Topic: 76 CB550F - Oct 2021 - Rear tail light and rebuilding gauges

[KennyRedman]

Got the rotor on on the new wheel and the bike sitting back on it. Turned out pretty good- as soon as I get the new upper brake hose, I can get the front all back together.

[RAFster122s]

Uh Kenny, is that tire on backwards? (Rotation direction… the one in the shadow I didn’t notice, like a snake…). Haven’t seen them with arrows in both directions, what is up with that?

[KennyRedman]

Uh Kenny, is that tire on backwards? (Rotation direction… the one in the shadow I didn’t notice, like a snake…). Haven’t seen them with arrows in both directions, what is up with that?

I haven’t either, and I thought it was on backwards too because of the tread but it’s on there correctly. According to Avon, it can be used as a front or rear tire.

https://www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyres/roadrider-mkii

[KennyRedman]

Today I received the new brake line and it fits perfectly. That’s a 10” line with a 45° top on 400F bars for reference.




Also, is there supposed to be anything in that rectangle on the ignition? Looks like it would be a decal or something.

[Stev-o]

That brake line looks great, where did you end up getting it?

No decal on the ignition switch, that would not be visible with the OEM plastic surround installed

[KennyRedman]

That brake line looks great, where did you end up getting it?

No decal on the ignition switch, that would not be visible with the OEM plastic surround installed

I ordered it from Apex Brakes- very well built and quick turnaround.

[Stev-o]

That brake line looks great, where did you end up getting it?

No decal on the ignition switch, that would not be visible with the OEM plastic surround installed

I ordered it from Apex Brakes- very well built and quick turnaround.

Good to hear, I hadnt ordered from them in quite awhile...

[KennyRedman]

That brake line looks great, where did you end up getting it?

No decal on the ignition switch, that would not be visible with the OEM plastic surround installed

I ordered it from Apex Brakes- very well built and quick turnaround.

Good to hear, I hadnt ordered from them in quite awhile...

I looked around all over the place, and this was the only one I could find where I could customize it and order it online. Some others had great customization tools, but then they’d send a quote the next day or so and then you’d have to order. Any other place you’d recommend or like?

[Gman]

Uh Kenny, is that tire on backwards? (Rotation direction… the one in the shadow I didn’t notice, like a snake…). Haven’t seen them with arrows in both directions, what is up with that?

I haven’t either, and I thought it was on backwards too because of the tread but it’s on there correctly. According to Avon, it can be used as a front or rear tire.

https://www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyres/roadrider-mkii

Funny - I just refreshed some Lesters and had Avons to put on.  Started to try to fit the tires myself, decided Nah and took them to a local shop.  Front was just the bare wheel w/no speedo drive or brake disc on yet and I had to let them know which side was which, so I took a quick glance and told them what was what and, of course, muffed it.  Got home and took a look at wheels on the bike and realized I had said it backwards - then got the call from them that the tires were on.  I went and picked them up and they hadn't looked at the rotation arrows on the front tire and put it on the way that looks right based on the tread - which is opposite the tire rotation arrows.  So, tire ended up being on the right way.  Sometimes it pays to be dumb lucky. 

[KennyRedman]

Uh Kenny, is that tire on backwards? (Rotation direction… the one in the shadow I didn’t notice, like a snake…). Haven’t seen them with arrows in both directions, what is up with that?

I haven’t either, and I thought it was on backwards too because of the tread but it’s on there correctly. According to Avon, it can be used as a front or rear tire.

https://www.avontyres.com/en-us/tyres/roadrider-mkii

Funny - I just refreshed some Lesters and had Avons to put on.  Started to try to fit the tires myself, decided Nah and took them to a local shop.  Front was just the bare wheel w/no speedo drive or brake disc on yet and I had to let them know which side was which, so I took a quick glance and told them what was what and, of course, muffed it.  Got home and took a look at wheels on the bike and realized I had said it backwards - then got the call from them that the tires were on.  I went and picked them up and they hadn't looked at the rotation arrows on the front tire and put it on the way that looks right based on the tread - which is opposite the tire rotation arrows.  So, tire ended up being on the right way.  Sometimes it pays to be dumb lucky. 

That’s hilarious and some nice luck!

Today I got the front brakes all finished up and filled with fluid. Since I got that upper line installed, I was finally able to get the new front end put together as well.

LED headlight
New aftermarket turn signals
New headlight brackets and ring
Joker collars holding up the new OEM fork gaiters

I have parts from Marcel to rebuild the gauges- faces, glass, rubber seals, and the black metal covers, and new crimp rings if needed. I have an idea on how to get them put back on. I’ll definitely post that process.

[Gman]

Looking good!!!

[KennyRedman]

Looking good!!!

Thanks a lot. I’m not quite sold in the brake light. I’d like something a little bigger that will fill the space in a bit more.

[Alan F.]

I'd suggest that you have someone record some video of you out on the bike. Perhaps your impression of the light will change?

[KennyRedman]

I'd suggest that you have someone record some video of you out on the bike. Perhaps your impression of the light will change?

That’s a good idea. I’m thinking more aesthetics- it almost seems too small. I don’t know, maybe I’m just overthinking it.

[Stev-o]

I'd suggest that you have someone record some video of you out on the bike. Perhaps your impression of the light will change?

That’s a good idea. I’m thinking more aesthetics- it almost seems too small. I don’t know, maybe I’m just overthinking it.

Seems I always hear that the [OEM] tail light is too big! Bike is looking good...

[KennyRedman]

Seems I always hear that the [OEM] tail light is too big! Bike is looking good...

Thanks. It’s friggin huge! Lol. I have what I think is a repro light for a 350, and it would be the perfect size and keep the CB feel better than the one I put on. I’d just have to figure out a mounting system since I shortened the fender about 6”. Wonder if I found the 350 bracket if I could tuck it up under a bit. Might as well try.

[Stev-o]

the 1971 CB750 tail light is about the right size, in '72 they went to the larger size.

[KennyRedman]

the 1971 CB750 tail light is about the right size, in '72 they went to the larger size.

That looks perfect. Thanks Steve!

[Kelly E]

I used a small cat eye taillight on my 74' 550. I made a bracket to use the factory bolt holes in the fender.

[RAFster122s]

Honda S90 has a minature version of the style on the other CBs...

[KennyRedman]

I used a small cat eye taillight on my 74' 550. I made a bracket to use the factory bolt holes in the fender.

That’s pretty cool. How did you make your bracket?

[KennyRedman]

Honda S90 has a minature version of the style on the other CBs...

I’ll check that out too!

[Kelly E]

I used a small cat eye taillight on my 74' 550. I made a bracket to use the factory bolt holes in the fender.

That’s pretty cool. How did you make your bracket?

I made a pattern from chipboard to figure it out then I made it from sheet metal.

[Alan F.]

Maybe the taillight mount from a 78K model will fit the bill? It'll fit all of the 750 taillight styles.

[KennyRedman]

Maybe the taillight mount from a 78K model will fit the bill? It'll fit all of the 750 taillight styles.

That would be a good option too. The only problem is the angle of the base- I shortened the fender, so the area where it’s mounted is flatter and the angle would make the brake light angle upwards.