16 on: February 25, 2013, 08:00:15 AM »
Sweet !!!.......Gary
Visit my build project;
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=111620.0

Current ride; Bass boat.... 2005 Ranger 521VX,250 hp Mercury Verado, super charged and direct fuel injected. Not a bass on the lake can out run me !!!

Offline srbakker

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #17 on: February 25, 2013, 08:47:40 AM »
Re the stock pegs - I totally agree.  I also wouldn't mind a set of aluminum anodized or powdercoated pegs.  Sadly I lack the equipment to make 'em fit and I think Frank (754) is still wringing his hands from the last things I gave with him a vague request to make them fit.  Have you found a workaround, or do I just need to harass a friendly machinist again?

Bike looks great, by the way!
1975 CB750 K5
2007 Triumph Tiger
2007 Triumph Speed Triple
1971 Kawasaki F7 175 Enduro
2000 Honda VFR800 (gone but not forgotten)

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: A SLOW MOVING PROJECT! CB550 CAFE
« Reply #18 on: February 25, 2013, 01:07:34 PM »
Re the stock pegs - I totally agree.  I also wouldn't mind a set of aluminum anodized or powdercoated pegs.  Sadly I lack the equipment to make 'em fit and I think Frank (754) is still wringing his hands from the last things I gave with him a vague request to make them fit.  Have you found a workaround, or do I just need to harass a friendly machinist again?

Bike looks great, by the way!


Well for the pegs, I made some brackets which moved the pegs up and back. I robbed a shifter and linkage from a 96 zx6, and welder another mount for that. For the brake side, I modified the stock brake lever, by shortening it up, and it worked out great. I'm a fan of stock rubber Harley pegs, so I put a set of those on it.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: CB550 CAFE Done, Need stock 550 98 jets, anyone?
« Reply #19 on: February 28, 2013, 02:52:44 PM »
Cant seem to figure this one out. I have a set of stock 500 carbs, 627B, with stock jets, and needles. New points and condensers, new plugs. It idles rich, loads up at stop lights.  Anything over 1/4 throttle, and its powerless and sputters like its just dumping fuel. I raised the needle slip to the second from the top. The plugs are black across the board. I checked the advance (removed,cleaned, put back on) which is working. I haven't synced the carbs yet, thats on the to do list. It has pod filters unfortunately, but its what I have. Valves are adjusted, and emulsion tubes are clean. I also set the heights of the floats to 22mm. What should I try next? maybe a 98 main?, hence the title.

Offline SPRBYKRYDR

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Re: CB550 CAFE this bike hates me
« Reply #20 on: March 16, 2013, 09:37:13 PM »
Well when I thought it was done, I guess I was wrong. As riding the bike to work, a long run on the freeway, I was extremely impressed the bike was running like a gem. After stopping at OSH on the way home, it took a turn for the worst. I loud popping sound as I rolled through an intersection.I pushed it into a furniture store parking lot, to have a better look. The kick start wouldn't do anything, and the starter sounds like it was jammed. Cam chain? Primary? What could it be. Well after truck it home and getting a chance to tear into it, it was worse than I though. A broken intake valve that demolished the motor. Have a look. So now I'm on the hunt for a motor I can freshen up and put in my bike.....

Offline Steve_K

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Re: CB550 CAFE this bike hates me
« Reply #21 on: March 17, 2013, 06:02:35 AM »
Good Grief!!  I am sure sorry that happened.  There should be many 550 motors out there.  I have two in my shed,  but I don't know what their condition is.  Of course, I am in the midwest and not next door.  Good luck on your search!
Steve
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Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline Spike

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Re: CB550 CAFE this bike hates me
« Reply #22 on: March 17, 2013, 07:58:27 AM »
I just caught up with your build and was glad to see it all together... then I saw the last post.  That's horrible!  I'm sorry that the motor let you down.  And unfortunately I can't help with another 550 engine for you to build.  I'm very impressed with the rest of the build and have confidence that you will find a killer deal on another engine.  Good luck, and if there's anything that I can help with just give me a shout.
Any road...anytime
IBA# 6154
'73 CB 500
Concours C14
BMW R100/7

Offline Greggo

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Re: CB550 CAFE this bike hates me
« Reply #23 on: March 17, 2013, 09:06:55 AM »
I may have a motor for you in Cotati...

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: CB550 CAFE this bike hates me
« Reply #24 on: March 17, 2013, 09:14:11 AM »
I may have a motor for you in Cotati...
The thoughtfulness of this forum always puts a smile on my face. I wish I could help but I'm a 750 guy.
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)

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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