Author Topic: '75 CB550K Cafe Project (w/ head start) (Read 5455 times)

nerfherder81 · « **on:** June 12, 2012, 09:43:17 PM »

Ok so I have been lurking here for a couple months. Quick back ground - this is my first bike (sorta) I bought it from a co-worker. Who already did a lot of work to it.

This is how I got it.

Test fit of cafe seat I got off EBay

Welded nuts and bar stock on the front to mount the seat
[imghttp://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k238/lance_ecl/Bike%20work/5dd657a3.jpg]http://[/img]
Seat on, trimmed 1 1/4" off, shortened it by 1" and had to clearance the signals.

Clip-Ons uh on

ISSUE.... brake master cylinder hits the clamp. Any uh suggestions?

Thanks
edit: WOW I feel dumb, it says CB550K on my registration.

goldarrow · « **Reply #1 on:** June 12, 2012, 10:16:35 PM »

First off, welcome to sohc4. nice looking bike!

Hmm...somethings not look right. Not meant to criticize your bike.
Bike looks like a 550K not F, but with 4 to 1 headers and aftermarket muffler. Center stand was removed to accommodate the exhaust. Super sports logo on covers don't go there as the bike and side covers are not the F

and btw, if you're going full cafe, let me have first dibs of your old seat, side covers.

will follow along and good luck with your build. keep us updated.

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 12, 2012, 11:01:10 PM »

Thanks for the response
- Let it be known I am a complete newb, I believe it is a 'F', what would distinguish the fact that it was a 'K' ?
- the side covers decals were a custom job by the PO.
- Seat will be for sale soon, tank and side covers will go as a set later in the year.

goldarrow · « **Reply #3 on:** June 12, 2012, 11:32:52 PM »

The F has kick stand more further back toward left foot peg, tank and side covers are different

kajtek · « **Reply #4 on:** June 13, 2012, 03:04:50 AM »

I had a similar problem with a stock mc and clipons, in the end I made an alu spacer to go between the mc and the bar, and used longer bolts. Bit if a fudge but it worked until I got a modern mc..

Toxic · « **Reply #5 on:** June 13, 2012, 04:11:02 AM »

partsnmore have a modern M/C for $69 that solved the issue for me.

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 13, 2012, 08:40:54 AM »

Quote from: kajtek on June 13, 2012, 03:04:50 AM

I had a similar problem with a stock mc and clipons, in the end I made an alu spacer to go between the mc and the bar, and used longer bolts. Bit if a fudge but it worked until I got a modern mc..

I was thinking about doing that.

Quote from: Toxic on June 13, 2012, 04:11:02 AM

partsnmore have a modern M/C for $69 that solved the issue for me.

Could you point me in the direction of which specific M/C might work?

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #7 on:** June 13, 2012, 08:56:29 AM »

After looking at my registration I realize that it is in fact a 'K' model. Nice eye goldarrow.

goldarrow · « **Reply #8 on:** June 13, 2012, 09:05:49 AM »

Thanks nerf, I'm learning still. Now that you know your bike a little better, download the shop and parts manual if you're on low budget like me. Buy other shop manuals if you can. They help. Read a lot of post in the forums.

kajtek · « **Reply #9 on:** June 14, 2012, 06:21:35 AM »

I saved money on a modern mc, used one from a big scooter (Suzuki burgman I think??) 11mm, so more force. Works great, got it 2nd hand off eBay 25 quid..

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #10 on:** June 14, 2012, 11:58:15 AM »

Need opinions - I picked up one of these for my tail light

Question is should I cut my seat and have the light flush with the seat?
Or have it kinda hang out back kinda like factory.

mono · « **Reply #11 on:** June 14, 2012, 12:13:42 PM »

i've always thought they look sharp when the tail light is built into the seat, but it's your bike and your call.

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 17, 2012, 03:32:51 PM »

Made a spacer for my M/C

Clip-ons installed

Brake light / license plate

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #13 on:** March 12, 2013, 11:08:36 AM »

Then rode it like that for the summer

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #14 on:** March 12, 2013, 11:25:27 AM »

Ok I think it's about time I update what I've been doing over the winter.

got a great deal on amazon and made in America my Grandma would be proud.

Choke lever works

Had the machinist at work shave my bar clamps, then blasted my triple

I painted and reinstalled forgot post pic.

Hand bent stainless steel mesh for the electrics, going to coat sharp edges with tool dip.

Got my hoop from a great guy off ebay, buy one get second 1/2 off and $5 slugs:)
paulcbtown check him out

Test fit I'm going to give it a bit of a tilt up.

will have to shorten, and contour doesn't match seat. Not sure what i'm going to do about that.

GSXR rearsets off eBay.

Plan to mount with Emgo 1" three peice clamps. an idea borrowed from Gorms.

Spike · « **Reply #15 on:** March 13, 2013, 07:41:37 AM »

Quote from: nerfherder81 on June 14, 2012, 11:58:15 AM

Need opinions - I picked up one of these for my tail light

Question is should I cut my seat and have the light flush with the seat?
Or have it kinda hang out back kinda like factory.

I used one of these and am pretty happy with it for a low cost light.

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #16 on:** April 22, 2013, 08:21:48 PM »

Got some more work done...
shortened the hoop and welded battery tray

Haven't got to de-tabbing yet, and haven't installed rear sets; but I need to ride her. so they'll have to wait.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #17 on:** April 22, 2013, 10:06:18 PM »

Ride it like you stole it. I love the warm weather being back. Wait a second. I live in SoCal, but we #$%* when the weather dips below 65 degrees!

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #18 on:** April 23, 2013, 08:03:28 PM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on April 22, 2013, 10:06:18 PM

Ride it like you stole it. I love the warm weather being back. Wait a second. I live in SoCal, but we #$%* when the weather dips below 65 degrees!

HAHA thanks, but......... I have tuning to do.

Reflexsilver · « **Reply #19 on:** April 30, 2013, 09:04:17 PM »

MORE!

Glaede · « **Reply #20 on:** April 30, 2013, 11:58:53 PM »

Hi there

Great project and nice bike!
What seat is that? Do you have a link maybe? I'm in a need of a cafe racer seat that looks good and not too expensive :-)

nerfherder81 · « **Reply #21 on:** May 01, 2013, 10:52:49 PM »

Quote from: Glaede on April 30, 2013, 11:58:53 PM

Hi there

Great project and nice bike!
What seat is that? Do you have a link maybe? I'm in a need of a cafe racer seat that looks good and not too expensive :-)

http://stores.ebay.com/Witcheys-Creations?_rdc=1 I got it from lwitchey off ebay, really liked his work and price great guy. He's a SOHC4 member.
I did trim it a bit to fit my taste.

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Author Topic: '75 CB550K Cafe Project (w/ head start) (Read 5455 times)