Well, I officially completed the project this weekend and wanted to share. I'm posting here because, even though the project is done, the thread still has some catching up to do and I just couldn't wait; I hope you'll forgive me?
The following shots give an overview of the completed bike; the final thread post will be a bit more thorough, but you'll get the idea from these pics. Below (as attachments) are larger versions of these photos, so you can check them out for a more detailed look.
I've been working on the project now (on and off) for over seven years and just can't tell you how glad I am to have it completed. The first thing I bought for it (in 2007) was the headlight ring: it's the last thing I installed, and what a great feeling that was!
In reality, however, the wait has been more like forty years from the day I stood in that Honda dealer's showroom (November of 1974) and saw my first CB550. I was poor, overworked and underfed and there was no way in the world I could afford one, but I swore that, one day, I'd have one of those shiny bikes lined up in a row, even if I had to make one for myself.
I think I pulled it off, don't you?
I still need to sync the carbs, but I drove her from inside the garage to where she sits in the shots (15 feet or so), so I know the clutch and tranny (1st gear, at least) work. Streets are covered in ice and snow right now and it's 6 degrees F. outside or else I'd take her around the block, carbs or no carbs... I guess that'll have to wait until it warms up to freezing, at least...
Thanks to everyone who leant their support and encouragement for the project, and to those who have found the thread useful, that's the frosting on the cake.
