Topic: 1976 CB 550 Handlebar Flip?

[StratDad]

My son and I just picked up a '76 CB 550 for a winter cafe project, and joining this group is one of my first moves.  I rode this bike as a teenager about 35 years ago, and I'm excited to be joining a group that understands how that experience is never forgotten.

I have the urge make some easy cosmetic changes (e.g. fender & chain guard off) before the "build" starts.   I'm thinking we might be able to flip the handlebar in an afternoon, but I know nothing.    Does anybody have some wisdom to share?  Do the stock bars even "fit" after flipping them, or are they too low to be functional?

 

[Scott S]

 Please don't. If you're going to all the trouble to remove the controls and cables so you can flip the bars, spend $25-30 on a set of Superbike bars or clubman's.
 And the front end will flex less with the fender installed.

[BomberMann650]

Wasn’t flipping the factory handlebar the old school cool method of lowering the grip position?

Only problem with simply flipping the bar is clearing the triple tree.  And it might put the grips in an ergonomically uncomfortable position.  And you’ll have to put more holes in the bar to accomodate the controls placement pin and wiring.
In the end...
Scott is right about just buying a new handlebar.  The superbike bars feel good for many riders.  But when you’re talking about ergonomics, you’ll want to try a few to find the one that is just right.  Wrist, elbow, and/or shoulder pain are indicators that you’re using the wrong bar for your body structure.

[StratDad]

Wasn’t flipping the factory handlebar the old school cool method of lowering the grip position?

It was.  I got the idea from reading "The Build" for inspiration....   

I also just ordered a book from this SOHO/4 store "How to Restore Honda Fours" so I can keep my questions somewhat intelligent.   

[Bankerdanny]

Flipping the bars probably is an old school way of creating café bars on the cheap. But today actual café bars go for about $20 and are the better choice.

There are several styles:

- superbike bars (or my personal preference Euro bars) are basically lower versions of a stock type bar.
- Clubman bars (sometimes also called Ace bars) are a way to get a bar position similar to what you would get on a racing style clip on bar, which is to say very low, but they attach using the standards clamps.
- M bars. These are like classic bicycle mustache bars, but for motorcycles.

I have both Euro and M bars for my 550, and had clubmans on my Royal Enfield. For a café I would go with the M style as I think they are much more comfortable than a clubman style and sportier than the superbike/Euro style. For a bike that you plan to do some touring on and think you might want to fit a windscreen, I think the superbike/Euro is better, which is why I swapped my M bars for a set before a 2 week trip I did back in August.

[BomberMann650]

The other options are to get 35mm clip-ons.  Tomaselli manufacture(d?) an adjustable position pair that make a ton of sense in the long run.  Wether your slam the forks for that jacked look/feel, install slugs for fork caps and maintain oem geometry, or delete the factory headlight ears to mount them.  You can almost certainly find a position that not only fits the look ala café - it will match the riders physiology as well.

Added benefit; you can swap to a snazzy top triple and forgo the factory bar clamp riser.

[seanbarney41]

low bars and doing nothing with the foot pegs and controls results in the oh so awesome "squatty potty" riding position..  Works great for #$%*ting on your seat and no that isn't ok.

[Stev-o]

the oh so awesome "squatty potty" riding position.. 

You been watching Shark Tank Sean?!

[BomberMann650]

low bars and doing nothing with the foot pegs and controls results in the oh so awesome "squatty potty" riding position..  Works great for #$%*ting on your seat and no that isn't ok.

I’m alright with the Chin Down Ass Up posture.  Stock footing is okay.  Though certainly feels more comfortable to use the passenger pegs** when doin the ton.  One day, I’ll spoil my bloo with a set of fancy foot brackets. 

(**not recommended for cornering or fighting traffic, can upset the balance)

[Bankerdanny]

The other options are to get 35mm clip-ons.  Tomaselli manufacture(d?) an adjustable position pair that make a ton of sense in the long run.  Wether your slam the forks for that jacked look/feel, install slugs for fork caps and maintain oem geometry, or delete the factory headlight ears to mount them.  You can almost certainly find a position that not only fits the look ala café - it will match the riders physiology as well.

Added benefit; you can swap to a snazzy top triple and forgo the factory bar clamp riser.

There is a member here that makes clip on superbike bars too. So you can shave the top triple for a cleaner look (or install a billet top tree) and still get a bar with a less extreme riding position.

[BomberMann650]

The other options are to get 35mm clip-ons.  Tomaselli manufacture(d?) an adjustable position pair that make a ton of sense in the long run.  Wether your slam the forks for that jacked look/feel, install slugs for fork caps and maintain oem geometry, or delete the factory headlight ears to mount them.  You can almost certainly find a position that not only fits the look ala café - it will match the riders physiology as well.

Added benefit; you can swap to a snazzy top triple and forgo the factory bar clamp riser.

There is a member here that makes clip on superbike bars too. So you can shave the top triple for a cleaner look (or install a billet top tree) and still get a bar with a less extreme riding position.

Reminiscent of the moto guzzi swan clipons?

[Bankerdanny]

Yes

[StratDad]

 

So much good info here!  I refuse to feel overwhelmed.

This bike has engine issues (one of the spark plugs is oily, no power, etc.), so the first real step forward is to get it running like it should (I've been reading quite a few rebuild threads to prepare myself).  Before we take it apart, We are going to enjoy riding it for a few weeks, if only in the neighborhood.  Flipping the bars was my idea of getting some inspired fun only in the very short term.  I've been talked out of that!

We have a friend with a shop full of leftover MC parts, so we'll visit him and pick over his bars for something interesting... Clubman, Supersport, M, or whatever grabs our attention.   

Our plan is to have this rebuilt for spring.  Right now, the front end is way to soft and perhaps even unstable.  We'll be considering a complete fork replacement, but that contemplation (and learning curve) is a ways down the road.  Our serious thought about ergonomics and the perfect bar for the bike will be part of that.

[RandomOrbit]

I got my bike in the fall of '91. It was my first motorcycle, and it was in stock configuration except for slip-on 4-2 mufflers.

First thing I noticed was that the "Sit up and beg" handlebars didn't feel right to me, but I rode it that way through the next spring while experimenting with where it seemed like my hands really wanted to go. Basically it seemed like about 4 inches lower was just about right, so I bought a pair of K&N Superbike bars for $20 from the Dennis Kirk catalog. They are basically the same pulback, but lower rise than stock. The difference in comfort and control was huge, and I immediately started riding more confidently in the twisties, and being more comfortable at highway speeds as I felt more like a rider and less like a sail.

Now I've often thought about clubmans or clipons for a racier position, but neither of those would be very useful without moving the footpegs back, and if I put on rear sets, it basically becomes a 1 passenger vehicle, and I don't really want to give up the option of riding 2-up. So I've always kept my bike like this. Maybe if I had 2 bikes I'd be more inclined to set up my CB750 as a cafe racer, but I've just got the one.

[StratDad]

Totally understand the two-up dilemma.  I'd love a saddle seat on my twin bobber, but not worth giving up the passenger.  This bike is the second for both of us, so rear sets and a cafe racer seat are waiting on the other side of engine and fork repairs.

[Stev-o]

 





  Right now, the front end is way to soft and perhaps even unstable. 

The repair could be as simple as new bearings/springs/seals & oil.

[WhyNot2]

Care to share some pix?

It sounds cool and all, but I'm a visual type perp, and love to look at other bikes for inspiration.

[StratDad]

I thought you'd never ask...
 

[Bankerdanny]

let be the first of what will be a flood of members to say: do not cut up this bike.

You have what appears to be a really nice survivor. There are plenty of beat up, half finished 550's out there that can be converted into a café, there are fewer and fewer nice original bikes, particularly with the original 4-4 exhaust on them.

Now maybe it isn't as nice as it appears in that photo. But if it is, please don't ruin it. And I am not hating on café bikes. I like them. But I just hate to see a clean original bike needlessly lost when there are so many bikes that would be improved by turning them into a café.

[WhyNot2]

I thought you'd never ask...
 

purdy..........................

[ekpent]

 That is a nice looking survivor,would be a shame to damage it. Not here to judge though,its your bike. How many miles are on it. Unless oil is leaking badly just may need a good tune-up/carb clean to resolve its running issues.

[StratDad]

I hear what you all are saying.   For now, We are just going to get it running well, and the frame and parts are safe.

It did take us a long time to find this specific model, so our experience doesn't support that there are "lots of these" to find.  But help me out...  we would consider selling this one and getting another donor bike, to support the greater good.  I love the bikes too.  But we can't spend the next three months looking...

[StratDad]

How many miles are on it.

21,000 miles.

The tank is interesting... the top has a "patina" look that is pretty awesome if showroom shine isn't your thing, and it isn't mine.    This tank will be unmolested.  Also, the inside is clear of any rust.  It does have some minor dents and scratches, but so do I.

The side covers are actually held together by bondo on the backs.  They look ok until you get close.

The engine and suspension need work, but I'm confident there isn't a major problem.  I've done half a ton on it with some premium gas & a bit of fuel system cleaner just to blow out the cobwebs.

The seat is clearly a survivor, and I'll never cut it.  The silver edging has a few scratches, but otherwise in perfect shape.

I checked two of the four plugs, and one was clean, the other oily and black.  The matching exhaust also looks to be oily.   

The exhaust smells like the mix is too rich.  We will be rebuilding the carbs as one of our first steps.

The air intake looks to be missing parts.  The filter is just resting in the air box without being secured.  I've downloaded the parts manual from this site, but I haven't looked to see what is supposed to be in that box.

Electronics all checkout.

One of the exhaust pipes has been rewelded at the flare.  It isn't a showroom condition pipe.  The other three are good.

And with all that, I was grinning ear to ear during my first ride. 


 

[ekpent]

 About the only thing you will need to 'rebuild' the carbs are maybe some float bowl gaskets and some o-rings for the jets. Don't waste your money buying aftermarket kits and using what may be inferior brass bits like jets etc..
 Good description on your bike,things always seem to look better in the pictures 

[BomberMann650]

Hey RandomOrbit, cb550 right?  If you haven’t noticed; there is a manufacturer sticker under the seat that has a rider/cargo weight limit.  Iirc, it’s 325lbs.  So by American standards, these bikes are soloists machine 😜

[flatlander]

about the wobbly front:
do what stev-o said, plus put the fender back or install a fork brace.
the stock fender acted as a fork brace. the forks themselves, with the comparatively spindly tubes, are quite
 unstable and need all the support they can get.

and yes, nice bike!

[StratDad]

Hey Flatlander,

I just followed your CB550 link... I know what I'll be reading tonight.  Looks like I'm heading down a path not too different from yours, 23 pages of project.

Is a "fork brace" a part or is it a project?  If a project, can you point me to a picture of a well executed one?


 

[Scott S]

Right now, the front end is way to soft and perhaps even unstable.  We'll be considering a complete fork replacement, but that contemplation (and learning curve) is a ways down the road.  Our serious thought about ergonomics and the perfect bar for the bike will be part of that.

 Then reconsider removing the front fender. It adds a good bit of stiffness and prevents the forks from flexing and twisting.
 Things you can do at home:
 * Repack the steering stem bearings and tighten the steering stem. If you feel adventurous, go for All Balls tapered bearing replacements, but simply cleaning, greasing and re-using the ball bearings and tightening up the stem will help.
 * Fork seals and fresh oil. Some people go up on the oil weight a little bit. Some people add a few extra cc's of oil. You can even add a thick washer on top of the spring to create a little pre-load. Any or all of these things will stiffen up the forks a noticeable amount. Progressive makes springs for these bikes that are affordable, but I'm not a fan. They're actually TOO stiff for me.

let be the first of what will be a flood of members to say: do not cut up this bike.

You have what appears to be a really nice survivor. There are plenty of beat up, half finished 550's out there that can be converted into a café, there are fewer and fewer nice original bikes, particularly with the original 4-4 exhaust on them.

Now maybe it isn't as nice as it appears in that photo. But if it is, please don't ruin it. And I am not hating on café bikes. I like them. But I just hate to see a clean original bike needlessly lost when there are so many bikes that would be improved by turning them into a café.

That is a nice looking survivor,would be a shame to damage it. Not here to judge though,its your bike. How many miles are on it. Unless oil is leaking badly just may need a good tune-up/carb clean to resolve its running issues.

 This. This X 100.
 Good rubber, maybe a 4 into 1 exhaust if yours is rusty. Some Super Bike or 400F bars. Go through the suspension and a good tune up. Ride.

[flatlander]

Hey Flatlander,

I just followed your CB550 link... I know what I'll be reading tonight.  Looks like I'm heading down a path not too different from yours, 23 pages of project.

Is a "fork brace" a part or is it a project?  If a project, can you point me to a picture of a well executed one?

if you did read my complete thread then you must have come across the part about the fork brace 
my path is a slipper one that leads to lots of time and money spend on something that doesn't even look like that much was put in it so probably a complete waste, ha ha!

a fork brace itself is a part. it creates an additional bridge between the legs to stiffen the construction. the early 550 legs are shorter than later ones, you and i both have those. there is no commercially available brace for them, that fits over the tyre. i had mine made by t-kat, a guy who custom made it. he's got the measurements now and his cnc programmed so could turn out one for you. many don't like it's chunky look but it certainly adds a lot of stability.
a more subtle look is the tarozzi that only fits the later, longer for legs and is available off-the-shelf if you want that you'd have to get a hold of a pair of the longer ones from a later 550 and change them, i think the k3 or f2 models had them.

but if you put your front fender back on and do the things that stev-o and scott suggest, your frontend will already feel much better and the overall ride will be more stable. a brace can be an addition that, if you like to push the envelope and especially if you add more power to the engine, improves the handling a lot. generally speaking, for a bike that's actually being ridden i'd always use a fender unless you love getting spray and grit all over the bike and yourself.

if this bike is a keeper for you, work out your suspension, brakes and general chassis first before doing anything else, it will really make it feel a lot more confident.

[StratDad]

After a close inspection of the front end, I found that the instability is in the tire.  It was at pressure, but was probably run below pressure for some time.  The center ridge is a good 1/8" taller than the rest of the tread, so I suspect the instability is from this ridge.  It feels like having grounded-asphalt ridges built into the bike, so this makes sense.
 
Having said that, there is oil seeping out of the fork, so we will put in some new seals and such, as has been recommended. 

The project starts next weekend...

[Stev-o]

I found that the instability is in the tire.

How old is the tire?  [Date of manufacture is on the sidewall]

If over 6 years, time to order new...

[BomberMann650]

Eh, do what you want with your own bike.  Just don’t be foolish about it.

Already watched a facebook builder strip a mint sapphire blue 550f for their vision.
You won’t be able to do a worse deed than that imo..