Author Topic: 1977 CB550F Cafe Build (Read 8980 times)

timmangan · « **on:** July 26, 2013, 08:18:10 AM »

This is really unique, im cafe'ing out a CB550F.

The en result will be a CB550F with a GSXR front end, kickstart only, and some light engine work.

Pics to follow

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #1 on:** July 26, 2013, 08:24:01 AM »

Welcome. We love pictures.

Why kickstart only? It doesn't save that much weight, it reduces the value of the bike, and well, is just annoying. You can run a small hidden battery even if the starter system is still present, just don't use it.

timmangan · « **Reply #2 on:** July 26, 2013, 09:33:15 AM »

BankerDanny, Im all about the electric start, my '75 has it and i love it, would actually really prefer it.

The reason im going without is becasue i want the see through V in my frame, and i want a slim seat (uncomfortable, but stylin, unfortunately style points out weigh practicallity on this one, im a dork i know).

If there is a way of having electric start with it fitting with the look im going for, im all about it.

But so far i havent found a way.

If there is though, im all ears

timmangan · « **Reply #3 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:22:32 AM »

Ok, I cant find the pic of the bike as I got it, but I picked up the 1977 550 for $400, it was running(rough), has a few boxes of extra (mostly junk), and had fully sick blue LED lights all over it.

This is a rough run through of the tear down: The bike is the one in the middle with no tank

timmangan · « **Reply #4 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:23:47 AM »

Then I managed to find 2 cb550f's for $150 for the pair.

The were in near mint condition as well

timmangan · « **Reply #5 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:25:33 AM »

These bikes will be used for parts for my other CB550F, a 1975, mostly, but also for a few bits and pieces for the '77 build.

timmangan · « **Reply #6 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:26:56 AM »

This is my '75 CB550f

timmangan · « **Reply #7 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:29:46 AM »

Front End off, and wiring harness almost removed as well.

To get the wiring harness off, there may be a better way, but this is how I did it.

Whenever I disconnect a wire I wrap masking tape around each wire and number it, that way when I go to put it back together, I just put the 1's back together, then the 2's and so forth.

I also have a list of the wires as well incase some of the tape comes off.

timmangan · « **Reply #8 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:31:47 AM »

Jealous of my exhaust?? For some reason the previous owner had the worlds largest Harley Davidson exhaust on it.

timmangan · « **Reply #9 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:32:47 AM »

Back end off

timmangan · « **Reply #10 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:34:29 AM »

Voila!

However, terrible move to leave the engine until last. It was so hard to get out because there was nothing weighing the frame down, every time it hit the frame the frame moved. But between me and wifey, we got this thing out

timmangan · « **Reply #11 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:37:25 AM »

And heres the engine, front and back.

The goal is to replace pistons and rings, not sure about boreing it out yet, not sure if bang for buck is worth it.

Searching for a 650 cam at the moment though, and plan on downsizing the front sprocket.

I think everyb olt and screw almost will need to be replaced as getting them off wont be easy and they will most probably get shredded, but new hardware always looks nice, so why not

timmangan · « **Reply #12 on:** July 27, 2013, 08:43:44 AM »

For the front end I am using a 2001 GSXR 1300 swap (Any 1999-2007 model works)

But heres what I ordered, All these were off ebay and include shipping:

Forks: $157.50
Triple Tree (With Stabilizer): $57.00
Brake Calipers: $100.00
Triple Tree Clamp: $40.00

Tews19 · « **Reply #13 on:** July 27, 2013, 11:16:02 AM »

Subscribed!

timmangan · « **Reply #14 on:** July 27, 2013, 11:37:07 AM »

Also, a HUGE shout-out to Retro Rocket who has helped me with my rear wheel situation.

I, obviously, want matching wheels front and back. however, if I want the GSXR wheels, I will need to modify the back, if I want the CB wheels I will need to modify the front.

Which is harder, which wheels do I want? I really want twin disc brakes up from and would love one on the back if possible, also would like te rear tire to be a little wider, ok GIXXER it is.

But what the heck do I do with the back end? Build a new swing arm? I can really think of anything else.

Enter Retro Rocket...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=124660.0

Bring on the 1988 GSXR 750 4.5inch rear wheel, with a front that lines us with the stock 2001 Hayabusa, at least according to:

http://www.bikez.com/motorcycles/suzuki_gsx-r_750_1988.php

and

http://www.motorcyclenews.com/MCN/bikereviews/searchresults/Bike-Reviews/Suzuki/Suzuki-GSX1300R-Hayabusa-1999---current-/

If this is off, please let me know.

So Im planning on throwing a set of 1988 GSXR 750 wheels on the CB550. Sounds like a plan, should be easy, always is

davidtime · « **Reply #15 on:** July 27, 2013, 11:43:12 AM »

I was just looking into this swap. Do you have any pictures of a 550 with the swap at all? What is it going to do to the height?

timmangan · « **Reply #16 on:** July 27, 2013, 11:54:55 AM »

I don't have any pics off hand of other bikes, I have a concept in mind, but not much of a drawer

My goal is that when im done ill be able to put up a thread with everything I have done, everything I have spent to do it, and as much as I know so if someone is looking at doing a similar build they can see how it can be done, also what to expect it to cost.

davidtime · « **Reply #17 on:** July 27, 2013, 02:21:03 PM »

Make sure you post it in tips and tricks or something of that nature.

stereosilence · « **Reply #18 on:** July 28, 2013, 02:25:57 PM »

Subscribed. I am doing an 05 R1 front and am unsure if I want to get the Harley spoke front. Being all tubeless would be nice. I'm interested to see if there is an easyish drop in for a modern rear wheel.

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #19 on:** July 28, 2013, 04:09:28 PM »

Subscribed...

timmangan · « **Reply #20 on:** July 29, 2013, 03:12:48 PM »

Got my grind on today. Cleaning out all of the brackets in that "V", also cut off the back end of the frame.

If I did it again I would do the back a bit different. I would cut a bit further back, put the new rounded bar on and grind the bottom of the frame up to the rounded bar to make it a smoother transition. I had to make do, will see how it looks, may be good with the seat over it, may need some more smoothing out.

Tews19 · « **Reply #21 on:** July 29, 2013, 03:26:42 PM »

Timmay! What brand and tool dis you use to grind down? Looks good!

timmangan · « **Reply #22 on:** July 29, 2013, 03:42:44 PM »

Haha, hey mate, I just used a basic angle grinder. I went through 2 blades, and I mean I went through them, there was nothing left

timmangan · « **Reply #23 on:** August 03, 2013, 08:55:14 AM »

Just ordered new bearings for my steering neck.

I got them from allballsracing.com

They have a really handy conversion chart which makes finding the correct bearing super easy.

I got the tapered top and bottom bearings shipped for $55.79

It was a bit more than I expected but they are tapered, and what was the other option?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #24 on:** August 03, 2013, 10:27:54 AM »

Quote from: timmangan on August 03, 2013, 08:55:14 AM

Just ordered new bearings for my steering neck.

I got them from allballsracing.com

They have a really handy conversion chart which makes finding the correct bearing super easy.

I got the tapered top and bottom bearings shipped for $55.79

It was a bit more than I expected but they are tapered, and what was the other option?

I've noticed that All Balls direct retail prices are on the high side. When you know the part number, you can do a search on ebay and you will usually find NEW parts much cheaper.

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Author Topic: 1977 CB550F Cafe Build (Read 8980 times)