Topic: Clip-on's and Billet Triple Install - 1978 CB550k

[cgraham]

1978 CB550k

I will be installing clip-on's and a new billet triple this week and wanted to know if you guys have any advice before I do. Is it really as simple as it seems? I've already removed the old bars and all of the hardware from the old bars, now just remove the old triple, slide the clip-on's on with hardware pre-installed, and then install new triple? Also, it seems as if the plastic is stripped on the throttle housing/switch where the pull cable threads into it, not allowing the nut to secure the cable tightly - has this every happened to anyone? thank you!

[evanphi]

You'll need to replace the steering bearings.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=1516.550


Also if you can't secure your throttle cable properly you should replace the switch/housing.

[Kenzo]

It's never as simple as it seems...

Cheers,
Kenzo

[cgraham]

Oh, i've noticed Kenzo  . And is it absolutely necessary to change the steering bearings, or is it just suggested because it's a 40 year old bike and the front end is apart anyways?

[evanphi]

Oh, i've noticed Kenzo  . And is it absolutely necessary to change the steering bearings, or is it just suggested because it's a 40 year old bike and the front end is apart anyways?

Yes it is, because there's no way to get the old race off the old stem without damaging it.

[CBGhia]

Oh, i've noticed Kenzo  . And is it absolutely necessary to change the steering bearings, or is it just suggested because it's a 40 year old bike and the front end is apart anyways?

Yes it is, because there's no way to get the old race off the old stem without damaging it.

It sounds like he is just replacing the upper triple, so changing the bearings is not needed. 

[cgraham]

yup, just top triple. So not completely necessary (as long as they are in decent condition)?

[CBGhia]

yup, just top triple. So not completely necessary (as long as they are in decent condition)?

Yeah, but while you have it apart...  now would be a good time to put in some tapered bearings.

[DaveBarbier]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

[Stev-o]

Are you keeping the stock fork ears with clip ons?

[Retro Rocket]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

[firebane]

The hardest part about steering head bearings is getting the lower one off and back on. The others are super easy and just take a few minutes.

[seanbarney41]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

I have found that a bike with un-greased and poorly adjusted tapered rollers handles just as bad as  a bike with un-greased poorly adjusted ball bearings.  Only difference is if you let the balls go into a sorry state for very long they are ruined, not so much with the tapered rollers.

[Retro Rocket]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

I have found that a bike with un-greased and poorly adjusted tapered rollers handles just as bad as  a bike with un-greased poorly adjusted ball bearings.  Only difference is if you let the balls go into a sorry state for very long they are ruined, not so much with the tapered rollers.

Yes but, I've seen 750's with well greased stock ball bearings still have pitted and notchy races, there's no denying that tapered rollers are far superior, and like all bearings that aren't sealed, they should be maintained properly...

[DaveBarbier]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

I think it took me a weekend, haha! But maybe I just work slow and ask too many questions

[Retro Rocket]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

I think it took me a weekend, haha! But maybe I just work slow and ask too many questions

Probably too much beer....

[DaveBarbier]

Probably too much beer....

Probably, but it really feels like it helps, haha.

I think it took me a weekend, haha! But maybe I just work slow and ask too many questions

It should take about an hour more after the top clamp is off. Slip the forks out of the triples, remove the races, install new races, grease the bearings, install the forks, tighten the spanner nut, install clip-ons, install top clamp. If that took you a weekend Dave, we need to spend some time together in the shop! 

Haha, I don't know, that "slip the forks out of the triples" could easily take a few hours for a beginner.

I'd be really curious how long it takes the OP. OP, please do this and time it! And remember, drink plenty of beer!

Either way, Cal, I'd be totally down for a weekend wrenching!

[DaveBarbier]

Probably too much beer....

Probably, but it really feels like it helps, haha.
And remember, drink plenty of beer!

I'm beginning to see a pattern with you, Dave  More wrenching, less quenching is your Rx

On this one I'm going to ignore the doctor's recommendation, haha. When there's good German beer to be had, the best place to do it is in the shop!

[CBGhia]

I have nothing else to add of value, but I love this thread.   

[alacrity]

I'm no SOHC4 veteran but I don't feel the steering head bearing install is a "while you're in there" kind of job. Replacing the top triple and adding clips ons is maybe a little over an hour and you don't need to raise the front. Replacing the steering head bearings is more like a weekend job for someone who hasn't done it before.

But it's always a good idea to do it. Just trying to give you some info on how long it'll take. I have a little write up on replacing the bearings in my '78 550 in my build thread. I forget how detailed it is, though.

I disagree with the first part of Daves post, even more so if the bearings are the original ball type, new tapered bearings are a must and are light years ahead of the useless old ball bearings Honda originally used, change them now while you have the front end apart, its not that hard and definitely shouldn't take a whole weekend ...

I have found that a bike with un-greased and poorly adjusted tapered rollers handles just as bad as  a bike with un-greased poorly adjusted ball bearings.  Only difference is if you let the balls go into a sorry state for very long they are ruined, not so much with the tapered rollers.

I am with Sean on this one.  And besides, who wants to try to ride around on ruined balls?

[Kenzo]

I am with Sean on this one.  And besides, who wants to try to ride around on ruined balls?

With age, sometimes crusty balls are inevitable...

...but they still function!

Cheers,
Kenzo