Topic: 1975 cb550f

[Fezzler]

Thanks for the experienced input!  Definitely will take that to heart.

[Fezzler]

Fezzler - if you want white lettered tires to exemplify the “vintage look” you can simply paint the brand on the sidewalk with white tire paint. This you can use a far better tire, but have that “look”.

Lay the tire flat, scuff the lettering a bit with a green ScothBrite pad, wipe with a prep rag, hand paint it. Might take 2 coats to get good coverage. Won’t last forever, but can generate a neat aesthetic.

Great idea!

[seanbarney41]

Fezz...try a Avon Safety Mileage II.  The profile still sucks (as it was designed for pre-knee dragger era bikes)but it is great modern sticky rubber made by a motorcycle conscious company and is gonna look awesome on that 16" rear.  But yeah, mostly agree with Cal when it comes to tires...no compromising for looks or budget.  Everyone understands that you need good brakes.  Strongest brakes in the world will do you no good with crappy tires! right?

[Fezzler]

Fezz...try a Avon Safety Mileage II.  The profile still sucks (as it was designed for pre-knee dragger era bikes)but it is great modern sticky rubber made by a motorcycle conscious company and is gonna look awesome on that 16" rear.  But yeah, mostly agree with Cal when it comes to tires...no compromising for looks or budget.  Everyone understands that you need good brakes.  Strongest brakes in the world will do you no good with crappy tires! right?

Got that right!  Safety first!  And first thing between you and the road is the rubber.  I like the tread on those.  I get it.  Thanks!

[Fezzler]

First time doing bearings.  Not as bad as I feared.  Freezing bearings and heating hub, they dropped right in.  Bearing retainer has seen better days, but it'll do.

 

[Fezzler]

Trying to reuse what I have in my stash.  But rebuild and clean as needed.  Tackling this currently.
Wasn't too bad.  That little snap ring was a slight challenge to remove.  Funny, some parts not there.
Washer that goes on top of snap ring and the rubber cap at back of the spring.

A little more cleaning, rebuild, and call it done - - -  and a new skill for me.

[Fezzler]

Fits and Starts.  But eating the elephant.

[Stev-o]

  But eating the elephant.

“There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”

[Fezzler]

  But eating the elephant.

“There is only one way to eat an elephant: one bite at a time.”

"One morning I shot an elephant in my pajamas.       How he got in my pajamas, I don't know."  ~Groucho

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

[Stev-o]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

Cal will NOT be happy!

[C317414]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

These tires may be OK on a motorcycle with a sidecar, in other words a bike that doesn't lean.  They will make a regular motorcycle handle terribly.

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

Cal will NOT be happy!

I know.  I was forewarned.  Multiple times. He did his best.  I saw him shaking his head when I placed the order.

[Fezzler]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

These tires may be OK on a motorcycle with a sidecar, in other words a bike that doesn't lean.  They will make a regular motorcycle handle terribly.

Thanks.  I will be sure to assemble an irregular motorcycle. 

[HondaMan]

That little snap ring was a slight challenge to remove.  Funny, some parts not there.

!
You're kinder than I am about those snap rings... 

[Fezzler]

That little snap ring was a slight challenge to remove.  Funny, some parts not there.

!
You're kinder than I am about those snap rings... 

50% blind stupidity of a first-timer; 50% luck.

[Scott S]

SHINKO Super Classic 270 front; Classic 240 rear.

These tires may be OK on a motorcycle with a sidecar, in other words a bike that doesn't lean.  They will make a regular motorcycle handle terribly.

Thanks.  I will be sure to assemble an irregular motorcycle. 

 Best response ever.

[RAFster122s]

Just like some people trade trendy style over elegance, others trade function over form.

[Fezzler]

Bits and pieces.

[Stev-o]

Bits and pieces.

Looks good.  Paint or powder?

[Fezzler]

Bits and pieces.

Looks good.  Paint or powder?

Semi-gloss powder.  Rattle can would have been fine too.  I just felt like going this route.  This frame will last another 50 years.
And as a reminder, this bike came to me as a chopped and in boxes abandoned project. I like original aesthetics by far.  Just trying something different for fun.

[Fezzler]

Well, I lost motivation for reasons unknown but not vision and commitment to end project.

Repo tag riveted on and upper lower bearings and races new - tapered All Ball.

Committed to doing it right to the best of my ability as, in a way, to show respect to those here who have helped me with the '78 and '71.

[Fezzler]

Not perfection - just a slight refresh.  A little too silver for me but auto store was out of the VHT color I like.  It'll be fine once all together. 

[Fezzler]

Not sure what I'll do with these.  Real rough to start with.  Cleaned up best I could, primed, coated with exhaust paint.  I may see how they sound.  If okay, I have tan wrap that matches seat and grips.  I know many don't like wrap and say it accelerates decay of exhaust but I'm not starting with gems here anyway.  If that's a bust, I'll get some new ones.  We'll see.

[Stev-o]

Looking good Fezz...