Author Topic: New member CB550 cafe/street tracker.....not really sure what I'm building. (Read 23999 times)

trav72 · « **on:** February 25, 2008, 05:59:16 PM »

I just posted a thread in the introductory forum and thought I would start a project thread. I picked up a CB550 a couple of weeks ago thinking I was going to build a cafe bike. But after searching the net for cafe'd 550's I think I'm going to build something a little different. I don't have a final "vision" in my head. I'm just kind of going along and seeing what I end up with. What I do know is that when I'm done it's going to be very minimalistic. I'm not going to run the stock controls but I'm keeping the stock peg location. I'm going to run a 150 back tire on a 16" drop center rim with a 78 CB750 swing arm, sprocket carrier and a 10mm offset front sprocket. Other than that.....it's up in the air. Here are the pics from the day I got it until today (2/25).

The day I brought it home.

Stripped it down

Dirty Motor

Degreased, cleaned, scrubbed and painted

Frame..before

Sanded and primed

Base Coat

Final Coat

As of today 2/25

rachet · « **Reply #1 on:** February 25, 2008, 06:20:37 PM »

That is looking Great! Keep up the good work!

FunJimmy · « **Reply #2 on:** February 25, 2008, 07:50:38 PM »

Wow! You sure know how to make us slow pokes look bad.

Good work. Keep it up.

Spikeybike · « **Reply #3 on:** February 25, 2008, 08:28:53 PM »

very nice !!!

seaweb11 · « **Reply #4 on:** February 25, 2008, 09:49:47 PM »

Nice

I'll be watching.

KB02 · « **Reply #5 on:** February 26, 2008, 04:57:41 AM »

I like that frame color. Very nice.

So... where are you heading from here?

andy750 · « **Reply #6 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:08:27 AM »

Very nice and I cant wait to see more.

What colour of paint are you using for the frame? (basecoat and final coat) - looks great!

cheers
Andy

trav72 · « **Reply #7 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:11:06 AM »

Thanks everyone! I'm waiting on a bunch or parts to arrive at the moment. Once I get the tapered steering stem bearings and fork seals I will install those. I also have the 78 CB750 swing arm and sprocket carrier on the way. I'm currently searching for a 16" x 3.5" rim for the rear. Once I get one I will have it and the front rim powder coated satin black before they are installed. My goal at this point is to have a "roller". Once that is completed it's up in the air as to what I'm doing next.

I have a few question in regards to the forks. What type of fork oil are you guys using? Also, how much is suppose to be used and what are you guys using to measure?

trav72 · « **Reply #8 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:13:33 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on February 26, 2008, 05:08:27 AM

What colour of paint are you using for the frame? (basecoat and final coat) - looks great!

The paint is a Red Metallic Anodized color system. The base coat provides the reflective layer for the red.

andy750 · « **Reply #9 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:18:40 AM »

Thanks Trav - it really does look great. Can I ask where you bought the paint i.e. company that sells it. Im looking for tank paint options and I like the metallic look to it.

cheers
Andy

dusterdude · « **Reply #10 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:20:14 AM »

wow!!!!!!

trav72 · « **Reply #11 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:27:41 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on February 26, 2008, 05:18:40 AM

Thanks Trav - it really does look great. Can I ask where you bought the paint i.e. company that sells it. Im looking for tank paint options and I like the metallic look to it.

It's actually a rattle can paint made by Dupli-Color. I hear it's very durable due to the metal that's in the paint. That remains to be seen. I have to say after applying it....you can't tell it's from a can. There is no orange peal, it's very shiny and smooth. Although, I did a ton of prep before applying it and sprayed on light coats followed be clear. I was going to wet sand it and then apply another coat of clear but it's not needed. I'm very happy with the results.

andy750 · « **Reply #12 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:32:21 AM »

Excellent info!! Thank you!

Looking forward to more....

cheers
Andy

trav72 · « **Reply #13 on:** February 26, 2008, 05:56:02 AM »

Quote from: andy750 on February 26, 2008, 05:32:21 AM

Excellent info!! Thank you!

No problem!

Well I just spent a few more dollars and picked up a MAC 4 into 1. At what point do you think you are getting carried away on your project?

UnCrash · « **Reply #14 on:** February 26, 2008, 06:15:16 AM »

Quote

At what point do you think you are getting carried away on your project?

Too late!

It's ok, that's a good thing.

Looking mighty sweet!

Is your garage heated or are you far enough south that it's 70 degrees in there for painting?

trav72 · « **Reply #15 on:** February 26, 2008, 07:12:35 AM »

Quote from: UnCrash on February 26, 2008, 06:15:16 AM

Too late!

It's ok, that's a good thing.

Looking mighty sweet!

Is your garage heated or are you far enough south that it's 70 degrees in there for painting?

Yeah I know it's too late.

My garage is heated. Although it costs a lot to keep it warm!

cardrell · « **Reply #16 on:** February 26, 2008, 09:22:54 PM »

Quote

I have a few question in regards to the forks. What type of fork oil are you guys using? Also, how much is suppose to be used and what are you guys using to measure?

20wt. fork oil is what im using.drained all the old crap out.added 10cc more than what the manuel says.also added 3 washers to the top of each leg to stiff it up.but its a little stiff so 2 washers per side would be better . ps the red frame looks good

trav72 · « **Reply #17 on:** February 27, 2008, 05:16:28 AM »

That's good info. Thanks! What size washers did you use?

cardrell · « **Reply #18 on:** February 27, 2008, 07:31:18 AM »

not sure, but take the top cap off of the fork leg.make sure that the front end is off the ground,so you dont pop the spring in your face.find some washers that fit over the spring and slide in the fork leg.make sure the washers are all the same size in hight.i tall depends on how old your springs are and your weight. good luck. ps
you can always add washers to make it stiffer,but dont to much for street use.i hit a tree root in a hard right corner.lets just say my cb550 can jump while turning

trav72 · « **Reply #19 on:** March 01, 2008, 07:47:11 PM »

small update: I got the stock swing arm sanded, primed and painted. I don't like the stock shocks so I'm on the look out for some new ones. I'm trying to find black with black springs.

Spikeybike · « **Reply #20 on:** March 02, 2008, 07:22:37 AM »

try denniskirk, or you could just paint um

looking sweet (love that color)

trav72 · « **Reply #21 on:** March 02, 2008, 07:42:37 AM »

Thanks spikey. Even though I'm new here I've read what happened to your bike. Good luck with the rebuild. I'll be watching!

Spikeybike · « **Reply #22 on:** March 02, 2008, 07:53:24 AM »

thank you , the support here has been overwhelming

bill440cars · « **Reply #23 on:** March 02, 2008, 01:22:37 PM »

Quote from: spikeybike on March 02, 2008, 07:53:24 AM

thank you , the support here has been overwhelming

Hey spikey. Like it has been said, this place is like one big Family and, for the most part, we DO stick together and when one of us has a problem, you'll notice that most all of us kick in when and as we can.

Looking to see what direction you'll be going with yours.

bill440cars · « **Reply #24 on:** March 02, 2008, 01:26:08 PM »

Hey trav, that's really an impressive start you've got going there, looking to see where you've decided to go with that one too!

Later on, Bill

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Author Topic: New member CB550 cafe/street tracker.....not really sure what I'm building. (Read 23999 times)

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