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Author Topic: 1974 CB 550 build  (Read 4795 times)

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Offline Nick38

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1974 CB 550 build
« on: November 17, 2017, 08:02:05 PM »
Figured I’d start a build thread of my project! Building a brat style bike. Almost time to weld the seat hoop in.



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'74 CB 550

Offline GardenGnome

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #1 on: November 17, 2017, 08:04:45 PM »
Right on! Look forward to seeing the progress.
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If I've learned anything about building a motorcycle, it's check and re-check your work before you put it all back together. Although you do gain more experience by doing it twice.

Offline TwoTired

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #2 on: November 18, 2017, 07:48:02 PM »
Are you limiting the suspension travel to keep the tire from hitting the seat during compression?
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Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline BomberMann650

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #3 on: November 18, 2017, 08:02:09 PM »
Quote from: TwoTired on November 18, 2017, 07:48:02 PM
Are you limiting the suspension travel to keep the tire from hitting the seat during compression?

Unless my eyeball tape measure is off.  That might be close to stock wheel hump allowance. 
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Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #4 on: November 21, 2017, 03:53:24 PM »


Seat hoop is welded in place! Loving the look  so far. Should have plenty of room for suspension travel. Huge thanks to my buddy Brian for helping with the fabrication.


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'74 CB 550

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #5 on: November 22, 2017, 10:55:12 PM »
Looks good. Decent weld on the shock mount.
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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 Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #6 on: December 03, 2017, 08:15:36 PM »


Fabrication on the frame is complete! Added a seat pan and instead of just a flat cap below where the seat hoop is, decided to go with a piece that flowed much better with the frame and I couldn’t be happier with how it turned out. Also, for anyone wondering, there will be plenty of tire clearance. Bottom of battery box follows where the factory splash guard was. Huge thanks to my friend Brian for helping. Would not have been possible without him.


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #7 on: December 03, 2017, 08:17:31 PM »


Also have a little grinding to do on the inside of the hoop and a little on the outside. Planning on finishing that this week so the frame can go off for paint in the near future!


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'74 CB 550

Offline MetroRedneck

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #8 on: December 04, 2017, 06:55:45 AM »
Looks good. 

Nice clean shop too - I could never maintain that level.
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #9 on: December 04, 2017, 11:24:08 AM »
Great photos are always a plus.  You have a nice clean shop space, too!
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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 Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #10 on: December 30, 2017, 07:32:24 AM »


Mounted my Prism Supply tail light on the bike. Loving the way it looks. Also drilled holes in the battery box for the wiring and for the ignition switch. Will add more pictures later!


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #11 on: December 30, 2017, 06:15:14 PM »


Finished up running the wiring for fitment purposes (not pictured: rest of the wiring harness) and welded in a bolt on the inside of the battery box in order to hold the clamp in place for the starter solenoid. Welded permanent studs on the seat pan for the voltage regulator/rectifier to mount to. Finally went to town with a 3in grinder and some scotch brites and went over the whole frame to make sure no surface rust was remaining. Frame is off for paint now! Motor has a fresh top end and is ready to go in. Going to re build the carbs in the mean time. Shout out to Brian again for tig work, this time with a broken shoulder!


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #12 on: December 30, 2017, 06:16:36 PM »
Quote from: Nick38 on December 30, 2017, 06:15:14 PM


Finished up running the wiring for fitment purposes (not pictured: rest of the wiring harness) and welded in a bolt on the inside of the battery box in order to hold the clamp in place for the starter solenoid. Welded permanent studs on the seat pan for the voltage regulator/rectifier to mount to. Finally went to town with a 3in grinder and some scotch brites and went over the whole frame to make sure no surface rust was remaining. Frame is off for paint now! Motor has a fresh top end and is ready to go in. Going to re build the carbs in the mean time. Shout out to Brian again for tig work, this time with a broken shoulder!


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Also, ignore the mess of wiring, will clean it up soon.


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #13 on: January 15, 2018, 01:15:52 PM »


Got the frame back from paint and started to put the front end back together! Loved how it turned out.

Will be rebuilding my carbs soon and I’m wondering what jets to run. I’ll be running a delkevic 4into1 exhaust and uni pod filters. Will also be living in Orlando Florida so pretty close to sea level. Suggestions?


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'74 CB 550

Offline calj737

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #14 on: January 15, 2018, 01:29:03 PM »
Install the motor into the frame before you go further. MUCH easier to lay frame over motor (on its left side).

Pods in FL is a dicey proposition due to humidity and rain. Just saying... But I’d start with stock pilots and bump to 105 mains, clips in the 3rd slot depending upon riding style.
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'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 Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #15 on: January 15, 2018, 01:39:50 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on January 15, 2018, 01:29:03 PM
Install the motor into the frame before you go further. MUCH easier to lay frame over motor (on its left side).

Pods in FL is a dicey proposition due to humidity and rain. Just saying... But I’d start with stock pilots and bump to 105 mains, clips in the 3rd slot depending upon riding style.

Ok thanks for the input. Do you know of a good site to order from?


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'74 CB 550

Offline calj737

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #16 on: January 15, 2018, 03:36:28 PM »
Order what? Jets? Jetsrus or Sirius. Only buy genuine Keihin brand jets
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'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: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #17 on: January 15, 2018, 08:54:07 PM »
Quote from: calj737 on January 15, 2018, 01:29:03 PM
Install the motor into the frame before you go further. MUCH easier to lay frame over motor (on its left side).

YESSSS!!!
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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 rumpleblumpkinz

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #18 on: January 16, 2018, 11:08:59 AM »
Looking killer. What type/length shock do you plan on running?
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Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #19 on: January 16, 2018, 09:51:14 PM »
Quote from: rumpleblumpkinz on January 16, 2018, 11:08:59 AM
Looking killer. What type/length shock do you plan on running?
I’m running factory shocks


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #20 on: January 16, 2018, 09:54:25 PM »


Well the motor and swing arm are in! Thanks for the advice about laying the motor on its side to install. Made the process very easy and quick.


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #21 on: January 16, 2018, 09:55:02 PM »
Quote from: Nick38 on January 16, 2018, 09:54:25 PM


Well the motor and swing arm are in! Thanks for the advice about laying the motor on its side to install. Made the process very easy and quick.


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Painting the wheels next and rebuilding the carbs once my new jets come in the mail.


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #22 on: February 24, 2018, 11:45:56 AM »


Well, she is 99% complete! Everything has been adjusted and tuned. Waiting on my tank to come back from paint and she will be out on the road!


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'74 CB 550

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #23 on: February 24, 2018, 12:04:02 PM »
Woohoo, congrats! That was quick...
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #24 on: February 24, 2018, 12:19:10 PM »
Quote from: Stev-o on February 24, 2018, 12:04:02 PM
Woohoo, congrats! That was quick...
Moving to Florida in 2 weeks so had to make sure I got it done lol


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'74 CB 550

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #25 on: March 09, 2018, 02:32:53 PM »


Some updated pictures of the complete bike. This will be my last post here but I regularly post on Instagram if anyone wants to follow!

Instagram: @nick.sherrill


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'74 CB 550

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #26 on: March 09, 2018, 02:40:23 PM »
Wait wait wait...I was going to nominate you for BOTM! Will you be around to accept?   

 Beautiful paint...
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Nick38

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Re: 1974 CB 550 build
« Reply #27 on: March 27, 2018, 07:16:32 PM »
Quote from: Stev-o on March 09, 2018, 02:40:23 PM
Wait wait wait...I was going to nominate you for BOTM! Will you be around to accept?   

 Beautiful paint...

Have been extremely busy with moving to a new state so just now seeing this! I appreciate that so much. Send me a pm.


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'74 CB 550
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