Topic: Trad's 74 CB550 K0

[Trad]

Really? That stamped steel was so thin. It's hard to figure that had any sort of real structural strength.

[Trad]

double post.

[goldarrow]

Those bikes are built for looks.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think that even if you are not going to the track, having a lateral support at or near the tail will provide a stiffer chassis and better handling.

[Trad]

I think that even if you are not going to the track, having a lateral support at or near the tail will provide a stiffer chassis and better handling.

Oh, I'm sure it would. I just don't think I ride the bike hard enough to notice. I think it would be more of an issue with a 2-up seat as opposed to a solo saddle. I'll will weld a small tube across if I do notice anything sloppy.

[Trad]

Those bikes are built for looks.

To each there own and I appreciate the comment.

[calj737]

You are IT&T, Trad; to each their own. And I'm sure Dustin builds a very good bike. However, there is no denying the structural value of the fender brace. It ties both sides together AND offers support for a 2-up riding condition. Now, a solo seat removes that need, but, it doesn't lessen the structural value of the brace.

Many people believe that a brace or gusset needs to be thick, burly and bulky. They do not. The fender brace, if I recall correctly, is stamped but also ribbed. This ribbing provides extra support.

Case in point, an underbody rock shield on off road vehicles. You can put a 1/2" thick piece of steel there. A rock will puncture it and it will deform from impact. Replace it with a 1/4" sheet, BUT, punch holes in, and becomes about 6x as strong as the 1/2". It's not the mass, it's the structural design.

I say none of this to persuade you either direction, only to provide insight. Personally, on my 550 build I removed the rear triangular brace and have received enormous negative feedback.BUT, I know from a design and structure perspective, it's not needed. So I'm good with designs that eliminate need, but my recommendation would be to tie the two legs back together with 1/2x1" flat stock. It will never been seen, and can even provide a mounting brace to attach your seat to. It will hide within the thickness of the seat tube, and provide everything back, and then some.

Any way you go, ride safely and cognitive the build.

[Trad]

You are IT&T, Trad; to each their own. And I'm sure Dustin builds a very good bike. However, there is no denying the structural value of the fender brace. It ties both sides together AND offers support for a 2-up riding condition. Now, a solo seat removes that need, but, it doesn't lessen the structural value of the brace.

Many people believe that a brace or gusset needs to be thick, burly and bulky. They do not. The fender brace, if I recall correctly, is stamped but also ribbed. This ribbing provides extra support.

Case in point, an underbody rock shield on off road vehicles. You can put a 1/2" thick piece of steel there. A rock will puncture it and it will deform from impact. Replace it with a 1/4" sheet, BUT, punch holes in, and becomes about 6x as strong as the 1/2". It's not the mass, it's the structural design.

I say none of this to persuade you either direction, only to provide insight. Personally, on my 550 build I removed the rear triangular brace and have received enormous negative feedback.BUT, I know from a design and structure perspective, it's not needed. So I'm good with designs that eliminate need, but my recommendation would be to tie the two legs back together with 1/2x1" flat stock. It will never been seen, and can even provide a mounting brace to attach your seat to. It will hide within the thickness of the seat tube, and provide everything back, and then some.

Any way you go, ride safely and cognitive the build.

calj737, Thank you for the input. You do make some good points. I know for my riding style it's not a necessity but I know it is probably a stiffer, more rigid ride with a brace intact. Come to think of it, I may make a bolt on brace on the very end of the ears and attach a tail light under the cowel. That is if I don't put one in the cowel of the seat itself.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think that even if you are not going to the track, having a lateral support at or near the tail will provide a stiffer chassis and better handling.

Oh, I'm sure it would. I just don't think I ride the bike hard enough to notice. I think it would be more of an issue with a 2-up seat as opposed to a solo saddle. I'll will weld a small tube across if I do notice anything sloppy.

I fell like the bike is really starting to take shape.

I like the way the bike is shaping up.  The "I can't leave well enough alone" would push for welding in a brace, but that said, I passed on installing a Gordon frame splice kit on my K7 the second time the engine came out (thinking it would never come out again and that I would have to paint over the welds to match the PC!), so who am I to preach!  That said, if it's not too much of a headache (that's an "IF"), weld in a brace now and leave that worry behind.

Looking forward to what comes next.

[Trad]

I think that even if you are not going to the track, having a lateral support at or near the tail will provide a stiffer chassis and better handling.

Oh, I'm sure it would. I just don't think I ride the bike hard enough to notice. I think it would be more of an issue with a 2-up seat as opposed to a solo saddle. I'll will weld a small tube across if I do notice anything sloppy.

I fell like the bike is really starting to take shape.

I like the way the bike is shaping up.  The "I can't leave well enough alone" would push for welding in a brace, but that said, I passed on installing a Gordon frame splice kit on my K7 the second time the engine came out (thinking it would never come out again and that I would have to paint over the welds to match the PC!), so who am I to preach!  That said, if it's not too much of a headache (that's an "IF"), weld in a brace now and leave that worry behind.

Looking forward to what comes next.

Thanks for looking, I'll keep updated as progress happens. I tend to work in waves. haha

I will most likely make a bolted in brace at the end if the frame ears and use it to mount the seat.

That 750 slice kit looks like such a pain in the ass but would be such a headache saver after all was said and done.

[Trad]

Some OEM goodness for the Nos tank arrived today. #$%*in'

[RobbyD]

Loving the build man, keep up the good work

[Trad]

Loving the build man, keep up the good work

Thanks man! I should have the tank next week. Can't wait to mount it and see how it looks.

[RobbyD]

One more quick question.  What made you decide to to go with a diffrent tank set up?  Just wanting a different look then the bcr stuff?

 Reason I ask is bc I've been tossing the idea of a bcr tank/seat combo and ditching my 74 cb550 tank.  Only thing is is you see so many horror stories about bcr quality and Fitment that i don't know if I'm willing to take a 900$ gamble

[Trad]

One more quick question.  What made you decide to to go with a diffrent tank set up?  Just wanting a different look then the bcr stuff?

 Reason I ask is bc I've been tossing the idea of a bcr tank/seat combo and ditching my 74 cb550 tank.  Only thing is is you see so many horror stories about bcr quality and Fitment that i don't know if I'm willing to take a 900$ gamble

I did not have any issues with my BCR stuff at all. I am also having an alloy seat made by Benjie to fit with my NOS 550 tank. He communicates well and his product is good. You pay a premium so you should receive a premium product.

I would rock the BCR set if I did not find that NOS 550 tank. I have always wanted to make a bike with a survivor tank and now I am 

My BCR set up just sold BTW

[Trad]

Pulled the carbs off to rebuild and polish. With a little help from Harisuluv on the forum. Sending them out tonight.

[Trad]

Ordered one of these from the nice guys at Heat Break Cycle Works.



This should clean the front end up nicely.

[WhyNot2]

Nice looking bike so far...........that tree top looks great.

I like watching 550 builds........I want one so bad.

Trying to get ideas, for when I do.

[Trad]

Nice looking bike so far...........that tree top looks great.

I like watching 550 builds........I want one so bad.

Trying to get ideas, for when I do.

Thanks man. 550's are great. I feel like it's the best mix between power and size in the SOHC4 lineup.

Looks like you have quite the collection of bikes already.

[WhyNot2]

Nice looking bike so far...........that tree top looks great.

I like watching 550 builds........I want one so bad.

Trying to get ideas, for when I do.

Thanks man. 550's are great. I feel like it's the best mix between power and size in the SOHC4 lineup.

Looks like you have quite the collection of bikes already.

Yea, thanks man.

The 350 is original except exhaust, (it's gone) with only 2800 mile.

Does (no kidding) have the factory tires and still hold air.

Don't want to cut it or the 750.

The 100 is toast, blown engine, rust everywhere even wheels are rusted thru.

I'm looking for a basket case 550, so I can cut it up and do something like you are doing.

Here in Georgia, I can have it legal on the road with just the bare minimum. Which is what I want.

[Trad]

Nice looking bike so far...........that tree top looks great.

I like watching 550 builds........I want one so bad.

Trying to get ideas, for when I do.

Thanks man. 550's are great. I feel like it's the best mix between power and size in the SOHC4 lineup.

Looks like you have quite the collection of bikes already.

Yea, thanks man.

The 350 is original except exhaust, (it's gone) with only 2800 mile.

Does (no kidding) have the factory tires and still hold air.

Don't want to cut it or the 750.

The 100 is toast, blown engine, rust everywhere even wheels are rusted thru.

I'm looking for a basket case 550, so I can cut it up and do something like you are doing.

Here in Georgia, I can have it legal on the road with just the bare minimum. Which is what I want.

Original tires! that's amazing. haha

Pretty much the first thing I did to this bike was cut the hubs out and lace them up with new spokes, rims, and rubber.  Mine were toast! That was really the only "bad" aspect to this bike when I picked it up.

This was my runner and the clock is ticking down to summer. I don't want to rush anything though. I may have to pick up another runner and start a "fleet" of bikes of my own. 

This bike won't classify as legal around these parts. Albeit I've not had any front blinkers on any of my bikes in the last 2 years and have yet to get a ticket. I did get a ticket for how my licence plate was mounted though. (vertically mounted on the rear chain tensioner.)

hope you find a decent 550. I've seen a good number of them popping up on here.

[Trad]

Baby steps today. Did a lot of adjusting and mock up for various projects I have going on for this thing. (electronics tray, seat, etc.)

I did get to sanding all the casting marks out of the sprocket cover. 60 grit to 220 then scotch bright. Going to continue the brushed theme on the alloy seat, engine, and whatever else I decide to do. Trying to keep the polished and chrome to the wheels and forks only.

[WhyNot2]

Kewl.....I like that idea............

[Trad]

So I put a deposit in with Benjie from BCR for a custom alloy cafe seat with ribbed brown leather. I will be leaving the tank brushed and it will be designed along the lines of the second photo of the low cowl Kott Motorcycles seat. I will have him make a custom bracket to act as a rear brace as well as the mount for the seat.  Se excited for this.

[DustyRags]

I like that second one, a lot. Nice lines, and doesn't look like every other cafe out there.