Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build

[traveler]

Thanks.

Sure hope so.  It was a very high dollar move.

~Joe

[The_Crippler]

Looks like it was well worth it.  If I were you, I'd break the fingers of anyone who eats something greasy and then gets within five feet of it.

[traveler]

yeah....it'll be just like my black Harley

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Wow that is freaking awesome, man.. Can't wait to see it all together.. Sure to be a BOTM contender!!!

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

I appreciate the kind words...but this bike will never be BOTM material.

Just a nice rider, that's all.

~joe

[greasy j]

that tank and seat are killer!

nice buy. musta been spendy.

I wanna learn how to make that stuff. waitin to take a class when it's offered.

[The_Crippler]

I appreciate the kind words...but this bike will never be BOTM material.

Just a nice rider, that's all.

~joe

I'm gonna bookmark this quote...

[traveler]

My goal is to just have a nice little racer.

~Joe

[climbingaz]

Great stuff!  Keep the updates coming.

[lordmember1969]

It looks great

[traveler]

Thanks.

Appreaciate the support.

It's just a little 550.

~Joe

[traveler]

Any ideas?

~Joe

[Zaipai]

There is really not much one can do to improve on what you are doing. Tho there might be some idea's as you assemble however you have a solid plan and are executing it flawlessly..

.: Scott :.

[Ryan 550k]

Any ideas?

~Joe

Have you done, or are you doin the 650 cam swap in your 550?

[traveler]

I thought about it...but since the cam gears are different, I figured if I want to keep my stock tach, etc....I'll have to get a cam regrind from WebCam.

And, of course lashpads

~Joe

[Ryan 550k]

The stock 650 tach is the same size as the stock 550 tach.  The only difference is the inside face color.  I don't know man, I did the swap and have really enjoyed the difference it makes.

[Staggerlee]

I don't know man, I did the swap and have really enjoyed the difference it makes.

I'll second that.

[traveler]

Thanks guys...I have to give it some more thought.

It's 20 degrees out, and time to go do some work!

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Thanks guys...I have to give it some more thought.

It's 20 degrees out, and time to go do some work!

~Joe

Boy that is dedication for sure!

[greasy j]

I appreciate the kind words...but this bike will never be BOTM material.

Just a nice rider, that's all.

~joe

thinkin modesty will earn you some extra votes, eh?

[Ryan 550k]

I appreciate the kind words...but this bike will never be BOTM material.

Just a nice rider, that's all.

~joe

thinkin modesty will earn you some extra votes, eh?

 

[traveler]

3 hours in the cold.....work until you start freezing and you start getting mad...then stop!

Anyhow, mounted up the shocks.  They are 14.5 inches long, and here you can see the length difference between them and the stocker:



Because these are made for a CB900, they come with a bunch of different sized grommits, and washers.  As you can see, I had to use the washers to sop up some gap in the clevis mount...otherwise I am happy with this mod





Here are a couple of pics to show how they look, and how the bike has a real lean when on the kickstand now...the center stand works, but the rear tire is on the ground!  I am going to ditch the center stand, to save some weight anyway, but just FYI.









While taking pics...thought I'd show another engine prep progress pic



Oh....started install on my RAASK rearsets.  Not done with both sides yet, as I got cold...anyway, here are a few pics.











Oh...P.S.  These RAASK rearsets make it so you lose the kick start.  No biggie for me, as I am a fan of electric start, but just FYI for any of you thinking about them, and live for kick starting your bike.


~Joe

[Zaipai]

Yeah, man its looking VERY good!!! Just come help me with mine! 

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

Thanks, Scott....but you are doing a much better job than I am....I am just cleaning parts up and adding some cafe stuff.....and lightening it up.....Might have to go to a 41 tooth rear sprocket, a 17 tooth front and a new chain for more torque around town....but other than that, I am now just cleaning up what I have.

~Joe

[theofam]

Traveler, I've been lurking on your build, but it's time to tell you, that tank/cowl combo is SICK!!  I can't wait to see it all together.  I like the Raasks, but kick on these isn't like you're used to based on your Harley background.  I just sold an '81 shovel last month that was a booger to kick - dang near launched me over the handlebars a couple times!    But, my 550 kicks through so easily, I'd hate to lose it.  Is there a mod you can make to your kicker that'll miss the rearset, or is it just not possible?  I think cornandp modified his kicker to clear his custom-made rearsets - you might look him up unless you really won't miss it.  Stay warm!