Author Topic: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***  (Read 5886 times)

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Offline Rocker

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***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« on: June 23, 2007, 01:04:45 PM »
For a long time I have wanted to build a cafe racer. I have searched all over this forum and the rest of the internet for information to start my own build. I hit Craigslist about 5 times a day looking for the right bike(s). I lucked up and found a really good deal from a local guy selling a 1974 CB550 K0 with a spare motor and box of spare parts. I could not pass the deal up.




The bike does have some missing parts. One of them is the headlight assembly. DCopp sold me an extra he had. I am expecting it in the mail soon. In the meantime, I am sorting through the bird nest of wires. The previous owner painted the speedo/tach bracket yellow....  :-[



Needs battery and organizing of wires on right side. I would like to get some side covers but my plans are to eventually rewire the electrical system and leave this area open.



Seat has seen better days. Not sure if I will buy a cafe seat or use the frame on this one to make my own.



After I hooked a few wires up and applied power, I got a neutral light and brake light. These are promising signs!


« Last Edit: April 29, 2008, 07:14:04 AM by Rocker »
~Rocker (aka Adam) | rocker@sohc4.net | SOHC/4 member #4151 | Facebook

Current Bikes:                   
1975 CB750 K5 pic                 
1974 CB360T " lil' twin " Rebuild thread
1976 CB550 K2 Cafe Racer build thread
1975 CB550 K1 parts bike Parted out and cut up.         
2003 VTX 1800C

Bikes I've had:
1974 CB550 K0
1976 CB750 K6

Offline Rocker

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #1 on: June 23, 2007, 01:05:11 PM »
Minus the tank and seat. Without a compression gauge I did the next best thing. I used my hands. I places my hand over each carb insulator while my wife kicked the bike over. Each time I had a nice black round suction circle on my hands. I realize this is not definitive test but at least lets me know I have compression.



The spare motor is much cleaner the motor on the bike. I am torn between which to use.



Electrical components seem to be in good shape. No major cracks on any of the plastic and the wires are not corroded. I will re-insulate the wires and use some wore loom later down the line.



More yellow....I don't get why the previous owner like yellow so much. This is the front brake cable. I am a little worried about the lump I found. Hope it is not malignant!!






Box of extra parts. Some of which do not fit a CB550.



more updates to follow...   ;D
« Last Edit: June 23, 2007, 01:10:45 PM by Rocker »
~Rocker (aka Adam) | rocker@sohc4.net | SOHC/4 member #4151 | Facebook

Current Bikes:                   
1975 CB750 K5 pic                 
1974 CB360T " lil' twin " Rebuild thread
1976 CB550 K2 Cafe Racer build thread
1975 CB550 K1 parts bike Parted out and cut up.         
2003 VTX 1800C

Bikes I've had:
1974 CB550 K0
1976 CB750 K6

Offline burmashave

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #2 on: June 23, 2007, 02:20:33 PM »
Good deal and good pics, Rocker.  Why are you torn as to which motor to use? I wonder if it would make sense to compare them with a compression tester, although you'd need to figure out how to test mount the spare motor to be able to kick it.

[edit 23 June]Ooooops. I was too busy looking at the pictures to read how you did test the compression.  :-\
« Last Edit: June 23, 2007, 07:50:53 PM by burmashave »
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Offline ProTeal55

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #3 on: June 23, 2007, 02:27:58 PM »
Looks like a great start to a killer bike !
Joe a.k.a ProTeal55 a.k.a JoeyCocks a.k.a Maker of Friends

Offline bill440cars

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #4 on: June 23, 2007, 06:42:27 PM »


                Seems like you've got some good material  to build in whatever direction you decide to go. ;)
          Lots of Lucks with your project. 8)

                                                    Later on, Bill :) ;)
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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #5 on: July 30, 2007, 03:02:53 PM »
You wouldnt happen to have a spare left hand control IE: Lights/ horn/ blinkers in that box would you? I need one badly!

Amazing bike. I love my CB500T. I thought I got a good deal but yours rivals mine :)


Offline Bodain

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #6 on: July 30, 2007, 05:09:43 PM »
You will quickly figure out which engine to use when you run a real compression test. <GRIN>
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Offline Rocker

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Re: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***
« Reply #7 on: August 14, 2007, 01:47:37 PM »
I did finally get my compression tester but I have not had time to use it. Work, family, and so forth have taken all my time lately. Plus it's been too hot in my garage to work on it anyway. :P

I do have plans to have it ready by next riding season (Well, atleast riding it. Maybe not 100% done)
~Rocker (aka Adam) | rocker@sohc4.net | SOHC/4 member #4151 | Facebook

Current Bikes:                   
1975 CB750 K5 pic                 
1974 CB360T " lil' twin " Rebuild thread
1976 CB550 K2 Cafe Racer build thread
1975 CB550 K1 parts bike Parted out and cut up.         
2003 VTX 1800C

Bikes I've had:
1974 CB550 K0
1976 CB750 K6