Author Topic: 1975 cb550f  (Read 8743 times)

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Offline Fezzler

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1975 cb550f
« on: March 27, 2021, 07:36:41 AM »
I'm back after putting a 1978 cb550K3 and a 1971 cb500K0 under my belt.  Great little riders. (Thanks to all who helped me learn with first two.  You know who you are.)

« Last Edit: June 30, 2021, 09:03:33 AM by Fezzler »
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Ryan66

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #1 on: March 27, 2021, 08:20:45 AM »
Could do a bread basket type from Cognito and sell that bike to a local young Hipster hanging and drooling at Mac's Speed downtown at a Bike Night.
This made me LOL!
1976 CB550k (cafe project)

Offline Little_Phil

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #2 on: March 27, 2021, 08:35:58 AM »
Good to see you back Fezz, always good to follow. I have two 500s and two 550s.

Offline dramabean

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #3 on: March 27, 2021, 08:56:22 AM »
This bike is for sure a Frankenstein. That cafe seat is cool though


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Offline wolf550

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #4 on: March 27, 2021, 10:51:58 AM »
It is hard to tell but did the previous owner cut the gas tank knobs off the front of the frame?
welcome back
74' CB550 (Sold)
71' CB500/550 (Sold)

Offline caluser2000

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #5 on: March 27, 2021, 12:04:48 PM »
It is hard to tell but did the previous owner cut the gas tank knobs off the front of the frame?
welcome back

Don't the rubber tank holder bolt on?
No. They just slide on to small studs.
Every time you set your ass on a bike, you're playing a game of Russian Roulette between yourself and your own stupidity."

Offline Shtonecb500

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #6 on: March 27, 2021, 07:00:33 PM »
Thats a nice bump and chunky leather seat. Have fun, please make it pretty again.
73/74'' CB500/550 resto-mod - sold
75' 750f 91' cbr f2 swap cafe - mock up
74' 750 chopper hardtail - complete - sold
74' CB750/836kit - Black mix & match - daily rider - always tweaking
71' cb500 K0 survivor - complete
71' K1 - CANDY GOLD/BROWN Winton kit - in process

Offline flatlander

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #7 on: March 30, 2021, 01:30:04 AM »
500f seat.

Well, on second thought, all the hip kids have seats that sit right on the frame and don't fit over it like stock one does.

If I stay with stock seat, will it look like the equivalent of that old guy in sandals and white socks?  Hmm.

sandals and white socks, pulled up over your ankles, will be so cool in 2023. fashion ads will feature them with models sitting on stock bikes with stock seats  8)

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #8 on: March 31, 2021, 06:24:00 AM »
Welcome back Fezz.  Looks like the PO was going for a "Cafe Scrambler"!?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #9 on: March 31, 2021, 02:36:26 PM »
Welcome back Fezz.  Looks like the PO was going for a "Cafe Scrambler"!?


At the moment, I like the patina on these tanks - shabby chic the kids say - so may go in this direction.

A few of us have done "Patina Bikes", mine was a '71 CB500.  They are only original once!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Scott S

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #10 on: April 01, 2021, 02:40:11 PM »
 Speedhut.
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline HondaMan

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #11 on: April 13, 2021, 06:49:22 PM »
Well, of all the carbs on these SOHC4 bikes...the CB500/550K1/2 type have such a deep bell area tht they can survive with pods to a point. If you can either combine them 2-and-2 (I have seen an oval pod filter that has the correct spacing for two of these carbs) in one filter, they will work fairly well until about 75+ MPH, when the turbulence stops them from mixing, and the throttle goes flat and rich at speed. The more successful versions of this setup have a cover that envelopes the outer diamters of the 2 filters, restricting the incoming air to being only in the center of the bike, where it is more still. Make dead sure the bowl vent hoses go well into a quiet-air zone, even if you have to make a little bottle for them, like using a pill bottle with 2 holes in the lid for the hoses and a 1/2" hole drilled into one side of it, stuffed up next to the battery somewhere quiet.
See SOHC4shop@gmail.com for info about the gadgets I make for these bikes.

The demons are repulsed when a man does good. Use that.
Blood is thicker than water, but motor oil is thicker yet...so, don't mess with my SOHC4, or I might have to hurt you.
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Link to Hondaman Ignition: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=67543.0

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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #12 on: June 30, 2021, 01:42:17 AM »
Stripping or rounding over the head? Two different things...
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #13 on: September 14, 2022, 08:39:24 PM »
I'm back!  Working on the 1975 cb550f "sweep the other guy's floor" failed cafe build he gave up on.

To catch up, I bought the bike from a guy who basically had started a "cafe" or whatever they call them now builds and gave up after hacking everything up.
I am going to see if I can build a neat little bike for fun and sale.

« Last Edit: September 14, 2022, 09:50:54 PM by Fezzler »
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #14 on: September 14, 2022, 08:41:54 PM »
I confess the COVID lockdown and other distractions zapped my desire to start this project.  I have been collecting parts though.  (Thanks Coach!)

Starting with the forks is a nice quick victory.
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #15 on: September 14, 2022, 08:44:45 PM »
Stripping or rounding over the head? Two different things...

Thank you!  I appreciate the clarity and you taking the time to comment.
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f "What did I get myself into?" Build
« Reply #16 on: September 14, 2022, 08:46:27 PM »
I find a tach far more important than a speedo. Relative speed to the vehicles around you generally keeps you within the bounds of the law. But a tach is very usable for tuning and approximating your speed.

An odometer is pretty helpful though... and those generally come with the speedo. But let's be honest, this bike will likely be a parade ride so mileage and speed aren't going to be too critical. Just saying.

Absolutely!
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #17 on: September 16, 2022, 10:34:59 PM »
Cleaning is relaxing to me.  A joy during reassembly to have clean parts.  I'm not the best at it, but I try.
Rims and spokes 90% done.  Then focus on ordering some parts, tires and getting the frame addressed.

I kinda want to strip the frame and rattle can myself because I have seen others get good results and this is my "sweep the other guys floor" rescue project - i.e.: use what I have.
But the powder coat on my 500 was nice too. 
« Last Edit: September 16, 2022, 10:40:14 PM by Fezzler »
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #18 on: September 17, 2022, 02:13:14 PM »
A few more spots to remove paint, but I'm calling these good enough.
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Scott S

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #19 on: September 17, 2022, 06:49:59 PM »
 Nice work.
 16" Harley rear wheel!
'71 CB500 K0
'17 Triumph Street Scrambler
'81 Yamaha XS650

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #20 on: September 18, 2022, 06:26:44 PM »
Nice work.
 16" Harley rear wheel!

Thanks!

REAR RIM:

No ID other than inside brake drum area: "MAX DIA 181    EM2   T 12 2"
Tire that came off it was SHINKO E-240 MT 90-16 M/L 74H

FRONT RIM:

Only ID was "185x19" and above it in an oval very faded and hard to see stamp.  Probably "DID" but looked like "9/8" - Too hard to read
Tire on it was Bridgestone EXEDRA L309 100/90-19 M/C 57H

I've been told this isn't folks favorite, but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #21 on: September 19, 2022, 07:07:13 AM »
…but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.
Look in the dumpster at any wrecked bike yard. Bound to be dozens…

Ha!   And it would need a good, relaxing cleaning job once out of the bin!

Fez - nice job on the wheels.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #22 on: September 19, 2022, 09:45:42 AM »
…but I want to go with something like the Vintage Firestone Champion tire with the white lettering.  Not sure where to get them yet.
Look in the dumpster at any wrecked bike yard. Bound to be dozens…

LOL.  Right on cue...

"I've been told this isn't folks favorite..." 

I stand advised.   




« Last Edit: September 19, 2022, 09:56:19 AM by Fezzler »
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline Fezzler

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #23 on: September 19, 2022, 05:48:04 PM »
It’s not about “favorites”, Fezz, it’s about function and safety. You likely know this already, but in case you are unaware, the Firestone while looking cool on a Model T, has no place on a 2-wheeled bike that runs in modern roads. The profile sucks, the compound sucks, and they basically stink for grip. Other than that, they’re fine as door stops, tarp weights, or backyard swings for courting young gals…

Cue the mob now…  ;D

Thanks.  I can appreciate that for sure.
1975 Honda CB550f in parts in progress
1978 Honda CB550 Four K4
1971 Honda CB500 Four K0
2008 105th Anniversary Edition HD Road King
(Sold) 1998 Honda Shadow ACE Deluxe VT750
1973 Schwinn Stingray (Blue Deluxe - RIP Jack and Rose)

Offline newday777

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Re: 1975 cb550f
« Reply #24 on: September 20, 2022, 02:46:03 AM »
It’s not about “favorites”, Fezz, it’s about function and safety. You likely know this already, but in case you are unaware, the Firestone while looking cool on a Model T, has no place on a 2-wheeled bike that runs in modern roads. The profile sucks, the compound sucks, and they basically stink for grip. Other than that, they’re fine as door stops, tarp weights, or backyard swings for courting young gals…

Cue the mob now…  ;D

Thanks.  I can appreciate that for sure.
White letter tires, as well as whitewall tires on bikes are usually greasy as snot. Especially on the rear tires.
My K5 750 had white letter tires on it when I got it from a friend's estate.  I rode it locally for a year on those tires..... So much better on new modern sneakers.
Stu
Honda Parts manager in the mid 1970s Nashua Honda
My current rides
1975 K5 Planet Blue my summer ride, it was a friend's bike I worked with at the Honda shop in 76, lots of fun to be on it again
1976 K6 Anteres Red rebuilding project, was originally my brother's that I set up from the crate, it'll breath again soon!
Project 750s, 2 K4, 2 K6, 1 K8
2008 GL1800 my daily ride and cross country runner

Prior bikes....
1972 Suzuki GT380 I had charge of it for a year in 1973 while my friend was deployed and learned to love street riding....
New CB450 K7 after my friend returned...
New CB750 K5 Planet Blue, demise by ex cousin in law at 9,000 miles...
New CB750 K6 Anteres Red, to replace the totaled K5, I sold this K6 at 45k in 1983, I had heavily modified it, many great memories on it and have missed it greatly.....
1983 GL1100A, 1999 GL1500 SE, 1999 GL1500A