Author Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"  (Read 187455 times)

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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #125 on: March 28, 2016, 10:25:50 AM »
I think I will end up replacing the stock wheels with alloys, either Sun or Excel.  I want 18's front and rear, what are good widths to go with front and rear?  I dont want overkill on either, just a little wider.  Anyone liking their setups a lot?

I'm running 18 x 2.5 F&R.

And super messed up geometry!

:)

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #126 on: March 28, 2016, 12:56:28 PM »
I really like the look of this bike's wheel/tire combination.  I think I want to go with 2.15 / 2.5 18"  Shouldered Takasago wheels, I just need to figure out the tire setup.  It's tough because not many bike articles go into tire detail...

http://www.japanriders.com/showthread.php/1204-Honda-CB550-by-Raccia

If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #127 on: March 28, 2016, 02:42:26 PM »
That's a beautiful classic. My only concern is that you have already purchased modern
components for your build, then to add a more classic wheel combo would look wonky.
Those forks you have are pretty beefy, and need a beefier tire to look right. Does that make since. Classic with classic, Modern with Modern
I too love that classic look hence building a second 550 for my girl in that style.



Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #128 on: March 28, 2016, 02:52:34 PM »
I think I will end up replacing the stock wheels with alloys, either Sun or Excel.  I want 18's front and rear, what are good widths to go with front and rear?  I dont want overkill on either, just a little wider.  Anyone liking their setups a lot?

I'm running 18 x 2.5 F&R.

And super messed up geometry!

:)

 ;D ;D ;D :P

I really like the look of this bike's wheel/tire combination.  I think I want to go with 2.15 / 2.5 18"  Shouldered Takasago wheels, I just need to figure out the tire setup.  It's tough because not many bike articles go into tire detail...

http://www.japanriders.com/showthread.php/1204-Honda-CB550-by-Raccia



120/80/18 for the rear and 100/80 or 90/18 front... I'd go the 100/90/18 front for the street .
« Last Edit: March 28, 2016, 02:58:53 PM by Retro Rocket »
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #129 on: March 28, 2016, 03:17:33 PM »


Quote

120/80/18 for the rear and 100/80 or 90/18 front... I'd go the 100/90/18 front for the street .

And that is with the 2.15 / 2.5 rims?

If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #130 on: March 28, 2016, 03:19:22 PM »
That's a beautiful classic. My only concern is that you have already purchased modern
components for your build, then to add a more classic wheel combo would look wonky.
Those forks you have are pretty beefy, and need a beefier tire to look right. Does that make since. Classic with classic, Modern with Modern
I too love that classic look hence building a second 550 for my girl in that style.

I have decided to not use the GSXR forks.  I am going with Race Tech springs + Gold Valve Emulators.  I decided to stick with the classic styling of the bike =)
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #131 on: March 28, 2016, 03:33:53 PM »


Quote

120/80/18 for the rear and 100/80 or 90/18 front... I'd go the 100/90/18 front for the street .

And that is with the 2.15 / 2.5 rims?

Yes, the 2.5x18 is the rear 120/80/18 , the front 2.15x18 is 100/90/18, that is of course if you use 18's front and back...  It can be a little difficulty finding sizes to suit but most manufacturers will have a size chart somewhere on their site.. I have rim sets in 3.5x18 R  with 2.15x19 FR...3.00x 18 R with 2.50 F and 4.5 x 18 R with 2.75 x 18 F {being modified soon} , all going on 750/4's.... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #132 on: March 28, 2016, 04:19:51 PM »
That's a beautiful classic. My only concern is that you have already purchased modern
components for your build, then to add a more classic wheel combo would look wonky.
Those forks you have are pretty beefy, and need a beefier tire to look right. Does that make since. Classic with classic, Modern with Modern
I too love that classic look hence building a second 550 for my girl in that style.



I have decided to not use the GSXR forks.  I am going with Race Tech springs + Gold Valve Emulators.  I decided to stick with the classic styling of the bike =)

Noted and RAD!

Offline GV1390

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #133 on: March 28, 2016, 04:37:20 PM »
I think I will end up replacing the stock wheels with alloys, either Sun or Excel.  I want 18's front and rear, what are good widths to go with front and rear?  I dont want overkill on either, just a little wider.  Anyone liking their setups a lot?

I'm running 18 x 2.5 F&R.

And super messed up geometry!

:)

I'll run mine against yours (with you riding it) around the track whenever you'd like. Please bring money.

Text if you'd like further details instead of derailing a thread.
« Last Edit: March 28, 2016, 04:39:32 PM by GV1390 »
93' GSX-R1100, 78' CB550, 71' CL350, 71’ CB500 & 02' ZRX1200R.

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #134 on: March 28, 2016, 04:40:07 PM »
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #135 on: March 28, 2016, 05:03:34 PM »
Quote

Yes, the 2.5x18 is the rear 120/80/18 , the front 2.15x18 is 100/90/18, that is of course if you use 18's front and back...  It can be a little difficulty finding sizes to suit but most manufacturers will have a size chart somewhere on their site.. I have rim sets in 3.5x18 R  with 2.15x19 FR...3.00x 18 R with 2.50 F and 4.5 x 18 R with 2.75 x 18 F {being modified soon} , all going on 750/4's.... ;)

Sounds like you have your hands full =P

Im thinking the Avon ROADRIDER AM26.  They come in 100/90 - 18 and 120/80 - 18   
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #136 on: March 28, 2016, 05:13:52 PM »
I think I will end up replacing the stock wheels with alloys, either Sun or Excel.  I want 18's front and rear, what are good widths to go with front and rear?  I dont want overkill on either, just a little wider.  Anyone liking their setups a lot?

I'm running 18 x 2.5 F&R.

And super messed up geometry!

:)

I'll run mine against yours (with you riding it) around the track whenever you'd like. Please bring money.

Text if you'd like further details instead of derailing a thread.

Hahahaha  ::)

Quote

Yes, the 2.5x18 is the rear 120/80/18 , the front 2.15x18 is 100/90/18, that is of course if you use 18's front and back...  It can be a little difficulty finding sizes to suit but most manufacturers will have a size chart somewhere on their site.. I have rim sets in 3.5x18 R  with 2.15x19 FR...3.00x 18 R with 2.50 F and 4.5 x 18 R with 2.75 x 18 F {being modified soon} , all going on 750/4's.... ;)

Sounds like you have your hands full =P

Im thinking the Avon ROADRIDER AM26.  They come in 100/90 - 18 and 120/80 - 18   

Hands full, not enough money, slow and steady wins the race... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #137 on: March 28, 2016, 05:29:27 PM »
Quote

Hands full, not enough money, slow and steady wins the race... ;)

Well I am the slowest and the steadiest with a non-running bike sitting on its center stand... So I have that going for me, which is nice.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #138 on: March 28, 2016, 07:57:16 PM »



I'll run mine against yours (with you riding it) around the track whenever you'd like. Please bring money.

Text if you'd like further details instead of derailing a thread.
[/quote]

I'll let plenty of people here, more experienced than myself, tell you how unwise and unsafe tracking your bike would be ,with its current geometry. But you probably wouldn't  listen to them(which is how you found yourself in your current predicament isn't)
Not derailing anything here. I just wouldn't want someone doing what you recommend and hurting/killing themselves.
I look to this forum for guidance and experience, and you happen to be the perfect example of what not to do.

Thought you were parting your build out anyway.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #139 on: March 29, 2016, 03:16:20 AM »
So, did you get the repaired carb back, put on and got the bike running?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #140 on: March 29, 2016, 01:09:00 PM »
Yes and no  ;)

I just got my carb body back from Jim French.  He is an artist and an awesome guy, I can't speak highly enough of him.  (pic ttached)

I put all the carbs back together, got the floats set pretty close and got them back in the carb plate.  That ended up taking longer than I wanted so I haven't put fuel in it to try to start it, but that might happen tonight. Fingers crossed.


If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline riverfever

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #141 on: March 29, 2016, 04:24:35 PM »
Carb repair looks fantastic.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #142 on: March 29, 2016, 04:36:42 PM »
Carb repair looks fantastic.

Jim does great work... ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #143 on: March 29, 2016, 07:39:21 PM »
Very nice!
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 BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #144 on: March 30, 2016, 02:42:26 PM »
I am looking to place my order for wheels and am wondering if Excel can drill the holes for my application or should I buy them undrilled and send them to Buchannan's to have them drilled + laced?

The only reason I am doing this is because a family friend works with Excel and I can get a good deal going direct to them, otherwise I would have Buchannan's handle the whole thing.

If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline calj737

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #145 on: March 30, 2016, 03:00:56 PM »
I would imagine that Buchanans would end up charging you to drill the rims that any cost savings would be moot. You might price it out with them in advance though to be sure.
'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 Restoration Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #146 on: March 30, 2016, 05:40:23 PM »
Carb repair looks fantastic.

Jim does great work... ;)
That he does and he's a heck of a great guy.  I took a set of carbs over to his house and he and I ended up talking motorcycles for over an hour after he finished the work.  He has a cool machine shop setup there as well.  Very jealous of all his cool toys.
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 BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #147 on: March 31, 2016, 03:45:38 PM »
Parts on the way:

Race Tech Springs
Racetech Gold Valve Emulators

18" Excel Takasago Rims (Shouldered) in 2.15" and 2.5"
Avon Roadrider tires 100/90-18 and 120/80-18
Spokes from Buchannan's (where they are being laced and trued

All Ballz Wheel Bearings (front and rear)


RIP wallet.
If you can't fix it with a hammer, it's an electrical problem... If it's an electrical problem, it's Cal's problem.

*2005 Yamaha R6 (sold)
*2014 Ducati Streetfighter 848 (sold)
*2014 BMW S1000RR (sold)
*2010 Ducati Streetfighter S
*1978 CB550 Restomod Build
*1974 CB550 Monoshock build
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,154614.0.html

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #148 on: March 31, 2016, 04:42:30 PM »
Parts on the way:

Race Tech Springs
Racetech Gold Valve Emulators

18" Excel Takasago Rims (Shouldered) in 2.15" and 2.5"
Avon Roadrider tires 100/90-18 and 120/80-18
Spokes from Buchannan's (where they are being laced and trued

All Ballz Wheel Bearings (front and rear)


RIP wallet.

Your bike will thank you... ;D ;)
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #149 on: March 31, 2016, 05:24:06 PM »
That sounds like a nimble set up.
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