Author Topic: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor. (Read 62032 times)

jaguar · « **on:** April 14, 2013, 02:59:03 PM »

A friend has owned this bike for years.
Now I finally own it.
Was built in LA in '74 out of a crated brand new bike.
This is a cb550.

Wiring is shot and a rats net so that's the first job.
Carbs were just rebuilt, soda blasted an polished.
Has new tires.
Needs front brake hooked up and shoes replaced.

Silver tank now though

Stev-o · « **Reply #1 on:** April 14, 2013, 03:14:13 PM »

Looks awesome Jag. I'd like one too

754 · « **Reply #2 on:** April 14, 2013, 03:27:25 PM »

Amen that one.. I sort of wonder if its deraked, or all the 500 frames were like that..? Looks like fun..

jaguar · « **Reply #3 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:01:59 AM »

Thanks stevo, wanted this bike for a few years.
754, not sure about that. Might just be the picture.

Last picture with the red tank

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:11:33 AM »

So is the wiring so hacked that you'll just build a new harness? May be easier...

Greggo · « **Reply #5 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:15:30 AM »

What are you planning for it?

jaguar · « **Reply #6 on:** April 15, 2013, 09:24:05 AM »

Yes needs new harness.
I have to check the rec/reg and see if they are good.

Plan is to ride as is.
Would like to change the tail lit and have dual head light

Mugen_Stumpo · « **Reply #7 on:** April 15, 2013, 12:26:57 PM »

love it already!

jaguar · « **Reply #8 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:17:29 PM »

Quote from: Mugen_Stumpo on April 15, 2013, 12:26:57 PM

love it already!

Thanks.
I kinda like it too

y2kc0wb0y · « **Reply #9 on:** April 15, 2013, 07:53:30 PM »

I like it a lot. Definitely has old school flare

Garystratos201 · « **Reply #10 on:** April 16, 2013, 06:12:15 AM »

Love the old school look. Are you gonna change color on the tank?.........Gary

jaguar · « **Reply #11 on:** April 16, 2013, 09:37:25 AM »

Quote from: Garystratos201 on April 16, 2013, 06:12:15 AM

Love the old school look. Are you gonna change color on the tank?.........Gary

I like the silver a lot better then the red.
Not married to the tank color, what do you think?

SOHC Digger · « **Reply #12 on:** April 16, 2013, 09:41:48 AM »

Quote from: 754 on April 14, 2013, 03:27:25 PM

Amen that one.. I sort of wonder if its deraked, or all the 500 frames were like that..? Looks like fun..

I think the Amens actually had a pretty conservative rake if you kept the bottom frame rail parallel to the ground. I have a 750 Amen frame and it has considerably less rake than my AEE frame.

Lower link on the springer looks upside down. 754, what do you think?

Overall, I love the bike! Needs a prism tank though

toytuff · « **Reply #13 on:** April 16, 2013, 09:47:11 AM »

Very nice Jag.

Get's the four cool.

tt

jaguar · « **Reply #14 on:** April 16, 2013, 10:26:22 AM »

I need to fab a brake stay so I didnt get into questions about the springer yet.
BUT, the bike really only wants to go straight or flop to one side. I have never really ridden a bike like this, so didnt know if that was part of the whole death trap chopper thing or not.
Now that someone mentioned it, kinda does look like that link is upside down. Wonder if thats the issue.....

JimJamerino · « **Reply #15 on:** April 16, 2013, 11:30:30 AM »

If you haven't already, go check out www.hondachopper.com. Tons of good info, including The Honda Chopper Bible. This is what I used to figure my trail and rake for my chop.

jaguar · « **Reply #16 on:** April 16, 2013, 11:46:06 AM »

I was over there, they will not let me post anything about the bike, because its a 550 and not a 750.....
Rules are rules.
I lurk, and use the FS section a bit.

JimJamerino · « **Reply #17 on:** April 16, 2013, 12:05:37 PM »

Lame. At least you (we) can access most of the info, though.

I Zombie · « **Reply #18 on:** April 16, 2013, 01:10:02 PM »

Lower link on the springer looks upside down.

I'd have to agree it does look upside down. After checkin online, looks like it could go either way depending on what trail you need.

jaguar · « **Reply #19 on:** April 16, 2013, 01:24:04 PM »

Could it cause the handling issue I was talking about?
Im kinda new to this whole "rake and trail" thing.

754 · « **Reply #20 on:** April 16, 2013, 02:12:12 PM »

Yeah they look turned around ..maybe cus bike was too low.

Look at the line formed by the front tubes between motor and neck, usually a straight line ( is on 750,s). If it has had a rake change, and you put it back it may handle better. Lower tunnel in tank looks nicer.

I have run stock front end with stand relocated and high pipes..

jaguar · « **Reply #21 on:** April 16, 2013, 02:24:24 PM »

I dont want to think about anything that will make the bike lower.....
Its already a bit much....lol

754 · « **Reply #22 on:** April 16, 2013, 02:30:42 PM »

If the frame has been pulled back, moving it. Forward will increase clearance.

SOHC Digger · « **Reply #23 on:** April 16, 2013, 10:20:00 PM »

Is that a 19" or 21" front wheel? If it's a 19", relacing the hub to a 21" will raise the axle up an inch, allowing you to fix your lower link.

jaguar · « **Reply #24 on:** April 17, 2013, 04:39:48 AM »

It's a 21 now.
This weekend I need to pop the front wheel off any way, so ill try and flip the link and sew

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Author Topic: My new chopper. A real "back in the day" survivor. (Read 62032 times)