Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 174064 times)

minimo · « **Reply #350 on:** March 18, 2015, 12:45:09 PM »

Sorry you can't view the pics. Strange. I see them fine on my setup. Here are links. Thanks for checking them out and the comments.
http://imgur.com/SnT0mQT
http://imgur.com/L1sXAqZ
http://imgur.com/aoMYRWG

I'm using a Shorai lithium ion battery. It is small. You are correct in that I wanted to enclose the battery to keep it from the elements... But since the battery is already encased now I'm thinking I'd frame the battery and get some silicone or rubber boots on the terminals to keep that all dry...
I read from this and other forums about some people mounting the battery on the swing arm itself, which in my opinion is a big no-no due to the shock/vibration. I figured low center of gravity was a good thing too. Under the seat would have been another option but I'm kinda liking how the battery it tucked in/hidden here. Any other detractors? B-)

goldarrow · « **Reply #351 on:** March 18, 2015, 01:38:57 PM »

Nice weather lately, Time to get yourself registered for MSF course so that when your bike is done, you will be ready with your license

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #352 on:** March 18, 2015, 02:53:59 PM »

Your pictures are now displaying (maybe it was my computer). I can see that you are using a Shorai (good choice). I am all for mass centralization and lowering the COG. That battery weighs so little, I am not sure it matters mounting it next to the swingarm versus underneath the seat. Give it a shot and let us know.

minimo · « **Reply #353 on:** March 18, 2015, 03:23:21 PM »

I like how you think, goldarrow.
Thanks, CB750!

P.S. Registered with the Academy of Motorcycle Operation in April.
Excitement! I'll learn how to start my bike, maybe just in time.

minimo · « **Reply #354 on:** March 20, 2015, 11:21:58 PM »

Here's what the battery mount will be for now:

Not the best paint job but looks aside it's feels pretty darn solid. I'll revisit this when I get closer to wiring everything. Next up, installing the carbs - maybe try to get the wiring all sorted just to try to get the engine to turn over; the swing arm, rear shocks, rear wheel/brakes, and all of that good stuff.

Oh, and if you'd like to know, I signed up with the Academy of Motorcycle Operation (Pasadena, CA) for the end of April. Goldarrow-sensei, my summer deadline is in sight.

minimo · « **Reply #355 on:** April 03, 2015, 07:33:18 PM »

I started a poll.

I'm curious since it's become more than just coincidence now that peeps that work on motorcycles also happen to work on or drive a Jeep Wrangler. I've seen it all over Instagram and background shots of YouTube and forums here of people's garages... I figure it's because both are almost limitless with regard to customization. Also, both are fun.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #356 on:** April 04, 2015, 12:58:29 AM »

Nope.

Blackfin5 · « **Reply #357 on:** April 05, 2015, 02:07:52 PM »

Rubicon here...black.

minimo · « **Reply #358 on:** April 08, 2015, 09:51:10 PM »

Honda x Shoei helmets

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/tsuuhanyarou/item/10007955/

http://www.honda.co.jp/bike-accessories/helmets/street/honda-js4.html
http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/ks-bros/item/js-4/

Also interested in the Tachibana helmets. This one looks fun:

http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/tsuuhanyarou/item/tatibana-shmfaceg/

Or this one as an alternative to the ubiquitous Bell 500 or Biltwell Bonanza balls:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/TACHIBANA-Jet-Motorcycle-Helmet-CUSTOM-series-GT-1-BLACK-L-size-NEW-/221392243375?pt=Apparel_Merchandise&hash=item338c018aaf

But, I'll probably just end up with a Biltwell Bonanza anyway w/ a bubble shield (support US-made product).

goldarrow · « **Reply #359 on:** April 09, 2015, 06:02:08 AM »

Would recommend full face helmet. You can probably get by with those 3/4 type, but do get face shield if going do ride a lot.

minimo · « **Reply #360 on:** April 09, 2015, 11:05:36 PM »

Yes, the full-face bubble shield.
But ya, I probably should look into a full-face for a first-timer, eh?

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #361 on:** April 10, 2015, 03:22:32 AM »

Quote from: minimo on April 09, 2015, 11:05:36 PM

Yes, the full-face bubble shield.
But ya, I probably should look into a full-face for a first-timer, eh?

Do you like the appearance of your face?...even if the answer is no, you are gonna like it a lot less without a jaw!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #362 on:** April 10, 2015, 06:32:21 AM »

I have a 3/4 but I rarely wear it - mostly for rally/parade style rides. Even then, I prefer a full-face helmet. Think about the lower half of your face. Plus the full face offers built-in wind protection.

minimo · « **Reply #363 on:** April 10, 2015, 08:23:12 AM »

Fine arguments, seanbarney41 and CB750 and goldarrow.
While I understand the safety benefits of a full-face, I guess I really don't have a good reason to go open-face other than to wreck my beautiful mug

Thanks for the guidance, y'all!

Any recommends or anyone swear by any full-face helmets? Anyone have their noggin and chin spared by their helmet? If looks mattered a little bit, that vintage look would be nice to maintain.
Biltwell Gringo Vs. Bell Bullitt? Shoei Vs. Arai (though they don't have many, if any classic designs, at least here in the US)?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #364 on:** April 10, 2015, 08:31:33 AM »

Try them on and kind out what is most comfortable for your nugget. Avoid cheap helmets. They tend to be noisier and may lack quality in construction. Remember it is your brain and face you are protecting. Arai and Shoei are pricey but VERY high in quality and design.

calj737 · « **Reply #365 on:** April 10, 2015, 08:42:34 AM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on April 10, 2015, 08:31:33 AM

Try them on and kind out what is most comfortable for your nugget. Avoid cheap helmets. They tend to be noisier and may lack quality in construction. Remember it is your brain and face you are protecting. Arai and Shoei are pricey but VERY high in quality and design.

And light, and vent well, and don't fog badly, and, and, and...

Consider this Minimo: the cheapest visit to the hospital is far more expensive than the most expensive helmet by an order of magnitude of 10x. Never skimp on safety items (helmets, gear, tires, brakes). Schuberth makes an awesome helmet too. Expect to spend around $500 for a best quality lid. Modular (movable chin/jaw) are also very nice. Offer lots of flexibility and comfort without sacrificing safety.

Bigsam302 · « **Reply #366 on:** April 10, 2015, 09:12:43 AM »

Well said Cal! I was in an accident on my sportbike about 10 years ago. I broke my leg, but I didn't have any road rash because I always wear my leathers. My helmet bounced on the pavement twice (I actually bounced on my head and don't know how I didn't break my neck), and it was just scratched. To this day I will wear nothing less than Arai helmets.

Since I started building my café racer I've been considering an open-faced helmet, because I want to vintage look with goggles, but I can't bring myself to commit to it. So I'm just going to get a matte black Arai helmet and get it custom-painted with some vintage logos or something.

minimo · « **Reply #367 on:** April 10, 2015, 09:58:19 AM »

Thanks, CB750, calj737, and Bigsam.
I'm looking into an Arai - because I think my head is worth it

I was looking into the Shoei Neotec, but the modular things make it seem a lil gimmicky...
Maybe looking at the Shoei RF-1200
http://www.shoei-helmets.com/Helmet.aspx?RF-1200&h=24&t=1

Or, an entry-level Arai. Maybe the Vector 2 in Diamond Black http://www.araiamericas.com/default.aspx?pageid=57#/helmets/moto/vector-2/solid/diamond-black/8

minimo · « **Reply #368 on:** April 10, 2015, 10:31:33 AM »

Btw, BRITTOWN (2008 documentary) recommended for you moto nerds. Beautiful rebuild of a classic Triumph 650 Bonneville.

calj737 · « **Reply #369 on:** April 10, 2015, 10:52:45 AM »

My wife wears a Shoei Neotec and loves it. Bought my brother a Schuberth C3, also modular. Nothing gimmicky about it. They both swear by them. Quiet, comfortable, and lightweight. If my head was right shape for a C3, is wear it. Always had an Arai Signet. Best fit for me

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #370 on:** April 10, 2015, 06:15:50 PM »

Quote from: minimo on April 10, 2015, 08:23:12 AM

Fine arguments, seanbarney41 and CB750 and goldarrow.
While I understand the safety benefits of a full-face, I guess I really don't have a good reason to go open-face other than to wreck my beautiful mug

Thanks for the guidance, y'all!

Any recommends or anyone swear by any full-face helmets? Anyone have their noggin and chin spared by their helmet? If looks mattered a little bit, that vintage look would be nice to maintain.
Biltwell Gringo Vs. Bell Bullitt? Shoei Vs. Arai (though they don't have many, if any classic designs, at least here in the US)?

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

no specific recommendations, just that a cheaper full face is gonna be better than an expensive open face. Might check out the Bell line, good quality, lower prices than Shoei/Arai and some have a little more vintage style.
I have had more than a few get offs and every time a head impact was involved, sure enough, the tell tale scrape on the helmet was in the chin/face area...and I have rode away from every one of them (currently knocking on wood) with my ugly mug still intact and attached.

minimo · « **Reply #371 on:** April 10, 2015, 06:27:01 PM »

Thanks, seanbarney41. Yeah, I was looking at those vintage-y helmets from Bell and Builtwell. I like the idea of supporting the made-in-USA-ness about those buckets. I guess like CB750 says, I should try some on to see what's the best fit for my 23" head. I'll be calling around. And yes, knock on wood for all of us to keep our mugs (even the ugly ones ;-) intact and attached.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #372 on:** April 10, 2015, 06:50:18 PM »

Keep in mind that it will be pretty snug when you put it on the first time. You don't want any slop but you don't want it uncomfortably tight either.

minimo · « **Reply #373 on:** April 14, 2015, 11:22:19 PM »

More helmet options...

minimo · « **Reply #374 on:** April 22, 2015, 08:47:57 PM »

Holy mother of swing arms!
It's on. Easier than expected.

News:

Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 174064 times)