Author Topic: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Isn't this thing done yet?  (Read 95664 times)

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Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #150 on: August 15, 2014, 02:10:03 PM »
Thanks for the kind words. Just finished getting carbs and tank leaned out. Firing on all four again! Test ride shortly
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"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 Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #151 on: August 15, 2014, 03:33:05 PM »
Ahhhhh, progress... ;)
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Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #152 on: August 15, 2014, 03:38:48 PM »
More accurately put; waiting for the next shoe to drop! Actually, sounded really strong and healthy firing up and revving. And now I know, the carbs are awfully clean inside (for sure).
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"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 Tews19

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #153 on: August 15, 2014, 03:56:16 PM »
Great news Cal! She feels stronger now or maybe you just missed her that much!?
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #154 on: August 15, 2014, 03:58:46 PM »
I think we all should become speed builders, as in , build these bloody bikes faster, there's so much stuff for these bikes now that if you take your time building them, and are as anal retentive as we seem to be, it ends up being a bloody money pit.. :o So i think if we turn off the internet and just build a little quicker it should save us a bloody fortune... ;D  My problem also is that i'm repairing a boat as well, floor, transom and engine pod extension, you know all about boats don't you..?  A hole in the water that you throw money into.... :o
« Last Edit: August 16, 2014, 01:21:16 AM by Retro Rocket »
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #155 on: August 15, 2014, 06:57:15 PM »
it ends up being a bloody money pit.. :o So i think if we turn off the internet and just build a little quicker...

Good plan.  You first, Mick! 
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #156 on: August 15, 2014, 07:02:10 PM »
it ends up being a bloody money pit.. :o So i think if we turn off the internet and just build a little quicker...

Good plan.  You first, Mick!

Go away you... ;D I know  ;)
« Last Edit: August 16, 2014, 01:21:45 AM by Retro Rocket »
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline riverfever

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #157 on: August 15, 2014, 08:23:44 PM »
I hated the way clubman bars looked for the longest time but I ended up ordering a pair and taking off the drag bars that were on mine when I got it. I don't have a whole lot of time on the bike yet but I just like the cleanliness that the clipons make. Wouldn't a high rise clip on put things darn near where clubman's are?
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #158 on: August 15, 2014, 09:08:53 PM »
CB - might want to hold off on S. Rumor is a very slick R hooligan is due.

The Concept Roadster - this one?

I prefer the I-4 motor in the S1000R. Ridiculous hp and torque.
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1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #159 on: August 15, 2014, 09:36:57 PM »
Don't get me wrong, I like the look of the Concept R and many of the elements including those Ohlins forks which will not make it to production, the tracker style front plate with the funky headlight and the killer single-sided swingarm. But only 123 hp and 92 ft-lb claimed.

http://youtu.be/UzTKPgI8K7s

I just like the S1000R more. 160 hp and 83 ft-lb real.

http://youtu.be/SGCax-VbKDk
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Blackfin5

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #160 on: August 15, 2014, 10:21:33 PM »
I think we all should become speed builders, as in , build these bloody bikes faster, there's so much stuff for these bikes now that if you take your time building them, and are as anal retentive as we seem to be, it ends up being a bloody money pit.. :o So i think if we turn off the internet and just build a little quicker it should save us a bloody fortune... ;D  My problem also is that i'm repairing a boat as well, floor, transom and engine pod extension, you know all about boats don't you..?  A hole i the water that you throw money into.... :o

You too?  You should see my Mako project....bye bye $$$$$.

Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #161 on: August 16, 2014, 03:28:13 AM »
But only 123 hp and 92 ft-lb claimed.

I just like the S1000R more. 160 hp and 83 ft-lb real.

I love their fours too. Always rode them, which is why I bought the R90. I rode one that belonged to a buddy (his was an S) and my flat mate after college had an R100RS. Both motors, while anemic on paper compared to my K75 and K100, had a unique amount of torque. I never could shake those boys over the Blue Ridge.

And the current R1200 motor is a beast within their twins. Not nearly as raw or lethal as the SR, no doubt, but I thought you were giving up on asphalt shredding power in exchange for longevity and all day riding comfort?

Funny isn't it, your 750 has what, 70HP? And your 550s about 45? And you're whining about 123/92. That motor has more torque than both of the CBs combined! Should make it 2x as much fun. Ultimately, the big thing that appeals to me about it over the SR is the absence of some ducting and bodywork to feed the inline and water-cooled motor. I don't much like K1000R for that reason.

But, the SR motor, yep, Hannibal Lecter in lederhosen for sure-
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"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 calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #162 on: August 16, 2014, 03:49:52 AM »
Wouldn't a high rise clip on put things darn near where clubman's are?
You are right, River. And there's a number of guys on here that have used them for that very reason, as well as tank clearance. And they still look great.

Two things to factor in when considering why clip-ons are uncomfy for us old coots (well, some of us old coots anyway, didn't mean to drag Retro down with us, cuz he's still young enough at heart to take the pain) is the position and length.

Often overlooked in understanding why clips are uncomfy is the rigidity of the bar compared to full length handlebars. Most full length bars are far more flexible end-to-end and the vibration and other variables is absorbed or at least dissipated across their length. Not so with clip-ons. You get about 15-18" of strong tubing and that's it. It's like the structural effects of a cantilevered design. Shorter is much stronger, longer is more deflection.

Of course position and riders posture/weight is obvious. But that little tidbit is oft misunderstood. Even upswept clips are still harder to hold for me due to the ortho injury and nerve damage. Has to do with transmitted shock thru the bars I speculate.

Just to dispel any burgeoning rumors about me being a sissy, and a cupcake. I've been married over 20 years and raised more than 4 kids. I can take pain. Just not while riding  8)
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"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 Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #163 on: August 16, 2014, 05:51:53 AM »
Wouldn't a high rise clip on put things darn near where clubman's are?
Two things to factor in when considering why clip-ons are uncomfy for us old coots (well, some of us old coots anyway, didn't mean to drag Retro down with us, cuz he's still young enough at heart to take the pain) is the position and length.

Played sport all my life Cal, knees hurt and my back is stuffed, superbike bars are as low as i go these days mate, only have a young head now... ;D  Still like going fast though.... 8)
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Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #164 on: August 16, 2014, 05:54:20 AM »
I keep losing sight of the fact that drinking in Oz is an Olympic level sport. Knees banged up from years of stumbling no doubt, back stuffed from lifting mates up when they fall, and tendinitis in the elbow from all the hoisting. I get it now, Retro. You're a good mate to many for all you do!

Cheers-
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"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 Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #165 on: August 16, 2014, 05:59:21 AM »
I keep losing sight of the fact that drinking in Oz is an Olympic level sport. Knees banged up from years of stumbling no doubt, back stuffed from lifting mates up when they fall, and tendinitis in the elbow from all the hoisting. I get it now, Retro. You're a good mate to many for all you do!

Cheers-

Lucky guess Cal, my left elbow has "golfers elbow" i left that one out, don't drink much these days but could be slightly guilty for some of the above mentioned activities..  ;D ;)
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If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #166 on: August 16, 2014, 06:03:55 AM »
Deductive reasoning, actually. Athletics for years, riding thousands of miles. Only 4 likely ailments: knees, back, neck and elbows. Just played the odds, Retro. And as for my presumption about being a good mate, I'd put money on that one.
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"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 Retro Rocket

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #167 on: August 16, 2014, 03:10:10 PM »
Deductive reasoning, actually. Athletics for years, riding thousands of miles. Only 4 likely ailments: knees, back, neck and elbows. Just played the odds, Retro. And as for my presumption about being a good mate, I'd put money on that one.

A bit Old fashioned and fiercely loyal...  ;)
750 K2 1000cc
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If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline briancwynn

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #168 on: September 25, 2014, 06:34:30 AM »
Front fender, new rotor and caliper mounted

Cal, where did you get the front brake rotor?  I need that!  Good work on that bike as well.. Sharp!
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Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #169 on: September 25, 2014, 06:48:41 AM »
I had a friend mill it for me. Took him about 20' to program, and 5' to cut. Benefits of a $150,000 CNC mill I guess-
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"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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #170 on: September 25, 2014, 08:09:11 AM »
Yeah. Those slots are pretty trick.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline sulphurdave

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #171 on: September 25, 2014, 09:03:20 AM »
Nice!!

Offline calj737

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #172 on: April 02, 2015, 06:32:51 AM »
Well its been a while since I updated this thread. Been a busy and absolutely freezing winter here...

Since the last post, I've gotten the seat cowl stretched to close the gap at the tank, made a new seat, and designed some new rear set mounting brackets. AND, have finally decided on the design for the swing arm.

Gots to do's:
Get bodywork repainted (seat from extension, tank from slider accident)
Reinstall my coils (loaned them to DusterDude for troubleshooting his K1)
Get the seat pan to the upholsterer
Make the swing arm (ship the TTR400 to Long Beach)
Fab new rear set brackets and install
Troubleshoot a glitch in the speedo (gone a bit wonky since the slider accident)
Chain to the garage floor and hide key from 20 YO

Did I forget anything?
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"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 Tews19

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #173 on: April 02, 2015, 07:11:57 AM »
Pics?
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline Blackfin5

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Re: 74 CB550 Modern Cafe - Well, it could have been worse... :-X
« Reply #174 on: April 02, 2015, 07:44:51 AM »
+1 Cal