Author Topic: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now  (Read 46861 times)

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Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #225 on: May 14, 2015, 04:26:13 AM »
Here Ya go
« Last Edit: August 04, 2015, 08:00:04 PM by 2strokeTrush »
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 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

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Offline grcamna2

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #226 on: May 14, 2015, 07:18:21 AM »
 ;D ;) :)  a 'KO' for free !  Wow
« Last Edit: May 14, 2015, 10:45:09 AM by grcamna2 »
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
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Offline bryanj

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #227 on: May 14, 2015, 09:35:14 AM »
Those make it not far from the end of the K0 but after the sandcast
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #228 on: June 29, 2015, 08:53:50 PM »
First off let me sincerely apologize for the lack of updates. In the past two months I got a new job, got engaged and waited for lots of parts to arrive. Needless to say I have been pretty busy, but thats okay because Its time to get back to work on the bike. But the financee' did take up a little extra time as well...



After waiting a ridiculous amount of time for new bearings from " All Balls" after finding out the set I purchased were defective A new set finally arrived...As soon as i installed the new set of bearings I got to work and installed the motor an went from there...I attempted to organize everything beforehand...



Set the motor on the table where the bike will be assembled and got to work!



Not to much longer I had what I have been waiting  10 months to see, The beginnings of my bike...





Little update tonight, back at it after work tomorrow...
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

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Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #229 on: June 29, 2015, 09:09:41 PM »
Congrats on your engagement! Does she know about your bike illness?! (My wife did not)
'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: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #230 on: June 29, 2015, 10:09:40 PM »
Congrats on your engagement! Does she know about your bike illness?! (My wife did not)

No matter how much you keep it on the DL, they have an idea.
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 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #231 on: July 08, 2015, 09:19:47 PM »
Small update, Waiting on my carbs to be finished, ( I'm told that will be this week ) and my rear wheel to be trued and mounted with a Fresh Avon road rider, I have a new sprocket as well I need to install once I get it back. In the mean time I Painted and installed the Newly Rebuilt Brake Master Cylinder. Im not sure why but the paint on this turned out great, I don't think it could look any better if it was powder coated!!  Only downside is now the switches, faded as the are really stand out. If it wasn't such a pain to re-run the wires through the bars I would paint Em for sure! Hhhmm I still might I'm undecided on that.....





  Also painted the lower brake pieces but they did not turn out quite as glossy as the master. Still look good though, Ill keep them like this for now. Honestly I just want to ride and it makes me sick that I'm still building this thing! 



Also got a New (er) 500 tank ( thanks Stevo-O ) and stripped and sent it out along with some side covers to the local paint shop for a nice coat of "VMR" Planet Blue Metallic. I know this is not a original 550 color but I love the look!  Only thing is I seem to have a abundance of 500 emblems ( 3 sets ) now and no 550 Emblems. Anybody have a set for sale!?


I am contemplating replacing the Bulbs in the gauges with some " Ice Blue " LED's from DCC. I did this on my 350 build and loved it. Easier to do now without the wires strung in the headlight bucket an hooked into the harness.  These Gauges are off the 77 Engine donor bike, so not early original but look great in my opinion.



Reinstalled the freshly painted Electrical panel, Not that you can really tell but I sanded and painted it for good measure. Need to Contact Clean, Brush, and DiI-Electric Grease the connections still...

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline onetruepunk87

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #232 on: July 09, 2015, 08:44:21 PM »
Nice progress, happy to see yours coming together, also congrats on the engagement! I did a quick ebay search and there's a nice looking set going for $100 OBO, a little pricey but maybe worth haggling over. There's also 2 listing's for side covers with emblems included that might just need a little paint going for $25 each. I'll PM you the links. I don't know why no one makes a replica of those, I'd think they'd be more in demand than the 500 emblems. Keep an eye on the parts for sale section here, they pop up every now and then.

Offline grcamna2

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #233 on: July 10, 2015, 06:45:17 AM »
That master cylinder came out like Artwork Tyler  8)  ;)
75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #234 on: July 12, 2015, 06:47:41 AM »
Pardon me for not knowing, but I guess i never really thought about it, on my gas cap latch does it matter which kind I purchase?
 I had the locking type, but the locking insert melted in the fire :(  Could I replace it with the push type? I have no idea if either are interchangeable. Both replacements are about the same price...

This....



Or this...


If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #235 on: July 12, 2015, 09:24:39 AM »
Pardon me for not knowing, but I guess i never really thought about it, on my gas cap latch does it matter which kind I purchase?
 I had the locking type, but the locking insert melted in the fire :(  Could I replace it with the push type? I have no idea if either are interchangeable. Both replacements are about the same price...

This....



Or this...



No, you can replace the locking latch with the non-locking type.  I did.  Nobody tries to siphon my gas, and I don't leave my bike parked out on the street overnight.
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 onetruepunk87

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #236 on: July 12, 2015, 05:59:18 PM »
Yea, definitely go with the latch, it just looks so much cleaner.

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #237 on: July 19, 2015, 01:48:30 PM »
Small updates and more dilemmas...

Got a nice set of rear turn signals from Bill Benton, had to slightly modify the rear to make it work but it looks good I think. Obviously not original for the year but I have always liked the design of the later turn signals over the small ones.





The dilemma is with the gas tank latch again, The tank may be finished this week so I'm trying to get everything for that ready, I have a good working latch on the KO 750 on a bad tank. Will that work? Maybe buy one of HondaMan's gas latch bolt set would work good??  Not a huge deal because they're readily available, but If i could save some money I would like to use the one I have.



Work was crazy this week so I really didn't do anything but the signals, I did get a nice shipment of goodies. Honda Spark plug socket to make life Easier, UNI Air Filter, Petcock, Chain and Sprocket set. You all will have to help me on the chain though. Never done one myself.

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #238 on: July 19, 2015, 08:52:10 PM »
Little bit of work tonight, not much but getting smaller stuff out of the way. New sprocket installed...



Battery tray, Airbox with new UNI Air Filter, New battery strap.



Got my carbs back but am not 100% pleased with the rebuild, I may have someone else look at them if they are not satisfactory. Unfortunately they were not blasted so they look quite dirty compared to the motor.  Used hose clamps until I can scramble up some correct Honda ties.  You wouldn't believe how easy it was to install these with the new rubber boots from DCC.



Freshly painted Headlight bucket installed and looks good, threw the headlight in just for looks. 

« Last Edit: July 19, 2015, 08:54:45 PM by 2strokeTrush »
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline calj737

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #239 on: July 20, 2015, 03:08:24 AM »
Blue LocTite on the sprocket bolts, Tyler.
'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 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #240 on: July 20, 2015, 05:06:27 AM »

Blue LocTite on the sprocket bolts, Tyler.

I'll get some! Thanks for the tip Cal!
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline bryanj

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #241 on: July 20, 2015, 11:41:36 PM »
Those hose clamps are way too wide and will cause air leaks as they distort the rubber, 750 catch is fine to use its the same part just dont forget you need to push the cap down before releasing the catch or you will break the catch!
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #242 on: August 04, 2015, 07:46:31 PM »
Spent one night polishing and cleaning the rear wheel, installed the new sprocket and had a new Avon mounted.  The front Avon is still in the mail as of now but the tire already on is in good condition for now...



Annnnddd We have a roller! And a damn good looking one at that if I may say so. Pulled the bike out of the basement shop and got her back on her own two feet.



    Still have a lot to clean and polish, installing the break systems and fishing the headlight wiring. Unfortunately I had forgotten that when I took off the exhaust they were held on with splices of wood. So reinstalling them means that Ill need to make some brackets to hold them onto the passenger foot pegs. Also somehow ordered a 500 Clutch Cable and after some research realized that wont work as the actually cable length is different. Also in the mail...





Tank and side covers still at the paint shop. What is it with painters taking forever...
« Last Edit: August 04, 2015, 07:53:15 PM by 2strokeTrush »
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline Stev-o

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #243 on: August 04, 2015, 07:50:27 PM »
Looking good, I've had painters Issue too
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #244 on: August 04, 2015, 07:56:50 PM »
Looking good, I've had painters Issue too

Thank Stev-o, I did buy one of those auxiliary tanks for tuning. So I can still test fire soon enough.
If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline rtbmrgl

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #245 on: August 05, 2015, 09:29:28 PM »
Spent one night polishing and cleaning the rear wheel, installed the new sprocket and had a new Avon mounted.  The front Avon is still in the mail as of now but the tire already on is in good condition for now...



Annnnddd We have a roller! And a damn good looking one at that if I may say so. Pulled the bike out of the basement shop and got her back on her own two feet.



    Still have a lot to clean and polish, installing the break systems and fishing the headlight wiring. Unfortunately I had forgotten that when I took off the exhaust they were held on with splices of wood. So reinstalling them means that Ill need to make some brackets to hold them onto the passenger foot pegs. Also somehow ordered a 500 Clutch Cable and after some research realized that wont work as the actually cable length is different. Also in the mail...





Tank and side covers still at the paint shop. What is it with painters taking forever...

looks nice!
thanks, Mark
Roseville, Ca

Got Points!

1973 CB500 back yard find 1243 orig mi,  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=124285.0
1976 CB750 Restoring,        http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132997

Offline Tews19

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #246 on: August 06, 2015, 07:49:47 AM »
The bike does look good! Keep plugging away!
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Offline 2strokeTrush

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #247 on: August 09, 2015, 08:54:05 PM »
Finishing up small things like brakes, small polishing and rust removal and headlight bucket wiring. Having a few issues with the wiring. Keep in mind I'm using a 74 harness and panel on a 500 frame and controls so theres bound to be some issues. Looks like I have 6 wires with nowhere to place them.  I have a theory though tell me what you think.  550s have that clutch cancel switch in the clutch control to keep from starting the bike in gear.  The 500 does not and since I'm using 500 controls theres two wires right there correct?  Second is the horn is not installed yet, thats another 2 wires correct?  3rd, wasn't there turn signals buzzers on 550s? the rest of the wires maybe?  Someone please give me some info on this. I attached two pictures so you can see the colors and terminals.





Got the new chain installed, that was easier then expected. Side cover and shift lever done to.



If anyone remembers the previous owner of the 500 had installed some goofy 70's accessories that involved drilling into a otherwise pretty nice rear fender.  Got a little creative with some extra machine bolts and a SOHC4 sticker to cover up some nasty holes.  Im not usually one for stickers, but I think this ones ok ;D

If You Aint First Your Last!!

 350F project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=133079.0

500F Project-http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135660.0

Offline calj737

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #248 on: August 10, 2015, 04:41:44 AM »
Tyler - in your first picture, the wires you're holding look to the be the headlight bundle:
WHT - lo beam
BLU - Hi beam
BLU - cluster HI
BR/WHT - Gauge back light

But you don't say which side of the bike these wires come from? If they're from the switch control, then that's their function.

The second picture, looks like Brake (Gr/YLLW) and I can't tell if the Brown is solid or BR/WHT. Are those coming form the harness or the switch control?
'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 bryanj

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Re: Two 550's and a 500. Home stretch now
« Reply #249 on: August 10, 2015, 07:10:09 AM »
The Brown/white could also be for the small pilot/running/side light that is in the headlamp for most countries except the US
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!