Topic: 76-77 CL1000 front end conversion on a 76 cb550?????

[L.A. Nomad........]

I'm thinking of buying a 76-77 GL1000 front end, to put on my CB550. I'm told I would have to have the GL steering stem pressed out and replaced with a CB550 steering stem. Other than adjusting the position of the fork tubes is there anything else I should look out for?

This conversion seems better than the regular "add another stock disc" setup. Anyone have any input on this setup? Is it worth it? What should I lookout for?

Thanks, Nomad

[L.A. Nomad........]

I know this is kinda of extreme, but I got the GL1000 front end really cheap. Anyone have any input on this matter? Anyone want to give me a quick run down? All my info was patched from here and there.

Nomad

[KrautKoffin]

Bump for answers, a buddy has a gl1000 front end he's trying to get me to put on my 550..

[seanbarney41]

I don't think you even have to change stems...If 750 and 550 stems are the same, I know you don't.

[Bankerdanny]

Sure, it's not a difficult swap, but the stem does have to be switched out. The GL is longer than the 550

[seanbarney41]

anybody got a 550 lower triple hangin' around to measure the stem?  I got several 750 stems I will measure and post results...this has got my curiosity peaked...seems like I have compared 550 and 750 stems in the past and found them to be the same.  Seems like sometimes someone will post incorrect info here and then it gets quoted multiple times until people think it is true.

[mazen0822]

I've done this swap already and the stems do need to be swapped out as the GL is longer. Its the single best mod I've done to my bike.

[seanbarney41]

ok, it sounds like you guys know your #$%* first hand

[KrautKoffin]

Nomad - if you can post a pic of the underside of the GL stem, it may be possible to have it "pushed" back out to shorten it. Not always possible on factory Honda stems due to them not having enough throat profile on the topside of the lower stem.

If it can't be shortened that way, then another option is to have it cut in half, then shortened, then plugged and welded back together to the proper overall length. Understanding this:
- only the top and bottom portions of the stem are under direct stress.
- rigidity of the stem matters, and the new "connection" must be as strong or stronger, and the interior plug should be pinned.
- grind the welds on the modification down to pass thru the bearings, and install.

OR, have a new stem pressed into the GL lower from a 550. More than likely the seat area is the same and the stem bottom is the identical measurement in diameter. I'd suggest spot welding the new stem into place for assurance.

Make sense?

I'd like to see pictures of all of this!

[KrautKoffin]

Jordan - you are too voyeuristic. Always want more pictures.... Same could be said in reverse of your recent trip to CR. Where's the juicy pics of that trip??? :-)

My fiancé would kick my ass if I posted the 'juicy' pictures! I'll see what I can find in our drop box account of a buddies night on the town with 5 hookers. 

A local friend has a 75 gl1000 front end he's willing to sell me for $200, apparently it's all in good working order, so it'll be going on my 550 if I go that route.. If not it'll end up on my 750!

[KrautKoffin]

Take the stem I sent you to a shop. Have them press it out. Ditto on the GL. Press 550 stem into GL lower. All done. Add a bead if weld on underside of stem for good measure. Voilá!

You're awesome, I'll definitely be doing that.

[754]

You have to grind off the weld first, then push it out, then reweld.
 Go easy though pushing it out not to mushroom the end..harder to push thru.
 Bing LiGHTBULB moment !!!!
 Grind weld off.
 Make a spacer stack to fit up to where your bearing cover fits, upper end, so bearing collar engages 75 % thread..
 Now use the nut if you can figure out a good way to turn it.
 Turn the nut, it will act like a jackscrew or puller, and suck that stem right out.
 Do same both stems.
 Final Step.. Buy 754 beer instead of paying shop to remove stems.

 Then when you press back in to correct depth, reweld. I would weld prep both parts to get weld to stay flatter