Topic: New CB 550 bobber owner in Michigan.

[radgto]

Hello everyone.

I just picked up a 75 CB550 bobber project off a guy at work who bought it on a whim then decided it wasn't for him.

I'm planning on changing a few things as I go.

I'm also in the process of building a 76 GL1000 in the cafe racer style.

This forum has already been a great help and I look forward to spending a great deal of time here.

Here's a pic of the bobber as she sits now.

[Stev-o]

Welcome. Looks pretty cool, how does it run?

[radgto]

Thank you!

It's a little tricky to start cold and it doesn't really idle smooth until it's warmed up but after about 5 minutes it runs pretty smooth.   I'm sure it would benefit to have a real exhaust and some tuning.

First thing I want to do is get a front brake.  It's a little scary to me having only a rear drum that's almost 40 year old technology.

I'm also planning on getting a seat, changing the tail light and tank and getting a white wall for the rear.

[Stev-o]

My Hondas are very particular on how like like to be started cold too. Try this - full choke and no throttle til she fires, then feather the throttle and back off the choke a little.  Hold throttle for two minutes, then it should be warm enough to idle.

And yes, an exhaust with back pressure will help it run better.

[radgto]

That starting method seems to be what works for me too.

I haven't done anything to the bobber yet because I'm still buying parts for the GL1000 project but I have been riding it around despite the cold.

Being a rigid it is kind of hard on my old bones and the brake thing still keeps me pretty timid on it but it's a fun ride and people seem to really love it, never had so many thumbs up on anything I've had.

Right after the first of the year I'm getting the seat done and buying a 4into1 pipe setup.

[JamesM]

Do that bike a favor and weld in some chain stay bottom tubes and then cut the swingarm out.