Author Topic: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"  (Read 281382 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2025 on: August 01, 2018, 04:49:57 PM »
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 riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2026 on: August 01, 2018, 05:29:41 PM »
Hahahaha. Outdone by a varmint.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2027 on: August 01, 2018, 07:14:30 PM »
I don’t think your sensor will be close enough from the fender, IIRC it needs to be within 4mm.

I’ve installed them under the side cover to reflect on the front sprocket bolts. Works great. Haven’t looked at doing it on a 500 though.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2028 on: August 01, 2018, 08:25:06 PM »
Yeah I knew the sensor needed to be at least 4mm from the magnet. Distance from inside fender bracket to rim is 18mm. Threads on the sensor are 21mm and the magnet is 2mm. I think there’s room. I’m a little worried about interference from the fastener holding the bracket to the fork but using a slightly ground down button head might help.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2029 on: August 04, 2018, 01:35:45 PM »
Dwarfed by one of the giant beds of the trucks used to haul the pay dirt in the mine nearby.

20997112-B817-41AA-93A6-A7F6CF420B16 by cneumann2000, on Flickr

And keen eyes will notice that I finally got around to painting my new side covers. I got them cleared after dinner last night and, of course, one of the dogs got to them and licked one of them but I'm leaving it as it is.
« Last Edit: August 04, 2018, 05:44:17 PM by riverfever »
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2030 on: August 04, 2018, 05:40:23 PM »
Another angle of the bed. The dozers to fill these are equally as impressive and it only takes about 7 loads before a truck heads up.

A36121E0-F69D-4B4A-8B29-F28527C9D30F by cneumann2000, on Flickr
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2031 on: August 04, 2018, 05:41:26 PM »
Looking down into the pit.

959F0A1B-164F-4E4E-B542-DF7B4771DFC9 by cneumann2000, on Flickr
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2032 on: August 04, 2018, 05:45:47 PM »
A panoramic shot of the pit and pile of tailings. IF you look just right of center you can see one of the loaded trucks making the slow haul back up and the dozer right of the truck a bit.

1D339090-8DCC-4707-B0EA-A9E162388C82 by cneumann2000, on Flickr
« Last Edit: August 04, 2018, 05:49:30 PM by riverfever »
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2033 on: August 04, 2018, 05:46:53 PM »
And one on the way home.

6A035FB9-73D9-4796-ACE2-9D94D74A672F by cneumann2000, on Flickr
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2034 on: August 04, 2018, 11:30:47 PM »
This is inspiring me to take a long ride.  Me and my better half have been talking about taking a trip to a few of the national parks on the western half of the states next year.
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 flyinelvis

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2035 on: August 07, 2018, 02:58:07 PM »
Hey Chris, the bike continues to impress.  I like the painted side covers (but not as much as your dog probably likes the taste of clear lacquer). They really tie the room, er, bike together.

I hate to be one of those guys that won’t go back through 80 pages of a build thread (I have read the ENTIRE thing, it lulled me gently to sleep on many an evening), to find what he’s looking for, but I’ll pose this anyway:

It’s getting close to frame chop time for me and I was curious about your exhaust mount.  I have the same MotoGPWerks pipe and was curious about how you stabilized the can. I will be removing the rear pegs (and mount tubes from both sides - it’s a ‘77) and was considering leaving some of the horizontal bar from the lower right side of the passenger peg tubing, to create an exhaust mount.  Did that make sense?  I won’t know for certain til I reassemble the bike following the engine re-build, frame chop, etc.  A little forethought might go a long way here. 

Many thanks, and again, great build.

-tom
Speed is your friend, but should never be confused with talent.
Follow me on Instagram: @flyinelvis

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2036 on: August 07, 2018, 03:51:35 PM »

I have read the ENTIRE thing, it lulled me gently to sleep on many an evening

That good a read, eh?!

I too have a MotoGP pipe [but on a 750] and contrary to what Cal may post shortly, I do not feel it necessary to mount the back of the pipe.  As you know, there does not seem to be a good way to do it.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2037 on: August 07, 2018, 04:05:29 PM »
Weld tab to exhaust.  Bolt to passenger peg bracket.  [NOTE: this is not a MGP pipe in the first photo]

You might be able to persuade Chris to weld you a mount tab, or send you one to weld to your pipe.

On my 550
image_zps7yl1pqmu by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

On my 750
imagejpg6_zps4ef56750 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr
imagejpg9_zps4fa08746 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr
photo5_zps2e1a0bc4 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr
« Last Edit: August 07, 2018, 04:12:26 PM by SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan »
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 riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2038 on: August 07, 2018, 08:35:29 PM »
Don't be shy with the questions Tom. There's some content in these 80 some pages but there's also a lot of tomfoolery. I believe Cal uses a spring to help support the end of the exhaust. For some reason, my exhaust hits the swingarm pretty hard (pushes into the side of it). It's not an issue with how Chris made it. I actually think it has more to do with the end pipe needing to be rotated a bit when slipped on the collector but every time I install it the thing ends up exactly the same way. So because of this and because of the front fender (I'll get to this in a second) I needed something robust to pull the exhaust out to the side of the swingarm but also up a bit. Chris says that the pipe is built to be able to run the full front fender. My fender hit the header under hard breaking. He thought the forks needed to be rebuilt and he was right. I installed progressive springs and slightly thicker fluid to stiffen things up and it still hit slightly. I wanted to run his exhaust the day I bought this project but I also wanted that full fender. So Cal's idea was to come up with something to pick up on the back of the exhaust (and this would actually rotate the headers back a bit and give me more room). So this is what I did. I used a hunk of aluminum, shaped it, polished it and mounted it up. It was simple. Here are some pics of it. Let me know if you would like some measurements.

E2BC465E-439A-4B82-91FA-822A25CE6DCC by cneumann2000, on Flickr

AD578A0C-A6C8-4368-BF7D-0B82B42F9870 by cneumann2000, on Flickr

0187B4C6-7D69-42ED-BD0A-AA835DA7C28B by cneumann2000, on Flickr

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2039 on: August 07, 2018, 08:39:07 PM »
Also wanted to point out that, and I think this is the case on all of his exhausts) there is a welded on piece on the back (you can see it in my pics) that is threaded so no need for a tab.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2040 on: August 08, 2018, 02:39:35 AM »
Also wanted to point out that, and I think this is the case on all of his exhausts) there is a welded on piece on the back (you can see it in my pics) that is threaded so no need for a tab.
Its called a "bung", and yes he welds them on all his pipe sets these days. Its threaded for a support hangar.

To Stev-O's point, these systems are not light given they're stainless. Without a support hangar at the back, the weight is bearing on the exhaust studs. Vibration and bouncing of the system is hard on those, hence the strong recommendation for a tailpipe support. It also can help position the tailpipe off the bike if you encounter any contact during riding.

Chris' solution to the rear hangar won't work directly for Tom since Tom stated he's removing the rear bracketry and pegs. So, you would have to use the right upper shock mount for a similar "strap" as others have done. Not my preference visually, but it works rather well.

I installed an exhaust type spring that hooked over a screw in the tailpipe bung, then hung that off a screw I drilled into my custom rearset bracket. It was as discreet as I could make it, supported the weight perfectly, and was a snap to remove for servicing the pipe or rear wheel.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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 flyinelvis

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2041 on: August 08, 2018, 06:27:40 AM »
Ahhh yes, I see now.  I can see my idea working (leaving the lower horizontal passenger tube - removing the rest - see pic) as a mounting point.  This may all be moot once I have the rear sets installed (I'm considering Cognito Moto's) and I can probably do something similar to what Cal has suggested.

Yes, my exhaust can has the threaded bung (pic) in place and will afford me some mounting options.

I work in the auto race industry and am a huge believer of proper support of any parts, especially those that vibrate and could initiate a fatigue failure (ie the exhaust studs).

I will be installing a GSXR front end, so I have no idea about possible wheel/fender/exhaust header interference.  Guess I'll cross that bridge when I come to it...
Speed is your friend, but should never be confused with talent.
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Offline flyinelvis

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2042 on: August 08, 2018, 06:40:02 AM »
And while we're talking exhausts, check out this fresh fabrication of a high mount exhaust on my Hawk that was fab'd by one of my co-workers.  A one-off piece of stainless artistry.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...
Speed is your friend, but should never be confused with talent.
Follow me on Instagram: @flyinelvis

Offline slikwilli420

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2043 on: August 08, 2018, 08:21:32 AM »
No way you should ever run something like that just off the exhaust studs. Its just bad fabrication to do such a thing. Here is how I did mine, but I have also seen them go to a bung or two welded to the frame up near the triangle.

All you gotta do is do what you gotta do.

Vintage Speed Parts Mashup: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133638.0
Rickman CR Parts Kit Refresh: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154837.0.html
AHRMA CB750 Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,158461.0.html
AHRMA Superbike Heavyweight Racer: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,173120.0.html
'76F CB750 Patina Redemption: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,174871.0.html

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2044 on: August 08, 2018, 02:06:52 PM »
Lovely pipe there, Elvis. Did he make the mid pipe?
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"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: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2045 on: August 08, 2018, 04:47:50 PM »
I work in the auto race industry and am a huge believer of proper support of any parts, especially those that vibrate and could initiate a fatigue failure (ie the exhaust studs).
Agreed.  Why risk broken exhaust studs?!  What a PITA to remove.
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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2046 on: August 08, 2018, 04:48:59 PM »
And while we're talking exhausts, check out this fresh fabrication of a high mount exhaust on my Hawk that was fab'd by one of my co-workers.  A one-off piece of stainless artistry.

Now back to our regularly scheduled programming...

Love those old Hawks.  Good cheap track bikes!
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 flyinelvis

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2047 on: August 09, 2018, 04:54:00 AM »
Lovely pipe there, Elvis. Did he make the mid pipe?

Yeah, I purchased the merge and various elbows and Radar sliced and diced, weaving his magic to curl around behind the rearsets and master cylinder.  Beautiful welds.  One of a kind for sure.  Looks, sounds (Danmoto) great...

Love those old Hawks.  Good cheap track bikes!

Mine was anything but cheap (and definitely not a track bike), probably be in the neighborhood of what I'll lay out on the 550. 

This bird is going to have some nice, upgraded Joker LED turn signals mounted up soon!   ;)
Speed is your friend, but should never be confused with talent.
Follow me on Instagram: @flyinelvis

Offline BradyN

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2048 on: August 21, 2018, 09:38:44 AM »
Are those the stock wheels on the Hawk? Great bike, love the color.
1978 CB550K

Offline flyinelvis

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Re: 1976 CB500/550 Project "Squirrel"
« Reply #2049 on: August 21, 2018, 10:11:12 AM »
Are those the stock wheels on the Hawk? Great bike, love the color.

Hate to derail the Project Squirrel build thread, BUT, the front wheel is a stock Honda 2009-ish CBR600RR (as is the front end) and the rear is a circa 1991 VRF wheel, mounted on a modified stock Hawk spindle (to accept the 4-bolt lug pattern).  Single sided swingarm (an ELF/Honda collaboration) is a work of art.

I have an '07 Honda Element SC (is there a pattern here?) that is the same Root Beer Metallic Brown.  Beautiful color, pics don't do it justice...
Speed is your friend, but should never be confused with talent.
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