Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build

[traveler]

Here is a link to the battery.

http://www.orientexpress.com/Universal+Parts+%252526+Accessories/Battery/SpeedCell+-+Supersport+2.3+-+120+Amp+Battery%25252FSuper+Lightweight%25252FExtremely+Compact%25252FIncludes+Quick+Disconnect+Terminals+%252526+Harness%25252FSee+Details+Inside.html

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

So, is that just a direct replacement for a stock battery, or do mods to the electrical system need to be made?

[traveler]

works with stock everything.

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Huh.  How about that?

I guess cost is the only thing keeping them from main-stream?

[traveler]

Tom at Anubis Cycle sent me this pic of my front rotor....he just finished drilling it.  Once I get it home, I will restore the finish.

Here's a quick pic.



~Joe

[tweakin]

Tom at Anubis Cycle sent me this pic of my front rotor....he just finished drilling it.  Once I get it home, I will restore the finish.

Here's a quick pic.



~Joe

Nice Joe.  Our rotors must have been with Tom at the same time. lol.  I got my pic today.

[traveler]

Tom does good work, huh?

~Joe

[tweakin]

They look pretty good and the price for all three rotors was less expensive than I could have done it.

Tom does good work, huh?

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Those rotors look great.  Is there an advantage to drilling the stock ones?  I hate to parrot what I said about the battery, but is it a cost savings?  (I know EBC ones are, like, 5 times as much as their service costs.)

[traveler]

Well, look at it this way, for 50 bucks including shipping, I got a rotor drilled, and the drilling prevents brake fade, operates cooler....in short, braking performance is around 40% improved.  The other reason for doing it is asthetics (looks cool).

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Yeah, I dig the reasons to have a drilled rotor - I was questioning a modified stock vs purchasing a new drilled one.  I guess if all things considered (performance, looks, longevity, etc) are equal - yeah, modding the stock one is certainly the better fiscal choice.

[traveler]

I officially froze my butt off, and spent 4-5 hours out in the garage (I did take 2 warm up breaks) working on the engine finish some more.

I got the head and cylinders done, except around the carbs.  I also finished the top part of the front case.

Granted, some of the deep scratches need to be sanded out with increasingly finer grades of sandpaper, but the difference is becoming apparent.  I started using coarse steel wool, and a green scrubber pad.

Anyway, here are a few pics:


















The dirt that can be seen between the fins comes off easy....brake cleaner, a rag and a screwdriver will clean it up 100%...that comes when the job is done.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Well it looks like it was worth spending the time on. Man that thing is going to be clean enough to eat off of when you are done..!

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

I just want it to be clean and nice.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

I think you are getting close for sure. Its going to be really clean and against the black frame, its going to be very cool!

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

Thanks again for the nice comments.

the plan for now, is to get the motor cleaned up and the front wheel.  I want to get the front wheel cleaned up along with the drilled rotor and install of the "all balls" sealed wheel bearings...while the front wheel is off, I will take care of the fork sliders, and the front end will be done.

The engine work is tedious and is really a chore.  VERY time consuming....but this is a hobby, and I want to do it the way I want it.

It's nice to build a bike when you already have a ridable bike....if you want to ride instead of work, then you just go...

Any comments guys, on tips, tricks, or ideas, PLEASE feel free to chime in any time.


~Joe

[traveler]

P.S.  here are some parts I am awaiting arrival of:

Pingel fuel spigot.  1/4 NPT with adapter bushing:



Universal fork damper in silver:



Damper bracket for SX650 yami....35mm fork, same as CB550, so will work.



14.5 inch shocks from Jerry's:



Emblems.  I will attach with double sided tape....cut and glue bolt heads in the mounting holes:



~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Those are really slick looking shocks.  Not familiar with Jerry's.  Is there a website?

[Zaipai]

Wow, nice stuff.. Can't wait to see them on..

It is nice when you have a rider and can just take your time with the build.

TTYS,
.: Scott :.

[traveler]

http://www.jerryscycles.com/index.html

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Awesome.  Thanks.

[traveler]

Thanks again guys....It's nice to have at least a few leave comments.....seem to get alot of visits, but not too many comments.....I know that I LOVE seeing pics of others builds, etc...as well as read about them...that is why I am doing this.  Also, so that any tips/tricks I find can be found via a search for anyone in the future.  I like to think it is the little bit I can contribute to make this website just a little better....if everyone does their part this place will truly be outstanding.

As for me, no pats on the back are necessary....I just want to have a nice SOHC 550 cafe racer....and enjoy/share the hobby with others.

~Joe

[Shenanigans]

When you get those rear sets let me know how you like them. I have been on the fence back and forth between buying bolt on's or making my own or having none at all (I guess I am lucky I have long arms). I had a shot on a set of those raasks a while back for 200 but the way the seller worded his replies to a few of my questions rubbed me the wrong way. Maybe he still has them 

If you dont like them, I know someone who might.

 just sayin'

[traveler]

Oh, the rearsets will be going on to stay!

Sean is done with my tank and seat.  It goes out tomorrow.  Here are the completed pics on his mock up frame:







~Joe

[coheed]

Wow! That combo is gonna fantastic on your bike.