Author Topic: 77 CB592 CR!  (Read 13415 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #25 on: May 07, 2014, 03:37:23 pm »
Nice work on the notched brake lever.  I'm not sure if you will gain any appreciable speed with those holes in the rear brake lever!   ;)
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 deafcaferacer

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #26 on: May 07, 2014, 07:20:34 pm »
Well done!
'73 CB750k engine, hubs, and a '76 tank, on 'a 78 frame. Go figure.

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #27 on: May 08, 2014, 03:33:58 pm »
Nice work on the notched brake lever.  I'm not sure if you will gain any appreciable speed with those holes in the rear brake lever!   ;)
Ha ha! I think you may be right, but I like the look!  ;)

Well done!

Thank you, Decaff!  :)
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #28 on: May 11, 2014, 03:08:20 pm »
Had a little ride today and the bike feels good on the road and corners really well. I guess it will be even better with the forkbrace in place.(it is on the way)
I have some carburetor work to do however.



1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #29 on: May 11, 2014, 04:02:40 pm »
Looks good.  What fork brace did you get?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #30 on: May 11, 2014, 05:05:28 pm »
Can I be dumb for a second?  What's the deal with the taped X on the headlight?
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 Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #31 on: May 11, 2014, 11:59:20 pm »
Looks good.  What fork brace did you get?

Thanks! I ordered a Tarozzi fork brace.

Can I be dumb for a second?  What's the deal with the taped X on the headlight?

Racing cars and bikes in the old days were the inspiration. They taped the lights so the glass would not shatter all over the racetrack in case of a crash.
I taped it at the start of the project for inspiration, and it kind of stuck...;-)
« Last Edit: May 12, 2014, 12:02:24 am by Roar »
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #32 on: May 12, 2014, 07:28:21 am »
I've seen plenty of taped up lights and signals at track days but you have to fully cover the glass and plastic with tape.

I think I've seen some vintage race track photos with the x - come to think of it.  I'm not a hipster so some of those things fly over 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 flatlander

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #33 on: May 12, 2014, 08:02:08 am »
Can I be dumb for a second?  What's the deal with the taped X on the headlight?

you're not dumb. just not hip.
if that's of any consolation  ;)

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #34 on: May 12, 2014, 09:31:19 am »
Can I be dumb for a second?  What's the deal with the taped X on the headlight?

you're not dumb. just not hip.
if that's of any consolation  ;)

I lost being cool after turning 40 a few years back!  I had a couple of hipsters come up to me and check out my 750 cafe bike in Venice, Cal.  One said, that must be a girl magnet.  I laughed and said it's anything but -- and only a gearhead magnet.  I told him my better half seems to think it's alright.  Frankly, I think she likes my stockish 550 better, and a good thing because that's the only one with a 2-up seat. 
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 Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #35 on: May 19, 2014, 12:44:57 am »
So, I have noticed an increasing amount of blueish smoke coming out of the exhaust when warm and idling. Thats not good..... I was hoping to ride the bike this summer and overhaul the top end in the winter. I realize this has to be handeled ASAP! Probably valveseals and/or piston rings...?
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #36 on: May 19, 2014, 04:27:37 am »
Sorry to hear that. 

BTW - how do you like your Avon tires?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #37 on: May 19, 2014, 06:31:25 am »
Certainly an indication of oil being burned, but until you know whether it's top end or lower end, don't get too rattled.

Have you done a compression check yet? A leak down test? Are the valves adjusted properly? How badly does the engine smoke at WOT?

If it is only the top end, you could get a second head that is either good-to-go and run it while you rebuild yours, or vice-versa. If the amount of oil being burned is not so significant, then run the bike, top the oil regularly and rebuild over winter. As you remove the head during a rebuild, you'll undoubtedly go farther into the engine anyway.
'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 Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #38 on: May 19, 2014, 08:44:29 am »
Sorry to hear that. 

BTW - how do you like your Avon tires?

I love them! They are very grippy and give good feedback!

Certainly an indication of oil being burned, but until you know whether it's top end or lower end, don't get too rattled.

Have you done a compression check yet? A leak down test? Are the valves adjusted properly? How badly does the engine smoke at WOT?

If it is only the top end, you could get a second head that is either good-to-go and run it while you rebuild yours, or vice-versa. If the amount of oil being burned is not so significant, then run the bike, top the oil regularly and rebuild over winter. As you remove the head during a rebuild, you'll undoubtedly go farther into the engine anyway.

I am going to get a compressiontester tomorrow and check. The valves are adjusted, yes.
I dont see smoke in the rearview mirror when I ride at full throttle, it seems to get worse when it idles. That said, it is drops of oil on the wheel and on the rear cowl after a ride.....
I have to buy a gasket set!

Thanks for replying guys!:-)
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline LMN

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #39 on: May 19, 2014, 09:31:36 am »
Great work Hvermansen ;)
Keep us posted when you start working on the engine

Lars Magnus
CB500 K0

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #40 on: May 19, 2014, 02:37:21 pm »
Thank you! Will do! :)
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline CB550moseby

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #41 on: May 19, 2014, 11:43:26 pm »
Kul sykkel Hermansen! Har fulgt med på CR siden på Facebook også:)
Hva slags eksos har du og hvor kjøpte du den?

Keep up the good work. A true inspiration for us fellow Norwegians!

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #42 on: May 20, 2014, 12:14:11 am »
Thanks!

The exhaust is Yoshimura replica from Carpy, bought on ebay. Ceramic coated by Fiske in Norway.
Looks and sounds brilliant!!  ;)
« Last Edit: May 20, 2014, 12:16:25 am by Roar »
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #43 on: May 20, 2014, 12:23:33 am »
Got a package from DCC, Tarozzi forkbrace installed!

1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #44 on: May 20, 2014, 05:38:39 am »
Looks good, I need one!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #45 on: May 20, 2014, 12:00:35 pm »
The results are in.....

Procedure:
Bike warmed up, plug out, choke off, full throttle, push startbutton untill the needle stops moving.


What say the experts?



1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #46 on: May 21, 2014, 05:02:40 am »
That bad, huh? ;)
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer

Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #47 on: May 21, 2014, 05:22:46 am »
you dead certain about the results of #1? Seems a very large swing...

Its obvious that you're headed for some rebuild... I'd re-run the compression test but this time, squirt some oil directly into the cylinder just prior to test. This may increase the results giving you a better indication if the problem is top or bottom end.
'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 CB550moseby

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #48 on: May 21, 2014, 01:34:46 pm »
Got a package from DCC, Tarozzi forkbrace installed!


Looks really good Roar!
What was the final price to Norway, if I may ask

Offline Roar

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Re: 1977 CB550SS Orange Caferacer!
« Reply #49 on: May 21, 2014, 02:40:05 pm »
Ble vel rundt en tusenlapp tenker jeg, kostet 99$ på DCC +frakt +moms.
1977 CB550SS Caf Racer