Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 178043 times)

minimo · « **Reply #375 on:** April 26, 2015, 05:42:47 AM »

Makes sense to have your brother be put to work :-) Sounds like a good deal there.

The class I'm taking is via the Academy of Motorcycle Operation and it's simply called, "CHP Motorcyclist Training Course" and the actual riding portion was done at a nearby high school parking lot in Pasadena (John Muir High).

They do offer more advanced training: http://www.amosocal.com/Advanced-Courses.html which is maybe what your brother taught. It seemed that our instructors taught all levels.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #376 on:** April 26, 2015, 08:02:35 AM »

Everyone needs an uncle that's into motorcycles! At least that's what I tell my nephews!

minimo · « **Reply #377 on:** April 26, 2015, 10:23:46 AM »

Ha! I'm that uncle!

minimo · « **Reply #378 on:** April 28, 2015, 02:22:44 PM »

Oh, and btw, I PASSED the class!
I have to wait until the school sends me my certificate (CA DMV Form DL-389, Certificate of Completion of Motorcycle Training, which waives the on-motorcycle test at the DMV) until I can go spend some quality time at the local DMV to take my written test. So in the meantime, I'll be studying for the test.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #379 on:** April 28, 2015, 04:59:39 PM »

No study really necessary.

minimo · « **Reply #380 on:** April 28, 2015, 05:09:36 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on April 28, 2015, 04:59:39 PM

No study really necessary.

That's what I hear. But I didn't know that you're supposed to "park at an angle of 45 to 90 degrees to the curb with the wheel or fender touching the curb" and that in group riding situations, beginning riders like me are to be brought up to the front, "behind the leader so the more experienced riders can watch them." More on group riding, when riding straight, it's in a staggered fashion but on curves, turns, or entering/exiting highway it's a single-file formation."
Much to learn...

goldarrow · « **Reply #381 on:** April 28, 2015, 05:50:46 PM »

Congratulations. You're one step closer to your M1!

minimo · « **Reply #382 on:** April 28, 2015, 06:35:35 PM »

Thanks for the push and support, goldarrow!

rtbmrgl · « **Reply #383 on:** April 29, 2015, 01:07:27 PM »

Quote from: minimo on April 28, 2015, 02:22:44 PM

Oh, and btw, I PASSED the class!

Good going on the class!!
I rode a two day enduro that I believed left from that high school. 1976-77, It was the Greenhorn Enduro 500mi two day ride. The bikes were suppose to be street legal, took the plate off my '74 CB750, bolted it on my 360 Frontera Bultaco.

minimo · « **Reply #384 on:** May 03, 2015, 10:17:18 PM »

Got an early start and accomplished a great deal today. Jeez, where did I leave off? So, yeah... Figured out that the rear brake pivot shaft on the '77 CB550F has two arms (which is different from previous year models, single-armed on 550K models if I'm not mistaken) and the best way to get it into the frame, for those of you who still have a chance to heed this advice, is to get the part in there BEFORE installing the swing arm. I wish I'd known, but it's all good. The rear brake as well as the rear brake light switch are installed and complete, as far as I know.

Here's a list of other things accomplished solely today:

More work on the front end...
- replaced the throttle handle and installed new push/pull cables (all Motion Pro)
- cleaned up right-hand switch START button and internals
- installed new front brake light switch (Slingshot Cycles)
- front brake caliper adjustments and brake bleeding (Speed Bleeder via Slingshot Cycles - what a cool little part)
- replaced clutch cable (Motion Pro) and fished the line and tensioned the nuts
- installed new chain (WPS brand), adjusted the slack to 3/4" and tightened down the rear

- finished installation of rear shocks and torqued them down to spec (approx. 25 ft-lb)
- installed the kickstand, rear brake, and foot rest pedals
- mounted new Dyna Coils (5.0 OHM - using stock mounting brackets. Intend to integrate Dyna Coils with stock points - hope it works)

- installed new Biltwell Thruster grips (a bit gummy but I'll give em a shot)

And that's where I'll stop today. I even had time to scour Pep Boys/O'Reilly's/hardware stores for ZINC ANTI-SEIZE. But no dice. All those places had generic Permatex anti-seize that's mostly aluminum-based and copper (which, according to SohRon's teachings is a big no-no). More on that here. Sucks 'cos I probably only need a spoonful of ZINC ANTI-SEIZE to slather onto all of my stainless steel engine cover bolts. Anyone out there in LA have some of the stuff? I'll buy you a pizza or whatever.

Anyway, I'm pretty stoked because the bike is actually kinda looking more like a bike now. After taking that riding class and getting a nice taste of what it feels like to ride (safely) I'm anxious to get this thing on the road.

Next up on the agenda (while I wait on some source for zinc anti-seize)... Electronicsssssssss

goldarrow · « **Reply #385 on:** May 03, 2015, 10:58:03 PM »

What's your pipes look like? Rear wheel axle bolt goes through from right to left probably be just fine, but depend on what your exhaust pipe is like, it may interfere slightly when you have to remove the bolt to service the wheel

minimo · « **Reply #386 on:** May 03, 2015, 11:06:33 PM »

Good question. I don't have the answers yet but maybe there are some things you can tell me from these photos:

goldarrow · « **Reply #387 on:** May 03, 2015, 11:11:12 PM »

Looks like stock pipe with chopped off the tail end.

minimo · « **Reply #388 on:** May 12, 2015, 07:35:25 PM »

Anybody have experience/success/pointers sticking one of these bad boys - Koso T&T Multi-Function Digital Meter - on their machine?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #389 on:** May 12, 2015, 07:47:45 PM »

Quote from: minimo on May 12, 2015, 07:35:25 PM

Anybody have experience/success/pointers sticking one of these bad boys - Koso T&T Multi-Function Digital Meter - on their machine?

I've been eyeballing one of those for a lower-spec future build (one not permitting Motogadget Chronoclassic goodness). Keep us informed.

I know that Jay LaRossa (Lossa Engineering) sells them on his site, but I haven't seen one installed yet on one of his bikes.

I like the particular model TNT-01 you have pictured that has the tach in an anolog meter with the speedo digitized.

I haven't perused the instructions: http://kosonorthamerica.com/instructions/BA035K00.pdf

minimo · « **Reply #390 on:** May 12, 2015, 07:49:52 PM »

Cool. Well then, lemme try to be the one to show y'all.

minimo · « **Reply #391 on:** May 12, 2015, 08:30:17 PM »

I went for the TNT-01 (not the 01S like Lossa has) because I like the idea of the needle moving more wildly with the RPM; speed is read digitally on the screen below w/ trip odometer anyway. I like the minimal look and keeping speed/tach contained within one piece.

minimo · « **Reply #392 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:45:50 AM »

Took the M1 written test today and PASSED! I also had to retake my Class C test (that I didn't study for) and also PASSED. Victory at the CA DMV!

Registering my 550 (probably smart to make it as stock as possible) will be the next big hurdle -- after finishing it first, of course.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #393 on:** May 22, 2015, 10:56:46 AM »

I can't remember if you've taken the MSF course, but if not, it is worth it. If you pass the driving test in the class, you don't have to take it at the DMV -- and you get a discount on your insurance premium that ends up paying for the class. Plus it give you good habits.

minimo · « **Reply #394 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:09:08 AM »

I did take the MSF course and I totally agree that it is worth it. I didn't know about the insurance thing. I'll have to make mention of that when I go shopping for plans. Cheers!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #395 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:27:03 AM »

Quote from: minimo on May 22, 2015, 11:09:08 AM

I did take the MSF course and I totally agree that it is worth it. I didn't know about the insurance thing. I'll have to make mention of that when I go shopping for plans. Cheers!

Many brick and mortar shops also offer discounts for gear with your completion certificate. I got a nice deal on a Vanson jacket.

minimo · « **Reply #396 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:30:29 AM »

Ohhh nice! Yeah, but some of the shops that are tied to my completion cert are suspect to pretty bad Yelp reviews :-/
Did you get a Vanson Model A? Which store?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #397 on:** May 22, 2015, 11:45:29 AM »

Vanson MrkII Sportrider http://www.vansonleathers.com/prod-MK2_Sportrider-332.aspx?

I bought it at Irv Seaver BMW many years ago.

minimo · « **Reply #398 on:** May 25, 2015, 04:09:02 PM »

I will never want to know what you sound like so farewell turn signal buzzer.

minimo · « **Reply #399 on:** May 28, 2015, 01:24:29 AM »

More wildlife uncovered

Wiring has begun. I sorta psyched myself into thinking this stage was going to be some kind of huge and challenging headache but taking it very slow in my usual manner and so far it all seems pretty straight forward; even the wiring diagrams are starting to make sense - all the colors and stripes on the wires make it easy to follow and interconnect. I guess it also helps that I'm reusing a lot of the original wiring and harness too. But before any final mounting takes place, I want to see if this baby even kicks! Hopefully all the original wiring is still in good shape. I know I'll need to prepare the under-seat electronics tray business. Before I do though I need some extra connectors and extend some wires here and there to relocate the wiring location. While that's being thought about I'm caught in the middle of rewiring the fuse block and changing it to a blade-type one. I'm also going to try to reuse the condensers and old regulator and rectifier before working in the upgrades which I already have standing by, 'cos if it ain't broke... I don't want to sacrifice busting and burning out new parts until I know for sure that it's needed. I also I installed the Dyna coils and readying the spark plugs. Not to forget, while the access is there, I sanded down the powder coated area where the main ground wire goes (mounting bolt area of the coils). So while I wait for turn signals, brake light and a speedo mount to arrive, there's the rear fender and the seat fabrication to start thinking about too. Oh, and also have to figure out how I'm going to mount the key ignition.
Any others pointers or things to look out for at this stage? Right, the exhaust has yet to be mounted. I'll post some pics of the outcome of my elbow grease to rid of old grease/dirt/rust. Still feels like a long road ahead, but, there's a light...

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Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 178043 times)