Topic: Reviving Shenanigans CB550 Cafe: Phase longest build possible?

[Shenanigans]

I have no idea about that rear wheel, but I do have a suggestion about the front dual disk conversion.  You can find calipers and rotors pretty cheaply on eBay for more modern bikes.  The 550 front wheel will accept many of the rotors as direct bolt-ons.  The caliper will likely require a bracket, but it won't be hard to fabricate (or expensive at a shop).  You will end up with a much lighter brake, and likely a much better brake.

Camelman

This is in the plans for the future but I want to get the bike on the road sooner than later. So I will save it (and motor work) for "phase 3", and it looks more period correct.

With dual discs up front, the rear drum is more than adequate...at least what I have been reading around here.  So, the disc is only worth it for the look.

Is the factory tank aluminum?

~Joe

I ain't gonna lie, it may be just for the looks 

Factory tank is steel I believe but the bare metal does look pretty good bare, with clear coat, if you metal brush it first.

[camelman]

I agree, those period discs do look good on the bike.  I was considering the dual disk for my 350F, but seeing as to how little power I have already, I didn't want to add any more weight to the bike.  Plus, extra unsprung mass means less suspension control, which is also an issue for my bike.

Camelman

[Shenanigans]

Its starting to look like a damn motorcycle again.

Tapered steering bearings are done. Front end is done. Steering damper is done. Now its just putting everything back on!! I will probably paint the tank soon.

[traveler]

So....I take it that bottom tapered bearing is a tight fit?

~Joe

[Shenanigans]

Yup, the bottom bearing is supposed to be pressed on.

Little by little the parts disappear off of the shelves. I did not like how high the gauges are, so knocked out the spot welded bolts that hold the speedo and tach bracket to the triple tree so I could mount the bracket under the top triple tree. An inch makes a huge difference. Painted some stuff and added the powered cigarette lighter bracket. Carbs and manifolds are on. Like I said, little by little...

[Shenanigans]

Alright, be honest. Which looks better, headlight visor or no visor.

[traveler]

With the full fender, then yes keep the visor.

~Joe

[camelman]

+1 I'm digging the visor.

I usually don't like them, but it fits on your setup.

Camelman

[Frankenkit]

the visor is total sex.  I'm going to put one on my scrambler.

[Really?]

I won't of any help here but when i first looked, I said yea, the visor works.  Then about a minute later I looked at it again and said, I prefer it without the visor but still looks good with it.

[Shenanigans]

I agree with you guys and think the visor will stay.

WHERE IS MY GOD DAMN SWING ARMS BUSHINGS PARTS AND MORE ARRRRGGGGG, I am close enough that looking at the bike hurts. I mocked up the rear anyways. Throttle cables and tach and speedo and oil cooler lines and the tank is done, I am going to save up to have the open Kirker 4-1 header chromed or jet-hot'd. (For when I want to be loud and annoying) but the stock exhaust is going back on for now. As soon as its cleaned. I think it looks the best anyways...

The master cylinder end hits the clamp of the clip-ons. I don't want a modern one and the AP classic master cylinder HERE: http://www.apracing.com/info/products.asp?product=Classic+Front+Master+Cylinder-CP2215-90_2557_1875
 probably costs more than I got the bike for originally. Anyone have one laying around?

Only 2 things left now, installing the stainless steel brake lines then the wiring. Well and the swing arm bushings and tires and chain. I hope the motor will run, if it doesn't I don't know what I am going to do. Anyone in the Az area have a decent 550 motor laying around, just in case   

[traveler]

Looks good.

You ought to think about ditching both the front and rear fenders, and the headlight eyebrow.

~Joe

[noahspop]

Is that an empty pool in the back ground.
holding out on us uh?
bike is looking good.

[Shenanigans]

Is that an empty pool in the back ground.
holding out on us uh?
bike is looking good.

Yup, best part of my workspace! It also doubles as a work bench. Its a roman with meat loaf coping, so don't get too excited. 

The swing arm bushings are in and what a battle it was. First one went in no problem but the second one just stopped. I ended up having to use a poor mans press and put a threaded rod though the hole and tighten down washers with a nut on each side until it finally gave.

I am having trouble getting the swingarm actually back into the frame with the dust caps on. Its a really tight fit, is this how its supposed to be?


Also: does anyone know if the early goldwing fork caps are the same as a 550? I found some air fork caps on a old spoke goldwing front end in a parts pile but they look a bit big. Are these the same size as the 550 caps?

[Shenanigans]

Alright, new problem.

I just don't like the GSXR rear sets so I am using a set of brackets to mount my rear sets. All is fine but my problem is that my axle bolt is not long enough to go reach as the plates are too thick. I really would like to use these plates as they were a gift from someone on the ADV rider forum.

My questions is this: are there any other models of bike that might have a longer axle bole thats the same diameter?

[Shenanigans]

Mock up of the other side. (I know I need a longer shifter rod) Anyone in Az work at a machine shop? I have to machine the thickness of the mounting plates in half or the swing arm bolt wont be long enough.

[Shenanigans]

Got a good part of the wiring harness on and sorted. Coils and the dyna ignition. I guess I am pretty close to firing her up for the first time... just needs oil and to be timed (sans the charging system) Still got to figure out the rear set situation. How much do you think a shop would charge for thinning my rear set plates?

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

There's this place here in little rock called star bolt. I go there when I need any kind of bolt and the either have it in stock or they can make it. I'd check around the industrial part of your town, there are industries that need things like that done all the time. I bet there'd be little difference in price between that and having the plates cut down.

[Shenanigans]

There's this place here in little rock called star bolt. I go there when I need any kind of bolt and the either have it in stock or they can make it. I'd check around the industrial part of your town, there are industries that need things like that done all the time. I bet there'd be little difference in price between that and having the plates cut down.

Yeah I think that is what I am going to do. I would much rather machine the rear sets anyway so I dont have a weird custom bolt on my bike. That way its a stock part in case I ever need a new one. (Not that its something realistic that would keep me stranded on the side of the road.)



So today I wired up the ignition stuck on the carbs and..... SHE RUNS!   

http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a84/RagsRagsRags/?action=view&current=CIMG1578.flv

[scooter1]

Nice!!!! gota love that first start!!!!

[Frankenkit]

WOOOOOHOOOOOOO!!!!!

[seaweb11]

Nicely done, where to next

http://maps.google.com/?ie=UTF8&ll=31.203405,-46.757812&spn=177.110624,360&t=h&z=1

[HedNut]

That is awesome my man! Looks n' sounds great! I can't wait to hear that from mine....it'll be a long while.

Cheers to you and your bike! Wooohooo!

[hoodellyhoo]

Great Job!!!!!!

[Really?]

Love the psuedo knee dents!