Author Topic: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread ------- Stick a fork in it... ;-)  (Read 209539 times)

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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #100 on: January 27, 2007, 10:18:58 PM »
All this money spent on this build and you dont even have real K&N filters ?  :-\ ;D
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #101 on: January 27, 2007, 10:29:10 PM »



        Hey Teal, Doesn't anyone else make air filters except K & N? Doug is building one hell of a fine looking ride 8) and deserves credit for it, don't ya think? ??? ::)

                                                 Later on, Bill :) ;)
« Last Edit: January 27, 2007, 10:31:02 PM by bill440cars »
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #102 on: January 27, 2007, 10:43:00 PM »
    Take a look at the red Commando's exhaust You'll have to use the link cause my pc is giving me issues. If someone wants to help out, I'd be appreciative.      Later on, Bill :) ;)

          http://www.vintagebike.co.uk/Bike%20Directories/Norton%20Bikes/images/Norton%20Commando_jpg.jpg
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #103 on: January 27, 2007, 10:48:07 PM »


          By the way Doug, your bike is looking Fantastic! 8)  Keep up the good work! ;) Can't wait to see more on this one.

                                                     Later on, Bill :) ;)
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PRAYERS ALWAYS FOR: Bre, Jeff & Virginia, Bear, Trevor & Brianna ( Close Friend's Daughter)
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Offline CrisPDuk

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #104 on: January 28, 2007, 01:26:07 AM »


                Cool pipes! They have the Norton Peashooters look. Some of you folks know what I'm talking
         about.

                                                        Later on, Bill :) ;)




I actually thought Enfield rather than Norton when I first saw it, but I suppose it just depends which you grew up drooling over ;D

            Never saw any Royal Enfields with those type of mufflers and I grew up around the British bikes of the 50's, 60's and up. Only place I saw the "Pea Shooters" were on the Norton Commandos.
Just telling what I've seen.

                                                           Later on, Bill :) ;)

My parents' next door neighbour had a pair of 750 Interceptors which had very similar exhausts 8) Those and my Uncle's CB750s are the only bikes I had experience of whilst growing up - My Mum's not a big fan of motorbikes :( She was less than impressed when I finally succumbed and bought one ;D

In fact their neighbour has still got one of his Interceptors, and even though he's almost ninety he can still kick it over. Which is more than I've ever been able to do ::)



I wasn't born until the end of 1970 Bill so by the time my mates were actually old enough to be owning bikes, Jap metal was all the rage. The 'bike du jour' at the time being the old RD350LC obviously ;D
« Last Edit: January 28, 2007, 01:28:26 AM by CrisPDuk »
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Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #105 on: January 28, 2007, 05:35:27 AM »
All this money spent on this build and you dont even have real K&N filters ?  :-\ ;D

I guess I will soon.......doh!    ::) ;D
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #106 on: January 28, 2007, 07:41:24 AM »
                                 
                                                     
My parents' next door neighbour had a pair of 750 Interceptors which had very similar exhausts 8) Those and my Uncle's CB750s are the only bikes I had experience of whilst growing up - My Mum's not a big fan of motorbikes :( She was less than impressed when I finally succumbed and bought one ;D

In fact their neighbour has still got one of his Interceptors, and even though he's almost ninety he can still kick it over. Which is more than I've ever been able to do ::)

I wasn't born until the end of 1970 Bill so by the time my mates were actually old enough to be owning bikes, Jap metal was all the rage. The 'bike du jour' at the time being the old RD350LC obviously ;D


           CrisP, The Enfield mufflers did kinda roll inward at the end, although the Norton's were thinner looking. I can see what you are talking about there. Not really trying to make a big deal of it. Sorry if it sounded that way. If that 90yr old neighbor can still kick his over, he must be in pretty good shape. ;D Probably one of the smartest things he did, was to keep it. Yeah, I did have an advantage that some haven't, by being raised with a Motorcycle Shop in the family and being born in 47', I've seen alot (not as much as some though) I can tell you that, from my experience, motorcycles HAVE come a long way just from the first ones that I knew of. When the Jap bikes first came into our state, the 50's were very popular and all over the place, the  CB77 305 Super Hawks were giving the British bike a hard time and the Yamaha YDS3 (I think that was the model) 250 was out running nearly everything around. I have a 73' RD350 and while it's a pretty snappy runner, I can definitely see why the "LC" version would be a "Killer" You take care and I'll catch you later on, Bill :) ;)
Member # 1969
PRAYERS ALWAYS FOR: Bre, Jeff & Virginia, Bear, Trevor & Brianna ( Close Friend's Daughter)
"Because HE lives, I can Face Tomorrow"                  
 You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks, Just Takes A Little Bit Longer & A Lot More Patience!! 
             
Main Rides: '02 Durango, '71 Swinger & Dad's '93
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Offline Dougy Dougy Dune Buggy

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #107 on: January 28, 2007, 08:35:51 AM »
Doug, Thanks for the link!!
I'm on my search now
Nice pix of the engine, pods look great, clearance issues on the 2 outside huh?
i'll be following that also
Thx again, DWYJ
I'm going to Cafe it
ONE DAY
ha ha

Offline Dougy Dougy Dune Buggy

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #108 on: January 28, 2007, 08:49:55 AM »
Doug, they had exactly the tires i needed
new re-production of the originals-I've been searching
and ebaying til this thread
$67.00 for the rear! In San Francisco @ KC engineering they wanted $149.00 for a NOS tire which because of age i was worried!wow..this forum ROCKS!
Much Thanks again
DWYJ
I'm going to Cafe it
ONE DAY
ha ha

Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #109 on: January 28, 2007, 12:09:18 PM »
Doug, they had exactly the tires i needed
new re-production of the originals-I've been searching
and ebaying til this thread
$67.00 for the rear! In San Francisco @ KC engineering they wanted $149.00 for a NOS tire which because of age i was worried!wow..this forum ROCKS!
Much Thanks again
DWYJ

Your welcome    ;D ;D
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Offline samfig

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #110 on: January 28, 2007, 12:59:13 PM »
Doug ... you are the man :)  I just graduated college in the middle of December and realized I wasted 4 years by not studying under your tutelage.  I aspire to do what you are doing.  Great job and please keep on updating with pics!
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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #111 on: January 28, 2007, 01:04:55 PM »



        Hey Teal, Doesn't anyone else make air filters except K & N? Doug is building one hell of a fine looking ride 8) and deserves credit for it, don't ya think? ??? ::)

                                                 Later on, Bill :) ;)
Bill,
I never said that Doug's bike wasnt a kick ass project, did I ?
All I was saying is that I don't understand why on a high end/ high $$ build he would run cheap-ass Emigo filters, thats all...
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #112 on: January 28, 2007, 02:38:35 PM »
Yea....I am going to spring for the shorter foam K&N filters.

Also going to call these guys http://www.motionpro.com/custom/index.php about getting shorter throttle cables.

Doug
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #113 on: January 28, 2007, 03:01:47 PM »

        Hey Teal, Doesn't anyone else make air filters except K & N? Doug is building one hell of a fine looking ride 8) and deserves credit for it, don't ya think? ??? ::)

                                                 Later on, Bill :) ;)
Bill,
I never said that Doug's bike wasnt a kick ass project, did I ?
All I was saying is that I don't understand why on a high end/ high $$ build he would run cheap-ass Emigo filters, thats all...

           I guess sometimes the wording of a statement can allow things to get interpreted incorrectly.
     my mistake. That bike of Doug's, is a real inspiration.
                                               
                                                    Later on, Bill   
Member # 1969
PRAYERS ALWAYS FOR: Bre, Jeff & Virginia, Bear, Trevor & Brianna ( Close Friend's Daughter)
"Because HE lives, I can Face Tomorrow"                  
 You CAN Teach An Old Dog New Tricks, Just Takes A Little Bit Longer & A Lot More Patience!! 
             
Main Rides: '02 Durango, '71 Swinger & Dad's '93
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Offline CrisPDuk

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #114 on: January 28, 2007, 09:45:17 PM »
                                 
                                                     
My parents' next door neighbour had a pair of 750 Interceptors which had very similar exhausts 8) Those and my Uncle's CB750s are the only bikes I had experience of whilst growing up - My Mum's not a big fan of motorbikes :( She was less than impressed when I finally succumbed and bought one ;D

In fact their neighbour has still got one of his Interceptors, and even though he's almost ninety he can still kick it over. Which is more than I've ever been able to do ::)

I wasn't born until the end of 1970 Bill so by the time my mates were actually old enough to be owning bikes, Jap metal was all the rage. The 'bike du jour' at the time being the old RD350LC obviously ;D


           CrisP, The Enfield mufflers did kinda roll inward at the end, although the Norton's were thinner looking. I can see what you are talking about there. Not really trying to make a big deal of it. Sorry if it sounded that way. If that 90yr old neighbor can still kick his over, he must be in pretty good shape. ;D Probably one of the smartest things he did, was to keep it. Yeah, I did have an advantage that some haven't, by being raised with a Motorcycle Shop in the family and being born in 47', I've seen alot (not as much as some though) I can tell you that, from my experience, motorcycles HAVE come a long way just from the first ones that I knew of. When the Jap bikes first came into our state, the 50's were very popular and all over the place, the  CB77 305 Super Hawks were giving the British bike a hard time and the Yamaha YDS3 (I think that was the model) 250 was out running nearly everything around. I have a 73' RD350 and while it's a pretty snappy runner, I can definitely see why the "LC" version would be a "Killer" You take care and I'll catch you later on, Bill :) ;)

No worries Bill, I know you weren't making a big deal of anything, it's called a forum because it's where people can exchange views, and as forums go this is a good one 8)

I envy you being brought up in that sort of atmosphere, I never had that sort of exposure to bikes growing up, that's why I veered off to the darkside - four wheeled motorsport - for so long, no guiding influence ;)  But I'm here now, and here I'm staying ;D


PS:  After I my last post yesterday, I thought I'd have a quick look on fleebay at 350LC's & YPVS's to see what came up,  and  :o ed at the prices people are asking, and getting. Looks like I'll be sticking to four cylinders and four strokes then ;D
« Last Edit: January 29, 2007, 07:20:31 AM by CrisPDuk »
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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #115 on: January 29, 2007, 07:14:26 AM »
Doug, any current/updated mock-up pics of your bike as a whole ?
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Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #116 on: January 29, 2007, 07:24:27 AM »
Doug, any current/updated mock-up pics of your bike as a whole ?

Howdy,

Well, not much happened this weekend.....went x-country skiing instead. ;D   Should have seat/side covers/ tank back from painters today or tomorrow.   Have to order shorterthrottle cables and the K&N filters.   Bled the brakes a couple of days ago and the lever feel was nice and tight.  Now though it has softened considerably so I guess I will have to re-bleed.  I wonder how that happend  ???.

Will post some more pics when I get the painted pieces on.

Doug
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Offline bill440cars

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #117 on: January 29, 2007, 07:34:45 AM »


Hey CrisP,

            I hear ya on the prices on the 350 LC stuff. I managed to get an RZ350 "Rolling Frame" (w/ no motor or the fairing pieces) and thought I'd check prices an availability of the RZ, LC & Banshee stuff. And WHOA!! :o Guess I'd better think again. Even the RD350 and 400 stuff have gotten pretty pricey for me!
That RZ suspension and wheels are gonna be used for something, just not sure what.

             Guess I'd better get back on the subject and wait ti see what Doug is gonna be up to next.

                                                      Later on, Bill :) ;)
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PRAYERS ALWAYS FOR: Bre, Jeff & Virginia, Bear, Trevor & Brianna ( Close Friend's Daughter)
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Main Rides: '02 Durango, '71 Swinger & Dad's '93
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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #118 on: January 29, 2007, 09:43:38 AM »
Doug, any current/updated mock-up pics of your bike as a whole ?

Bled the brakes a couple of days ago and the lever feel was nice and tight.  Now though it has softened considerably so I guess I will have to re-bleed.  I wonder how that happend  ???.
As I am sure u know this but you have a leak somewhere in the system (if the lever got soft)..
Re-check all your connections - rebleed - and see what happenes..
Sometimes bleeding a brake system can be a real pain in the ass..
Good luck !
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #119 on: February 02, 2007, 02:13:22 PM »
Doug, any current/updated mock-up pics of your bike as a whole ?

Bled the brakes a couple of days ago and the lever feel was nice and tight.  Now though it has softened considerably so I guess I will have to re-bleed.  I wonder how that happend  ???.
As I am sure u know this but you have a leak somewhere in the system (if the lever got soft)..
Re-check all your connections - rebleed - and see what happenes..
Sometimes bleeding a brake system can be a real pain in the ass..
Good luck !

Well it looks like the bleeder valve itself has a small leak....at least there is tiny amount of leakage out of the top of it.   I have it as tight as it will go so I guess just need to replace it.....Don't see any othe sign of leaks.

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Offline doug_id

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Tank / Seat / Side Panels painted.....yeha!
« Reply #120 on: February 02, 2007, 02:16:19 PM »
Turned out exactly what I was hoping for.   Will post some pics with everything on the bike later.    ;D









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Offline DammitDan

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Re: Tank / Seat / Side Panels painted.....yeha!
« Reply #121 on: February 02, 2007, 02:18:35 PM »
A shiver ran up my spine when I saw those pics...

Man, that's just beautiful!
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Offline WJL75

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #122 on: February 02, 2007, 03:03:18 PM »
Sweet tank and seat Doug.  Keep up the posts!
wjl75

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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #123 on: February 02, 2007, 04:45:03 PM »
That tank and seat combo look killer !
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Offline doug_id

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Re: A Noob's 75 CB550 Cafe Project Thread
« Reply #124 on: February 02, 2007, 05:03:40 PM »
Thanks folks.......It was such a nice sunny day here.....soon I hope to be riding it instead of wrenching it....   ;)
« Last Edit: February 02, 2007, 05:12:14 PM by doug_id »
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