Topic: 1974 CB550 - Project ARC

[CaféElite]

So life has finally allowed me to get started on this project. I have owned these bikes for a pretty long time but throw in a baby, failed relationship and buying a house, time really wasn't on my side. I would like to think im pretty devoted to them considering besides my kid they are about the only thing I got to keep. At one point I had three of them in my little temp apartment   So anyways I have lived in my house for about a year now so I figured its time to get things rolling. I am also hoping by creating this thread it will keep me on track.

The project, AKA ARC - Pic 1
Akiera giving the bike attention while in storage (AKA my dining room in the apartment) - pic 2
Back up's in case I make mistakes - Pic 3
Reason I bought the house and made being in the garage bearable today - Pic 4

The only camera I have is my iPhone at the moment so the pics are not that great but neither are the bikes.

My goal is to have a slimmed down race looking bike.... call it a racer, street fighter or cafe it doesnt really matter.

[CaféElite]

Figured I would also show my inspiration. I know its not a 550 or even very clean but I like the lines. I see most people end up with a rather large bump seat either to hide electronics or because thats whats available.. just not my style and I really like this little wedge look. I doubt my arse will though.

Electronics
http://www.electrosport.com/street-bikes/honda/cb550f-k3-75-78.html?pt=regulator-rectifiers
http://www.wirecare.com/Braided-Sleeving.asp

Links to save/remember
http://www.caswellplating.com/aids/epoxygas.htm - PHENOL NOVOLAC EPOXY GAS TANK SEALER
http://www.cmsnl.com/ - overseas but great resource
http://www.midwestcontrol.com/ - interesting little bits and pieces for controls and like
http://www.motobits.com/ - possible solution for rearsets (RS-CB175)
http://www.stainlesscycle.com - Stainless steal bolt set

[FunJimmy]

Good on ya for getting thinks on the move.
You’re daughter looks like a natural on the bike.
You better save one for when she can touch the ground.
Is there a Buell in the family?

Cheers
FJ

[Goofaroo]

Great score! I wouldn't change a thing. At the most I would maybe add a few decals but other than that, I would just crank it up to about 65 degrees and bask in the warmth.

The bikes are great too.

[CaféElite]

FJ - I do have a buell (06 xb lightning)... Love it!
Goo - I had it at 55.. I was scared what it might do to my gas bill at anything higher   It had my garage warm in around 15 so im loving it.

So I want to run mags since im not really a big spoke fan. If possible I would like to run this design...

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80924.0

Anyone know of any other bikes that ran a mag like this? What years/sizes of GS did it come off? OD and ID of wheel bearings. I know the drum is pretty small but I plan on running dual disk of front so not to worried (I shouldnt have assumed the wheel would allow that ) about that but if I can find another mag the same style with larger drum or disc that would be awesome. Sprocket bolt pattern the same?

Thanks guys!

Edit - Appears the early 80's GS550\650 had these wheels. Going to look a bit more into them.. Might have to hit up a suzuki forum

[Goofaroo]

Goo - I had it at 55.. I was scared what it might do to my gas bill at anything higher  Grin It had my garage warm in around 15 so im loving it.

55 is actually all you need to keep comfy. I'm gonna have to install one of those eventually cause it's hard to get motivated to work when it's 30 degrees in the garage. I can see how that would have influenced your decision on which house to buy.

[FunJimmy]

I use one of these Delonghi oil radiators in my detached garage and it works great.
Takes a bit of time to get a really cold garage warm, but I go out and turn it on an hour before I plan to work on the bike and its fine.

[CaféElite]

Well mother nature is currently in snow attack mode over Kansas City at the moment so I have decided to avoid the garage. I told myself I would find a reason to updated this thread a couple times a week to stay motivated so here are the clip-ons that will reside on this bike.

[fastbroshi]

I don't blame you for waiting until you got the garage sorted.  You've got the basics covered:  Room to work and a comfortable temp.  The lift just makes everything easier.  You can stand or sit and have everything at eye level if you want. 

[CaféElite]

Got something in the mail today.. have been out of town on vacation so not a lot has been happening in the garage.

[FunJimmy]

Got something in the mail today.. have been out of town on vacation so not a lot has been happening in the garage.

Not to sound bitter, but Chris mixed up the boxes and you received mine.
I ordered it with the o2 sensor welded in the collector for an air fuel mixture guage.
Nice pipe otherwise. 

FJ

[CaféElite]

Trust me I would swap you if that was the case but that just a spring perch. I took the pic with a crappy old iphone...

FJ.. what are your welds like around the 4 pipes to the collector?

[CaféElite]

Well not really a bike mod but I got a new helmet. I am a full faced helmet guy. I think I rode without a helmet at most 10 times in my life. Im a little annoyed that the arai logos are under the clear coat since I would like them to be removed.