Topic: Building another CB550 cafe racer with USD - few pics OLD SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

many thanks the ones I have been offered adjust 310 to 340 so I will go with these cheers Andy

[Godffery]

Sweet!
You'll have to post a pic of them when you get a chance.

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

had to put the build on hold for a few weeks while we move to a nice little cottage with land & more important some decent size outbuildings to turn into 4 workshops!!

its on the island of Anglesey off the coast of Wales in the UK

1st job put a front onto the old stable with windows & a decent wide stabledoor



I used the old planks from the original doors should look right when painted


here is a view from inside its a decent size & when kitted out with a log burner a snug workshop


looking better with a couple of coats of paint



and heres the project sitting better now with bars fitted I will post a few more images in the week

cheers all Andy

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

Hi all

fitted the bars now & dropped the headlight down & back an inch
also fitted a tacho

I think its sitting right now - next job is the spoke front wheel

keep you posted

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

Hi all I have been off the site for 18months or so, I had to rejoin as had lost all details, I did a build thread for my CB550 café racer

now its time to start again - just bought another runner on ebay - quick question I love squirelys café & will use some of his ideas on the new build I am working through all his threads but does anyone know what forks he used I know they where GSXR but no more can anyone let me know if they where 750 or 1000 or if they are the same

good to be back will keep you posted Andy

[Godffery]

Have you looked here? :
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126782.msg1470321#msg1470321

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

[rb550four]

Just caught up with your thread, looking good so far.
Q: Now that the front end has been upgraded, do you have any plans for a swingarm upgrade that will hold some tire?
      I was thinking a nice little 650 swing arm, You'll have to drill out the frame to accept the larger stock bolt. The swing arm is about an inch and a half longer and can accept a wider tire.  The 650, not the 650c has spoke wheels , The "C" comes with Comstock wheels...not to everyone's taste... The stock shocks on any 650 is better than the ones on a 500 or 550. The chain is larger than the 500/550 I can't remember how to handle that, whether it be a simple front sprocket switch or not , I just don't remember right now. but anyways , I was wondering what the plan for the rear  is if there is any.

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

hi

still having a think on the back end have some nice gas shocks CB750 racer that will go on may look at longer swing arm

next job lace up the new hub & black rim

keep you posted cheers

[Godffery]

Why would you want a longer swingarm?

[SF]

this great, nice bike

[rb550four]

Godffrey, The 1 and a half inch extra on the 650 swing arm allows a wider tire width because the wheel and tire sit that much farther out of the arch built into the swing arm. It wont't or handle any different than the 650  (with the 650 shocks or better) which is a big improvement over the 500/550's ride in my opinion.
  And I will admit that I have extended a 550 swing arm 3 inches once, that was not beneficial to handling especially with stock sized tires. +3 inches is too much.

Sorry for the hijack.

[Godffery]

I see.
Well then... Your forgiven !   ; D

[ISLAND CAFERACERS]

collecting parts to move forward on the build, ran up my other Café CB 550 this morning & took a few snaps of the 2 bikes

Café CB550 started 1st time & ran round the block nice & strong

old school & new school styles what do you think ?

have a great 2014 Andy in the UK