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

[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.

[calj737]

Don's bike does look great. Personally, I like your initial idea with Cliff's fender of running two stainless rods up and over the fender. Tie them together at the forks, and to each other above the fender, and you're as good (if not better) than stock.

[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!

[calj737]

Here's an elegant option too-

[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.

[calj737]

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

Which is why I susggested they tied together above the fender ala stock fender bracket. 

[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.

[Stev-o]

Speaking of pins, you should upgrade to the later model head cover that had the upgraded rocker pins.

[joeyvans]

+1 My early '76 valve cover was #$%*e.... so I swapped a better looking '74 I had on a spare motor. Guess what... that one was #$%*e too.


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[riverfever]

+1 My early '76 valve cover was #$%*e.... so I swapped a better looking '74 I had on a spare motor. Guess what... that one was #$%*e too.


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Well you don't have very good luck.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer 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

I traded it for the new Thruxton R.

[BLAC]

Speaking of pins, you should upgrade to the later model head cover that had the upgraded rocker pins.

Ahhhh I forgot I read that a long time ago.. back to the "parts wanted" thread... 

My bike only has 8k original miles on it, should I just replace it with a pinned cover even if it is not starting to wear either way?  I just don't want to buy a late model valve cover with the pins in worse shape than my current one. 

[Restoration Fan]

How do you tell the late model valve cover from the earlier ones?
I have 3 extra valve covers but I don't know how to tell the difference.  Do any of these 3 fit the 'late model' classification?