Topic: '74 CB550

[td42184]

Alright I came in a little late here. I bought this bike for $100 and it had a new battery and a full tank of gas in it.



I have torn it apart. I got a 4 into 1 exhaust for it. I am working on getting a CBR F3 front end on it. Anyone tried this??? I have the triple tree I just have to get some bearing and do a little work. It started as a nice little cafe project a seat and tank from Carpy, you know something nice and easy. I got the measuring tape and the calipers out and found a new swing arm. It fits up nicely. I don't have the sprocket carrier yet but all in all it should work out. I don't have the mount made for the shock and there are a few pieces I still have to cut off the frame but this is how it sits now. The NT650 swing arm is about 2 inches longer than stock.

[Jeff]

SSSA CB! That's gonna be really cool!

[nollid51]

Thats a very cool idea with the hawk rear suspension. I always loved monoshocked bikes, cant wait to see how this turns out. Good luck!

[DollarBill]

WOW!  That is really cool.  I'll be watching this one closely...even went out to eBay already to see if any other Hawk swing arms are available.  Had to slap myself in the face and remind myself that I need to finish my 750f project before tackling a frankenbike project. 

[td42184]

Ok so I have finished cleaning up the frame. I will be building the battery box and mounting the seat this weekend. I want to go with the battery under the seat and all the electrics too. I ordered my sprocket carrier and it will be in next week. I will finally be able to let everyone know if it really is that easy to bolt up the NT650 swing arm. I have to make the shock bracket too.

Another interesting development in the project, Monday I am going to pick up a '80 CB650...... 718cc? I don't know yet but thats what I am thinking.

I will be in Montana for the next month but will post the results of the NT650 swing arm as soon as I can.

[td42184]

I made it back! I have got most of the swing arm pieces and right now I have it bolted up. I made a new swing arm bolt and everything goes together fairly easy. The only problem is the wheel is about 3/4" off center. you can face it off the wheel and run a different size tire 150/70 17 will probably work. I am going to try 160/70 right now just taking a break before I face mill the rim. I will post the result tomorrow.