Author Topic: Project CR550F Factory  (Read 15150 times)

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Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #25 on: May 30, 2009, 07:18:20 PM »
Thanks guys, I appreciate the comments.
Its turning out well.
On the 'satin buff' its just polishing using a heavy grit, not going to a finer grit.
The fender is a H2R Kawasaki fender and rather delicate.


« Last Edit: May 30, 2009, 07:24:52 PM by Maxacceleration »
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Ricky_Racer

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #26 on: May 31, 2009, 10:55:46 AM »

Thanks for the info, Max. Guess I'll dig out the sisal wheel and black compound to see how it works. Nice look! Exile Cycles has been using a chrome powdercoat followed by a Scotch-brite pad on their choppers; it's a killer neo-industrial look.

BTW, did you try to clearcoat or somehow otherwise protect the satin finish?

And the Kawi fender looks bytchin' on your build! Thanks again. RR

I was put on Earth to accomplish a certain number of things. Now I'm so far behind, I'll never die!

Offline dagersh

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #27 on: June 02, 2009, 02:39:13 PM »
Damn....  that's hot!
1962 CA95
1966 Black Bomber
1966 CA77 Dream
1967 Superhawk
1970 CB750K0
1972 CL350
1972 CB450/500 Custom
1972 CB500K1
1975 CB550F
1976 CB400F
1975 CB750 Future Restoration
1976 CB750K6
1976 CB750F
1976 GL1000


1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1990 BMW K1
2001 'Busa
2003 RC 51
Bunch of Guzzi's

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Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #28 on: June 04, 2009, 02:35:46 PM »
Getting closer!

Pipes have their finish on, sidecovers have their lettering painted on, and the old style Honda wings made it to the tank.
Still messing with clip-on/fairing adjustments but its close (although too raced out for any comfort).
Gold  master-link chain is used.
Bolting shocks on is just about it.

The oil cooler! Argh!
I have a rare bypass thermostat block from Japan - One of two left (supposedly).
Plumbing it in the tight confines between the cooler and the sandwich plate is problematical.   >:( :-X
Sooo... Its going on without a thermostat!
After all the griping I did in another thread about the benefits of a thermostat and I'm gonna leave it off.
So much for warming the oil before it goes in the cooler.

I'll have some sunshine shots soon...




Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline keiths

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #29 on: June 04, 2009, 07:34:51 PM »
Very Nice!

Offline bwaller

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #30 on: June 04, 2009, 07:38:47 PM »
Well done.

Offline Joksa

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #31 on: June 05, 2009, 09:43:40 AM »
I am really liking the quality of this build.


A thread with some photos of factory "small block":
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=37074.0;all

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #32 on: June 05, 2009, 04:29:48 PM »
Thanks for that link Joksa. Very, very cool. I hadn't seen that.
And thanks for the compliment.
That is basically what I have been trying to accomplish.
Those are the pipes I would of liked to have. Other than maybe Rob North those pipes are not attainable.
So Swarbricks I use.

I have built with only a vision in my mind.
Robert Kelii brought it to reality.

I knew I should have layed down the shocks!!!  ;D
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #33 on: June 05, 2009, 04:50:54 PM »


Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #34 on: June 18, 2009, 09:20:33 AM »
With my CR550F finished (shocks too) I've done a couple of shakedown rides and gone to its first public showing.  ;D
I am proud - Its an attention getter.

BackfireMoto in Ballard (Seattle) Wa. Lots of people & bikes.  ;D



There were people looking over my bike all evening.
That was good for the ego!

It was good to meet Rat400f too.



Thanks to those who took an interest in my project.  :)
The Sunday driver life it gets!
« Last Edit: June 18, 2009, 09:22:59 AM by Maxacceleration »
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline SUELZER

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #35 on: June 18, 2009, 10:07:50 AM »
well done! that's an exceptional build. beautiful finished bike  :P
1976 Honda 550F
1993 Ducati 900ss
1979 Honda 750F

Offline HavocTurbo

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #36 on: June 18, 2009, 12:02:49 PM »
Turned out great!!

It's a show winner for sure!
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
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Offline scartail

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #37 on: June 18, 2009, 03:38:21 PM »


Wow, that is an awesome peice of work. Gota love the Honda Red. Do you have an audio of that exhaust?
'89 Hawk GT, newly acquired, daily beater...
'76 CB550, was my daily beater... my cafe project...
'72 Yamaha R5, newly acquired project... donated to my buddy...
'67 Suzuki T20, still working on her too... Currently in pieces...

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #38 on: June 19, 2009, 07:43:43 PM »
wow.just, wow.

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #39 on: June 20, 2009, 08:08:32 AM »

Mucho fun that night tis. Make it next time!  ;D

« Last Edit: June 20, 2009, 08:11:12 AM by Maxacceleration »
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #40 on: June 23, 2009, 11:56:03 AM »
Finally to show some proper pictures!

My CR550F Factory is completed. The will be a couple of additions, but they won't change much from the photo standpoint.
Its been about a 6 month build.

I was going for the factory built race/sport bike that Honda never did.
People have asked what year it is and how many were produced.
Mission accomplished!  ;D

Just a few highlights.

Bimota swingarm
18" front wheel
Buchannan wheels (Excell)
CR 'style' bodywork
Swarbricks!
Oil cooler
Rearsets
Steering damper
Modern shocks
Fork internals
Many bosses/mounts removed and many added
Powdercoating, paint and finishes brought back to better than new in some cases.
Wiring stock appearing in all areas.

Still, my bike is not considered a full restore...

It rides solid, turns in well and feels easy to push.
But... I have to keep it cherry this year for a few showings, so limited riding for a while.
The Swarbricks howl! (ya I know-sound byte, I'll work on it)

Loud at idle, and beautiful racket through the gears.
I am proud to own this bike - my fav of three old bikes I own.









Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline KB02

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #41 on: June 24, 2009, 05:03:39 AM »
Wow, man. That is just slick.
1978 CB750K Project
2000 Ducati ST2
...and a pedal bike

Join the AMA today!!

My project thread Part I: K8 Project "Parts Bike"
My project thread Part II: Finishing (yeah, right) touches on Project "Parts Bike"

Offline noahspop

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #42 on: June 24, 2009, 11:09:50 AM »
a very clean bike.
the front fender works just fine.

Offline HavocTurbo

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #43 on: June 24, 2009, 11:07:22 PM »
Paging Dr. Love....

Paging Doctor I-M-N-Love.

 :o
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

Offline bikebitzofvt

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #44 on: June 25, 2009, 08:46:12 AM »
Simply perfect.  I really like the way you maintained the stock airbox and all the oem features but with tons of trick details.  Major props to you and your builder!
"If it ain't broke you aren't riding it hard enough!"

77 CB750K7, 77 KZ1000B

Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #45 on: June 25, 2009, 11:53:55 AM »
Thanks bikebitz
Yes, most all oem features have been kept in the 'from the factory' scheme.
The centerstand for instance eliminates the need for a race stand, making for easy adjustments.
The Uni filter/stock airbox (opened up slightly) and exhaust make for easier jetting.
The seat unbolts simply for under seat access. The rear inner fender has been retained also.
Stock cleaned up switch gear and a horn too!
And this came together in five months...  ;)
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Sam Green Racing

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #46 on: October 19, 2009, 03:26:00 PM »
Stunning Ernie, I must have missed the final pictures 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Sam. ;)
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Offline Maxacceleration

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #47 on: October 22, 2009, 10:50:36 PM »
Thank you Sam.
After shakedown runs my bike is now up to snuff.
I went from the 550 gauges to smaller 400 gauges (made for room to adjust the clip-ons).
Jetting was odd with the 4 into 4 Swarbricks. I think we have it dialed.
Blips much quicker now.
It now screams to redline in all gears (w/3 tooth increase in the rear).
Pipes have been refinished with ceramic coating - much more durable.

My CR now has the go to back up the show!

The bike that Honda could of built...   ;)





Stunning Ernie, I must have missed the final pictures 8) 8) 8) 8) 8) 8)

Sam. ;)
Olden is Golden
CR550F RD400 KZ550 KH500

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #48 on: October 22, 2009, 10:55:51 PM »
Beautiful bike Max....

Mick
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Offline GoatBaSS

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Re: Project CR550F Factory
« Reply #49 on: October 23, 2009, 12:11:14 AM »
Yep its one for the gallery and BOTM!!!!!!! Nominate Nominate NOMINATE!!!!!!
Leethal # 3046?
1972 CB750K/900CC Red Headed Dunstall, 1975CB750FSS Gone BNF: 1974CB500T, 1976CB750K X 2