Topic: 1978 CB550 K8 Resto-Mod

[mkoski]

Day 2/212:

Well, I figure it's about time for me to start logging my CB550 build, as it is now officially underway. My CB750 build is still uncompleted as I need to do some engine work but that is small potatoes compared to the work I have to do here! I'll update each as I work on each of them. The goal is to have both the CB750 and CB550 100% ready for the road in April. I will make up a schedule and update it as I work through it so I can keep a time-line and pace. Hate to say it but having my girlfriend move away from my city is going to help progress on this dramatically.

Something new I want to try, as I never see it done in any build threads is incorporating cost, so when a newbie comes through and reads through a forum they get a realistic picture of the cost of doing something like this. I will also log my hours on the build so I can get an idea of that for myself, as well. I'll also write the "day" of the project log. Sept 1st is day one. I give myself 212 days, which is up to April 1st, my optimal finish date.

Another thing I learned: finish the flippin bike before you flippin ride it and get it all dirty and scratched! I'm a dumbass and need this message for myself. Finish the bike completely, get nice pictures taken, then ride the hell out of it. TAKE NICE PICTURES FIRST!

---

First, lets start with my inspirations for this build. I'm going for something very similar to what many others have done: stripped down, minimalist, gsxr inverted forks, three-spoke suzuki rims with sporty tires, mono-shock rear-end, opened triangle with re-positioned bracing and kick-start only. I basically want a single-seat, around-town, good-looking vintage sport bike with low gearing. It's overplayed, people think it's a stupid look, ect. That's fine. My bike, my project, so that's what I'll do. 

Here's a picture of essentially what I am going for:



So, what are we working with?

The bike, as purchased ($400):



Stripped down:



Front end (600$):



Got a pretty great deal for the front end, I got all the electrics, clip-ons, calipers, rotors, a new tire, the forks, a steering damper and a clutch lever all together.

Invested so far: $1000 CAD, even. My goal is to build the entire thing for $4000 CAD or less so I only have 3k remaining. This will be a challenge but I feel like I can do it!

Anyone have an idea of what it will cost for my to rebuild the engine (approximately!)?

Rough breakdown:
-$1000 for chassis, engine, front end
-$400 for rear end
-$600 for powdercoating everything
-$600 for engine parts (might be a bit tight)
-$1200 for electrical, lights, tire(s), supplies, speedo, exhaust, rearsets, badging, chain, filters, ect.)

I actually like the way this looks, kinda realistic. I might have to spend a few hundred on new tools, as well. I struggled with lots of easy work on my CB750 because I didnt have certain tools like a vice, impact driver, welding rig, ect. I wont make that mistake again.

I track every cent I spend in my personal life so but the end of this I will have a perfect log down to the cent and I'll make up a report for everyone that wants to look at it.


Let the project begin!

-Matt

[mkoski]

Something I have been looking into:

If someone has a rebuilt CB550 engine that I can drop into this frame, I am willing to pay! I know the value of a rebuilt engine and the time and care that it requires. I will also exchange my current engine for it. This is just an idea and if it doesn't happen, I'll simply rebuild mine. If I buy one, I'll also do a full rebuild of a CB900 I have my eyes on...

Shoot me a message or post a comment if you have an engine!

[calj737]

Could be fun and cool. Overplayed? Who cares! Build what you like, ride it as much as you can! Just build it well and ride it safely 

$600 on a motor rebuild is pretty tough to do if you need pistons, rings, valves etc. cruzinimage $120 piston kit is a great value, but valves and guides will kill you should you need ones. I'd seek a good quality used 650 cam and the rockers from it.

I would like to see the wheels in a different color though...

[mkoski]

Could be fun and cool. Overplayed? Who cares! Build what you like, ride it as much as you can! Just build it well and ride it safely 

$600 on a motor rebuild is pretty tough to do if you need pistons, rings, valves etc. cruzinimage $120 piston kit is a great value, but valves and guides will kill you should you need ones. I'd seek a good quality used 650 cam and the rockers from it.

I would like to see the wheels in a different color though...

Hahha, exactly! My bike, right? Yeah, I know that part is going to be a bit tight but I'll make due best I can. This is still a ghetto-garage build through and through!

I still have no idea for color scheme, thats completely undecided but it's going to probably be a bit wild, as I like it standing out a bit.

[Restoration Fan]

Awesome idea.  Subscribed.

Here's something that will help out.  If you start to run out of money, I nominate cal to pick up the tab for anything left over! 

[mkoski]

Hahha, that would be nice. Might have to incorporate some moto-gadgets and cognito-moto parts then... $$$


First major question:

CB550 Rear Fork/Swingarm Swap: Who has done this and has some advice for me? Any modern swingarms that are easy to drop in? Right now I have no clue how to approach this. I was going to find something that I liked and then simply make it work, one way or another. If someone has a starting point, that would be optimal, however!

[calj737]

I had my son do little research on this a while back. Here's a list he compiled of similar dimensioned modern swing arms for his 550:

Swingarm Options:
-2001-2002 Suzuki GSXR1000 - 228mm (double side box) (3)
-2004-2005 Suzuki GSXR750 - 230mm (double sided box) (3)
-Suzuki TL1000S - 232mm (double box) (3)
-Honda Hawk GT650 - 235mm (single side) (double wide 3)
-Honda RC30 - 235mm (single side) (
-2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R - 235mm (double box) (5)
-Kawasaki Z1000 - 235mm (double box) (5/6?)
-1999-2002 Suzuki SV650 - 235mm (double box) (3)
-2006 Suzuki GSR500 - 238mm (double box) (3)
-2003-2009 Suzuki SV650 - 240mm (double box) (3)
-1998-2007 Yamaha YZF600R - 240mm (double box) (3)

Maybe this will help some?

As for making it fit, you'll need to narrow the new arm to fit within the stock frame where the pivot bolt passes thru. Of course, you may need to alter the stock frame to fit the different diameter pivot rods too. But you're a smart and creative guy, so you'll figure it out 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Whoah! I think you'd have to find a front end crashed RC30 to scavenge its swingarm! 

[mkoski]

I had my son do little research on this a while back. Here's a list he compiled of similar dimensioned modern swing arms for his 550:

Swingarm Options:
-2001-2002 Suzuki GSXR1000 - 228mm (double side box) (3)
-2004-2005 Suzuki GSXR750 - 230mm (double sided box) (3)
-Suzuki TL1000S - 232mm (double box) (3)
-Honda Hawk GT650 - 235mm (single side) (double wide 3)
-Honda RC30 - 235mm (single side) (
-2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R - 235mm (double box) (5)
-Kawasaki Z1000 - 235mm (double box) (5/6?)
-1999-2002 Suzuki SV650 - 235mm (double box) (3)
-2006 Suzuki GSR500 - 238mm (double box) (3)
-2003-2009 Suzuki SV650 - 240mm (double box) (3)
-1998-2007 Yamaha YZF600R - 240mm (double box) (3)

Maybe this will help some?

As for making it fit, you'll need to narrow the new arm to fit within the stock frame where the pivot bolt passes thru. Of course, you may need to alter the stock frame to fit the different diameter pivot rods too. But you're a smart and creative guy, so you'll figure it out 

Fantastic! Thank your son for me! A single-sided swing arm would be just too cool on a cb550! I'll start looking for something like whats on that list today.

Do you mind me asking how old your son it? I have been keeping up with your build thread but I dont know if that ever came up in there.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I had my son do little research on this a while back. Here's a list he compiled of similar dimensioned modern swing arms for his 550:

Swingarm Options:
-2001-2002 Suzuki GSXR1000 - 228mm (double side box) (3)
-2004-2005 Suzuki GSXR750 - 230mm (double sided box) (3)
-Suzuki TL1000S - 232mm (double box) (3)
-Honda Hawk GT650 - 235mm (single side) (double wide 3)
-Honda RC30 - 235mm (single side) (
-2008 Kawasaki Ninja ZX6R - 235mm (double box) (5)
-Kawasaki Z1000 - 235mm (double box) (5/6?)
-1999-2002 Suzuki SV650 - 235mm (double box) (3)
-2006 Suzuki GSR500 - 238mm (double box) (3)
-2003-2009 Suzuki SV650 - 240mm (double box) (3)
-1998-2007 Yamaha YZF600R - 240mm (double box) (3)

Maybe this will help some?

As for making it fit, you'll need to narrow the new arm to fit within the stock frame where the pivot bolt passes thru. Of course, you may need to alter the stock frame to fit the different diameter pivot rods too. But you're a smart and creative guy, so you'll figure it out 

Fantastic! Thank your son for me! A single-sided swing arm would be just too cool on a cb550! I'll start looking for something like whats on that list today.

Do you mind me asking how old your son it? I have been keeping up with your build thread but I dont know if that ever came up in there.

These are all close to the width dimensions, but I'm not sure about the length.  Cal, did your son get length dimensions to compare to stock length? 

You don't want a hyper-extended swingarm that will make the bike difficult turn.

[calj737]

The son that compiled this list was 16 at the time. The 500 build is my college boy (traveling back with mom as we speak)  He's 21.

Don - when compiled, the list used several overall factors: wheelbase, pivot tube width, and of course axle-pivot length. Some will differ overall due to frame style differences. But this is a fairly decent list to get him "started".

I would insure when you consider buying one, measure carefully the stock-modern pivot/axle length and of course the pivot tube measures. Few are likely to be plug and play, but many can be made to suit without heaps of fabrication.