Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Winter 2013 Build (Read 20557 times)

goldarrow · « **Reply #100 on:** May 26, 2014, 04:27:18 PM »

Quote from: Chaser60 on May 26, 2014, 03:06:56 PM

regarding master link clip, should opening be facing front or back when link is on bottom side of sprockets?

Flip it the other way. Should make sense as you turn the wheel or direction of travel...

(Read-I don't know how to describe it)

Tews19 · « **Reply #101 on:** May 26, 2014, 05:13:35 PM »

Nice build and the paint came out absolutely gorgeous!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #102 on:** May 26, 2014, 05:35:55 PM »

Looks like this one's almost a wrap! That or the name of the thread will have to change!

calj737 · « **Reply #103 on:** May 26, 2014, 06:04:29 PM »

Master clip "opens" to front wheel

Chaser60 · « **Reply #104 on:** May 30, 2014, 10:38:29 AM »

The CONE brothers have arrived. And they are identical twins ! Can not wait to hear them sing.

First thing they needed is to have a small bracket welded on both for my attach points at the rear peg area. I have zero welding equipment or skills, but found a local guy that would do it while I waited. Cary rides a great old Harley that he showed me pics of. A great vintage ride that he has done some very nice work on.

I also picked up the 4 into 2 used aftermarket headers from ceramic coating yesterday. I didnt snap a picture, but they look great in a nice matte black.

I think I now have all the bits and pieces to take a hard run at finishing this up over this weekend and arriving at that anticipated first try to crank it up....and the much more anticipated first ride since the beginning of November.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #105 on:** June 01, 2014, 12:23:09 PM »

Headers mounted today.

Love the matte black of the ceramic coat. overall easy install.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #106 on:** June 01, 2014, 12:31:46 PM »

Next up the cone engineering quiet core mufflers and mid pipes. All they had is single 18 degree mandrel bends so that is what I am working with for the mid pipe. Basically job was mount headers without the new crush washers to mock up the layout. Measure 3 times to be sure I didnt mess up. Trim the headers at the collector. Trim a bit off each end of the mid pipe, 5/8 inch long slots at end of the muffler and mid pipe where those go over another pipe. This was recommended by Cone so that the clamp could draw in the joint. Used a dremel and made 4 slots 5/8 of inch long 90 degrees apart. Picked this length so it would be fully hidden by the clamp.

Clearance all around is good. Here is a side view

and one from the back too

Next up, need to go out and buy a little metal to fab the bracket that will run from the rear peg set down to the bracket that was welded onto the mufflers a few days ago.

This bike was going to hit the road today, but I have hit a major snag with the carbs. Will post that in next part.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #107 on:** June 01, 2014, 12:41:56 PM »

I could really use some advice on this issue. It is also posted on the other Q&A part of the forum, but have had limited replies.

I have run into a problem with the throttle. All this is done with engine off. Bike is not running. When I twist the throttle grip and just before WOT, I feel a catch. Then it does not return to closed without assistance. I can hear a noise and then once i trwist closed past the catch point it returns to closed without further assistance. I have a short video from my iphone (.mov format) that shows the carbs for 1 and 2 cyl. If you look closely you can see that the #2 actually move up(open) slightly more than number one. There is also a little loose play in the number 2. Meaning if I push on the brass colored nut on number one there is almost no wiggle or play. If I do same on #2, I can move it up and down slightly.

I disconnected the throttle cables. The throttle grip and cables work very smoothly so the issue is in the carb throttle mechanism or internal (oh man, I hope not internal....)

So if I operate the throttle cam by hand, I still get the same "hitch" or catch or binding. It really seems like it is happening somewhere between #1 and #2 carbs. It is so strong that the return spring can not immediately return to closed. With a little assistance or just time, it will push through the catch and back to closed.

Any ideas on cause or suggestions how to trouble shoot this further. I am dreading pulling carbs back off this bike as I was so damn close to hooking up gas and giving it a try, but this is not safe as it is.

attaching vidoe again. This was taken when the throttle cables were attached, but same issue happens without cables attached. It is just wicked hard to open the throttle due to the spring force.

Ok, so I dont seem to be able to embed the video. So first question is how do I attach or post a .mov file?

http://youtu.be/eaBkxvjfh_0

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #108 on:** June 02, 2014, 12:39:06 AM »

Like the look of those Cone Engineering mufflers on the 4-2 headers.

goldarrow · « **Reply #109 on:** June 06, 2014, 11:06:43 PM »

Check and try to adjust correctly the throttle stop screw on the carbs. And see if that catching is still there

onetruepunk87 · « **Reply #110 on:** June 08, 2014, 06:31:24 AM »

Just read through your whole thread, the bike looks amazing, can't wait to see it finished! I wish I had the same header pipes to copy that exhaust on my 500.

I saw earlier on you were looking for smaller reflectors, have you looked into the 71' CB500 reflectors (CB500 K0). They were smaller in diameter than the other years and would probably swap right into a 550.

I'm not sure how similar the 500 and 550 carbs are, but in relation to yours getting caught up, when I was putting my 500 carbs back together last month I was checking to make sure the slides were all moving freely before I folded up the "tongued washers" and one was getting caught up not letting it close all the way without force because I hadn't bent it back yet. I know you said you didn't go into the carbs but it's easy enought to unscrew the carb tops and check the previous owner's work.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #111 on:** June 08, 2014, 04:59:23 PM »

Thanks for kind words on the bike. I am so ready to ride....However, as this picture shows, I am now into a carb cleaning fiesta ! Great help from the forum members. Pulled #1 apart and sure enough, the walls of the slider and the tube were varnishy...(is that a word) and so I ordered gasket only set of kits and have pulled 3 out of 4 carbs apart. I am holding the 4th hostage so I have a guide to get one back together. They are all cleaned and ready for reassembly. Got a little screwed by PARTZILLA and US postal, so am stuck doing little side projects waiting for my gaskets to arrive from Georgia to Virginia via Florida...GO figure.

This forum has many carb threads and I also found an article with great pictures at Motorcycle Classics Project Café: Motorcycle Classics BikeBandit.com Honda CB500. Very useful for a carb newb.

On quick question. For the main jet, I can not find any numbers marked on them anywhere. How do I know what it is?

Chaser60 · « **Reply #112 on:** June 08, 2014, 05:04:36 PM »

like I said, side projects. Here are the little muffler brackets I fab'd from a bit of flat steel. These come off the rear pass pegs and follow same angle down to the Cone Twins.

Used same steel and the rubber centerstand stop from original pipes and fab'd up a centerstand stop. Didnt get a picture of that one, but it works pretty slick.

calj737 · « **Reply #113 on:** June 08, 2014, 05:20:18 PM »

It's looking awfully good, Bill. Did you catch Trad's build? He pulled the hats off the top of his shocks (and subsequently coerced me into it as well). I must admit, it does make these bikes look much better.

In case you run out of side projects, and wanted to give that a consideration?

onetruepunk87 · « **Reply #114 on:** June 08, 2014, 05:44:46 PM »

Partzilla is probably one of the cheapest part sites but also the slowest, I waited 2 and a half weeks on an order from them.

If memory serves me the jet size on mine were written on the top ridge of the jet on the side, it was very faint and had a little keihin K symbol next to it.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #115 on:** June 15, 2014, 06:45:13 PM »

The side projects continue. Gaskets arrived. Got 3 carbs back together. The sticking is all solved so I am glad I took them all apart to clean them...Then a small disaster. Was putting #4 together and as I hand tightened the low speed jet, it broke off in the carb body...Was able to extract it since I had not really tightened it in much. Harisuluv was James on the spot and shipped me off a jet. Sadly USPS was my new gremlin and according to the tracker, my little jet has been hanging out in phoenix for days. So while still waiting on a new jet for the #4 carb, I am still doing side projects. Here is the center stand stop.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #116 on:** June 15, 2014, 06:59:54 PM »

When I bought the bike, it had some gel coated after market side covers. Straight black and kinda nasty. I had some ideas to fab my own, then I found these at DIME CITY.

The fit is not great overall, lots of trimming and since I am still using the seat hardware, had to trim off a corner too. They are ABS plastic and I wet sanded them here which is why they look so bad... .

I bought these because I liked how they filled the side frame triangles.

I did not want them painted so while watching a show on velocity network, got the idea for 3m film wrap. 1080 film is pretty easy to work with. lots on the interweb and 3m PDF files. I am no expert, and I can see flaws in what I did, but overall I am pretty pleased with this.

I bought the black carbon fiber version, but there are dozens for you to choose. Overall, I like this concept.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #117 on:** June 15, 2014, 07:13:36 PM »

One thing about these side covers if you are not moving your electrical panel. The left side will not fit very well. The top 2 connectors on the left of the panel stick out too far. The grey box above the 3 fuses sticks out even further and then there are the fuses. So I moved the fuse and mounted them to the inner fender

Plenty of clearance. A little worried about vibration, so may remount with rubber washers

Then fab'ed a 90 degree bracket to move the largest box in board

Then moved the top two connectors in side and flat side. Will attach those with wire ties, once have the carbs back in and can check for interference with the air filter box.

I think all these little changes seem ok, but if anyone has suggestions or concerns, please let me know.

Good news. Just checked USPS and my jet has at least made it to Virginia. I am anxious to turn this thing on and get on and go.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #118 on:** June 15, 2014, 10:17:05 PM »

Any particular reason to stick with the old tube fuses? You could swap in an updated blade-style fuse block and carry some spares (just in case). One of the better mods for less than $10.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #119 on:** June 16, 2014, 05:25:00 AM »

CB750 CRF: I should do that . I have seen the Hondaman plug in fuse replacement module. Like everything he does, awesome work and design. I recall it to be $50 or so and I am just out of money for now on this build. I have overspent nearly everywhere. I had looked at the usual suspects of auto parts stores, but here in my part of VA, they only seem to carry a common ground 6 or 8 fuse box and I am already having space issues with these new and flat side covers. If you could let me know where you found a box for $10, I will probably get that done while waiting for the carb jet.

Any experience with the mini blade fuses? They might solve my space issue if I can source a small 3 to 6 fuse block.

calj737 · « **Reply #120 on:** June 16, 2014, 05:37:22 AM »

Chaser- 2 things.

You could easily convert each fuse circuit into a single inline type of weatherproof blade style. Yes, you'd have 3, but might afford you some installation flexibility.

The 3m wrap; it needs to be installed on a very smooth surface to adhere permanently. A clear coat is the best finish. You wet sanded the plastic, but did you end up creating a "tooth" that will cause a loss of adhesion? There's a vanilla guy right around the corner from me, and I literally took my Benjie fiberglass tank to him last Wednesday. These were his very specific instructions and caveats. Wouldn't even consider wrapping my tank as it's in primer. Required a top coat for durability.

I decided against wrapping it because they wanted $450 and for a fraction of that I could paint it. Next time, member here Fankenfrank-something sells high quality replacement side covers that actually fit :-)

Chaser60 · « **Reply #121 on:** June 16, 2014, 06:02:17 AM »

Thanks Calj,

I looked at those single inline fuses. Didn't love the 3 individuals, but I may end up going there. Another side project for another day. I don't think we are ever "done' with these bikes. That is the fun of it isn't it...

As for the film, 3m gives massive how to's on it. It is relatively cheap to buy the film. As you found out, professional install is not cheap. I had basically 12 inches square for each cover and about $15 in film, so not a budget buster. What is cool about film is that I definitely don't know how to paint to make it look like carbon fiber. Time will tell on the adhesion. A tank would look insane, but that would definitely need professional install. With heat, you can easily over stretch or melt this film. I am also not sure how well this film would handle gas spills in a tank application, but carbon fiber tank would rock the right build. Sort of all high tech fighter jet stuff. Hmmm could be concept for my next build ...If I ever finish this one !!!!

I did look at frankenstuff's side covers. Excellent looking products for sure. I just was going for a bit more of a departure from stock 550 or 550F styling.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #122 on:** June 16, 2014, 07:35:40 AM »

Quote from: Chaser60 on June 16, 2014, 06:02:17 AM

Thanks Calj,

I looked at those single inline fuses. Didn't love the 3 individuals, but I may end up going there. Another side project for another day. I don't think we are ever "done' with these bikes. That is the fun of it isn't it...

As for the film, 3m gives massive how to's on it. It is relatively cheap to buy the film. As you found out, professional install is not cheap. I had basically 12 inches square for each cover and about $15 in film, so not a budget buster. What is cool about film is that I definitely don't know how to paint to make it look like carbon fiber. Time will tell on the adhesion. A tank would look insane, but that would definitely need professional install. With heat, you can easily over stretch or melt this film. I am also not sure how well this film would handle gas spills in a tank application, but carbon fiber tank would rock the right build. Sort of all high tech fighter jet stuff. Hmmm could be concept for my next build ...If I ever finish this one !!!!

I did look at frankenstuff's side covers. Excellent looking products for sure. I just was going for a bit more of a departure from stock 550 or 550F styling.

On my 550, I have a 6 channel like this one, and I carry extra fuses in the unused channels.
http://www.amazon.com/HELLA-H84960091-6-Way-Lateral-Single/dp/B000VU9D1G/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1402929223&sr=8-2&keywords=Fuse+block

Chaser60 · « **Reply #123 on:** June 18, 2014, 06:16:46 AM »

My #38 Jet arrived and so yesterday, I finished up carb #4 reassembly. Thanks James ! Did a bench sync. All carbs now working beautifully. (at least they feel that way) So time to get them installed and wrap this up.

Moved right on to installing them back on the bike. For both the carb rebuild and install techniques, the carb faq and several other threads were very helpful.

Chaser60 · « **Reply #124 on:** June 18, 2014, 06:36:46 AM »

Finished up rest the build yesterday. Overall I am pleased with the way this came out.

It started on 3rd kick so that was good too. Need to check timing, plugs and such but it seems to pull hard through all gears. Cant shake the uneasy feeling that I forgot to do something or did it incorrect, so will go slow with riding until I have gained confidence in my work. Will post up some other pics and thanks at a later date.

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Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Winter 2013 Build (Read 20557 times)