Author Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build  (Read 237197 times)

0 Members and 2 Guests are viewing this topic.

codeman583

  • Guest
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1025 on: September 08, 2010, 07:38:42 PM »
sorry. I meant it as quite a "good" investment. :) dig the whole look

Offline tweakin

  • tear down
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,955
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1026 on: September 15, 2010, 05:20:36 AM »
Joe, why you trying to sell the racer?  At 4K on ebay?  You have to have at least 3k in seat, tank, lesters, and CR's.  Hate to see you let that thing go.

Offline FrankenFrankenstuff

  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 2,405
    • FrankenBike Stuff Store
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1027 on: September 15, 2010, 05:48:50 PM »
Is the best & worst part of an involved creative project like this bike when it is done? The thrill of the build. I am on the edge of my seat to see your next project!

Offline fasturd

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 607
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1028 on: September 16, 2010, 03:08:32 PM »
I would have to say it always is for me... I love building them and putting on the first few hundred or thousand miles and then it starts again... You start dreaming about another project. Maybe you found a cool set of wheels or a great exhaust it really doesn't matter... Its about creativity and change...LOL. It drives the people around me crazy and it keeps my shop full of neat projects.

We always have too much into them to justify selling, but somebody has to pay for the next one!
13 in the garage and counting...

Link to my link...   http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=58422.0

Offline tweakin

  • tear down
  • Master
  • *****
  • Posts: 1,955
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1029 on: September 16, 2010, 03:27:12 PM »
I totally agree with you but I am starting a collection, lol.  Not selling the builds until my wife makes me, lol.

I would have to say it always is for me... I love building them and putting on the first few hundred or thousand miles and then it starts again... You start dreaming about another project. Maybe you found a cool set of wheels or a great exhaust it really doesn't matter... Its about creativity and change...LOL. It drives the people around me crazy and it keeps my shop full of neat projects.

We always have too much into them to justify selling, but somebody has to pay for the next one!

Offline Syscrush

  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,419
  • Sold. :(
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1030 on: September 17, 2010, 06:34:07 AM »
Yeah....but it was the look I was after.  Same with the LESTER wheels.
Joe, I love your bike and would love to have it - I could buy it a lot cheaper than doing my planned project, and the result is probably at least as good as anything I could do.

BUT as you know - it wouldn't be mine, wouldn't be my build, wouldn't be the expression of my own vision.

Which is why it's so tough to sell a custom/special.

Christ it's such a nice bike, though - I'm sure that with time you'll have to find a buyer.
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline Tintop

  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,965
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1031 on: September 17, 2010, 10:58:20 AM »
Yeah....but it was the look I was after.  Same with the LESTER wheels.
Joe, I love your bike and would love to have it - I could buy it a lot cheaper than doing my planned project, and the result is probably at least as good as anything I could do.

BUT as you know - it wouldn't be mine, wouldn't be my build, wouldn't be the expression of my own vision.

Which is why it's so tough to sell a custom/special.

Christ it's such a nice bike, though - I'm sure that with time you'll have to find a buyer.

+1 syscrush on the why we build our own, and why they are tough to sell.  That said, there are lots of people out there who don't like to get their hands dirty, only have a blurry vision (I like red ::)), but do have money.  The Harley custom shop in town is never 'slow'.

Joe you have a great bike, don't under sell your work, or workmanship.  Your time is worth something, someone had to sort it out.  What would a shop have charged in labour to do all the work you've done?  I'd have asked twice that!
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

traveler

  • Guest
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1032 on: October 05, 2010, 04:51:10 AM »
Thanks guys.  Had a guy bid on it, then back out.  So, it is just sitting for now.

~Joe

Offline SohRon

  • She laughs 'til she cries when they call me an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 946
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1033 on: October 05, 2010, 05:13:55 AM »
Say it isn't so, Joe; say it isn't so! You're gonna sell that beautiful accomplishment? Think of the kids!  :o  :D

Congrats on the beautiful bike... I hope someday mine looks half as good!
"He slipped back down the alley with some roly-poly little bat-faced girl..."

Assembling my '74 CB550: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=86697.0
Assembly of the Right-hand Switch (a rebuilder's guide):  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80532.0
Installing stock 4X4 exhaust: CB500-CB550 K: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=82323.0
CB550 Assembly Manual: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,151576.0.html

traveler

  • Guest
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1034 on: October 05, 2010, 06:39:07 PM »
Well, I'd like to sell....but no one is interested! :-\

~Joe

traveler

  • Guest
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1035 on: October 16, 2010, 08:24:35 AM »
Bike sold 5 October.  Guy from Los Angeles bought it.  I will pass on this site, and hopefully he will join and be active. :-\

Cheers,

~Joe

Offline Zaipai

  • I am getting closer to being an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,400
    • My Home page
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1036 on: October 16, 2010, 08:27:56 AM »
Congratz? Well time for the 750 racer! ;)

.: Scott :.
Its my Avatar..

75 CB550F  | 


Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,474
  • Central Texas
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1037 on: October 16, 2010, 08:28:56 AM »
Bike sold 5 October.  Guy from Los Angeles bought it.  I will pass on this site, and hopefully he will join and be active. :-\

Cheers,

~Joe

So what's next?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........


Offline The_Crippler

  • In regards to doing it wrong, I'm an
  • Expert
  • ****
  • Posts: 1,262
  • Work in progress.
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1039 on: November 05, 2010, 10:23:55 AM »
Well...it works for some people.  Guess you can't blame them if it's accomplishing their objective.  (But, since we have to watch it go a second time, I hope if goes low so Traveler can feel better about his deal.)

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,474
  • Central Texas
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1040 on: November 05, 2010, 06:39:01 PM »
I think Joe sold it for $4K, so I bet the reserve is set for at least $6K
« Last Edit: November 07, 2010, 07:43:55 PM by Stev-O »
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline fantino

  • Hot Shot
  • ***
  • Posts: 321
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1041 on: November 05, 2010, 09:46:28 PM »
Way to get the year of the bike wrong on the ebay auction  ::)

Offline HalfFastMoto

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 68
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1042 on: November 05, 2010, 10:48:54 PM »
I guess while reading about this beautiful bike I was so distracted by the pictures that I missed why it was sold   ???  And now the new owner is selling  :o
-brad

Better HalfFast than HalfA$$ed
The appropriate number of bikes is "1" more!

Offline Zaipai

  • I am getting closer to being an
  • Old Timer
  • ******
  • Posts: 3,400
    • My Home page
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1043 on: November 06, 2010, 10:19:33 PM »
Wow the new owner did not even have it a month.. He has it listed at 6.5 but the current bid is only 2.4k.. Hum.. Too bad she was a great build. Hope some one gets it that can appreciate it!

.: Scott :.
Its my Avatar..

75 CB550F  | 


Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,474
  • Central Texas
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1044 on: November 07, 2010, 02:38:44 PM »
I sent an email to the eBay lister asking why selling. He said to fund another bike. Oh sure!
To flip it and make money!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline HalfFastMoto

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 68
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1045 on: November 07, 2010, 06:19:36 PM »
I sent an email to the eBay lister asking why selling. He said to fund another bike. Oh sure!
To flip it and make money!

Yeah, kinda sucks Traveler didn't get a better price   :(
-brad

Better HalfFast than HalfA$$ed
The appropriate number of bikes is "1" more!

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,474
  • Central Texas
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1046 on: November 07, 2010, 06:20:55 PM »
He tried to get $5K but couldn't. Settled for $4K, probably had more in it?
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline HalfFastMoto

  • Full Member
  • *
  • Posts: 68
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1047 on: November 07, 2010, 07:32:37 PM »
Well bids up to $5600 - nice bike, wouldn't mind owning it   ;D
-brad

Better HalfFast than HalfA$$ed
The appropriate number of bikes is "1" more!

Offline Stev-o

  • Ain't no
  • Really Old Timer ...
  • *******
  • Posts: 34,474
  • Central Texas
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1048 on: November 07, 2010, 07:44:22 PM »
Joe would not be happy
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline themotoworks

  • addict
  • Enthusiast
  • **
  • Posts: 109
    • roc city cafe racers
Re: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build
« Reply #1049 on: November 07, 2010, 08:08:42 PM »
seeing the price this guy is getting for it so far makes me want to focus more on building complete bikes... it would literally take me about 2 weeks to make a cool old manx style twin, seems like the madness has finally hit, so it might finally be worth my time... if only I had the time  ;D
www.roccitycafe.com <- my sideline turned living