Author Topic: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods  (Read 148833 times)

0 Members and 3 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #650 on: July 04, 2017, 08:40:09 PM »
My little reliable sewing machine let me down today.  I was enjoying a great ride up though Palos Verdes when the bike stalled. 

Without a multimeter on hand, my buddy and I pulled the tank and (on the side of the road) we rewired the coils (after finding a break where the wire got crimped to the connector), got her started, then it stalled (another bad connection).  Replaced all the connections to both coils, got it started and off we went.  Returning home, the bike stalled, and then after waiting a few minutes refired, ran and then stalled again (4 times).  Then nada.  We were fairly close to home but not enough -- had to truck her home.  I'm debating a re-wire.
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 RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,356
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #651 on: July 05, 2017, 01:42:28 AM »
Check your battery voltage...
could have charging system issue with wiring it to drop the voltage feeding your coils until it bogs/stalls out because of weak spark.  Battery could recover slightly then boost up again after bike dies.  Were you kicking or starter? If kicking it could be undetected.  If using the starter, then never mind...it would have struggled or died.

Squirrel thread I think had a link for a good ratcheting crimper.  You want to use one as it makes a gastite mechanical bond in the crimp which is far superior to soldered connections.
Stat checking your voltages to various components and you can see the drops for each path you are choosing between ground and that point.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #652 on: July 05, 2017, 06:15:29 AM »
Charging is not the issue. The issue was the connections to the coils. At least initially. The battery had plenty of voltage and fired the bike with little effort with the stater once we fixed the connections to the coils. After that, who knows. It was a short we couldn't find since we were at the side of a road.  Luckily, I wasn't alone and had a mechanic friend riding with me.  Unlucky for us, we couldn't find the bad connection and I don't carry spare wire, a crimper, connectors and a multimeter with me. The point was that the crimps were poor and the wire was brittle. I am just debating running new wire and connections where absolutely needed versus more.
« Last Edit: July 05, 2017, 07:10:07 AM by SOHC4 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 riverfever

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,796
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #653 on: July 05, 2017, 07:47:08 AM »
Sorry to hear about this Don. I know how frustrating that can be. Did it look like a small rodent had been chewing on things?

Seriously, I'll be interested to see what you decide to do when addressing the problem(s).
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #654 on: July 05, 2017, 08:20:05 AM »
Sorry to hear about this Don. I know how frustrating that can be. Did it look like a small rodent had been chewing on things?

Seriously, I'll be interested to see what you decide to do when addressing the problem(s).

It was frustrating because once we cut of the bad crimps, stripped and reconnected the wiring to the coils, the bike ran great.  It started immediately and made good power.  I ran it for another 15 miles and then it died.  I pulled the tank and me and my buddy looked at all of our connections (looked fine).  After waiting a couple minutes the bike fired and ran (I got on it and rode for another few miles), and then repeat.  We looked at everything but couldn't find the issue so we trucked it home. 
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 nvr2old

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 484
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #655 on: July 05, 2017, 09:22:57 AM »
Does the bike die like turning a light switch off..?  If so this may not be a solution, but if it loses power, sputters, and then dies time after time, it might be something as simple as a clogged air vent in the gas cap.  If so, you might try riding it with a loose gas cap and see if it displays the same problem.
'76 CB550F-'72 XL250-'82 MB5-'82 CX500 Turbo-'77 naked Goldwing-'75 CB400F cafe'-'79 Suzuki GS1000S..hey, it's a Wes Cooley..

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #656 on: July 05, 2017, 09:35:38 AM »
Does the bike die like turning a light switch off..?  If so this may not be a solution, but if it loses power, sputters, and then dies time after time, it might be something as simple as a clogged air vent in the gas cap.  If so, you might try riding it with a loose gas cap and see if it displays the same problem.


I checked the cap; it appears to be venting fine. 

It is definitely a wire issue.  When it first died, I pulled the tank and saw that one of the wires was severed at the crimp to a connector.  The other crimps looked bad too.  We stripped back the wires with a knife and reconnected them to the coils. The bike then fired and ran great.  I rode it for about 15 minutes before stopping to get something to drink.

When I restarted to ride home, the bike ran fine for about 10-15 mins before it started missing (you could feel the power fluctuate) and then the engine altogether stalled.  I was on a downhill grade, so I pulled in the clutch and coasted for about two minutes and re-fired the bike.  It did the same thing, running on all four for about 4-5 mins, then started missing, and then stalled.  Repeat 2 more times.  I pulled to the side, removed the tank and we looked for loose wiring or bad connections.  This time the bike would not fire at all. 

I suspect it is a break in a wire (under the insulation).
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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #657 on: August 30, 2017, 10:43:57 AM »
Closer inspection revealed some crusty wiring. I decided I wanted to replace it all with new wiring and an m-unit. 

My buddy Dave Hargreaves (who used to work at Confederate prior to Hurricane Katrina) and now owns a community garage (Cerberus Moto) and also builds custom motorcycles in San Diego has wired several Motogadget builds, and is trying to develop a plug and play "harness" for CBs for stock switches and modern switches -- for those of us who are intimidated by the prospect.  He's using my bike as a test for his wiring "jig."  I gave him the specs of what electronic components I am using and Dave (and his wife Jen) put this together last night.  I know this is an easy way out for me, but I am very thankful.  FYI - I am replacing my stock switches with Motone buttons (3 button on the left, 2 button on the right).  M-lock to go under the side cover.

« Last Edit: August 30, 2017, 10:45:45 AM by SOHC4 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 sinister902

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 512
    • Anger Street Kustoms
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #658 on: August 30, 2017, 12:44:01 PM »
Keep us posted on that plug n play harness, I have customers that would likely purchase!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #659 on: August 30, 2017, 12:52:04 PM »
Keep us posted on that plug n play harness, I have customers that would likely purchase!

Will do, Nick.  It's a great idea for wiring dummies like me.
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 calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,027
  • I refuse...
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #660 on: August 30, 2017, 03:18:19 PM »
What gauge, Don?
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #661 on: August 30, 2017, 03:20:08 PM »
What gauge, Don?

On this bike, I'm sticking with my stock gauges since they are very clean and functional.
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 SF

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 527
  • I burn gas very well
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #662 on: August 30, 2017, 03:25:25 PM »
Have to admit I'm a wiring dummy ☹️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
04 zx10r
73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #663 on: August 30, 2017, 03:34:50 PM »
Have to admit I'm a wiring dummy ☹️


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Not everyone can be Cal or riverfever!
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 riverfever

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,796
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #664 on: August 30, 2017, 07:07:20 PM »
What gauge, Don?

I think Master Po was interested in wire gauge used in the harness.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #665 on: August 30, 2017, 07:31:52 PM »
What gauge, Don?

I think Master Po was interested in wire gauge used in the harness.

LOL! Brain lapse. I'll get back to you ASAP.
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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #666 on: August 30, 2017, 09:42:02 PM »
20 for switches, 18 for tail, and 14/12 for everything else
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 calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,027
  • I refuse...
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #667 on: August 31, 2017, 04:05:49 AM »
20 for switches, 18 for tail, and 14/12 for everything else
Way bigger than necessary! Way bigger!

Tell your pal, the M-Unit splits all those service branches into separate circuits, putting out far less amps per circuit than stock. Thus the wire gauge can be much smaller. And if you are using LED lighting in lieu of stock bulbs, even lower amps are required.

The benefit is that he can create much smaller diameter looms and reduce the size, weight, and packaging for installs.

I use 22awg for all the push button controls, and 18awg for service wiring (right side). Even that is larger than required, but many of the components have hard wired pigtails that are 18 and soldering or using connectors from a 20-22 wire to an 18-16/14 is a PITA. So I opt for 18 as a good all around size.

But actually, my original questions was answered correctly (speedo and tach). Was asking because you only had 5 buttons and if an electronic gauge were used, a 6th may have been needed  ;) Nosy Riverfever!  :P ;D
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #668 on: August 31, 2017, 07:01:29 AM »
Cal,

Thanks for the feedback.  I will pass it back to Dave.
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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #669 on: September 13, 2017, 11:14:15 PM »
Dave installed my m-unit and wiring harness today.  He decided to swap all remaining incandescent lights to LED; he converted the gauge lights today and is rewiring the idiot light panel.  M-lock to be wired in along with new Motone switchgear (3 buttons on the left (left and right turn signals and horn) and 2 on the right (start/stop and hi/low beam)). 
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 Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #670 on: September 14, 2017, 12:09:41 PM »
Hope that fixes everything on the bike, Don!
Ron

Stella - Logan's Senior Project    78 750K http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=141761.0

Logan's Reward - CB500 and CB550 Cafes    http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,147787.0.html

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #671 on: September 14, 2017, 12:15:08 PM »
Hope that fixes everything on the bike, Don!

Me, too. 
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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #672 on: June 09, 2018, 05:22:49 PM »
A few upgrades percolating:
My speedo cable broke because my speedo driver has been rotating (because of a mod to its housing to accommodate the second disc).  I've decided that since the bike has been converted to motogadget wiring to simply integrate a motogadget electronic gauge. I found a great deal on a Motoscope Pro model.

I am also swapping out my Tomaselli adjustable clubmans for CB400f bars.  Since I am going with a conventional handlebar, Beringer is going to swap my MC with the tilted reservoir for an integrated model. 
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 calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,027
  • I refuse...
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #673 on: June 10, 2018, 02:58:25 AM »
Since I am going with a conventional handlebar, Beringer is going to swap my MC with the tilted reservoir for an integrated model.
Better send that old unit along to me for further testing  ;)

The MotoScope uses breakout boxes, increasing the required real estate for a wiring install. Just an FYI.
'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 RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,356
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: 1975 CB550K1 - Stock-ish Restomod - More Mods
« Reply #674 on: June 10, 2018, 03:31:55 AM »
You still loving the Beringer brakes? Would it be something you would do if you had to spend the money?  Or would a fork swap be a preferred route, although a more expensive one?

You running a led headlight yet or HID or halogen in h4 housing?

As always, pics or it didn't happen...the moto or mantra of much of this site...guess that makes us a visually stimulated crowd...
David- back in the desert SW!