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Author Topic: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)  (Read 4169 times)

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Offline Rebelbuilt

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75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« on: March 25, 2020, 02:05:25 PM »
Howdy guys I picked up my 75 cb550 last week. My goal is to build a cafe/ brat style build. It's been about 9 years since I worked on bikes and really rode them. Right now I'm a diesel mechanic. So turning a wrench and Fab work isn't hard. I'm thankful for how many documents and manuals we have to look over when it comes to electrical wiring. So join me in my progress 😁 and my struggle because this love affair will take some blood and some sanity. Also a lot of things will be posting for sale
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #1 on: March 25, 2020, 02:35:47 PM »
Quote from: Rebelbuilt on March 25, 2020, 02:05:25 PM
...will take some blood and some sanity.

Actually, some insanity might work better!  Subscribed to see how this one goes...

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

Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #2 on: March 25, 2020, 08:45:42 PM »
Tank is staying, and I already feel insane looking at what I want and need haha. Front and rear fenders are going, seat is going, sissy bar, bags and cages, stock bars are going, stock levers, turn signals and brake lights are going, I also have a vetter fairing  with brackets. The screen is busted though
« Last Edit: March 25, 2020, 08:47:33 PM by Rebelbuilt »
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #3 on: March 26, 2020, 12:19:27 PM »
Looking forward to what you cook up.

Are you keeping or ditching the stock pipes.  I'd be interested if your selling them and they are in decent shape.
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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 Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #4 on: March 26, 2020, 12:35:07 PM »
It will be interesting that's for sure, and I'll be selling them. And not the best of shape. I'll pm you my info. Found some Mickey mouse wiring for the saddle bag brakes and turn signals so I'll have to do a little electrical towards the end.
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #5 on: March 26, 2020, 12:39:36 PM »
Saddle bags are gone and time to figure out some wiring
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Offline jakec

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #6 on: March 26, 2020, 02:46:24 PM »
you sold the bags?
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #7 on: March 26, 2020, 02:58:28 PM »
Not yet, I took them off
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #8 on: March 26, 2020, 03:01:02 PM »
Looking better already
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Offline jakec

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #9 on: March 26, 2020, 04:16:39 PM »
Those pipes don't look bad. Better than mine if there are no holes. They just need to be polished.
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1970 CB750 K0
1977 CB750 Chop
1997 XR650L

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #10 on: March 26, 2020, 06:58:04 PM »
I'm digging the patina on the tank, Sean.  I hope the inside of the tank is decent.  I would treat the interior of the tank (assuming it needs some attention), polish the exterior and re-clear it. 
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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 RAFster122s

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #11 on: March 26, 2020, 09:31:38 PM »
Are you wanting to sell the saddlebags, I am interested. Also, looking for a Vetter fairing bracket for the 550.
David
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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #12 on: March 26, 2020, 09:34:40 PM »
Seat is interesting...is that a saddle man’s? Combo king, standard style. Usually see king & queen more commonly. With my size, large framed 6’3” I cannot sit that close to the tank and be comfortable.
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Offline rickmoore24

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #13 on: March 26, 2020, 10:52:33 PM »
Yep, it's already looking leaner and meaner! Good to see another member close by in SoCal as well. Looking forward to see how it goes.
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1972 CB750 K2 (Daily Runner)
1972 CB750 K2 (Sold)
1973 CB750 K3 (Hardtail 836cc)
1998 CBR F3 - R.I.P., went down on the 101 in Calabasas, Ca.
1995 EG6

Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #14 on: March 27, 2020, 07:10:42 AM »
Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on March 26, 2020, 06:58:04 PM
I'm digging the patina on the tank, Sean.  I hope the inside of the tank is decent.  I would treat the interior of the tank (assuming it needs some attention), polish the exterior and re-clear it.



Yea the inside lacquered pretty well. The tank definitely needs some interior cleaning. And I'm struggling with the tank color.. I love the patina just wished it wasn't orange.... but my fuel definitely matched!!!
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #15 on: March 27, 2020, 07:12:24 AM »
Quote from: RAF122S on March 26, 2020, 09:31:38 PM
Are you wanting to sell the saddlebags, I am interested. Also, looking for a Vetter fairing bracket for the 550.
David


Yes I'm selling the bags, ones rough, I'll pm you. And I believe I have all the brackets for the vetter
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #16 on: March 27, 2020, 07:14:11 AM »
Quote from: RAF122S on March 26, 2020, 09:34:40 PM
Seat is interesting...is that a saddle man’s? Combo king, standard style. Usually see king & queen more commonly. With my size, large framed 6’3” I cannot sit that close to the tank and be comfortable.

 I honestly don't know. But it is definitely an interesting seat style for this area. And is super cushy for long rides. I sat on it for over an hour making phone calls multiple times this week
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #17 on: March 27, 2020, 07:15:51 AM »
Quote from: rickmoore24 on March 26, 2020, 10:52:33 PM
Yep, it's already looking leaner and meaner! Good to see another member close by in SoCal as well. Looking forward to see how it goes.

I'm local to corona and Perris. That's awesome I'm trying to get my buddy to buy one
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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #18 on: March 27, 2020, 07:35:51 AM »
Isn’t that a Wixom fairing, definitely not a Vetter. Wouldn’t have compatible brackets...
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Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #19 on: March 27, 2020, 09:44:54 AM »
Quote from: Rebelbuilt on March 27, 2020, 07:10:42 AM
Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on March 26, 2020, 06:58:04 PM
I'm digging the patina on the tank, Sean.  I hope the inside of the tank is decent.  I would treat the interior of the tank (assuming it needs some attention), polish the exterior and re-clear it.



Yea the inside lacquered pretty well. The tank definitely needs some interior cleaning. And I'm struggling with the tank color.. I love the patina just wished it wasn't orange.... but my fuel definitely matched!!!

To each his own!  I have a sentimental attachment to the Sunburst Orange since it was the color of my first ride on a motorcycle -- a CB550.  That said, I don't have a single orange bike.  My 550 has a blue bodywork and a spare set in Emerald Green.
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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 rickmoore24

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #20 on: March 27, 2020, 11:46:01 AM »
Quote from: Rebelbuilt on March 27, 2020, 07:15:51 AM
Quote from: rickmoore24 on March 26, 2020, 10:52:33 PM
Yep, it's already looking leaner and meaner! Good to see another member close by in SoCal as well. Looking forward to see how it goes.

I'm local to corona and Perris. That's awesome I'm trying to get my buddy to buy one

Nice man, I'm near Lake Matthews in El Sobrante. I love these bikes, so much so that it hurts to turn away from purchasing another project. I'm working on a '75 CB400F at the moment. Hope your friend see the light soon! LOL
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1972 CB750 K2 (Daily Runner)
1972 CB750 K2 (Sold)
1973 CB750 K3 (Hardtail 836cc)
1998 CBR F3 - R.I.P., went down on the 101 in Calabasas, Ca.
1995 EG6

Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #21 on: March 27, 2020, 03:36:08 PM »
Quote from: RAF122S on March 27, 2020, 07:35:51 AM
Isn’t that a Wixom fairing, definitely not a Vetter. Wouldn’t have compatible brackets...

Your right it is a wixom
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #22 on: March 27, 2020, 03:38:26 PM »
Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on March 27, 2020, 09:44:54 AM
Quote from: Rebelbuilt on March 27, 2020, 07:10:42 AM
Quote from: SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan on March 26, 2020, 06:58:04 PM
I'm digging the patina on the tank, Sean.  I hope the inside of the tank is decent.  I would treat the interior of the tank (assuming it needs some attention), polish the exterior and re-clear it.



Yea the inside lacquered pretty well. The tank definitely needs some interior cleaning. And I'm struggling with the tank color.. I love the patina just wished it wasn't orange.... but my fuel definitely matched!!!

To each his own!  I have a sentimental attachment to the Sunburst Orange since it was the color of my first ride on a motorcycle -- a CB550.  That said, I don't have a single orange bike.  My 550 has a blue bodywork and a spare set in Emerald Green.


How's yours looking? I probably won't decide until the bike is about done. But I like options. If I change the orange maybe a trade. Do you have any pictures?
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #23 on: March 27, 2020, 03:39:59 PM »
Quote from: rickmoore24 on March 27, 2020, 11:46:01 AM
Quote from: Rebelbuilt on March 27, 2020, 07:15:51 AM
Quote from: rickmoore24 on March 26, 2020, 10:52:33 PM
Yep, it's already looking leaner and meaner! Good to see another member close by in SoCal as well. Looking forward to see how it goes.

I'm local to corona and Perris. That's awesome I'm trying to get my buddy to buy one

Nice man, I'm near Lake Matthews in El Sobrante. I love these bikes, so much so that it hurts to turn away from purchasing another project. I'm working on a '75 CB400F at the moment. Hope your friend see the light soon! LOL


Your pretty close to me then. And we are trying to get a response off this guy on offer up. And nice what are you doing to the 400?
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Offline Rebelbuilt

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Re: 75 cb 550 build, Cali style ;)
« Reply #24 on: March 27, 2020, 03:44:39 PM »
Got majority of the bike stripped down. Now to wait for a carb kit and rebuilding
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