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Author Topic: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"  (Read 13367 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #75 on: May 08, 2016, 08:32:11 PM »
Congratulations on getting your youngest out of the house!
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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 Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #76 on: May 08, 2016, 08:34:45 PM »
Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on May 08, 2016, 08:32:11 PM
Congratulations on getting your youngest out of the house!

Yeah, but you have tuition to look forward to!
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #77 on: May 09, 2016, 04:38:12 AM »
Luckily, we're in pretty good shape on tuition.  I don't expect to put the bikes on hold, but I won't be buying any Black Shadows, either.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #78 on: May 09, 2016, 04:48:49 AM »
Luckily, we're in pretty good shape on tuition.  I don't expect to put the bikes on hold, but I won't be buying any Black Shadows, either.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #79 on: May 21, 2016, 06:56:42 PM »
Time for a question or two.  I got the tires mounted this week, so the bike is now sitting on its own weight. 



The next step is to drill the holes for the front and rear fenders so that I can send the body work off for paint.  I to set the bobbed rear fender, I wanted to get the lines of the fully assembled bike, so I put the new seat and filthy tank on.

My question is about mounting the tank.  When I got the bike, the rear rubber mount for the tank was MIA.  I have a new one, but I'm not sure it's I'm using it correctly. 



Also, the front "ears" of the tank seem too wide.  The under dimension is roughly 4 and 3/8". 



The outside-to-outside dimension of the rubber bumpers is 4".  When installed, the tank is remarkably wobbly.  I moved the bumpers out a bit, which helped, but not a lot.  It seems like the tank is barely mounted to me. 

I know this seems pretty elementary, but it's a bit of a puzzle to me. 


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #80 on: May 21, 2016, 07:06:28 PM »
The rear mount is correct, the "ear" to the rear.  It wobbled even after the rear mount was securely on?
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #81 on: May 21, 2016, 08:10:48 PM »
Quote from: Stev-o on May 21, 2016, 07:06:28 PM
The rear mount is correct, the "ear" to the rear.  It wobbled even after the rear mount was securely on?
Yep.  Without the rubber bumpers pulled slightly away from the frame, the tank "brackets" only contact about a 1/4 inch of each bumper. 
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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #82 on: May 21, 2016, 08:16:58 PM »
I can fix the issue the way I did my GL650 when I put a wider CX500 tank on it.  I extended the rods that hold the tank bumpers by welding on a piece of steel rod and shimming the bumpers out with washers. 



It just doesn't seem right that I should need to modify this, since all of these pieces are stock.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #83 on: May 21, 2016, 09:06:22 PM »
The tank on my 76 has always seemed wide in that area as well.
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Offline calj737

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #84 on: May 22, 2016, 02:38:55 AM »
Possibly your tank has some damage to it. The mounting ears should be more snug over the rubber bumpers. Some people have used compressed air to help pop dents out of tanks, but in doing so, they can "splay" the tank. Perhaps something like that happened to yours in its history?

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'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 Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #85 on: July 09, 2016, 05:46:40 PM »
Too all who care:  progress has been steady and I believe that I'm still on schedule for an early fall completion (paint will have to wait, though).   I purchased a pretty good '75 tank which fit MUCH better than the supposed original.  I've changed the bars, again, and am now very happy with a set of 400F bars. The carbs should be ready in about a week, and I'm pretty close to being done with wiring.  This makes early fall sound easy, but it always takes a little more time than I've got...

The main reason for the post, however, is that I need some help wiring in the Rick's rebuilt stator.  Instead of using the OEM 9-pin connector (with only 7 wires), they have a 3-pin and a 6-pin (with only 4 wires).  That's not an issue, though it's a bit of a mystery to me.  The issue is that the wire colors don't match at all.  I've looked on the Rick's website, and they don't have a wiring diagram for the stator.  I couldn't find anything on this forum, either.

I drew the attached diagram of what I'm dealing with and hope that someone can point me in the right direction.

Thanks!
Jeff




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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline calj737

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #86 on: July 09, 2016, 05:51:09 PM »
I think the best way is to reach them via email, but, you could install it, fire up the motor, and with a meter verify which wires are producing voltage (AC) and which are grounds. The BL/R and GR/R in your stock connectors are the OIL and NEU wires which are NOT involved in the Ricks stator.
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'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 Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #87 on: July 10, 2016, 07:22:34 PM »
Time for an update...

I'm still working out the Rick's stator wiring issue.  Just created a new thread.   I'll figure it out eventually.

Otherwise, I'm getting fairly close.  The wiring is nearly done and I should be able to pick the rebuilt carbs up late this week.

Here's a few pics of the "new" tank and the new controls and guages on the 400F bars. 




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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #88 on: September 18, 2016, 08:29:11 AM »
Time for another update.

Yesterday was a big day.  I was able to ride it for the first time! 

I got it running a few weeks ago, but it ran horrible on velocity stacks - no surprise.  My intent has been to build an adapter to connect a single, larger filter to the stock intake chamber/plenum. I'm running low on time before the Harvest Classic, so I figured I'd manage with the stacks. Ugh.  It was bad.

I dug through some old parts that someone left with me to see if I could just get a fully stock intake setup going in a hurry. I couldn't believe my eyes, but in the pile was an old-school aftermarket adapter just like I had intended to create!  It even has a bung for the breather hose!

I cleaned and painted it, found a Uni filter and put it all back together, but with 38/105 jets this time instead of 40/110.

It idles like champ after it warms up.  I've got a flat spot when I get on it - I believe at the transition to the main jets.  The Delkevic exhaust sounds really nice at idle and light cruising but sounds like a MotoGP bike at open throttle. 

I was disappointed to find an oil leak at what I suspect is one of the o-rings between the cylinder block and head.  I've already ordered a new gasket and o-rings and will have to try to get that done in short order.

The carbs dribble a bit, too, as you can see in the picture.  I'm thinking the float bowl level may need adjustment - any comments/suggestions?  I can adjust when I have it broken down for the oil leak.






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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline RedLiner

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #89 on: September 18, 2016, 09:59:11 AM »
Wow, nice looking bike. I have the same problem with dribbling carbs if I leave the petcock on. I polished my originals but they must not seall perfectly.
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Offline Jeffro93

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1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #90 on: September 18, 2016, 11:29:20 AM »
Thx.

Mine seem to be sealing fine, but they're dribbling out of the overflow hoses.

The petcock has been off since yesterday. I'll open it, let it sit, and see what happens.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #91 on: September 18, 2016, 12:35:44 PM »
Hey Jeff...congrats on getting it running. Did you install new "pucks" with a touch of Hondabond when assembled?

http://www.partzilla.com/parts/detail/honda/HP-91318-300-013.html

I doubt the fuel leak is a float adjustment, may be a sticky float valve. My bike does it occasionally after the bike has been sitting awhile but stops after running.

Always keep the petcock off when the motor is off.

Looks great, looking forward to seeing it in person next month.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Gman

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #92 on: September 18, 2016, 02:41:26 PM »
J93,
Bike looks great - congrats on getting it fired up!  Good luck with the remaining minor issues and ride the snot out of it.

Cheers,
G
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'76 CB550K
Stock airbox, MotoGPWerks 4-1, HondaMan ignition, Lesters

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #93 on: September 18, 2016, 06:53:55 PM »
This bike looks fantastic.  ;D
« Last Edit: September 18, 2016, 07:40:51 PM by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
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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 Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #94 on: September 18, 2016, 06:57:02 PM »
Thx guys. Glad you like it.  I'm very happy with the overall stance. 

Stev-o,  I did install new pucks, but I missed the memo about the Hondabond.  Already ordered some.


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #95 on: September 18, 2016, 07:14:49 PM »
Jeff - BrandEn did a great write up on a leak free top end, use it as a reference (even though it's for a 750).


http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=107040.0
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Jeffro93

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Re: 1974 CB 550 Build Thread - "Resto-mod"
« Reply #96 on: September 19, 2016, 03:23:51 PM »
Will do. Thx!


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1974 Honda CB550
1983 Honda GL650 Interstate "Cafe'd"
2007 Triumph Bonneville
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