Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That is shop 1 of 2.  The other one is larger.  The gf's grandpa owns the garage I'm working out of (pic earlier in the thread).  It's a pretty fun family to spend time with!

No kidding. Lucky you!

[Scott S]

A little update:

I have been making slow and steady progress that I will update this thread with once I get a little free time, but for now I will just share this piece I got from Cliff =)

 Maybe I missed it, but who is Cliff? I'll be doing an R6 swap in the near future and have been wondering about a front fender.

[754]

 First off.......nice work you are  doing, looks good, well thought out.
Finishing with a file is a good method, lots of powered sanding process leaves flat spots..
No (very few) shortcuts for true highend results.
 Your front fender brace, I cant picture over the top looking good except maybe if its also a brace. A slightly easier way if I may suggest.. Look at the stock type, make cereal box template of one half of it, and get it so it looks near right. Then cut two pieces (.070-.090 thou), stack and build together, both at once.  (a good trick is to drill either in center of big hole or corners, then drive 1/8" roll pin thru). Then when forming the curve under fender it may be easier and quicker.
 When done, you may or may not weld middle together.
 Reason for going underneath, if something gets in there, it wont tear fender off as easily. You need some clearance... Many guys rode over a beer or soda can with an evil grin and lost their fender..plus fall over...
 Good luck with it all...remember a Cameo from a dealership roaming the streets here when I was a young kid..

[BLAC]

I built a cardboard template for a brace but the thing that had me put that on pause was I forgot that the mounting points are a little asemeyrical because on the one side it has to be bent slightly to sandwich in on the brake caliper mount.

I'm thinking about using some metal rod, flattening it for the mounting areas of where it connects to the forks and where I can bolt it to the fender. 

I'm putting the fender on hold as it is not essential to the rest of my build at the moment (like finishing the rear suspension is.

i haven't been ablento get to a metal supply store due to my work schedule and am in desperate need of some chromoly tubing.  I might just place some online orders...

[754]

To bend them out of  one piece is tricky.. I made a one piece one out of. 1/4 x3 Al flat bar that fit under a skinny fender,  on a wideglide front end. That was a hellish job...

[Awosborn]

Blac,

So much to learn from here. I love the vision of the build. I can't wait to see how this turns out. I could see myself borrowing several ideas from you. Keep up the good work.

Alex

[BLAC]

proceed with caution, it's the blind leading the blind! 

It would be awesome to help out other people on their build, copy away and learn from my mistakes.  There are a lot of people on here with a LOT of knowledge, its an amazing resource.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

If you are sticking with the 35mm stock forks, you might want to leave enough room underneath the fender to fit a fork brace (see Tarozzi).  On the pre-77 CB550 models, you cannot run a fender and fork brace together.  A fork brace can help improve front end rigidity.

[BLAC]

If you are sticking with the 35mm stock forks, you might want to leave enough room underneath the fender to fit a fork brace (see Tarozzi).  On the pre-77 CB550 models, you cannot run a fender and fork brace together.  A fork brace can help improve front end rigidity.

I am using the stock front end.  I have new TNK tubes and all RaceTech internals (springs/gold valve emulators) up front.  I have been thinking about the bracing, but cant stomach the looks of any of the ones I have seen thus far, at least matching with the design I'm trying to put together.  Im thinking about creating something similar to the stock setup, or just not having one and putting up with some flex.. which doesnt really take advantage of all of the suspension I will have invested into the bike. Im probably going to have to go a custom route on that piece also.

[540nova]

A black painted or powdercoated Tarozzi brace is hardly noticeable. I have one on my 450.


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[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

A black painted or powdercoated Tarozzi brace is hardly noticeable. I have one on my 450.

Agreed, but everyone has their opinion.

[BLAC]

That is by far my favorite that I have seen.  My problem is without running gators it can look a little chunky, especially as the only black piece I will have down there, I fear it may stick out.  That and not being close enough to the tire to allow for me to get the fender as low as I want it without creating some sort of spacer off the bottom...

I will keep this on the back burner as I get the rear suspension and frame together!

[Retro Rocket]

That is by far my favorite that I have seen.  My problem is without running gators it can look a little chunky, especially as the only black piece I will have down there, I fear it may stick out.  That and not being close enough to the tire to allow for me to get the fender as low as I want it without creating some sort of spacer off the bottom...

I will keep this on the back burner as I get the rear suspension and frame together!

It may look "clunky" to someone who hasn't got a clue about motorcycles but, I can garantee you that anyone that does know a bit will appreciate it, its not just about looks...!!!   

[754]

There is other ways, for one he could form the fender brace, in 2 pieces like I suggested, and join the middle...out of 1/4 alloy..or dragbike style.... You can make it yourself or with minimal lathe work.
The one on the left a member here made, i described what to do and he made it.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

That is by far my favorite that I have seen.  My problem is without running gators it can look a little chunky, especially as the only black piece I will have down there, I fear it may stick out.  That and not being close enough to the tire to allow for me to get the fender as low as I want it without creating some sort of spacer off the bottom...

I will keep this on the back burner as I get the rear suspension and frame together!

Don't be so focused on aesthetics that you lose sight of function (primary concern).  Form will follow function.


This is my 750 with no gaiters and a Telefix fork brace

[BLAC]

There is other ways, for one he could form the fender brace, in 2 pieces like I suggested, and join the middle...out of 1/4 alloy..or dragbike style.... You can make it yourself or with minimal lathe work.
The one on the left a member here made, i described what to do and he made it.

Yep, This is what I had in mind, i just didnt know what to look up to see examples, thanks for the link!

@cal, you are totally right, I'm not going to sacrifice any performance/function for just pure aesthetic, but I am going to do by best to solve for both.  Your bike is a beaut by the way!

[riverfever]

Love that.

[540nova]

I powdercoated mine, I think it blends right in.


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[540nova]

Here's an elegant option too-

That's going on my CB350


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[BLAC]

Here's an elegant option too-

This was my initial plan, but to keep those rods closer to the fork so they don't flare out to the very front and back of the fender.  But I don't know how much actual structural strength this solution would have it looks like it is more of a cosmetic solution?

[754]

Those rod mou ts aint gonna brace the fork much.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Agreed. The rods will not provide any real support as a fork brace and only serve to keep the fender in position.

[BLAC]

is anyone familiar with this guy's video? If so do you think it is correct/good information? I am pulling my head off soon and will be sending it out to Mr Rieck, I'm thinking it would be a nice reference to watch while working (along side the shop manual).

[Restoration Fan]

This is my 750 with no gaiters and a Telefix fork brace

Don,
Did you sell the 750 or are you still holding onto it so that I can ride it the next time I come to LA? 

Ron

[Restoration Fan]

is anyone familiar with this guy's video? If so do you think it is correct/good information? I am pulling my head off soon and will be sending it out to Mr Rieck, I'm thinking it would be a nice reference to watch while working (along side the shop manual).

I watched it a long time ago.  I don't remember any glaring mistakes but I also don't remember being super impressed by it either.  I recommend you look at the pinned thread at the top that Dino did on his Hackaweek channel.  It is very thorough and well documented in video format.  Follow his lead and you'll do well.

Edited to add:
Yes, I realize Dino's is a 750 but it's not incredibly different.  Cam towers are different and the rocker arms are held differently but the concept is the same.