Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 174021 times)

minimo · « **Reply #775 on:** March 08, 2016, 11:34:12 PM »

calj, I agree. Muffler ending around mid-drum would be nice. Maybe I should have gotten a shorty muffler instead

minimo · « **Reply #776 on:** March 09, 2016, 12:42:41 AM »

So I think I figured out my petcock - up arrow is fuel, and down arrow is reserve.

During a night ride, I had to switch to reserve at around 200 miles on my trip odometer and I filled up 3.69 gallons at around 202 miles... If my math is correct, that comes out to 54.74 miles per gallon? Pretty sweet.

Currently still running stock size 38 pilots and 110 main jets.

Pretty cool.

Next on my list for this bike:

- toss out old ignition and relocate new/smaller key ignition
- figure out and mount Koso gauge to make a lower and tighter and more sturdy fit above/behind headlight bucket
- install USB socket
- finish stripping eBay fuel tank and decide on whether to punch in some knee indents or leave it and paint it some color
- keep riding because it is such a thrill

jonda500 · « **Reply #777 on:** March 09, 2016, 03:01:22 AM »

Quote from: minimo on March 08, 2016, 09:48:51 PM

Chopped the muffler and the downsize adapter a bit.
How's it look now? My neighbors, I think, appreciate it.

That looks sweet! I would be very pleased with the position of the muffler, I think you've nailed it!
John

minimo · « **Reply #778 on:** March 09, 2016, 03:03:39 AM »

Thanks, John!

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #779 on:** March 09, 2016, 02:37:31 PM »

+1, best looking thing on the bike imo.

minimo · « **Reply #780 on:** March 09, 2016, 03:20:20 PM »

Thanks, seanbarney41 & jonda500!

minimo · « **Reply #781 on:** March 14, 2016, 08:37:29 PM »

Working up my courage to begin riding on the freeways here in LA and I notice quite a difference in high speed handling (upwards around +70mph) with/without the Tarozzi front fork brace (as well as having properly inflated tires) - the stability is good to have for sure. Otherwise, I'm taking it pretty easy and riding "behind the scenes" and fighting the urge and curiosity to split lanes - it'll be a while until I get the hang of that. But dang it, I love riding this bike! Baby kicks!

One of the challenges I face while at a stop, particularly when waiting for a traffic light to turn green (some interesting tricks I learned reading this wiki on getting the lights to change), is getting the gear to click from NEUTRAL to 1st gear. There've been stops where before the light is about to turn green, I'll pull in the clutch and stomp down like mad trying to engage the gear and I get nothing because it's stuck in N. I've stalled out in congested areas because of this; struggling while cars behind me start honking and wondering what the heck is up with me. For now, I found that while I'm at a stop in neutral, right before the light turns green, I can roll the bike slightly forward and somehow that will allow the gear to line up and engage into 1st (sound like I need a clutch adjustment?). This has worked well so far and I can deal with it for now but there have been other instances where I stall at a stop/start intersection and wish that I had HAZARD LIGHTS to allow others behind and around me to know that I'm (temporarily) stuck in a hard place.
Any links or instructions to mods where I can fit a relay/switch to allow for my blinkers to flash like hazards? Is this considered sacrilege?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #782 on:** March 14, 2016, 08:55:56 PM »

Oooh, that wind noise is something fierce. Looks like the bike is running stable at highway speed!!

It sounds like you need to adjust the clutch.

calj737 · « **Reply #783 on:** March 15, 2016, 06:28:14 AM »

Couple of things:

NEVER wait at a stop or a light with the bike in NEUTRAL. Always stay in gear, holding the clutch. This is a safety habit! If you ever need to quickly move to avoid being run over by a car from behind, you can. It does not hurt the clutch or bike at all to keep the clutch engaged for long periods of time.

You can also "double clutch" if the trans is not synched up to help find 1st. But a gently roll forward also works well. But avoid this, and practice the first bit of riding advice and keep the bike in gear except when you're stopping for good, or starting the bike.

bwaller · « **Reply #784 on:** March 15, 2016, 07:13:33 AM »

Use the old British bike trick & shift up into 2nd first, then back to 1st.

minimo · « **Reply #785 on:** March 15, 2016, 07:38:18 AM »

Thanks for the firm reminder, calj. The MSF Course is coming back to me now; they did cover that part about keeping the clutch in to escape for safety. Maybe I need a refresher? Understood - never stop at a light in NEUTRAL. Thank you.

bwaller, I have tried this and it's great for times it has worked but I've stalled at other instances and that's when I think it'd be great to have some hazard lights :-)

CB750, that wind is definitely fierce and I bet I've lost some inner ear follicles as a result of some light riding. I must invest in some better ear plugs. Any sworn-by brands out there? I'm currently trying a pair of Ear Peace earplugs but they may be fitting a tad small letting in some of that harsh wind/engine noise.

minimo · « **Reply #786 on:** March 15, 2016, 07:40:51 AM »

Before and after.
A light diet plan and she now runs in full beast mode

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #787 on:** March 15, 2016, 09:38:53 AM »

I have some custom ear plugs that I had made at IMS (where they squirt the material into your ear and let it harden). I sometimes wear earbuds, too.

I am interested in the new SENA helmet (estimated to be released this year) which has noise-cancellation technology (like Bose headphones) and Bluetooth -- all installed in the helmet. Hopefully the fit and quality will be decent, the windnoise will not be high (like my Bell) and it will not be ungodly expensive.

calj737 · « **Reply #788 on:** March 20, 2016, 07:37:29 AM »

Case in point, Mini...:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,156113.msg1787856/topicseen.html#new

minimo · « **Reply #789 on:** March 20, 2016, 06:17:48 PM »

Ouch. What a thing to see/read before a ride out on a Sunday. Thanks for looking out, calj. I will keep it in gear, which I have been since your last warning. I realize I need to condition my grip a bit. Something like this might work:

CB750, I like the idea of custom ear plugs. I will look into an audiologist and see what it takes/costs to get a mold of my ear holes and imbed some earbuds (to listen to navigation directions). Keep us posted on the Sena helmet :-)

I need a cool motorcycle jacket. I want a Schott and waiting on some sweet deals...

minimo · « **Reply #790 on:** March 20, 2016, 07:47:23 PM »

This jacket is pretty sweet lookin':

Icon 1000 Retrograde Jacket
via bikeexif

Quote

By now, every major gear manufacturer has at least a few retro items in their range. But Icon 1000 does it a little differently.

The $650 Retrograde jacket is a prime example. It has enough throwback styling to keep it relevant, with all the burliness we’ve come to expect from the Portlandian brand. The 1.1-1.3mm leather chassis features what Icon call an “attack fit”—so it’s articulated for comfort when riding. Perforated sections are a clear indication that spring’s in the air, but there’s a removable thermal vest too.

Neat little touches abound—like YKK zips, alloy shoulder sliders and accordion panels in all the right places. It ships with a full complement of D30 armour, and it’s available in brown and black (our pick). Buy

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #791 on:** March 20, 2016, 08:57:05 PM »

I own a couple of RSD, Vanson, Schott and Icon jackets. My go-to jacket of late has been my RSD Ronin with armor.

The nice thing about the ICON and ICON 1000 gear is that most if not all of it has built in armor. The downside is that most if it is very modern looking.

calj737 · « **Reply #792 on:** March 21, 2016, 03:42:59 AM »

Whatever you buy/wear, make sure it has armor inside it. Even if its hot and you're sweating, better to lose a bit of sweat than any blood or skin. Besides, chicks dig sweaty men

I'm a huge fan of Rev'It jackets and coats. They do tend to be a bit more "modern" but that also means they have conspicuity stripes, ballistic nylon, multi-layer options, and armor. I'll forego a bit on the looks department to enhance my safety and survivability.

Often, not always, you will find the "better" helmets (read, more expensive) are much quieter and have much better venting. They are often much lighter too, making the strain on your neck, shoulders and back less while you ride, especially a bike with no fairing. Nothing beats a full face helmet with great venting and noise controlling design. Ear plugs help too, but don't make it so damn "insulated" from sound that you can't hear traffic or your bike around you.

Its great to ride with music and be alone in your own thoughts, but right now, you need to pay attention and hear whats happening around you more than you need to hear your Playlist.

minimo · « **Reply #793 on:** March 21, 2016, 08:28:39 AM »

Form follows function. Copy that.

It could also be that the clothes I've been wearing add to the noise factor. Loud flapping and pull-strings tapping the sides can all be heard from under my helmet. Maybe a better jacket will aid in lowering the noise. A better helmet will be nice too, for sure.

Thank you guys for your great input!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #794 on:** March 21, 2016, 08:34:28 AM »

It's probably a combination of both. A good fitting jacket will not have much extra fabric/leather to flap around. The fit should be close but should not limit movement.

Some helmets just fit better than others, and some helmets are inherently noisy. That said, it's not a bad idea to ride with some ear protection. You can try using some cheap $0.10 ear plugs that you can buy at Home Depot. They will take the edge off of the wind noise but not block out important sounds like your motor and emergency sirens, etc.

If you are still a novice or just riding in traffic, it would be good to skip any music until you have some seat time under your belt.

minimo · « **Reply #795 on:** March 22, 2016, 08:57:08 PM »

Saying goodbye to this empty bin that was once overflowing with parts.

Btw, nothing stands between me and my playlists

calj737 · « **Reply #796 on:** March 23, 2016, 05:11:25 AM »

Quote from: minimo on March 22, 2016, 08:57:08 PM

Btw, nothing stands between me and my playlists

Let's just hope they don't take you to your grave

minimo · « **Reply #797 on:** March 30, 2016, 12:03:55 PM »

Was at Fry's Electronics and couldn't find a connector to mate with my Emgo ignition switch. It doesn't match up to my OEM Honda connector so was thinking about finding a good male/female connector combo.

I suppose I can connect the wires via spades/bullets but thought that was kinda cheeseball. Any recommends?

calj737 · « **Reply #798 on:** March 30, 2016, 12:06:02 PM »

Any male/female works. Just get the proper spades and you're all set.

minimo · « **Reply #799 on:** March 30, 2016, 12:10:45 PM »

Thanks, calj! That's a record time fast response!

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Author Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build) (Read 174021 times)