Topic: New Guy w/ 1975 CB 550

[bobbyrivera]

Hey Guys-
This looks like a good forum to be on and have always loved the 70's Hondas.  I just purchased a 1975 CB550.  I'm picking it up on Saturday but have been researching the build  (hardtail bobber) for awhile.  It's pretty hacked already but the mechanicals are OK (somewhat), so I don't feel too bad about wrecking what could be a cool original.  I saw some 350's for sale but they looked way too nice (around the same $$ though) to do what I plan to do.

I had a CB175 SS about 15 years ago and loved to ride it.  It was a barn find and lots of work, but I miss it and wanted to get back into riding and working on bikes.  Here's the bike, and I'm sure you'll see its been beat a bit...I have a couple different ideas for the hardtail without going with struts (although I've seen some cool results with them).

[kslrr]

Welcome!

[bobbyrivera]

Thanks-
It will be cool to get the expertise of the folks here.  Hopefully I won't ask too many dumb questions.  I've seen some cool bikes here.  I love the Cafe style (which lots of folks end up doing) but I really dig the old Bobbers and am kinda sick of Harleys.  The Honda CB, Yamaha XS, and Triumph bobbers look the coolest to me.  The Yamaha XS's (even Basket cases) are going for quite a bit of money around here and Triumphs seem just too much of a hassle to find parts for (and I don't like cutting up old stuff unless it's already pretty trashed).  Since I've already had a 70's Honda and have worked on it (and now know that you can't kill it if you try), it seemed like a good choice.  The price was right too.   

On a side note, a lot of the stock body parts (covers, lights, fenders etc.) are not going to be used, so if anyone needs stuff, I plan I posting the things I'll be getting rid of (for free or trade).

[hoodellyhoo]

Welcome from UWO. Did you get that bike off craigslist? Because I think I remember seeing it.

[bobbyrivera]

Welcome from UWO. Did you get that bike off craigslist? Because I think I remember seeing it.

Yep.  Seemed like a good deal for a project bike and it looks like some minor stuff has already been done.  I think the lack of a front brake scared some people off too.

[Charlie]

Welcome
Just out of curiousity, what kind of seat is that on the bike in your pics.
I NEED THAT SEAT.
Where did you get it.
Thanks and we're glad you're here.  This site is a godsend for motohackers like myself.

[zoeyk9]

Welcome from Wellington,

I like those pipes, they look really cool !!

Zoeyk9

[bobbyrivera]

Welcome
Just out of curiousity, what kind of seat is that on the bike in your pics.
I NEED THAT SEAT.
Where did you get it.
Thanks and we're glad you're here.  This site is a godsend for motohackers like myself.

Hey Charlie- Thanks, not sure where the seat came from or what kind it is, but you've got dibbs, as I already bought a new seat and will have no use for that one.  Hopefully we can trade, although I'm not sure what I need yet besides custom parts.

Hi Zoey, those are custom pipes of some sort.  They are a bit ratty so I kinda like em, but I'll probably copy them and bend my own on the bender or just fab a whole new set.  I could probably make an extra set once I get that far (the chopping and frame mods have to come first so that I know my ground clearance- I'm slamming this thing pretty low).

I'll get some better pics on Sunday.