Author Topic: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"  (Read 13739 times)

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Offline jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #25 on: September 02, 2015, 02:10:01 PM »
I thought I answered what you asked in your private email?  Well anyways I gave you his contact info as I thought you were interested in getting work done from him.

I wasn't sure if you did, but I figured there might be some others (like me) interested in the frame geometry and construction. 

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #26 on: September 02, 2015, 03:23:07 PM »
Johann,

Thanks for giving me Jamie's email.  I think his price is very fair for a custom frame, but not in my present budget (at least until after next tax season) with the projects I already have going.  Plus I'd prefer to see how yours performs.  I hope I didn't rub you the wrong way by sharing the geometry info.

I was just sharing the specs because I figured there are others that were curious as well.  This is a great looking project!

Don
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

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #27 on: September 02, 2015, 03:29:12 PM »
I was interested as well, and hoped sooner or later Johan would share it. Then again, I can understand if it's preferred to be kept private. Nonetheless, it's a great looking foundation by a skilled fabricator!
'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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #28 on: September 02, 2015, 03:33:02 PM »
Thanks but I wasn't sure what info people wanted to see? I'll try and provide more detailed specs etc on the parts used moving forward.

I was interested as well, and hoped sooner or later Johan would share it. Then again, I can understand if it's preferred to be kept private. Nonetheless, it's a great looking foundation by a skilled fabricator!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #29 on: September 02, 2015, 04:41:18 PM »
I'm hoping I'm not beating a dead horse.  I didn't disclose pricing since I was not sure Johann would want that posted.  I presumed that many member are interested in the geometry (rake, trail) on a custom frame as it can affect the handling of the bike, especially as it might compare to the 550 (which many regard as a very-well handling motorcycle).  By disseminating geometry information, members can deduce whether or not the custom frame offers a performance improvement as compared to the stock frame. 

That's all.  End of diatribe!  ;)  Thanks for your indulgence, Johann!
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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #30 on: September 03, 2015, 11:52:12 AM »
Final look of the rear cowl before the buck goes out to my buddy for the metal shaping. I'm very happy with the look and will NOT change it ;)

Offline hashvm

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #31 on: September 03, 2015, 11:56:03 AM »
This bike is gonna be a killer! Very nice lines on this design

Offline jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #32 on: September 03, 2015, 12:14:26 PM »
Thanks man! Got big plans for this bike ;)

This bike is gonna be a killer! Very nice lines on this design

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #33 on: September 03, 2015, 12:32:30 PM »
That cowl looks great -- excellent proportions to the tank.
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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #34 on: September 03, 2015, 12:41:07 PM »
Thanks Don I appreciate it. The cowl is a little shorter to give me some breathing room.

That cowl looks great -- excellent proportions to the tank.

Offline Restoration Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #35 on: September 03, 2015, 01:09:40 PM »
Looks really good.
Are you going to leave the exhaust that short or do you plan to put a muffler on it?
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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #36 on: September 03, 2015, 01:16:12 PM »
Thanks. I'm still not 100% on the exhaust I plan to go with but  I'm leaning towards a 4 into 1 with the oil filter accessible paired with a Yoshi style rear setup with baffles.

Looks really good.
Are you going to leave the exhaust that short or do you plan to put a muffler on it?

« Last Edit: September 03, 2015, 01:46:34 PM by jdizon »

Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #37 on: September 03, 2015, 01:45:33 PM »
A comment on exhaust systems if I may; too many get worked up over access to the filter. With a MotoGP/Yoshi, the header  unclips in seconds by releasing the springs. It's not worth worrying about because it will take longer to change the oil then remove the header.

My input.
'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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #38 on: September 03, 2015, 01:53:36 PM »
Thanks for your input! Never new they unclip the way you mentioned. I may reconsider and actually did call Motogpwerks to inquire about purchasing an exhaust system. It doesn't look like Chris has a long enough list of buyers yet to warrant another batch. He mentioned maybe towards the end of the year but I'd like to get my bike on the road within the  2 months. If you got any leads or want to sell one of yours I'd be definitely interested ;)

A comment on exhaust systems if I may; too many get worked up over access to the filter. With a MotoGP/Yoshi, the header  unclips in seconds by releasing the springs. It's not worth worrying about because it will take longer to change the oil then remove the header.

My input.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #39 on: September 03, 2015, 01:56:07 PM »
If you genuinely need a set sooner than he has one ready, I have a new on box set sitting and awaiting the 500 build. It won't be needed until late Spring, so we can swap the order (done it 3 times already). If you decide that's what you need, just PM me and I'll ship them along. They're not going anywhere before then. No rush, no risk.
'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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #40 on: September 03, 2015, 02:08:02 PM »
That's very gracious of you ;) I am on the list for a set but definitely could use one sooner. Let me follow up with Chris to get an exact timeframe of when he expects to make the next batch and get back to you. I would hate to take your set and find out he won't make another by the end of the year.

If you genuinely need a set sooner than he has one ready, I have a new on box set sitting and awaiting the 500 build. It won't be needed until late Spring, so we can swap the order (done it 3 times already). If you decide that's what you need, just PM me and I'll ship them along. They're not going anywhere before then. No rush, no risk.

Offline jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #41 on: September 03, 2015, 03:56:49 PM »
Got some goodies today! Normally I hate wiring bikes but I'm actually really excited about hooking up this Motogadget M-unit and M button. Got the m-blaze signals and switches also on the way. Planning to tuck a Shorai Lithium battery inside the rear cowl and the rest of the electronics underneath the seatpan. The seat pan will only be about 2" inches deep so it won't be view-able with the exception of the Rick's reg/rec wich I might mount underneath for some additional cooling. I also picked up a pair of Dyna coils I plan to mount underneath the tank.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #42 on: September 03, 2015, 04:58:12 PM »
Bike porn!

No M-Lock?
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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #43 on: September 03, 2015, 05:04:03 PM »

I'll have to look into that and see what it does and if I can use it. Right now I'm saving up for one of their motoscope pro digital dashes

Bike porn!

No M-Lock?


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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #44 on: September 03, 2015, 05:07:25 PM »
It acts a master key -- and replaces the need for a physical key turning the ignition switch.  It uses RFID technology to switch the bike's electrical system on/off when passed near the sensor.  Without it, a thief cannot power on your bike.  It makes hotwiring a bike difficult. 

You can place it in your jacket or pocket so that it simply turns on the bikes electrical when you get on it. 
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 jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #45 on: September 03, 2015, 05:10:27 PM »
Damn.. That's fancy. I must have one of those ;) thanks for the info.


It acts a master key -- and replaces the need for a physical key turning the ignition switch.  It uses RFID technology to switch the bike's electrical system on/off when passed near the sensor.  Without it, a thief cannot power on your bike.  It makes hotwiring a bike difficult. 

You can place it in your jacket or pocket so that it simply turns on the bikes electrical when you get on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline calj737

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #46 on: September 03, 2015, 06:44:02 PM »
Ditch the M-Button and use that money towards the M-Lock. Using the M-Button with clip on bars is a major pain and doesn't really gain you anything in simplifying the harness. Every wire from the m-switches is a "Ground" and I use 22awg to run straight to the input side of the m-unit. The output of the m-unit is switched 12v, so use 18awg directly to the component. Simple.Done. You also can simplify the alternator 8-way plug. Remove the Oil and Neu wires from it, and consolidate the remaining wires into the female plug provided with the Ricks. The Regulator side RED should be removed from the plug and the loose WHITE goes in its place. The loose RED to battery POS, loose GREEN to chassis Ground, and loose BLACK to LOCK/AUX on the m-unit.

Aren't you done yet????  :D

As for the the MotoScope Pro, very cool. It's supplied with 2 multi plugs. Our bikes can basically only use about 9 of the input/output wires, as most of the others are sensors for more modern bikes. Ditch them!
'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 SF

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #47 on: September 03, 2015, 09:17:22 PM »
Great look front to back, nice lines and nice products you picked out. I have the M-lock for my 550 project and it makes for a clean look.


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92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
04 zx10r
73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline SF

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #48 on: September 03, 2015, 09:18:37 PM »
What are your plans for motor work? Sorry if I missed it somewhere


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92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
04 zx10r
73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline jdizon

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Re: 1977 CB550K Cafe Racer project "Shinobi"
« Reply #49 on: September 03, 2015, 09:22:02 PM »

Ditch the M-Button and use that money towards the M-Lock. Using the M-Button with clip on bars is a major pain and doesn't really gain you anything in simplifying the harness. Every wire from the m-switches is a "Ground" and I use 22awg to run straight to the input side of the m-unit. The output of the m-unit is switched 12v, so use 18awg directly to the component. Simple.Done. You also can simplify the alternator 8-way plug. Remove the Oil and Neu wires from it, and consolidate the remaining wires into the female plug provided with the Ricks. The Regulator side RED should be removed from the plug and the loose WHITE goes in its place. The loose RED to battery POS, loose GREEN to chassis Ground, and loose BLACK to LOCK/AUX on the m-unit.

Aren't you done yet????  :D

As for the the MotoScope Pro, very cool. It's supplied with 2 multi plugs. Our bikes can basically only use about 9 of the input/output wires, as most of the others are sensors for more modern bikes. Ditch them!

Actually I was thinking about the m-button with the clip-ons. It would be tough as I'm running switches on both sides. I should have thought about this a little more before pulling the trigger. I'll be referring to your notes when I begin wiring. Appreciate the feedback. Also in terms of the motoscope pro, do you mean I should ditch this altogether?


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