Hello all.
I guess I should put my '75 550F SS project in here.
Hope it will be worthy.
I picked up my 550 about four years ago for $450. 100% complete except for the passenger grab rail.
It sat in my storage for two years.
It had the usual seized up front brake and gummed up carbs.
The stock 4 into 1 is probably an 8-9 out of ten. Surface rust only.
But I won't leave it alone. It needs some personality.
And so my CR550F factory bike idea is born.
After scouring many CR750 articles and realizing I
can't afford one of those, I think my CR550 idea will have to fly.
I want this bike to look like it could be a factory built bike. Not easy.
My project started in November '08...
Stock bike
Stock w/rebuilt carbs/brake, Mac pipe and road worthy. Even compression too!
11K miles on the bike.
Acquiring parts...
Some parts include GFTP tank & tail section, Raask rearsets, glass 1/4 fairing,
Swarbrick pipes!, dual discs, Race Tech fork internals, shocks of some kind, oil cooler, sprockets, etc.
Looks like stock switch gear will fit.
Yup a lot of parts. That only covers the basics.
Fabrication!
Yes, everywhere. Anything that is not stock requires fitment, because... nothing fits!
Initial mock up. Parts just hanging there LOL
Tank and tail are all rubber mounted w/no glass to metal contact. Access to air filter and removal of the tank/tail is reasonable.
Cups redone in tank to actually fit the 550.
OK, swingarm does not line up. Bimota replica swingarm must be for a Bimota replica frame!
Narrowed the swingarm bushings and then cut proper spacers for chain alignment.
Now... no clearance for the for the brake rod/linkage.
My beautiful swingarm has to be notched for clearance. So it is.
Swarbrick pipes require sidestand to be shaved & the centerstand to be reshaped... Done.
Very nice pipes. Can't wait to hear them.
Dyna ignition & coils. Coils had to be lowered to fit under the tank tunnel. Small tunnel (thats what she said!).
Dual discs need their usual slider trimming to fit.
Jota replica bars... Junk, won't use them. I have Tarozzi clip-ons which should do the trick.
The glass 1/4 fairing has forked tabs glassed in to mount off of the headlight bolts.
Very solid. I hardly need the upper triple clamp mounting hardware.
I am waiting for a second oil cooler sandwich to arrive - first didn't fit.
I can't use the Earls cooler or super trick thermostat I have yet.
Oil cooler and steering damper bosses need to be located also.
Obstacles and more obstacles!
Wheels will be built by Buchanans. Probably 2.15/2.50 rim widths.
Too wide?
I hate to see stock widths used.
I am using 120/80-18 and 100/90-18 Bridgestones (yes downsizing in front).
Here are some more pic up to current.
Not to over simplify any work here. 50+ hours of fab/fitment.
I'm waiting for custom length cables to do a test run.
Then disassembly for powdercoat, paint, etc.
This bike is being professionally built. I lack many skills needed for a top notch finish.
My builder has welders, small machine shop, media blaster, paint booth, etc.
And a ton of experience.
Thank you Robert.
Much more of this build to come.
Thanks for taking a look!
Cheers!
