Author Topic: 1978 CB550K4 Project  (Read 22574 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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1978 CB550K4 Project
« on: March 03, 2014, 11:19:03 AM »
What do you do when the 550 bug bites you, and you don't want to modify a nice bike? 

I bought this 1978 CB550K4 on the cheap.  It's a runner, but the carbs need work, the front is wobbly and the engine has leaks at the shift spline, head gasket and valve cover gasket.  That said, it's all there and the makings of a solid build project donor.











My initial thought is to go with a modern/USD GSXR front with Cognitomoto custom offset tree, modern box-style swingarm, 18" wheels, and something peppier for the motor.
« Last Edit: June 04, 2015, 04:37:22 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Online calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #1 on: March 03, 2014, 12:35:10 PM »
If the outcome of your other projects is any indication of the results this bike faces, I'm already jealous!
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Mcwilliams570

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #2 on: March 03, 2014, 03:53:33 PM »
Looks like a nice start cb750 those parts are so nice from Cognito Moto.

Matt
My CB550 project http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=101182.0

Project UFB Cb550 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=112143.0

Like a 10 dollar hooker on Friday night its going to be ridden.

1974 cb550
1975 cb550
2005 vmax
2009 vmax-sold
1981 gl500i

Offline tweakin

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #3 on: March 03, 2014, 04:55:46 PM »
I'll follow along.  That donor bike looks pretty good and could be a restore IMO.  But opinions are like arseholes and it's your bike, do what you will and enjoy the crap out of it...

Seems like we might have a similar addictive personality.  ;)

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #4 on: March 03, 2014, 06:40:47 PM »
I'll follow along.  That donor bike looks pretty good and could be a restore IMO.  But opinions are like arseholes and it's your bike, do what you will and enjoy the crap out of it...

Seems like we might have a similar addictive personality.  ;)

Thanks, Tige.  She looks good from far but far from good.  She'd be a restoration candidate in the Tige book, but I really wanted a runner to make into a light weight carver.  The idea is to eventually hand this bike over to my nephew.  I want to give him something that will stop and handle much better than stock, and be naturally nimble.

[UNFORTUNATELY: the nephew has since failed to show any interest]

I'm going to use a 1976 750 Super Sport tank modified to fit the 550 frame, with both knee dents and clip-on dents inspired by Raccia's 550 build.



Speaking of clip-ons, since the front end didn't come with the stockers, I picked up a set of Woodcraft clip-ons:


« Last Edit: June 04, 2015, 04:38:45 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline tweakin

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #5 on: March 04, 2014, 06:44:55 AM »
Nice, you nephew will be for ever great full.  I run woodcraft clip ons on the the 915 and love the fit and finish.

Offline gheorghe

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #6 on: March 04, 2014, 08:28:53 AM »
Nice ride, I'm about to place a similar order to Cognito, I too have my GSXR fork, Can't wait to see the direction you'll be going.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #7 on: March 04, 2014, 09:37:56 AM »
I've been trying to rummage through my spare parts collection to scavange for this bike.  That said, I will need to start budgeting for parts.  I'm trying not to get ahead of myself as I want to have my K2 750 well in hand before I go at this 550 build in earnest.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #8 on: March 04, 2014, 10:04:32 AM »
Nice, you nephew will be for ever great full.  I run woodcraft clip ons on the the 915 and love the fit and finish.

He's a great kid.  17 years old and no attitude.  He works his ass off in school, plays drums in a garage band, and runs cross-country.  I'll have to find something for him to learn to ride (that can be dropped without any heart attacks) before he graduates to this.  Maybe a cheap enduro (dual sport).  At least with the modern brakes and forks, the bike will have drastically improved braking and handling, and I will feel better not giving him a rickety bike with the stock brakes and forks.  This bike rides extremely wobbly, as the steering bearings are pretty well shot, and the brake feels wooden.  I've already purchased All Balls bearings and steel braided lines to go with the new front end.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #9 on: March 04, 2014, 04:18:22 PM »
I'm undecided on the seat. 
Option 1:  I have a spare Carpy Vincent style seat that I could use and call it a day:



Option 2:  I like the look of the Dime City seat used by Jojo on his 750 build:





Option 3:  A bratstyle seat with a removable speed-hump cowl (that would allow for two-up riding) similar to this with a cowl that goes on top of the rear portion:





Has anyone done something like Option 3?  Opinions?
« Last Edit: March 04, 2014, 05:48:04 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Trad

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #10 on: March 04, 2014, 07:09:43 PM »
Hey Don, in for this for sure!
74 CB550 Build: NOS-GUTTED-OEMplus-HOLDTRUE
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,130575.0.html

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #11 on: March 04, 2014, 07:33:14 PM »
Hey Don, in for this for sure!

Thanks for finding me a 650 cam!!
« Last Edit: June 04, 2015, 04:39:43 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jojo

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #12 on: March 04, 2014, 08:41:26 PM »
I'm undecided on the seat. 
Option 1:  I have a spare Carpy Vincent style seat that I could use and call it a day:



Option 2:  I like the look of the Dime City seat used by Jojo on his 750 build:





Option 3:  A bratstyle seat with a removable speed-hump cowl (that would allow for two-up riding) similar to this with a cowl that goes on top of the rear portion:





Has anyone done something like Option 3?  Opinions?


Id go with option number 3  if you have a mrs cafe racer fan that likes to tab along from time to time. Otherwise id go with option number 2 :)

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #13 on: March 04, 2014, 08:45:10 PM »
I was thinking of keeping the 2-up riding option open for my nephew.  To that end, I will have to be creative with respect about passenger pegs, since I am planning on using rearsets.  He's a taller kid.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline thirsty 1

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #14 on: March 04, 2014, 09:42:42 PM »
Seems you need a hobby....
73' CL125, 75' CB400F, 16' KTM 1190R, 05' KTM 525EXC

75' CB400F  -  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127295.0

My 79 CB750F for fun   ----   http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=19923.0

Online calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #15 on: March 05, 2014, 04:19:12 AM »
Don - might also give some thought to "preventing" him from 2-up riding on his bike, at least until some time passes and he has experience riding. Also, he might prefer the more aggressive look of a solo rider than a brat.

Obviously, he would have the bike for a very long time, so 2-up would become practical, but hopefully by then, he'll have a stable full from which to choose. This was my approach with my boys, and I have no regrets. Besides, he can always change the seat later.

My $0.05 worth (which isn't usually worth a penny to most).
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline gheorghe

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #16 on: March 05, 2014, 05:16:20 AM »
I'd vote for option number 2. If the DCC price is a bit hard to swallow, Motolana has a similar seat thats a bit cheaper but looks every bit as nice

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #17 on: March 05, 2014, 08:03:43 AM »
Don - might also give some thought to "preventing" him from 2-up riding on his bike, at least until some time passes and he has experience riding. Also, he might prefer the more aggressive look of a solo rider than a brat.

Obviously, he would have the bike for a very long time, so 2-up would become practical, but hopefully by then, he'll have a stable full from which to choose. This was my approach with my boys, and I have no regrets. Besides, he can always change the seat later.

My $0.05 worth (which isn't usually worth a penny to most).

Cal,

That's a really good point. I think I will think on it some more, but a solo seat for now is a good choice to discourage 2-up riding until he has more seat time.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #18 on: March 05, 2014, 12:27:43 PM »
I'd vote for option number 2. If the DCC price is a bit hard to swallow, Motolana has a similar seat thats a bit cheaper but looks every bit as nice

I really like the look of the DCC seat on #2 (it has a GREAT shape), but I was discouraged by Jojo's experience with mounting the seat, since the base is made out of ABS plastic, and does not provide a very rigid base for mounting to the frame rails.  Jojo ended up riviting metal to the seat base so it would be sturdy enough to mount to the frame.

I guess I'll have more time to think about it, since I need to focus on my K2 Bionic Mongrel build first.  For now, I am just gathering parts for this build.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #19 on: March 11, 2014, 02:15:20 PM »
I'd vote for option number 2. If the DCC price is a bit hard to swallow, Motolana has a similar seat thats a bit cheaper but looks every bit as nice

Thanks, gheorghe.  I previously overlooked the Motolanna seat.  It looks nearly identical to the DCC and much cheaper.  It might be sturdier since it is built on a fiberglass base instead of ABS plastic, too.  I'll look into it some more.  http://www.motolanna.com/ourshop/prod_1910098-Seat-Cafe-Racer-v30.html
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #20 on: March 11, 2014, 02:29:22 PM »
I really like this seat from Witchey. It works best with the 77-78 K style tank as it matches the contours, but even with an F tank I think it's a great looking seat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151231727530
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #21 on: March 11, 2014, 02:40:58 PM »
I really like this seat from Witchey. It works best with the 77-78 K style tank as it matches the contours, but even with an F tank I think it's a great looking seat.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/151231727530

That's a good looking seat.  Similar to what I've seen on HD flat trackers.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #22 on: March 21, 2014, 07:52:28 AM »
Gathering more parts in preparation.

Cycle X gasket kit
Regulator/rectifier
ProTaper clutch perch

Thinking of what type of gauge - Acewell, Speedhut or something else - and rear sets
« Last Edit: February 01, 2015, 07:56:34 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Online calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #23 on: March 21, 2014, 10:53:33 AM »

Thinking of what type of gauge - Acewell, Speedhut or something else - and rear sets

How about something like this? Just arrived today along with my bar end m-Blaze discs.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

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Re: 1978 CB550K4 Another Bike?
« Reply #24 on: March 21, 2014, 06:04:05 PM »

Thinking of what type of gauge - Acewell, Speedhut or something else - and rear sets

How about something like this? Just arrived today along with my bar end m-Blaze discs.

That Motogadget gear is pure bike porn!! 
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold