Author Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"  (Read 187907 times)

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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #200 on: June 06, 2016, 02:07:31 PM »
hmm... #$%*.   :-[

Do you think i will be ok reusing them if I can pull them out and flip them? They went in pretty easy so I dont think i would damage anything getting them out..

No.  Don't be a cheapskate for something as important as fork seals.
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. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #201 on: June 06, 2016, 02:31:34 PM »
hmm... #$%*.   :-[

Do you think i will be ok reusing them if I can pull them out and flip them? They went in pretty easy so I dont think i would damage anything getting them out..

No.  Don't be a cheapskate for something as important as fork seals.

Sounds good, new seals ordered.. Im more impatient on the shipping times than I am with cost.. I hate the waiting lol
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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #202 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #203 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #204 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #205 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #206 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #207 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #208 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #209 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #210 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #211 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 Camrector

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #212 on: June 12, 2016, 01:02:15 PM »
Did you get the matching loop for the seat cowl?

Offline flatlander

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #213 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 flatlander

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #214 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #215 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #216 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #217 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #218 on: June 12, 2016, 04:25:39 PM »
Word!

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #219 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 BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #220 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #221 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #222 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

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #223 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

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1974 Honda CB550 Build. "BlacSOHC"
« Reply #224 on: June 13, 2016, 03:23:23 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.

Yes, I took measurements from the stem to the stock mounting points for the rear springs and plan on getting it pretty much exactly the same.  I bought the mounting kit from Cognito so it should be a clean and straightforward weld in solve.

On the support bars, I am going back and forth on whether I want to recreate them in the factory spot (creating the large 'triangle' area) or mount them higher up on the bar behind the motor creating a shallower/sleeker triangle.  If that makes any sense...


I will mock up some photoshops soon  8)
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