Author Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"  (Read 183500 times)

0 Members and 4 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,238
  • Central Texas
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #225 on: June 07, 2016, 08:33:29 PM »
Nice job on the polishing, BTW.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #226 on: June 08, 2016, 05:11:44 PM »
Nice job on the polishing, BTW.

Thank you!  I literally wet sanded my fingertips off and bled on those buggers (mechanix gloves are ordered and on the way).

Excel shouldered wheels are just getting finished at Buchannan's and will be here this weekend.  I CANT WAIT to see what the wheel looks like between these forks =)
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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #227 on: June 08, 2016, 08:48:54 PM »
Nice job on the polishing, BTW.

Thank you!  I literally wet sanded my fingertips off and bled on those buggers (mechanix gloves are ordered and on the way).

Excel shouldered wheels are just getting finished at Buchannan's and will be here this weekend.  I CANT WAIT to see what the wheel looks like between these forks =)

Something like this:


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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #228 on: June 09, 2016, 10:32:32 AM »
Wheels were delivered! 

They are beautiful, but it looks like there are a bunch of weights on the spokes?  Is there a different way to do this? I think it looks a little clunky...

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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #229 on: June 09, 2016, 12:17:13 PM »
Very nice looking hoops.  I suppose you could use adhesive weights in place of the spoke weights, but that's definitely not a period thing.
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #230 on: June 09, 2016, 01:08:51 PM »
Ah gotcha! If that is period correct and common I'll leave them, I just wasn't familiar with it
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 Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,238
  • Central Texas
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #231 on: June 09, 2016, 03:48:39 PM »
There are other types of weights, those do not look bad.  I have this type on my Z1...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/K-L-Chrome-Steel-Spoke-Wheel-Weight-1-oz-/282042440929?hash=item41ab0a1ce1:g:1ywAAOSwgQ9V00r0&vxp=mtr
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #232 on: June 12, 2016, 02:09:40 AM »
A little progress! The seat cowl came in from cliff / cognito :)

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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #233 on: June 12, 2016, 07:16:19 AM »
I think you're going to need a few more parts!   :D  Bet you can't wait to put those wheels and rubber to use.
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #234 on: June 12, 2016, 12:16:05 PM »
I think you're going to need a few more parts!   :D  Bet you can't wait to put those wheels and rubber to use.

I don't know what you are talking about, I took her for a test ride last night after I took the picture.  It handles very nice! Really light and flickable in the twisties
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

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,009
  • I refuse...
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #235 on: June 12, 2016, 12:35:35 PM »
Hey, maybe its none of my business, but looking at your steering geometry in the latest picture, I can't believe you didn't install a steering damper  :o What, you got a death wish or something?  ;D
'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 Camrector

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 580
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #236 on: June 12, 2016, 01:02:15 PM »
Did you get the matching loop for the seat cowl?

Offline flatlander

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,605
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #237 on: June 12, 2016, 01:02:33 PM »
never mind the steering damper. i find that thin-air supported suspension system even more worrisome. pfff... some people really go to far with the weight savings.

Offline calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,009
  • I refuse...
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #238 on: June 12, 2016, 01:05:52 PM »
never mind the steering damper. i find that thin-air supported suspension system even more worrisome. pfff... some people really go to far with the weight savings.
But you really must commend him for rebuilding a 40 year old fossil fuel burning antique into just about the Greenest Machine on the planet. And, he'll never have to synch his carbs!  ;D  :D :D
'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 flatlander

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 2,605
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #239 on: June 12, 2016, 01:16:26 PM »
you are right, that's very innovative. and the way that steering-by-intuition mechanism is ergonomically integrated with the mindpower brakes, is completely revolutionary.

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #240 on: June 12, 2016, 03:48:22 PM »
you are right, that's very innovative. and the way that steering-by-intuition mechanism is ergonomically integrated with the mindpower brakes, is completely revolutionary.

I put a lot of time and thinking into this build  :P
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #241 on: June 12, 2016, 03:49:13 PM »
Hey, maybe its none of my business, but looking at your steering geometry in the latest picture, I can't believe you didn't install a steering damper  :o What, you got a death wish or something?  ;D

What are you talking about!  I ride motorcycles just for the tank slappers, thats the best part!
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #242 on: June 12, 2016, 04:15:49 PM »
Did you get the matching loop for the seat cowl?

Yes, I actually got the extended loop so I can chop off my stock subframe and replace it with straight tubing.  I just sat this on the stock frame for the pic :)
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

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 580
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #243 on: June 12, 2016, 04:25:39 PM »
Word!

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #244 on: June 13, 2016, 11:17:58 AM »
I need to buy a tap to put threads in a mounting plate for my Motogadget buttons.

They are listed as M12, but it doesnt list the thread pitch.  Anyone know what it is? 
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

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 21,009
  • I refuse...
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #245 on: June 13, 2016, 11:40:12 AM »
1.5
'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 BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #246 on: June 13, 2016, 11:58:32 AM »
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #247 on: June 13, 2016, 02:31:49 PM »
I have reached yet another "point of no return" moment  ;D





(small tacks to help me see what I want it to look like)
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 Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,238
  • Central Texas
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #248 on: June 13, 2016, 03:06:07 PM »
Are you planning on using that tank?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #249 on: June 13, 2016, 03:17:28 PM »
I like it with the stock tank.  I assume blacSOHC has already worked out his suspension mount points, geometry and adequate support for the new subframe.
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