Author Topic: Building another CB550 cafe racer with USD - few pics OLD SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL (Read 11441 times)

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **on:** October 12, 2013, 05:55:55 AM »

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

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #1 on:** October 13, 2013, 07:07:08 AM »

Hi all has anyone used one of these new small batteries ? or does anyone know the smallest gell battery available to start & run a CB550

as I am going for as clean a look as possible on the new build so all electrics into seat hump etc

cheers Andy

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #2 on:** October 13, 2013, 09:31:09 AM »

The lithium ion batteries are the smallest and lightest but a little more expensive. Lots of crank power.

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #3 on:** October 22, 2013, 12:24:17 PM »

some progress today bought a GSXR front end complete from the bay

looking to to buy this spoke hub conversion in the morning

will start the strip down at the weekend cheers Andy

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #4 on:** October 22, 2013, 12:55:59 PM »

Interesting, 77 K bike with 76 or earlier exhaust.

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #5 on:** October 24, 2013, 09:34:59 AM »

Here we go time to make a start

bought so far

CB550 Honda (runner)
GSXR front end (complete)
New Hub for spoked wheel conversion
Tail hoop

and so we begin

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #6 on:** October 24, 2013, 09:43:34 AM »

design I think will be a modern take on my other CB550 Café

USD forks a bit like Sqirelys bike short open clean back end

maybe dark blue rims frame bodywork , hidden electrics

wider rear rim & tyres like the BMW semi off roader

original tank with knee dents cut in

any thoughts for design please would be good cheers Andy

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #7 on:** October 24, 2013, 09:52:24 AM »

here are a few pics from my previous build
looking for a finish as good or better on next one

Tews19 · « **Reply #8 on:** October 24, 2013, 07:41:59 PM »

Subscribed.

jpfrk2001 · « **Reply #9 on:** October 25, 2013, 03:45:31 PM »

Nice, another cb550 with a GSXR front end build.

I need to get my ass in gear!!

Stev-o · « **Reply #10 on:** October 25, 2013, 05:52:43 PM »

Quote from: Tews19 on October 24, 2013, 07:41:59 PM

Subscribed.

+1. Your off to a good start.

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #11 on:** October 26, 2013, 07:59:05 AM »

Had a good 1/2 day work on the CB550

decided to run it up 1st as I bought it unseen, fuelled up the carbs & jump leads off my van, great stuff started 1st time ran clean & no smoke or nasty noises
looks like the motor will be just a freshen up & paint, then on with the strip down, broke it down to a rolling chassis & cut the rear off the frame to fit the café hoop

I wanted a short rear end running say a 160 tyre (will this fit with new rim without fouling chain any one done it ??)

hoop finishes just forward from centre line of axle, mocked up a seat hump to see how it sits that's all for today keep you posted

its engine out & on with the grinder !! Sunday cheers all Andy

thirsty 1 · « **Reply #12 on:** October 26, 2013, 08:23:57 AM »

Thumbs up! Is that a normal gloss black on your last frame ?

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #13 on:** October 26, 2013, 08:28:01 AM »

LAST FRAME WAS POWDER COATED A REALLY NICE JOB & STILL LOOKS NEW AFTER 3 YEARS

ceebee ninja · « **Reply #14 on:** October 26, 2013, 08:28:44 AM »

looks good - what r your plans for the 4 into 4 exhaust? r they good & sound - need something for my F2?

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #15 on:** October 26, 2013, 10:05:56 AM »

they look a lot better than they are free to anyone but they have a few holes in them

also im in the UK

cheers Andy

Quote from: ceebee ninja on October 26, 2013, 08:28:44 AM

looks good - what r your plans for the 4 into 4 exhaust? r they good & sound - need something for my F2?

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #16 on:** October 26, 2013, 11:19:47 AM »

I don't think a 160 will fit the stock swing arm. Do a search of the forum, this is a popular topic

ceebee ninja · « **Reply #17 on:** October 27, 2013, 09:01:58 AM »

Andy

I am in North East England - Newcastle - that's why I asked - plenty over the pond but shipping costs more than the pipe.

Simon

jpfrk2001 · « **Reply #18 on:** October 27, 2013, 09:57:07 AM »

Rusty Olive fitted a 180 rear tire. But He had to fab up his own rear swing arm and used a 10 MM spacer on the rear sprocket. If your good with a welder, or know someone who is, go for it.

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #19 on:** October 27, 2013, 11:59:53 AM »

did some more deluging today I will finish it off properly when the motor is out
started the knee dents they are getting there

[imghttp://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5FqhRIyuF2A/Um1hEavNlwI/AAAAAAAAAm8/alSrQ5jKfoM/s1600/ISLAND+CAFERACERS+TANK+001.JPG]http://[/img]

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #20 on:** October 27, 2013, 12:04:54 PM »

754 · « **Reply #21 on:** October 27, 2013, 05:27:10 PM »

Wow..nice. Only 2 changes. But sure looks different already....

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #22 on:** October 30, 2013, 11:53:53 AM »

Hi all

right I think im getting there now

dulugged frame / tank indents

fitting a USD GSXR front end at weekend spoke wheels black rims
battery in seat

now to the tyres, what's your thoughts on trail style block tyres for a café / tracker look a bit off the wall with say a big chrome peaked headlight

looking at a 4" x 18 rim on back with a 130 tyre & a 2,75" x 21 front with a 3" tyre will these fit ok with no fouling issues ?? please let me know

let me here your thoughts on tyre style etc

cheers Andy

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #23 on:** October 30, 2013, 12:16:36 PM »

I think they look good, but I question how well they would actually handle.

ISLAND CAFERACERS · « **Reply #24 on:** October 30, 2013, 12:57:17 PM »

thanks

im not to worried about handling as its for a steady road bike cool style

my other café I ride on road & sprint race so I will have best both worlds

cheers ANDY

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Author Topic: Building another CB550 cafe racer with USD - few pics OLD SCHOOL NEW SCHOOL (Read 11441 times)