Topic: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I decided to ditch the funky Chinese fuel cap/gauge. I never could get it accurate and the noise of the float knocking around in the gas tank finally got to me.  I am replacing with a clear Joker cap and latch.



I noticed that my dual stock calipers are not completely square with the rotors, causing only partial engagement on the right side.  I am considering trying to get these Brembos to fit.  I'm just not thrilled about the braking performance.  Winter project.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

A couple of solid mods/improvements to my stockish 550:

I traded the stock throttle for a 1/4 turn throttle.  The bike is so much more responsive and just feels "punchier."  This necessitated a new starter, so my buddy Jay wired me a small microswitch onto my gauge bracket.  The kill and the light "OFF" is now gone, but the microswitch works great with a gloved finger.  Also switched to new grips.  I have these on my 750 and prefer them to the stock balloon grips.
Throtte

image_zps0xoh9ryw by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

Microswitch

image_zpsaxh6qaj3 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

The Ripple Rock front frame brace is now in, too.  IMHO, it helps improve handling.  All you do is remove the engine bolts, slide in the brace and re-install the stock bolts.  The bike feels better in turns.

image_zpsfkkhet1r by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

[Restoration Fan]

Don,
Where did you get the 1/4 turn throttle?  And it's hard to tell from that photo but did you have to change to different throttle cables to use it?


Ron

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Don,
Where did you get the 1/4 turn throttle?  And it's hard to tell from that photo but did you have to change to different throttle cables to use it?


Ron

I got it from my buddy Jay -- who re-wired the ignition -- since he did my harness.  I believe it is a standard Motion Pro model (not the expensive variable twist model).  The part is like $15-20.  It uses the standard 2 push-pull cables.





Sorry for the cluttered background.  Other half is using the garage to store "stuff."

[Restoration Fan]

Exactly the information I was looking for.  Thanks, Don.

[joeyvans]

I got it from my buddy Jay -- who re-wired the ignition -- since he did my harness.  I believe it is a standard Motion Pro model (not the expensive variable twist model).  The part is like $15-20.  It uses the standard 2 push-pull cables.

Don - you must be referring to LaRossa.  I read the cover article in the Dec/Jan issue of Café Racer.  "Aldo" is an awesome build (aside from the firestones), but I can't believe what that guy has gone through health-wise.  He is truly an inspiration, not only with his builds, Lossa Eng, etc... but what he has had to overcome in life.  Sounds like a great friend to have.

Kyle

[flatlander]

the ripple rock brace:
i've been trying to get an opinion on it for some time but nobody seemed to have tried one in anger. so... does it give more than a psychological advantage? do i need to buy one?

[MessnerMoto]

Don,
Where did you get the 1/4 turn throttle?  And it's hard to tell from that photo but did you have to change to different throttle cables to use it?


Ron

I got it from my buddy Jay -- who re-wired the ignition -- since he did my harness.  I believe it is a standard Motion Pro model (not the expensive variable twist model).  The part is like $15-20.  It uses the standard 2 push-pull cables.





Sorry for the cluttered background.  Other half is using the garage to store "stuff."

This throttle is elegant. Maybe it will go with my controls. Do you have a link for them ?

[Stev-o]

the ripple rock brace:
do i need to buy one?

We're both going to have to buy one to keep up with "The Don"!

The Progrips are my fav as well, I have them on the 550 and the K4.

[flatlander]

oh man, all this peer pressure! next thing we all need to get our hands on a dirty old 650 engine just so we don't feel left out

[bwaller]

A rider won't feel a difference by adding that brace alone. But, it bolts in a spot that's out of the way and will not hinder handling....and those are good things.

[Stev-o]

oh man, all this peer pressure! next thing we all need to get our hands on a dirty old 650 engine just so we don't feel left out

OR...build the "Gentlemans Express" motor with 750 pistons and the 650 cam, that's my plan!

[flatlander]

that's also a nice project!

[timbo750]

Sorry for the cluttered background.  Other half is using the garage to store "stuff."

So long as the bike does not become a shelf to put things on.

Sent from my SM-G920I using Tapatalk

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I took the bike out for a spirited ride.  I'm pretty pleased with both mods.  The throttle is like night and day.  I'm sorry I could not find a link for the throttle Jay installed.  It's only about $15-20, not the $90 variable rate Motion Pro one.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I got it from my buddy Jay -- who re-wired the ignition -- since he did my harness.  I believe it is a standard Motion Pro model (not the expensive variable twist model).  The part is like $15-20.  It uses the standard 2 push-pull cables.

Don - you must be referring to LaRossa.  I read the cover article in the Dec/Jan issue of Café Racer.  "Aldo" is an awesome build (aside from the firestones), but I can't believe what that guy has gone through health-wise.  He is truly an inspiration, not only with his builds, Lossa Eng, etc... but what he has had to overcome in life.  Sounds like a great friend to have.

Kyle

Jay is a good guy. You would NEVER know what he's been through and what he deals with daily. He's a positive and honest guy.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Fall project -- rethinking front brake set up.

[sinister902]

what size rotors are those nice brembo's meant for Don?

FZR rotors are the same bolt pattern as the early 6-bolt honda......

FZR600 rotors are 298mm and FZR750 are 320mm.....I use them a ton on my front end conversions.....I have some in stock even....

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

what size rotors are those nice brembo's meant for Don?

FZR rotors are the same bolt pattern as the early 6-bolt honda......

FZR600 rotors are 298mm and FZR750 are 320mm.....I use them a ton on my front end conversions.....I have some in stock even....

Interesting but not quite.

[Stev-o]

Fall project -- rethinking front brake set up.

What are you thinkin, Don?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

My friends at Beringer have some ideas.  Maybe something like this . . .

IMG_0265_zpsm70pogdt by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

My friends at Beringer USA giving the brakes a serious upgrade.  They used my CB550 to prototype the brake mount brackets.

New master cylinder and clutch perch:

IMG_0273_zpsq26xmuur by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

New floating rotors:

IMG_0264_zpsves43vcm by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

New Classic/Post-Classic Range Calipers and Brackets:

IMG_0263_zpsqwiy9sf4 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

http://www.beringer-brakes.com/en/moto/technologies/classic-post-classic-range-30.htm

[Retro Rocket]

Very cool....

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Darn lovely, Don. Must be nice to "hang" with such talented people    It sure would be nice if they made a modern rotor for our stock wire hubs, and this kit in fact (hint, hint). Maybe you can have a word with them?

These rotors DO match up to the stock hubs.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

So you can buy the rotor, caliper and MC, but only need to fab a caliper mounting bracket? Or are they planning to produce and sell that? Single or dual disc caliper setup?

This is VERY attractive!!!!!

I think my brackets are the prototype but YES you will be able to buy all the parts for a single or dual disc setup. Pretty stinking cool!

They told me to be careful getting used to the braking power. Much better feel too.

They are riding the bike in the Los Angeles DGR and using it for photos, shows and promo.