Topic: 1974 CB550K Cafe Build

[4268Hemi]

Motorcycles have been a part of my life for my whole life. Dad picked mom and me up from the hospital 5 days after I was born in March of 1970. He took us home on a motorcycle. I sat in front of dad on motorcycles from the age of 2 on until I was about 5. Every time Dad started up the bike I was there asking for a ride. I only remember two of the numerous motorcycles that Dad has owned back then. One was a 1971 or 72 Honda 350 that was an Enduro. I don't remember what model. In 1976 Dad bought a brand new Shiny Orange 76 Honda CB550F. I was there when he signed the papers for it. In 1979 Dad tore the tank and side covers off and painted them blue and added a mini cafe fairing that he painted to match, and he swapped out the oem handlebars for low cafe style bars. He added a luggage rack as well. 

When I was a kid numerous times I remember dad pulling up the drive on his CB550F and Grandpa and I would be waiting for him on the porch. Dad would come barreling up the street, park the bike and take his helmet off. First thing Grandpa always said was "Your a nut...".

In the autumn of 1981, Dad took a new job that required a lot of travel. And just like that his motorcycling days were suspended. He would not get back on a bike until 1998 when Grandpa died.

Grandpa had a little money left and willed it to Dad. Dad was kicking around the idea of buying a new Harley with that money. I think he was struggling with that because Grandpa was always preaching "be frugal" as he should. When Dad spoke to me about it I told him "You should buy the motorcycle because nut or not, Grandpa always knew that you loved riding".  Dad bought that Harley and got back on two wheels.

That Harley has since been replaced by another, and Dad added a 1978 BMW R80 to the stable, and then a 1965 Honda Dream.  I am sure that at this point you are still wondering about the old 76 CB550F... Dad still has it. It hasn't run since 1987. My brothers and I are going to get it running again so he can ride it maybe later this year. We will have a project thread here for that.

Dad won't let me do anything to the his CB550 other than paint it for him (because I am now "a nut"). He wants it stock. I on the other hand am a freakin gear-head. I have always wanted to build a CB550 Cafe Racer. I am doing it. I am leaving right now to head to Milwaukee to pick up a 1974 CB550K I just bought.

More to come...

[denward17]

Great story, and good luck.

[Stev-o]

Great story, and good luck.

+1.

And what about the Hemi??

[4268Hemi]

Great story, and good luck.

+1.

And what about the Hemi??

My Hemi is a 2013 Challenger R/T 6 spd. Bought it new Jan 8th 2013. Currently the engine is out. Building my 3rd one for it. 2nd one made 800hp @ 7000. Rings washed out while tuning. Glazed cyl, lots of blow-by. Got a BGE block. Waiting on LASleeves to get me 8 sleeves to make the BGE block a 3.937 bore. (No retune required, strong as hell block)

[4268Hemi]

Just picked it up. Has 12k on the odo. I am the second owner. I got the original bill of sale too.

[4268Hemi]

Plans for this bike;

CB650 crank, rods, ported 650 head, 550 126-20 cam, 718cc big bore, 750 carbs, TracDynamics 10 in wide swingarm, 2002 GSXR1000 fork, wheels, brakes.
Cafe tank and seat.
4 into 1 header only with a baffle.

[Stev-o]

Plans for this bike;

CB650 crank, rods, ported 650 head, 550 126-20 cam, 718cc big bore, 750 carbs, TracDynamics 10 in wide swingarm, 2002 GSXR1000 fork, wheels, brakes.
Cafe tank and seat.
4 into 1 header only with a baffle.

Sounds like a good plan.

Interested in the seat if you want to sell?

[4268Hemi]

Well, after talking to MRieck, It has come to my attention that 718cc's is too big and the sleeves may be visible between the cooling fins of the barrel.  That is way too far for me. 674 CC is my limit now.

Yes,  I am interested in selling pieces of this bike and parting out what I don't need. PM me a message with what you want and I'll let you know if it's available and you can make me an offer.