Author Topic: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550  (Read 29824 times)

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Offline SF

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #125 on: November 10, 2013, 04:27:18 PM »


A good angle that sums up the stance quite well.

If you have any particular questions about anything, fire away. I lost track of all the custom stuff I made.
Bike looks great, glad it was finished and do you plan on doing some Dyno runs? I'm curious what it can do since the back can brake loose!
92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
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73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline Hannibal Smith

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #126 on: November 10, 2013, 06:03:43 PM »


A good angle that sums up the stance quite well.

If you have any particular questions about anything, fire away. I lost track of all the custom stuff I made.
Bike looks great, glad it was finished and do you plan on doing some Dyno runs? I'm curious what it can do since the back can brake loose!
Thank you! No dyno run yet, just seat of the pants runs.

I only have 1306 on the clock, and I have already torn the mill apart 4 times. I just kept tweaking and prodding, and it has power that I never thought I could wring out of a 1974 engine. Had some exhaust leaks, and some bowl issues, and the AF needed some minute changes. My Dyna ignition has been 100% badass (truly impressive) and the pipes are incredible.

My cam and head setup is non-stock (of course!) but almost everything below is bone stock. The CR carbs and the exhaust are really what makes the difference. My bike is also super light by CB550 standards too.
Follow my build "P38 Racer" in Project section

Offline Hannibal Smith

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #127 on: November 11, 2013, 09:09:08 AM »


My bike on the PCH.
Follow my build "P38 Racer" in Project section

Online calj737

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #128 on: November 11, 2013, 02:23:28 PM »
Its been said, deservedly so, many times already, beautiful bike and beautiful workmanship, Hannibal. Exciting to see others take a vintage bike and modernize it without losing the appeal and character of its original identity. You were vey successful in retaining the character without sacrificing performance.

I've got a few questions if you don't mind?

-In looking at all the custom fab you did, I'm surprised you didn't fab a new swing arm. The stock one looks "beneath" the quality of the overall bike. Was there a reason you left it stock?

- Can you shoot some more detailed pictures of the rear/hoop and electronics bin? The only picture of the battery is a bit unclear as to how you dealt with the rear of thereat and frame.

- The tank is beautiful. Did you fab it or buy it?

- The gauge cluster is a bit of a let down. Had you thought about "recessing" the gauges flush to their face inside the bracket? I realize the gauge is intended to be mounted from below, but your talent seems quite capable of solving that.

- Is there a thread where you detail the engine and performance modifications? It looks beautiful nestled in the cage.


Very inspiring build and a truly one-of-a-kind bike. My deepest respect to you for the work!

'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #129 on: November 11, 2013, 02:44:06 PM »
Now you just need some classic WWII fighter plane art on the tank.
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline rb550four

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #130 on: November 11, 2013, 05:39:32 PM »
Skills, you have skills! Beautiful machine.
A few Honda 500's, a few Honda 550's, a few Honda 650's, '72 cb 450, a couple 500/550/650 hybrids, and 2001 750. 
  550 Snowbike -Somebody had to do it.
  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,101678.0.html             
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Online calj737

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Re: P38 Racer- 1974 CB550
« Reply #131 on: November 11, 2013, 05:59:47 PM »
Hannibal - another question: which YSS shock did you use? They look great on your bike,and would love to know how they worked out?
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis