Author Topic: 1974 CB550. Racetech Monoshock. JMR Head. Built Engine. "BLAC"  (Read 183116 times)

0 Members and 7 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline RAFster122s

  • I feel like a really really
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 12,275
  • SOHC4 member # 2605
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #550 on: January 28, 2017, 01:42:05 am »
My mom's '01 Subaru Outback had shredded its serpentine belt Thursday. We bought another belt and I installed it where it had broken down in the dark by flashlight.  The tensioner felt OK. Only problem was within 3 miles it ate the new bet and the tensioner had lunched the bearings and the bolt securing the bearings and tensioner wheel was missing. Had the car towed to a shop near where Mom lives.  Found out today they weren't able to fix it and ordered a replacement tensioner out of Knoxville, 100 miles away, and it would be here Monday.  They quoted her $200 for the work, $75 for labor, $30 for the belt we paid $25 for a Dayco, and looks like $100 for the tensioner. The Advanced Auto in Bristol quoted it for $76 and they could have it in 20 minutes, about as long as it would take to drive there to buy it.
So, they made some markup.  She's not a happy camper and requires hand controls in the car due to an accident about 15 years ago.

So, given the usual Brembo runs $200 at least and more like $250 your $450 is a little high...wonder what the dealer pays for the part shipped to their store?  Wonder what they would charge to install it?

Crazy thing is they are charging $75 for the work and I have the beauty cover off so it is one bracket and then remove a 10 mm nut and loosen a 12mm nut to remove a guard and then a 8mm hex to remove the tensioner.  20 minutes work tops.

I'm presuming $75 is an hours labor.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline NobleHops

  • Don ya be callin' me no
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,345
  • Misfit - Tucson, Arizona
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #551 on: January 28, 2017, 07:39:33 am »
Thank you for the kind words! Stay tuned, I should have the monoshock on in the next month 👌🏼

Nils, I got my baby all packed and dressed up for you.  Leaving home tomorrow!



Those cases look SO COZY! We will give them a proper pimping during their spa day.
Nils Menten * Tucson, Arizona, USA

I have a motorcycle problem.

My build thread: NobleHops makes a 400F pretty for his wife: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=131210.0

Offline Godffery

  • Godffery's Garage
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,170
  • Wisdom brings a realization of how little we know.
    • Godffery's Garage hosted by VinMoto.org
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #552 on: January 29, 2017, 01:12:08 am »
 Was just checking out your build thread, Got some pretty nifty stuff going on there! 
Really like your choice of wheels.

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #553 on: January 30, 2017, 12:39:09 pm »
Thanks! Im putting together an update now, I'm getting close on the monoshock part of the project. I cant wait to have a roller again!

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 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #554 on: January 30, 2017, 12:55:21 pm »
Time to get this monoshock mounting business wrapped up...

I decided to make a mock up of the monoshock with an adjustable section so I can set my desired ride height.  Here was the workflow:

Make the ends based on what I am having Racetech make for my spring ends:


Didnt spend much time making it pretty, but it should work!



If anyone needs this when I am done, you are free to use it as well!
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 Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #555 on: January 30, 2017, 02:15:19 pm »
Bryan,
That is brilliant.  When I get to the 550, I'm still thinking I want to do a mono-shock on it with that CBR600 rear end I'm going to be using on it.

Keep that around because I just might want to borrow it.  Very cool.

Ron
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 BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #556 on: January 30, 2017, 02:28:21 pm »
Bryan,
That is brilliant.  When I get to the 550, I'm still thinking I want to do a mono-shock on it with that CBR600 rear end I'm going to be using on it.

Keep that around because I just might want to borrow it.  Very cool.

Ron

You got it!  Ill let you know if it ends up working ;)
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 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #557 on: January 30, 2017, 02:40:58 pm »
I officially approve of how the new subframe looks, so I sealed it up with a couple welds  ;D



I also mounted and welded in (top and bottom) the plate where I will mount the top monoshock mounting plates:
« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 03:44:01 pm by BLAC »
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

Online SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,731
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #558 on: January 30, 2017, 02:56:47 pm »
FYI - Your first photo in the last post is not displaying (broken imgur link). 

Nice weld!
« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 03:22:08 pm by CB750 Cafe Racer Fan »
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 540nova

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 593
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #559 on: January 30, 2017, 03:01:50 pm »
Nice welding, Blac!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,221
  • Central Texas
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #560 on: January 30, 2017, 03:12:09 pm »
Nice welding, Blac!


+1. As a self-taught amateur, I can appreciate a nice bead...

« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 03:46:41 pm by Stev-o »
'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 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #561 on: January 30, 2017, 03:44:31 pm »
Sorry, got it fixed (image)

Thanks for the kind words!
« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 03:58:42 pm by BLAC »
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 540nova

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 593
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #562 on: January 30, 2017, 05:12:45 pm »
Just saw the first picture, which wasn't viewing before. Again, great looking welds!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Offline Restoration Fan

  • My wife will never call me
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,966
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #563 on: January 30, 2017, 06:30:12 pm »
Yeah, Bryan, I was going to comment earlier that your welding talent far exceeds mine.  Really enjoying this build a lot.  You have some serious talent and a very good attention to details and it will show in the final product.  This is going to be one sexy bike!
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 BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #564 on: January 30, 2017, 08:05:12 pm »
Yeah, Bryan, I was going to comment earlier that your welding talent far exceeds mine.  Really enjoying this build a lot.  You have some serious talent and a very good attention to details and it will show in the final product.  This is going to be one sexy bike!

Thank you! I welded quite a bit in HS (12 years ago) but just got back into it in the last couple months.. I probably have about 2 hours of practice on this machine.  The hard part for me is getting the machine set correctly, I run beads on similar stock before getting on my bike getting that dialed in.

The other part is getting all the pieces to fit right so I don't have to glob up the welds to fill gaps.  And that just comes from me being very anal and detailed (i.e. Slow moving) on the metal fabbing.

I do appreciate the kind words and support, I have never done a build this deep before so I'm learning as I go!
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 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #565 on: January 30, 2017, 08:55:35 pm »
I think it is safe to say the subframe and monoshock-swingarm hoop is all square and even...  8)

« Last Edit: January 30, 2017, 09:01:53 pm by BLAC »
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 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #566 on: January 30, 2017, 11:13:54 pm »
Does anyone have a list of the oil seal part numbers? I want to buy OEM but don't see a kit available and it looks like im going to have to piece meal it together.  Im away on business for a couple days so I am away from my parts manual but here is what I found online (but am not entirely sure it is accurate)

If anyone knows of a thread where these part numbers are all in the same place, please point me to it!

91259-VM0-000 - 10X16X4.5  Clutch lever
91202-426-003 - 12X25X4.5  Gearshift Drum
91202-KFL-841 - 13.8X24X5  Gearshift Spindle
91204-286-003 - 18X29X7  Right Crankcase Cover
91201-300-003 - 30X42X8  Crankshaft
91201-323-005 - 30X45X8  Crankshaft
91205-283-015 - 33X57X7  Countershaft
91207-374-000 - 34X8 FLAT SEAL Main-shaft
91256-096-651 - 4.8X14.5X4  Tach seal


UPDATE: I just did tons or research and ordered 41 OEM gaskets/seals for my bike... There are a couple of those bastards that are NLA and people are asking an arm an a leg on ebay for them...  >:(
« Last Edit: January 31, 2017, 12:36:13 am by BLAC »
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: 21,007
  • I refuse...
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #567 on: January 31, 2017, 03:04:50 am »
Make sure you get in touch with member, Elan, and pick up his Oil Pump rebuild kit. He has the NLA o-rings and internals (not rotor) that you will need.
'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 Godffery

  • Godffery's Garage
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,170
  • Wisdom brings a realization of how little we know.
    • Godffery's Garage hosted by VinMoto.org
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #568 on: January 31, 2017, 03:38:37 am »
 I have done a few of these Conversions, so I can say with experience, You are doing a fine job!  Never worry about how ling it takes to get it right, worry about how long it will take to Fix it if you try to rush threw it! =)

 Here are a couple pix from ones I've converted:


http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/Cafe+Overkill/DSC+285.JPG.html?g2_imageViewsIndex=1
« Last Edit: February 01, 2017, 02:50:18 pm by Godffery »

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #569 on: February 01, 2017, 11:01:07 am »
beautiful work, I have spend time looking at some of your builds  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

Offline 754

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 29,058
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #570 on: February 01, 2017, 11:15:18 am »
There should be oilseal kits available with all the seals. .check with suppliers or ebay.
Maker of the WELDLESS 750 Frame Kit
dodogas99@gmail.com
Kelowna B.C.       Canada

My next bike will be a ..ANFOB.....

It's All part of the ADVENTURE...

73 836cc.. Green, had it for 3 decades!!
Lost quite a few CB 750's along the way

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #571 on: February 01, 2017, 11:17:58 am »
I couldnt find any that used (or were clear about using) OEM parts, it was just "fits cb550" so I just compiled a list of part numbers and bought OEM piece by piece via partzilla

I also got a NOS gasket kit (kit B) on the way
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 Godffery

  • Godffery's Garage
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,170
  • Wisdom brings a realization of how little we know.
    • Godffery's Garage hosted by VinMoto.org
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #572 on: February 01, 2017, 02:54:27 pm »
I couldnt find any that used (or were clear about using) OEM parts, it was just "fits cb550" so I just compiled a list of part numbers and bought OEM piece by piece via partzilla

I also got a NOS gasket kit (kit B) on the way
There is a guy out of Canada selling Seal kits on FeeBay. I'm not sure if they are OEM, but I have used his kits at least 3 times in the past with no issues.

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #573 on: February 01, 2017, 09:25:55 pm »
I think I found the guy you are talking about.  I couldn't tell if they were factory or not either...

I am relatively new to all of this so I don't know what brands to trust or to avoid (with respect to gaskets and the like).

I think I have most everything on the way... I think it was over more than 40 pieces in total.
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 Godffery

  • Godffery's Garage
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,170
  • Wisdom brings a realization of how little we know.
    • Godffery's Garage hosted by VinMoto.org
Re: 1974 CB550. Monoshock. Engine Build. "BLAC"
« Reply #574 on: February 01, 2017, 10:37:44 pm »
 I have noticed that the aftermarket Head Gaskets tend to fail.