Author Topic: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.  (Read 23148 times)

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Offline sethmcalister

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The float on the right appears to be what I have for my '78

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Offline BLAC

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Re: 1978 CB550... I just want a stock rider this time. Project: "A to B"
« Reply #26 on: June 11, 2017, 07:21:04 PM »
Fak.  Well I bought a full set of new ones and the came in and look like the one on the left.

Nothing is easy  >:( :o
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: 1978 CB550... I just want a stock rider this time. Project: "A to B"
« Reply #27 on: June 13, 2017, 05:27:58 PM »
well, it turns out I had the right parts, but while cleaning my lovely girlfriend threw them in the trash.



Time to buy more parts.
« Last Edit: June 13, 2017, 05:45:49 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 sethmcalister

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Yeah, I had my apart tonight. They're a bit more rounded than mine, but the height appears to be the same which I would think is more important. Sorry about that.

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Offline BLAC

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Yeah, I had my apart tonight. They're a bit more rounded than mine, but the height appears to be the same which I would think is more important. Sorry about that.

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No worries! I guess the cb750 and cb550's (77-78) use the same float valves.
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #30 on: June 16, 2017, 03:48:17 PM »
Well my stock "daily rider" (which I have never ridden) is turning into a baby project...

Just picked up this tank and shorty fender from a forum member, it's fresh out of the paint booth and looks amazing!






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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #31 on: June 16, 2017, 04:18:04 PM »
He does nice work.  I may have him paint my next project...
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline SKTP

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #32 on: June 16, 2017, 05:04:48 PM »
That looks fantastic..can't wait to see it on the bike...who did it? I think you're in the LA area?
1978k rebuild thread http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=68423.0
BIKE OF THE MONTH - OCTOBER 2017
2003 Ducati M800ie
1997 Honda CR-V
2004 Honda CR-V
1966 Honda S90

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #33 on: June 16, 2017, 10:02:11 PM »
Great looking paint, Bryan!
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #34 on: June 17, 2017, 01:21:15 PM »
Looking a little better already🤘🏼
« Last Edit: June 18, 2017, 01:00:11 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 Restoration Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #35 on: June 18, 2017, 03:16:59 AM »
Hideous paint job, Bryan.  I'm surprised you would put something so ugly onto that gorgeous bike you're making.

So I'll tell you what I'll do.  I'll send you a different tank and tins so that you can have him try again and see if he can get it right this time. 
And I'll just take those ugly ones he messed up.   ;D

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 calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #36 on: June 18, 2017, 06:53:08 AM »
Hideous paint job, Bryan.  I'm surprised you would put something so ugly onto that gorgeous bike you're making.

So I'll tell you what I'll do.  I'll send you a different tank and tins so that you can have him try again and see if he can get it right this time. 
And I'll just take those ugly ones he messed up.   ;D

Ron
You only find this level of kinship from a true southern gentleman. Ron, you've done our heritage proud! Bryan I encourage you to hurry up and take Ron up on his so kind offer before he comes to his senses.
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #37 on: June 18, 2017, 08:53:00 AM »
Hideous paint job, Bryan.  I'm surprised you would put something so ugly onto that gorgeous bike you're making.

So I'll tell you what I'll do.  I'll send you a different tank and tins so that you can have him try again and see if he can get it right this time. 
And I'll just take those ugly ones he messed up.   ;D

Ron
You only find this level of kinship from a true southern gentleman. Ron, you've done our heritage proud! Bryan I encourage you to hurry up and take Ron up on his so kind offer before he comes to his senses.
And before Ron makes it back from Japan to make good on his offer!
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #38 on: June 18, 2017, 01:06:40 PM »
Wow, y'all are so kind!  please get me an address to send these lowly parts to, i need them out of my sight!

one thing I didnt anticipate was how short the "shorty" fender would be.  It is completely hidden under the stock.. I love the look of the painted fender, but I will need to get another seat pan and cut it down + make a new seat..


Another update: rebuilding the front suspension and replacing the seals, replacing the dented headlight bracket and putting on a new set of Lasertec tires!  busy day today  (note Cal's bike on the left)


« Last Edit: June 18, 2017, 01:09:20 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 calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #39 on: June 18, 2017, 02:46:29 PM »
At least mine is operable!  :P Jealousy does not become you
'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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #40 on: June 18, 2017, 05:37:29 PM »
Nice colors and basket, too!  ;D
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 Restoration Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #41 on: June 18, 2017, 05:47:20 PM »
Yeah, seriously.  Bryan, you taking the pedal route while the bikes are being worked on? 
If so, might I recommend a big flower to go on the front of that basket to completely finish off the look?

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

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #42 on: June 19, 2017, 11:03:02 AM »
Cal I took your bike out for a spin, it handles really nice!  It gets a little too much attention for my liking... with that pink frame and green wheels  :P

Two learnings from this weekend:

  • Taking tires off rims is a pain in the d*$&, I cant imagine what it is going to be like trying to put new ones on..
  • The wiring harness on this bike "works" but it makes me nervous.  Im guessing a wire got smoked at one point because the main harness is 'loomed' with electrical tape...

Is there a good main harness replacement out there or is making a custom one the way to 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 calj737

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #43 on: June 19, 2017, 11:05:24 AM »
It's the Ohlins steering damper I installed that makes the bike dreamy, especially when your pocket poodle is loaded in the basket.

Wiring easy fix = M-Unit
'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

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #44 on: June 19, 2017, 11:44:12 AM »
It's the Ohlins steering damper I installed that makes the bike dreamy, especially when your pocket poodle is loaded in the basket.

Wiring easy fix = M-Unit

bahhhh I dont know if I want to keep putting that much money into this thing haha
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #45 on: June 19, 2017, 11:51:33 AM »
I got what you need Bryan!!  ;D ;D You look pretty deep already! Fail completely!
« Last Edit: June 19, 2017, 12:00:30 PM by Camrector »

Offline BLAC

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #46 on: June 21, 2017, 09:44:11 PM »
Ok... IT LIVES!

I bought a Morgan carbtune pro, I installed the little "tubes within the tubes" but when they are installed the metal bars don't move at ALL when revving or idling.

I took the resistors out of the tubes and this is the result:


What do you think?
« Last Edit: June 21, 2017, 09:55:40 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 NobleHops

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #47 on: June 22, 2017, 02:44:25 AM »
Ok... IT LIVES!

I bought a Morgan carbtune pro, I installed the little "tubes within the tubes" but when they are installed the metal bars don't move at ALL when revving or idling.

I took the resistors out of the tubes and this is the result:


What do you think?


Low vacuum. Workaround: https://www.carbtune.com/inst.html
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 BLAC

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Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #48 on: June 22, 2017, 11:00:45 AM »
"flip it upside down" is a pretty easy solution.  ill give it a shot!
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #49 on: June 30, 2017, 04:23:36 PM »
Off with her head!



Rebuilt the front forks, new seals and used Racetech fork oil.  I also stripped, cleaned and scuffed up the fork lowers and painted them chassis black:


Installed the Metzler Lasertec's:


I got black GP handles as well.  Now I just need to get some superbike bars (these are a little tweaked) and rebuild the front brake:

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