Author Topic: CB550 Cafe Interceptor - Gentleman's Roadster  (Read 345595 times)

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Offline akinz

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #275 on: September 18, 2011, 07:00:33 AM »
Quote
This picture should be in the "INSPIRATION GALLERY". Great looking bikes, and a great tread:)

+1 nothing like some buddies all rockin the old school! Love it
77 CB550k, Finally completed after 3 long years of a complete teardown and rebuild/modification
77 CB550k, on the backburner to turn into a vintage race bike
79 CBX 1000 an absolute classic I just aquired
2005 Yamaha Raven R6 my street and trackday ride

Offline Lunchbox

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #276 on: October 06, 2011, 06:29:34 AM »

[/quote]

Great picture.

Is the owner of the bike on the right a board member?

Offline tweakin

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #277 on: October 06, 2011, 07:18:08 AM »


Great picture.

Is the owner of the bike on the right a board member?
[/quote]

If you are talking about the grey bike with white "honda", thats me.

Offline d1000rr

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #278 on: October 06, 2011, 08:08:45 AM »
wow... I just went through the whole thread.  Amazing job man.  I'm super jealous of your build. 

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #279 on: October 06, 2011, 04:44:11 PM »
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The most successful racing motorcycle ever designed had about 29º-30ºrake.
It was the XR750 H-D.

Matter of fact in the last 6 months almost all references to the measurements of the XR750 frame have been removed from the internet due tho the fact some people started to copy that frame design.

Well i have come to the conclusion that this guy is either on drugs or he just likes stirring #$%*...

That quote is one of the funniest things i have read on this site.
I just do not see the improvement with the yamaha front forks.
You still have telescopic front forks and single disk brake.
This is not directed at lucky, because IMO he's a troll.  But just in case someone else new to motorcycling is reading this wants to learn something:

There's a huge difference between damping rod forks and a proper modern cartridge fork, and a similar difference between a 40 year old single-piston 2-piece caliper and a modern 4-piston monobloc caliper.  Lastly, the larger semi-floating brake disc works better than the stocker.


Exactly, the world of suspensions have come a long way since our bikes were built. On my 43mm GSXR forks there are so many adjustments for rebound and damping it can be dialed in to suit just about anything, show me where this type of adjustment exists on the old Honda forks...

And as for talking in mm's, THESE BIKES ARE METRIC...... :o ::)   So is most of the modern world.....
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #280 on: October 07, 2011, 05:10:36 AM »
Exactly, the world of suspensions have come a long way since our bikes were built. On my 43mm GSXR forks there are so many adjustments for rebound and damping it can be dialed in to suit just about anything, show me where this type of adjustment exists on the old Honda forks...
And the range of adjustment is nothing compared to the difference in damping behavior.

Damping rods:
Too soft under braking, too harsh over rough pavement.

Cartridge:
Firm under braking to prevent dive, soft over sharp inputs like potholes and washboard pavement.

Basically, a damping rod fork does the exact opposite of what you want your suspension to do.  Cartridge emulators make a night & day difference.  Stepping up to something like a real OEM cartridge fork like the R6 or GSX-R one is the same huge jump in quality.  Stepping up again to a higher-spec setup like WP or Ohlins is a big jump again.
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline filipo

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #281 on: December 18, 2011, 05:38:37 PM »



Got DAMN! Beautiful bikes, guys. Just beautiful.

Offline Doctor_D

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #282 on: December 21, 2011, 08:48:03 PM »
Subscribed for the R6 conversion info.  :P

Just kidding, been meaning to subscribe to your thread for a while.
Take care,
David
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1975 CB 750F - Project page: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=66026.msg725479#msg725479
1978 CX500
1971 Norton Commando

Offline Romhog

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #283 on: January 02, 2012, 06:50:56 AM »
I just wanted to say, this thread kicks butt! I have learned so much from it. thanks FJ!!

Offline FunJimmy

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CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #284 on: January 11, 2012, 05:46:07 PM »
I just wanted to say, this thread kicks butt! I have learned so much from it. thanks FJ!!

Thanks for checkin in and posting your comments.

Here's a little vid of a road the Northwest WA guys will recognize.

Not a valid vimeo URL
Enjoy
FJ

« Last Edit: August 23, 2017, 12:55:03 PM by FunJimmy »
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline JamesH

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CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #285 on: January 15, 2012, 12:54:24 PM »
FJ I've read this thread from end to end and it's truly inspirational what you've done with your bike. Following the thread has bought back a good few memories for me - I was lucky enough to live and work in Vancouver back in 2000-2002 for a company called Westport innovations. Whilst there I had a 73 cb500 that made its way back to the uk with me. I'm now embarking on a cb550 cafe project (based on a '76 cb550k2) and your bike is my inspiration. Great work mate and keep the video updates coming. Huge respect from the UK. James.

Offline KAgin

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #286 on: February 29, 2012, 12:09:03 PM »
I just found this thread and it is very informative.  It has given me all kinds of ideas for my 550.

I love your paint scheme.
1975 CB550K
1976 CB750K

Offline zoomie

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #287 on: March 24, 2012, 05:18:06 AM »
This has been a FANTASTIC read and a learning experience for me!!  Thanks to all.  Great job Jimmy! 

Offline FunJimmy

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CB550 Cafe Interceptor - Dyno Time
« Reply #288 on: June 09, 2012, 01:55:31 AM »
Just returned from spending the afternoon with the good Doctor D and Jeff from Twinline Motorcycles in Seattle.
What a great experience. These two make the ultimate tuning team.
Fantastic time and wonderful results.

Stay tuned and I might even post a video of the dyno runs.  ;D

FJ 
« Last Edit: August 23, 2017, 12:54:46 PM by FunJimmy »
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline brandEn

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #289 on: June 09, 2012, 11:24:07 AM »
Just returned from spending the afternoon with the good Doctor D and Jeff from Twinline Motorcycles in Seattle.
What a great experience. These two make the ultimate tuning team.
Fantastic time and wonderful results.

Stay tuned and I might even post a video of the dyno runs.  ;D

FJ 


I had every intention of meeting you Jim but daddy daycare interfered. Hope you got the bike sorted, We are lucky to have David be so close.

Offline Doctor_D

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #290 on: June 09, 2012, 11:37:42 AM »
Jim:

Great meeting you.  Fantastic bike.  You'll get those ignition gremlins sorted and find a few more horses for sure, but I'm glad we were able to improve the all-around rideability.

Also, I took some time to look through the data this morning and found a good way to illustrate the before and after.  Specifically, it shows your bike getting to peak HP more than 2 seconds earlier than on one of the first successful pulls.
Take care,
David
___________________________________________
1975 CB 750F - Project page: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=66026.msg725479#msg725479
1978 CX500
1971 Norton Commando

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #291 on: June 09, 2012, 09:57:21 PM »
Jimmy, congrats on the successful session on the dyno.

Which ignition system are you using on the Cafe Interceptor? Hopefully not the Dyna 2000 as I've read of several issues with the pickup failing as well as upper rpm misfire problem with various bikes on the forum.

Hope you enjoyed the ride down & back from Seattle.
David- back in the desert SW!

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #292 on: June 09, 2012, 10:16:54 PM »
Jimmy, congrats on the successful session on the dyno.

Which ignition system are you using on the Cafe Interceptor? Hopefully not the Dyna 2000 as I've read of several issues with the pickup failing as well as upper rpm misfire problem with various bikes on the forum.

Hope you enjoyed the ride down & back from Seattle.


Hey David,

I'm using a Dyna S ignition, but can't seem to get the timing even close to manual using a light, but there's lots of power and no detonation.
Had to trailer down due to crappy weather, and that's fine too cause it allowed me to bring a bit more stuff.

Doctor_D and Tower did an amazing job cleaning up the carburetion and I had a really great time hangin at Twinline Motorcycles.

Jetting delivered                            
Main:     105         
Needle:  YY0 clip 3                 
Pilot:      60         
Idle Screw:  1/2 turn      
Air Jet:   220         


Jetting finished
Main:     105
Needle:  YY8 clip 2 
Pilot:      65     (robber from David's carbs) Thanks     
Idle Screw:  1 1/2 turn   
Air Jet:   220 inside carbs & 230 outside carbs
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline FunJimmy

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CB550 Cafe Interceptor - Dyno Time
« Reply #293 on: June 10, 2012, 11:43:31 PM »
Had a Fricken amazing day at Twinline Motorcycles in Seattle dyno tuning the Interceptor. Doctor_D and Tower from Twinline are awesome guys that know their stuff, especially CR carbs.




Cheers
FJ
« Last Edit: August 23, 2017, 12:55:31 PM by FunJimmy »
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline Doctor_D

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #294 on: June 11, 2012, 10:01:03 AM »
Nice editing. Great fun to watch.
Take care,
David
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1975 CB 750F - Project page: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=66026.msg725479#msg725479
1978 CX500
1971 Norton Commando

Offline tweakin

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #295 on: June 11, 2012, 11:41:40 AM »
Another great Funjimmy production!  I need to start taking more time with my editing.   ;)

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #296 on: June 11, 2012, 01:21:11 PM »
Very nice.  Love seeing that little bike getting wound out on the dyno! :)
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline bikebitzofvt

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #297 on: June 11, 2012, 02:07:47 PM »
Like everything you put your hand to FJ - fantastic work!
"If it ain't broke you aren't riding it hard enough!"

77 CB750K7, 77 KZ1000B

Offline bwaller

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #298 on: June 11, 2012, 05:26:02 PM »
Well done fellas. Jim that's crazy good stuff. #$%* I have a hard time using my damn phone!

Offline Spikeybike

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Re: CB550 Cafe Interceptor
« Reply #299 on: June 17, 2012, 07:26:26 PM »
AWESOME VID  love the editing , what software is that?