Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build

[Zaipai]

That's awesome work. I like the sandblasted look, I never thought to do that. The chrome and black will set it off VERY nice.. Well worth the work and frozen fingers! Keep em coming my man!!

Scot~~

[traveler]

Thanks.

Yeah the colors really work well together.  I got most of it together today, and painted the head tube of the frame with the engine paint.....dosen't work that well, but looks good until a future powdercoat job.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Pretty smart really. Only do what you need to and ride it until you have the cash to do it exactly the way you want. Its really going to look good I think until you can powder coat it. Get some sleep and have at it again!

[traveler]

Thanks.

I'll have it all done, before I do the frame and engine.

It'll probably look good, before I have to do the teardown.

~Joe

[traveler]

Here are some pics of the work I completed yesterday.  As you can see the trees and handlebars are all back on.  The gauges now face more upright.  I was able to measure and check the length needed for cables...after I routed them the way I wanted, came to find out...STOCK length was fine!  So, I ordered a new clutch and throttle cable from Motion Pro.  The Choke cable is ok, and I will have to order a shortened tach cable from Motion Pro, as the stocker is just WAY too long!  I still need to measure that!









Here is a couple good pics of the EMGO headlight brackets.





I also sandblasted the switch covers and gave them a coat of black paint.



Got some work to do indoors....I'll post pics when completed.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Wow that is looking clean.. I like the sandblast look of the trip and handle bar brackets.. Its really taking shape..
Also, I found these bolts at True Value for the headlight brackets in the screw and bolt section. Take a look at the picture I attached, they were cheap.. so..
they are chrome and round.. I think for appliances not sure, they look good for the headlamp bracket tho..

[traveler]

True Value, huh.......

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Yea, I will try and get a better picture tomorrow if I can.. also if you like em I will mail you a couple (no charge).. They are less then 2 bucks if I remember correctly..

[traveler]

MY speedo backing plate, I got from Manny (spikeybike) arrived, and a little work with some Nevr Dull, and she was ready.

Also finished up my switches.  Clutch lever is new...old one was bent.

Here are some pics.










The kill switch knob, Ill clean up after it's all assembled.  Can't buy just the red knob...have to buy the whole switch (about 100 bucks!! )
~Joe

[traveler]

Yea, I will try and get a better picture tomorrow if I can.. also if you like em I will mail you a couple (no charge).. They are less then 2 bucks if I remember correctly..

I'd love to have a set of those...I'll give you something I have here in return.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Dang, nice work. I agree, they want too much for the controls. I will probably do what you did until I can afford some new generic ones or ones from a newer bike that are not so expensive, I will probably need to rewire them but it will be worth it in the long run as I am not restoring the bike to showroom condition or any thing.

Good job..

Scott~~

[Zaipai]

Yea, I will try and get a better picture tomorrow if I can.. also if you like em I will mail you a couple (no charge).. They are less then 2 bucks if I remember correctly..

I'd love to have a set of those...I'll give you something I have here in return.

~Joe

Naw, no need.. I will pick them up tomorrow when I go there for filter replacements. I will try and get them out Saturday.. I will PM you when I have them so you can give me an Address to send them to..

Scott~~

[traveler]

Thanks, Scott....I really appreaciate it!

~Joe

[strynboen]

great work..im doing the same job..in denmark.. have blast and paint the old head light brackets ,,but it looks  super fine with yours new one..

[traveler]

That looks good!

I wanted to be able to see the fork tubes.....and these brackets bring the headlight in closer to the forks....the headlight looks "tucked in".

~Joe

[traveler]

Today I got the switch all sanded up and prepped for paint.  Turned out okay I think.

I sprayed it outside, then brought it in to dry, as it is 14 Degrees Fahrenheit outside!





All done!  Ready to go!



My license plate/tailight bracket arrived.  "Lucas style" tailight.  Even through Jireh cycles, this was a pretty expensive piece.





And so...the project moves forward.

~Joe

[SHELLFISH]

Looks like you're coming right along!
 Great job on the bike and the story with pictures too!
I do have a couple of questions.
Where did you get the soft grips? I just got a set from CB750Cafe.com.
What is the brand, model and size of the front tire on your bike? Stock is 3.25 X 19; I went to 3.50 X 19.
I'm looking to replace my front tire and I'm having trouble finding that old school tread look.

Lastly...Have you seen the Jan/Feb 2010 issue of Motorcycle Classics magazine?
They have a real sweet 1973 CB500 cafe that they feature in the magazine. It was their own build and you might get some ideas.

[Zaipai]

Nice work... I can't believe the progress you are making.. I suddenly feel lazy..sigh.. Well I never got to the hardware store today, as I was supposed to have the day off and they called me in for some website fixin.. bastards.. So I will have to go tomorrow or Saturday if they are not open tomorrow. Wife has a list of things I have to get now so I can't put it off no matter how lazy I get..

Scott~~

[traveler]

Grips?  on Ebay from "speedmotoco"....problem is, I now read on here that the guy that runs it, isn't too keen on shipping stuff out fast.....that really "bugs me".  If I buy something from you, and you have been paid, get off your fat a$$, and do your job! (end of rant! )

I'll go take a look at the front tire tomorrow.  The guy I bought the bike from put new tires on it.  I think they are real cheap tires.  Work fine for cruising, but if you tried doing hard cornering with them...you'd be in TROUBLE!

No, I didn't see the article....I wonder if I can see it online?

Appreciate the kind words.  I like this bike!  Always wanted a 750, but got this becasue I got it for half of what a comparable 750 would cost...then realized that this bike has a shared oiling system with the transmission...i.e. no oil tank/bag.  That is nice when you are trying to clean up everything, as it's more compact.

~Joe

[traveler]

Nice work... I can't believe the progress you are making.. I suddenly feel lazy..sigh.. Well I never got to the hardware store today, as I was supposed to have the day off and they called me in for some website fixin.. bastards.. So I will have to go tomorrow or Saturday if they are not open tomorrow. Wife has a list of things I have to get now so I can't put it off no matter how lazy I get..

Scott~~

No sweat.

I'm in the Air Force.....just got back from Afghanistan (12th deployment, 3rd combat tour, BTW).  When you get back they give you some time off.....I'm just "makin' hay while the sun is shining", meaning while I have all this time to relax before going back to work, and getting ready to go out again, when the word comes down.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Joe,
I have to say thanks from me and my family for your service.. We really appreciate all they you guys are doing over there. I am sorry if you have to (at some point) go back.. If you do just know we will be praying for you the whole time. (salute)

That said, how much time do you think you have? Hope you get to ride that thing once before you go again..

Also, I - We hope you have a safe and Happy New Year!

Scott~~~

[traveler]

Probably this time next year, I'll go back over.

As for the "salute"....on behalf of ALL US Servicemen, I HUMBLY accept the thanks.

Worse case, I can always take my hog for a ride...



~Joe

[traveler]

Okay....update.

Worked on the "triangle" today....not done, as I have NO power tools, and no heat!  Had to go with long-johns, and everything, only thing that really got cold was my feet ...might need two pairs of socks from now on.   Anyway, I took some pics.  Keep in mind, using a hack saw, hammer, chisel, and pliers, I got this done...ALOT of work when done by hand.



















Sorry if it is hard to see/understand...but in all honesty, I am tired and sore from doing it all by hand....But....i'll hit it hard again tomorrow ....what can I say, I am a gearhead, and this is my hobby!

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Probably this time next year, I'll go back over.

As for the "salute"....on behalf of ALL US Servicemen, I HUMBLY accept the thanks.

Worse case, I can always take my hog for a ride...



~Joe

You are very welcome. We have some relatives in the service so we have some idea, all tho we will never completely know. Any way.. Nice hog.. Very clean. You should be very proud of that bike.. I see what you are doing with your CB it is going well given the tools you  have at hand.. Nice work.

Here are the bolts. They look good on, they sit flush with the head light mount and are rounded so you hardly even notice them.. I will include the hex wrench to use with them.. Just PM me an address and I will try and get them in the mail Saturday or Monday. I also have some spare little parts so if you need any thing let me know I will see if I have it..

Off to post some of the little work I did today on my project thread..

Have a great evening!!

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

Thanks, Scott....you to!

~Joe