Author Topic: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.  (Read 22844 times)

0 Members and 14 Guests are viewing this topic.

Offline NobleHops

  • Don ya be callin' me no
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,345
  • Misfit - Tucson, Arizona
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #75 on: August 07, 2017, 07:37:42 pm »
Looks amazing!
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 riverfever

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,796
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #76 on: August 08, 2017, 07:27:53 pm »
Damn that paint looks good!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=127186.0

"You wouldn't think that out here...a man could simply run clear...out of country but oh my...oh my...nothing but the light." -Ben Nichols

Offline BLAC

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #77 on: August 28, 2017, 12:54:25 pm »
Soooooooo. I decided to just completely rebuild the bike from the frame up  ::)

I stripped it down and sent the frame and swing arm to a sandblaster:


I hung them from a wire for a makeshift paint booth:


My girlfriend walked out and asked where my motorcycle was... she rolled her eyes at my now TWO projects..


About 4 coats of Eastwood Chassis Black:



This is far as I got on the engine tear down.  I am just going to clean, paint and install a 650 cam:


Cylinder is black VHT, Planning on block sanding the fins.


Of course I had to test fit some of the pretty parts =)


« Last Edit: August 28, 2017, 12:56:46 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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,729
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #78 on: August 28, 2017, 02:07:01 pm »
Keeping it stock is a battle I am losing.
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 SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,729
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #79 on: August 28, 2017, 02:07:21 pm »
Looking good, B.
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #80 on: August 28, 2017, 03:02:52 pm »
Thanks, Don!

Does anyone have a bare 77-78 CB550 seat pan they are willing to get rid of? I need to chop one up for a shorter seat
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: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #81 on: August 28, 2017, 05:04:04 pm »
Does anyone have a bare 77-78 CB550 seat pan they are willing to get rid of? I need to chop one up for a shorter seat
Just make one from aluminum you lazy, Bastage!  ::)
'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

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,729
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #82 on: August 28, 2017, 05:16:33 pm »
Are you aiming to keep the stock functionality of the hinges and just shorten the overall seat?  So much for stock!!  :o
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #83 on: August 29, 2017, 12:01:34 pm »
Does anyone have a bare 77-78 CB550 seat pan they are willing to get rid of? I need to chop one up for a shorter seat
Just make one from aluminum you lazy, Bastage!  ::)

Your overestimate of my skillset is flattering  :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 Camrector

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 580
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #84 on: August 29, 2017, 12:09:48 pm »
Looking so good!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

  • Speak up, Whipper-Snapper! I'm a
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 15,729
  • SOHC/4 Member #1235
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #85 on: August 29, 2017, 12:26:16 pm »
I want to be adopted by his girlfriend's grandfather -- or at least get to use his sweet garage!
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 calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #86 on: August 29, 2017, 12:54:00 pm »
Does anyone have a bare 77-78 CB550 seat pan they are willing to get rid of? I need to chop one up for a shorter seat
Just make one from aluminum you lazy, Bastage!  ::)

Your overestimate of my skillset is flattering  :P
Take a 1/8" sheet of aluminum. Trace the hoop/rails. Cut with a jig saw. Propane torch to heat it, bend it to fit curvature. Dress edges with grinder and flap disk or files. Locate hinges. Done yet????  ::)
'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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #87 on: August 29, 2017, 01:21:54 pm »
Does anyone have a bare 77-78 CB550 seat pan they are willing to get rid of? I need to chop one up for a shorter seat
Just make one from aluminum you lazy, Bastage!  ::)

Your overestimate of my skillset is flattering  :P
Take a 1/8" sheet of aluminum. Trace the hoop/rails. Cut with a jig saw. Propane torch to heat it, bend it to fit curvature. Dress edges with grinder and flap disk or files. Locate hinges. Done yet????  ::)

Aaaaaand I'm headed to the "Wanted" section to create a post... ;D
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: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #88 on: August 30, 2017, 08:59:20 am »
cal is an absolute master of the understatement, isn't he?  :D
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

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #89 on: August 30, 2017, 10:16:36 am »
cal is an absolute master of the understatement, isn't he?  :D
I remain unafraid to attempt anything, whether I have expertise or not. Cowardice is not welcome in my home  :P
'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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #90 on: August 30, 2017, 10:52:38 am »
Im not afraid to try, but I know someone who made tens of thousands of them already... Honda  :P

I also want it to be steel so I can weld onto it. I need to incorporate a brake light into the seat somehow  :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 calj737

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #91 on: August 30, 2017, 03:22:36 pm »
Pssst! Brake light mount from aluminum. Weld aluminum to aluminum.  ;)
'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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #92 on: September 01, 2017, 11:31:54 am »
Might be a stupid question, but I can not find any reference to which engine mounting points are the grounds (unpainted).

Is it just the back two that make direct contact with the frame?   ???

« Last Edit: September 01, 2017, 01:27:44 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

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #93 on: September 01, 2017, 03:57:12 pm »
Right rear upper motor hangar bolt and engine bracket. The NEG cable grounds between them and the frame.
'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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #94 on: September 01, 2017, 05:23:36 pm »
Is there a downside to having more than just that one ground point?

For some reason I thought it was the bottom rear two as well, so I have all three of hose unpainted...
« Last Edit: September 01, 2017, 05:28:35 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

  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #95 on: September 01, 2017, 06:50:22 pm »
Is there a downside to having more than just that one ground point?

For some reason I thought it was the bottom rear two as well, so I have all three of hose unpainted...
The battery only has 1 NEG terminal. It only needs 1 ground point.
'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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #96 on: September 18, 2017, 11:51:02 am »
I got the whole motor reassembled and put in the 650 cam.. but then I realized I forgot to put in the two hollow dowels that go between the cylinder and the head... The step by step I was looking at didnt use them and I didnt notice them until I was cleaning up my bench.

son of a BETCH.

ok... so I used a brand new OEM base gasket and head gasket, with permatex copper spray in both. I also used hondabond on the new pucks, so it is sealed up nice.  My question is...

Do I need to run those dowels? If not necesary should I just leave it as is since everything is sprayed and torqued?  If I do have to run them, can I reuse my brand new head gasket?

this is a bummer  :-\

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

  • Don ya be callin' me no
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,345
  • Misfit - Tucson, Arizona
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #97 on: September 18, 2017, 12:16:41 pm »
I got the whole motor reassembled and put in the 650 cam.. but then I realized I forgot to put in the two hollow dowels that go between the cylinder and the head... The step by step I was looking at didnt use them and I didnt notice them until I was cleaning up my bench.

son of a BETCH.

ok... so I used a brand new OEM base gasket and head gasket, with permatex copper spray in both. I also used hondabond on the new pucks, so it is sealed up nice.  My question is...

Do I need to run those dowels? If not necesary should I just leave it as is since everything is sprayed and torqued?  If I do have to run them, can I reuse my brand new head gasket?

this is a bummer  :-\




Bryan, I don't have a qualified answer on the dowel pins so I won't opine, but I will say, 'been there, done that' in similar fashion, and whether or not they speak up, I bet a dozen ore more guys that read this are saying it too. Re your head gasket, if it is MLS I personally think the answer is no on reuse, and yes if it is copper. Paper gasket, unknown, but if it isn't damaged when you pop the top off, I am going to GUESS that reuse is fine.

N.

 
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

  • An espresso is a
  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 694
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #98 on: September 18, 2017, 12:20:54 pm »
I got the whole motor reassembled and put in the 650 cam.. but then I realized I forgot to put in the two hollow dowels that go between the cylinder and the head... The step by step I was looking at didnt use them and I didnt notice them until I was cleaning up my bench.

son of a BETCH.

ok... so I used a brand new OEM base gasket and head gasket, with permatex copper spray in both. I also used hondabond on the new pucks, so it is sealed up nice.  My question is...

Do I need to run those dowels? If not necesary should I just leave it as is since everything is sprayed and torqued?  If I do have to run them, can I reuse my brand new head gasket?

this is a bummer  :-\




Bryan, I don't have a qualified answer on the dowel pins so I won't opine, but I will say, 'been there, done that' in similar fashion, and whether or not they speak up, I bet a dozen ore more guys that read this are saying it too. Re your head gasket, if it is MLS I personally think the answer is no on reuse, and yes if it is copper. Paper gasket, unknown, but if it isn't damaged when you pop the top off, I am going to GUESS that reuse is fine.

N.

Thanks!I actually was watching the soco videos and actually found him on this forum and someone else said "hey I built my motor watching your video but I dont think you used the alignment dowels between the cylinder and the head" he responded with "im not sure what you are referring to' then the thread died  ::)

 I used the stock OEM gasket that is the waxy/graphite looking thing. Im not sure what it is made from. its not the aftermarket MLS though
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: 20,995
  • I refuse...
Re: 1978 CB550... I tried to keep it stock, I failed.
« Reply #99 on: September 18, 2017, 12:31:57 pm »
Best answered by Mike R (in my opinion)
'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