Author Topic: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build  (Read 2133 times)

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sidebrake

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1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« on: July 03, 2009, 12:32:53 PM »
Hi all. I'm new to posting (but not reading) on this board. The name's Tom; I'm in St. Paul, MN, USA. I picked up a 1976 CB550 in April of this year and I've since been building into a "cafe racer inspired" bike. (I think the term "cafe racer" gets thrown around too much and wouldn't consider my bike to be one.)

It's my first motorcycle, but not my first project. As you can see, I picked it up in decent cosmetic condition.... What you can't see is how FUBAR'ed the wiring/electrical was. That was my biggest challenge up to this point. Anyway, take a peek at the photos and let me know what you think so far. :) I'm calling this "done" for the summer... really just until I get more time/money.

Oh and to the purists who are going to give me a hard time about painting the tank and side covers: The pictures don't show how badly sun-damaged the paint was.  :(

Full gallery: http://www.sidebrake.net/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=14

Offline j-conn

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #1 on: July 03, 2009, 12:40:34 PM »
nicely done!  ;D
1976 CB550
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Offline B.O.X.N.I.F.E.

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #2 on: July 03, 2009, 01:52:19 PM »
What is your rear light setup?
1974 CB550

32 days and 5,536 miles on a CB550...

http://kerncountykid.blogspot.com/

and a couple years later, 38 days and 9,102 miles...

Forever West

... and all of it in a 4 mintue video

<a href="Not a valid vimeo URL">WWYY?[/url]

Offline HavocTurbo

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #3 on: July 03, 2009, 02:09:21 PM »
Very clean and very nice!!
'48 HD Panhead - Exxon Valdez
'78 CB550K - Fokker CB.3
'78 Honda CB750K - Mavrik
'80 Yamaha XS850G - Kanibalistik
09 XL883L - No Name

falsemoniker

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #4 on: July 03, 2009, 05:25:18 PM »

sidebrake

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #5 on: July 04, 2009, 12:56:14 AM »
It's actually a DIY job using some sheet aluminum, JB Weld, black paint, and this light: http://www.bikebandit.com/product/15222    :)

Offline jordanp

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Re: 1976 CB550 "cafe inspired" build
« Reply #6 on: July 04, 2009, 01:05:37 PM »
Looks great! I did something very similar to my rear light/plate set up.
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