Author Topic: New Project - CB550 (Read 11856 times)

jakec · « **Reply #50 on:** August 02, 2019, 09:05:34 AM »

That's what I should do. Drop mine off and have them extend it 2-3"

jakec · « **Reply #51 on:** August 05, 2019, 12:53:30 PM »

pics from my trip to hood canal this weekend, about 80 miles each way. I was leaning on my pack, and had my feet on the highway pegs, practically laying down

jakec · « **Reply #52 on:** August 06, 2019, 09:42:04 AM »

found another one!

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1974-Honda-CB550-Four/123864266346?hash=item1cd6e2b66a%3Ag%3Anp8AAOSwVLVdR4rs&LH_ItemCondition=3000%7C1000%7C2500

rupaulpierce · « **Reply #53 on:** August 06, 2019, 10:58:19 AM »

What is going on over there

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

jakec · « **Reply #54 on:** August 06, 2019, 11:01:41 AM »

This makes the fourth 1974 brown 550 with chopper additions. Interesting that they describe it as a "day 2 chopper." That's a good way to put it. This one has the least customization that I've seen, mine probably being the most. It does however have the rear shock lay-backs that mine surprisingly did not have.

seanbarney41 · « **Reply #55 on:** August 06, 2019, 01:06:06 PM »

At least around Michigan, the vast majority of sohc4's that you find (which is quite a few!) generally have at least one of these modifications. Thankfully, if you can get the stock parts, it is easy enough to put these back to stock, as nothing has really been "chopped".

Think how many rusty and title-less frames are gonna meet the axe when folks finally realize that the brat frame hoop and open triangle was a bad idea.

jakec · « **Reply #56 on:** August 06, 2019, 01:20:39 PM »

I was helping my friend take down the free 400F we got for him, and having all the tabs and #$%* ground off by the PO made removing the carbs easier! I pretty much yanked the battery box, airbox, and carbs off without using a single tool.

jakec · « **Reply #57 on:** August 14, 2019, 01:53:16 PM »

What do you guys think of this? I have a ps file where each light and the plate are their own layer and they can be moved around at will.

also, I have a red lense that I got from a user here and I need to figure out how to make the standard blinker into a dual-filament fitting. Just buy one and stuff it in?

Gurp · « **Reply #58 on:** August 17, 2019, 05:07:01 AM »

They make dual filament blinkers that double as brake/tail lights. I'd go with 2 of those and a small stainless reg brake/tail up top. The idea looks great jake!

jakec · « **Reply #59 on:** August 27, 2019, 11:39:48 AM »

I've used the below image to figure that I need an increase in length of about 17.7% to the side stand.

rusty2078 · « **Reply #60 on:** August 27, 2019, 01:28:30 PM »

Quote from: jakec on May 01, 2019, 09:27:50 AM

Last night I found a great deal on a 550. The bike has 5,500 miles on the odometer, and is very clean (aside from the customization). It even has the Honda toolkit under the seat. The bike was covered in so much dust that when I got home I had to take a shower. I was sniffing and daydreaming about washing my hands/face the whole 2 hour drive home.

So far this is the third bike like this I've seen. Brown 550's or 500's with very similar details. So I am sure this was part of some kinda kit that you could buy, with different option parts. Earlier this year I was watching one on ebay with only two headlights, different seat, and lowered rear. If anyone knows anything about the history these brown bikes I'd like to hear about it.

I got it home and tested all of the electrical except for electric start. Everything is working well so far. Both brakes were a bit tight and I had to loosen them to be able to roll it around. It is very awkward to move around with the bars. I like the idea of slimmer rabbit ear bars. If anyone has a suggestion for (drilled) bars that would look good and be a little more practical, let me know.

Right now my action plan is to de rust the tank, change oil and then try and start it. If it needs it I'll pull the carbs and clean/rebuild. Then I'd like to doall new front and rear brakes. Finally, I need tires. I think I am just going to get avons because I have them on my 400 and I really like them. I could get a vintage pattern, I suppose. I guess I won't be riding this bike very hard.

One thing that I really do need help with - how to get the wheels off without a center stand? My friend suggested laying the bike over.

Bike of the month!!!!

jakec · « **Reply #61 on:** August 27, 2019, 01:57:33 PM »

You guys are crazy.

jakec · « **Reply #62 on:** October 13, 2019, 03:07:31 PM »

Just crossed over 1000 miles on this bike today!

bonus pic of the car

jakec · « **Reply #63 on:** October 13, 2019, 05:43:19 PM »

After my ride today I noticed that my brand new fork seal had started leaking. Left fork which is the fork that was leaking before I replaced the seal. I think it's due to the cheap "chrome" stuff on these extended forks breaking off and getting stuck in the seal. So it may be time to get stock forks after all.

Kelly E · « **Reply #64 on:** October 13, 2019, 07:03:04 PM »

Sounds like it. It doesn't take much of a flaw to make them leak.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #65 on:** October 14, 2019, 10:03:22 AM »

That's why I don't mind spending the extra for the hard-chrome tubes from Forking by Frank

jakec · « **Reply #66 on:** October 14, 2019, 11:22:23 AM »

I would get nice tubes from frank if I actually had a raked steering head. As is I don't want to invest $250 to keep the bike like this. I think I'm going to buy a set of stock forks ebay that look nice for $50. And then I will get a stock kickstand. Depending on how that all feels mounted up I may keep the bars. The headlight will stay as is. So far the only money I have spent toward keeping the chopper appearance is $10 to weld the kickstand longer (now a waste) and $75 on the sissy bar (best purchase I ever made

)

jakec · « **Reply #67 on:** October 31, 2019, 09:19:31 AM »

I haven't fixed the tubes yet. Just rode around with no oil a few times while my 350 was down. I hits the top out springs a little harder but not bad.

Anyways, I listed this bike for sale to cover the cost of the 400 I just got (which I think is gona be a lemon but that's another story). I got some interest in the 550 and when a guy wanted to come buy buy it I got sentimental and changed my mind. So I'm keeping the bike. I got too many good memories on this summer already. And it runs great and has low miles.I think I would have regretted selling it.

Gurp · « **Reply #68 on:** November 01, 2019, 01:13:17 PM »

So are you gonna invest in raking or put stock tubes on it?

jakec · « **Reply #69 on:** November 01, 2019, 03:35:14 PM »

I am still on the fence about the tubes. Not gona rake the frame tho. If anything I might get some NOS long tubes.

Gurp · « **Reply #70 on:** November 03, 2019, 04:09:39 PM »

I've got my 500 with a 23x1.60 and +8 tubes on the front and I'm not sure i could ride it that way. I'm just to broke to pay to have it raked. I'll leave the important structural welding to the pros until I'm more skilled.

jakec · « **Reply #71 on:** November 03, 2019, 05:38:16 PM »

I’m not sure how long my forks are but the handling is fine. That’s a huge wheel tho isn’t it?

Gurp · « **Reply #72 on:** November 04, 2019, 05:49:03 PM »

it's pretty tall.
wanted something different. I found it looking at old parts.
It's actually a honda wheel with a 15mm hole so it slid right on. Just had to make spacers.

jakec · « **Reply #73 on:** November 05, 2019, 09:15:33 AM »

I just took another look at your thread and wow, that wheel is nuts! And it looks like we have the exact same seat! yours is just black. pretty funny.

Gurp · « **Reply #74 on:** November 20, 2019, 07:20:10 PM »

I don't know what mine came off off but the mounts are no where near fitting a 500/550. I clearanced a 2x3in hole in the bottom so it would fit against the fender. lol
Wheel is a Honda wheel. lol. actually slid right on 15mm ID on the Wheel bearings even. lol.

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Author Topic: New Project - CB550 (Read 11856 times)