Topic: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I will give it a go, Brent.

On the good news front, I found a NOS output drive seal. Rare little bugger. It has a groove in the inner diameter for oil flow so you cannot use a generic seal.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Bill Benton was able to find a 1975-76 CB750F rear wheel in his treasure trove of parts.

image_zpsbuahuzwi by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

image_zpsx2iofncd by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

Nothing a little bead blasting and powdercoating cannot fix.  I am also looking into swapping the rear disc for a EBC pro-lite lightweight rotor like the ones on the front of my CB750 (with GL1000 front end).  This will reduce a few lbs. along with the aluminum rear rim.

195327_zpsata1fljk by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

[MessnerMoto]

Bill Benton was able to find a 1975-76 CB750F rear wheel in his treasure trove of parts.





Nothing a little bead blasting and powdercoating cannot fix.  I am also looking into swapping the rear disc for a EBC pro-lite lightweight rotor like the ones on the front of my CB750 (with GL1000 front end).  This will reduce a few lbs. along with the aluminum rear rim.

What rim size you are going to use for rear at the end?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I am not completely decided but very likely an 18" Sun 4.25" width. It will fit the Bridgestone BT016 and the Continental Cont Road Attack 2 CR.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

For those interested in shaving some weight on their CB750F bikes, EBC make a pro-lite rotor that fits all 1975-78 CB750F models - Part No. MD1064 (http://www.dynoman.net/brakes/ebc-apps.html).  I found one for $120.

[MessnerMoto]

I am not completely decided but very likely an 18" Sun 4.25" width. It will fit the Bridgestone BT016 and the Continental Cont Road Attack 2 CR.

I like more BT016 design. But personally I would choose sport touring tire

It is hard to get something wider then 18"x4.25"... There are excel rims wider then 4.25 but they are non dimpled. I just don't like non dimpled look

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I am not completely decided but very likely an 18" Sun 4.25" width. It will fit the Bridgestone BT016 and the Continental Cont Road Attack 2 CR.

I like more BT016 design. But personally I would choose sport touring tire

It is hard to get something wider then 18"x4.25"... There are excel rims wider then 4.25 but they are non dimpled. I just don't like non dimpled look

I would agree on availability.  I really don't want anything wider.  I have Excel high-shoulder rims dimpled rims on my 9 Lives CB750 bike. 







They are nice-looking and lighter wheels. 

Sun also makes a slightly more affordable 4.25" wheel.  http://www.buchananspokes.com/categories/rims_sun.asp

[MessnerMoto]

Yep that looks really good.

[Retro Rocket]

For those interested in shaving some weight on their CB750F bikes, EBC make a pro-lite rotor that fits all 1975-78 CB750F models - Part No. MD1064 (http://www.dynoman.net/brakes/ebc-apps.html).  I found one for $120.

Thanks Don, I've got 3 disc brake F0/F1 rear hubs and need 2 discs {better discs} , where did you find them for $120... they are over $200 in that link...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I found it listed by an Amazon seller for $120.  I think it was a one-item only sale.  Basically, I got lucky.  I checked the link that said other seller's selling for $______/

Another seller was also listing them for $148 shipped:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WNZ4EW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
It now looks like the second seller increased the price to $178 shipped.  I see that there's another vendor (Lion Parts) selling them for $168 shipped, too.

I'm not super savvy how Amazon works, but I think almost anyone can use it as a selling portal, to sell one item or a certain amount (inventory). 

[Retro Rocket]

I found it listed by an Amazon seller for $120.  I think it was a one-item only sale.  Basically, I got lucky.  I checked the link that said other seller's selling for $______/

Another seller was also listing them for $148 shipped:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WNZ4EW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
It now looks like the second seller increased the price to $178 shipped.  I see that there's another vendor (Lion Parts) selling them for $168 shipped, too.

I'm not super savvy how Amazon works, but I think almost anyone can use it as a selling portal, to sell one item or a certain amount (inventory).

Thanks Bud, I was only looking for EBC discs last night...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I found it listed by an Amazon seller for $120.  I think it was a one-item only sale.  Basically, I got lucky.  I checked the link that said other seller's selling for $______/

Another seller was also listing them for $148 shipped:  http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000WNZ4EW?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00
It now looks like the second seller increased the price to $178 shipped.  I see that there's another vendor (Lion Parts) selling them for $168 shipped, too.

I'm not super savvy how Amazon works, but I think almost anyone can use it as a selling portal, to sell one item or a certain amount (inventory).

Thanks Bud, I was only looking for EBC discs last night...

I found that one on Friday.  I haven't seen one as low since.

[Trad]

Don, I just read this whole thread. It looks like you've had quite a few battles with this one. haha. Like all the builds you've done; I can't wait to see the finished product, I know it will be amazing.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Don, I just read this whole thread. It looks like you've had quite a few battles with this one. haha. Like all the builds you've done; I can't wait to see the finished product, I know it will be amazing.

Thanks, Jared.  High praise coming from you.  I hope you are enjoying your Rust and Bones ride this Summer. 

I just started sourcing parts for the rear wheel.  New bearings, cush drive rubbers and brake caliper pads in anticipation of getting a CB750F hub.

Like Hannibal used to say . . .

2785580d9024017d8f101ae9cfa692bc_zpsr7lnjqbh by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Are you planning on a stock 750F caliper and MC? I hear rumors that they're not plentiful and those that you do find need a rebuild. Do keep me posted. If you find 1, find 2 and send it along to me for Springers build 

Bill is still looking for a caliper and bracket. If I can source an extra, I definitely will.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That pesky bolt/stud that was stuck . . .

image_zpszuggkxoj by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

is OUT!!!   

Mike Rieck sent my cam and rockers out for hardweld and grind at Megacycle!!   

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Rear wheel hub and brake sourced, courtesy of Bill Benton!!  Thanks, Bill!









Bill is even doing me the favor of cutting out the spokes, since I don't need the stock rim/tire.

[flatlander]

good score!
ah come on, with a wire brush and a rattle can those spokes would look like new and the threads on that tire look good enough for a few more miles 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

good score!
ah come on, with a wire brush and a rattle can those spokes would look like new and the threads on that tire look good enough for a few more miles 

I think I'll hold out for the wider and lighter aluminum rim and stainless spokes!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Got (cush drive) rubbers?

For the CB750F hub (coming from Bill Benton!).

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

The crankshaft bearings check out good on the replacement crankcase, so that's good news.  The crankshaft and transmission are all within spec, too.  I am replacing both the primary and cam chains with new HD chains.  I also have a NOS cam chain tensioner blade and a very lightly used (great condition) cam chain guide from Tom Witt! 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Believe it or not, much of this bike has been cobbled together from unused spare parts and preparation for building a bike for my nephew (who showed no interest).  I don't know how pretty this one will be, but it should be a fun, little bike with a bit more grunt than my stock 550 motor.  I dare say I am just as or more excited about this one than my (heavier) 750 build in progress.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You're not spending enough on this rebuild, Don. Please step up and stimulate the economy.

Okay, Cal, you know my weakness.  I realized I need a pair of rotors for the front end, so I called up Mike VanWieren at Riders Discount and he hooked me up with a pair of Galfer Wave Rotors for use with the GSXR front and Tokiko monoblock calipers.

I am still trying to decide the overall ride position of this bike -- whether I will go more upright, street tracker style or more racer for the street.  I am leaning toward standard/naked hooligan (aggressive street rider with more relaxed body position).  We'll see.  I have a ways to go still. 

[Retro Rocket]

Don, I showed my daughter this and she said "but he looked nothing like your standard naked hooligan !!"....

[Retro Rocket]

Don, I showed my daughter this and she said "but he looked nothing like your standard naked hooligan !!"....

Voice of experience, Mick? Or, have you been parading around the house without your pants!

Nothing standard about me Cal....{runs away and puts pants on}