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Author Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"  (Read 189311 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #25 on: January 28, 2016, 08:41:21 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on January 28, 2016, 06:49:35 PM
Those forks will work just fine as is. You do need a lower clamp, but, if you really want to maintain/achieve the best possible steering geometry, get Cognito's adjustable offset trees. Solves three of your problems in 1.

His front hub is a very easy solution to the wheel. It can easily be laced to a new 3.5" rim in 17" or 18", depending upon your preferences. Buchanans has the spokes and can provide you a new Sun rim. Yes, you do need a MC, but those are readily available and cheap. Add some stock rotors and you're done.

Other considerations: gauges and instrument lights. You can opt for a MotoGadget system and in which case, Cognitio sells a top clamp already milled for their MotoScope Mini with LED info lights.

Yep.  Agreed as to all.
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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 Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #26 on: January 28, 2016, 08:59:59 PM »
Thanks for the back up Cal. Although perfect your way might move the swap more into the 2500$ range with the adjustable offset trees! ;)
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Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #27 on: January 28, 2016, 10:56:10 PM »

Thanks for the info and ideas!

I have been looking around on Cognito Moto for the past 30 mins... I could spend $5k on there in a heartbeat.  This is very very dangerous...

The standard 'upper and lower clamps' they sell that are non-adjustable are in the correct offset for a CB550 if i kept a 17in rim?

I didnt see a stem mentioned on their site for a CB550 so I assume that I would use the GSXR stem with Cognito upper and lower tree clamps and the All Balls Tapered bearings, then I would be pretty much set (minus the fecking wheel)?

I bought a new Moto GP Werkes 4-1 this morning already.. this week might get expensive..
« Last Edit: January 28, 2016, 11:18:05 PM by ser1992 »
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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 GV1390

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #28 on: January 29, 2016, 04:39:39 AM »
As I told you via text....buy those forks! Solid deal IMO.
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93' GSX-R1100, 78' CB550, 71' CL350, 71’ CB500 & 02' ZRX1200R.

Offline grcamna2

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #29 on: January 29, 2016, 05:54:53 AM »
I would wonder how long the bikes been sitting and I'm sure it should have the tank completely washed/flushed out so you know the carbs. will only be fed clear fuel.
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #30 on: January 29, 2016, 02:07:35 PM »
Don- All the insight you give is greatly valued and never taken as patronizing.  Actually, patronize all you want, your knowledge is a heck of a lot greater than mine!  shoot me a text if you can still meet up this weekend!

I guess I was under the impression that CM GSX-R triple clamps were a different offset than the standard GSXR, I thought I read something about 30mm? maybe I'm mistaken though, I looked at a lot of parts last night. I also didn't see any CB550 stems mentioned on their site, I only saw custom stems for the 750's?

I guess we can chat in person about this, I would love to get a complete understanding of the 'right way' to do this before I start buying parts to litter my apartment with.

(I do have access to a shop with a welder etc, not sure about a lathe)


GV1390- Maybe I would if I didn't just give you all my money! =P

grcsmna2- I plan on emptying/washing this tank even though I'm looking for a replacement (without the sweet dents)

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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 #31 on: January 29, 2016, 02:13:15 PM »
Anyone know if CM is making any more of those seat cowls that they put on their fox bike or how much they ran? ...

jezus... it's... perfect


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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 #32 on: January 29, 2016, 03:21:59 PM »
Cliff Meyer makes these. He is a rad dude.
I got one for my 550 so I'd imagine he is still making them. This is not a bolt on seat though and with the 550 frame requires some "working"to get it to sit flush like this.
The fox 350 is one of the bikes I used for inspiration for my Gentlemens Express bike I'm currently building.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #33 on: January 29, 2016, 03:30:19 PM »
Oh and welcome to the rabbit hole! I gave CM $7000 for parts in July for this build!
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Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #34 on: January 29, 2016, 10:06:34 PM »
Stick a GSXR fork in me, I'm done for the night ;)

Not bad for $200 for everyting?



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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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #35 on: January 30, 2016, 12:58:13 AM »
Nice fork, Bryan.
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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 Restoration Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #36 on: January 30, 2016, 03:10:05 AM »
Why not just go with the conversion kit from AllBalls?  I just checked and he can buy the bottom & top bearing kits for $24.95 each?  And they do sell the conversion bearing kits for the 06/07 GSX-R600.  It's this one http://www.allballsracing.com/99-3541-5.html and this one http://www.allballsracing.com/99-3512-5.html.

Assuming you have the top clamp to that triple tree, you should be able to bolt that right into the neck and proceed from there.  Now you will need to measure the fork length to see how much (if any) the rake & trail are changed by different length forks.

Edited:
Never mind, I just read through Cal's response and realized it's the top clamp he has and not the bottom one.  Carry on.
« Last Edit: January 30, 2016, 03:14:51 AM by Restoration Fan »
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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 Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #37 on: January 30, 2016, 07:14:50 AM »
A great "bolt on" break upgrade is to find Brembos from a gsxr1000. Literally "bolt on". Forks look good. I'd measure to check for straightness. I still feel that you would have been better off sourcing a more complete front end, because you will still need to find parts for the fork. Looks like though we are into the same kinda builds. Feel free to PM if you need Cliffs info for the tail section.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #38 on: January 30, 2016, 07:34:44 AM »
Hell yes it's overkill Cal. A gsxr front end on a stock bike is overkill. A motogp exhaust on a stock motor is overkill. And spending 750$ as you are advising is overkill.
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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #39 on: January 30, 2016, 07:36:13 AM »
$750 on a adjustable tree^
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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #40 on: January 30, 2016, 01:00:57 PM »
Not that I don't agree with you Cal, just trying to save dude a little money. I guess he hasn't really explained what he is trying to accomplish with this beautiful survivor. Got one member already profiting off him selling him a performance exhaust, so now he is in the wonderful world of jetting for said pipe (probably wasn't told about this) And now being advised on a fork swap that to do correctly is between 1500-2500$. Hence why I welcomed him to our rabbit hole Cal lol.

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Offline Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #41 on: January 30, 2016, 04:46:26 PM »
Yes I know this and you know this Cal, but does our Op? Not sure he has even owned a carburatorated bike before. Any way my advice keep this bike OG, spend $500 on a frame and motor and go from there. From what it sounds like you want to do( and what these guys are advising) you will be replacing everything anyway. Then you have 2 bikes  ;)
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Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #42 on: January 30, 2016, 07:37:32 PM »
Yes I know this, and that is really not a big deal... by your logic anything is overkill on a 550...

Also, saying a member was profiting off me for selling a hard to find exhaust system for a fair price (I even posted a 'parts wanted' ad which is how we got in touch) is a #$%*ty thing to say.  Towards me and the person who offered to sell me the exhaust.

And again, this bike is not perfect or even close to it.  It's a $1,500 bike, settle down.

anyway..

I got my bike moved into a garage so I can start building, tearing down and welding  ;D

« Last Edit: January 30, 2016, 07:54:45 PM by ser1992 »
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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 #43 on: January 30, 2016, 08:48:21 PM »
Hey brother no offense was meant at all. I've just seen person after person take advantage of the new guy. Wanted to try and help. I don't believe in over kill at all.
Probably why I have $12k into my 550 build already. Go for broke! :)
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Offline seanbarney41

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #44 on: January 31, 2016, 12:26:09 AM »
plenty of room for improvement with the stock forks...braces, dampeners, cartridge emulators, pre=load adjustors, all with correct geometry and it won't overload your 1970's crap wet noodle frame
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If it works good, it looks good...

Offline grcamna2

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #45 on: January 31, 2016, 11:51:50 AM »
Quote from: ser1992 on January 30, 2016, 07:37:32 PM
Yes I know this, and that is really not a big deal... by your logic anything is overkill on a 550...

Also, saying a member was profiting off me for selling a hard to find exhaust system for a fair price (I even posted a 'parts wanted' ad which is how we got in touch) is a #$%*ty thing to say.  Towards me and the person who offered to sell me the exhaust.

And again, this bike is not perfect or even close to it.  It's a $1,500 bike, settle down.

anyway..

I got my bike moved into a garage so I can start building, tearing down and welding  ;D



That's a nice work space and those hanging license plates are nostalgic;do you have heat out there ?
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75' CB400F/'bunch o' parts' & 81' CB125S modded to a 'CB200S'
  I love the small ones too !
Do your BEST...nobody can take that away from you.

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #46 on: January 31, 2016, 08:16:32 PM »
Yep!  Heat, lights and even a bathroom with a shower!  Im in LA, so it doesnt get much colder than the low 60's at night ;)

I started the bike up and kept it running for a minute.  I touched the manifolds and 2 of the right cylinders were cold.. I have spark, no fuel...

I pulled the carbs and need to order a rebuild kit.

goodnight.

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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 redwillis1978

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #47 on: January 31, 2016, 08:19:41 PM »
Damn that looks so nice. I will trade you my 550 for yours. Mine is already converted to 37mm forks, disc rear and cbr rearsets.  I would love a stock cb550. I also have billet triple clamps with adjustable offsets for GSXR forks.
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. It's cash fire time.
« Reply #48 on: January 31, 2016, 09:44:14 PM »
Quote from: redwillis1978 on January 31, 2016, 08:19:41 PM
Damn that looks so nice. I will trade you my 550 for yours. Mine is already converted to 37mm forks, disc rear and cbr rearsets.  I would love a stock cb550. I also have billet triple clamps with adjustable offsets for GSXR forks.

Thats a good offer....
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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 #49 on: February 01, 2016, 10:46:56 AM »
Thanks, but I want to see this project through with this bike.

The triple clamps you are referencing, are those for sale by chance?

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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
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