Topic: 1977 CB550 K cafe racer build

[traveler]

......There's definitely something to be said for lightweight alloy wheels......the rear wheel is HEAVY......that is power robbing.  The front is no lightweight either.

~Joe

[traveler]

I put in a full day on the bike today, and got alot done.

I decided to use the sprocket plate after all.  I sanded it down, straightened out a few dents in the edge, and painted it.  Installed new seal and installed on wheel.









Next, I went ahead and sanded up the swingarm and corresponding area.  After masking it off, I sprayed it and it turned out pretty good.  Afterward I cleaned up the rear wheel adjusters and re-installed them







Rear brake rod end repainted, rest of the rod cleaned up with steel wool



Rear wheel installed.....I cleaned up the spokes a bit with some 100 grit sandpaper.  The wheel will get it final cleaning later on







I replaced the leaky shifter seal, and installed the front sprocket.  I used blue locktite on the bolts







The area seen through the triangle is noticeable.



Even though the rear wheel and brake plate need some final polishing, I am pretty happy with the way things are turning out.





~Joe

[Zaipai]

Looking better and better each weekend.

.: Scott :.

[traveler]

My nickel plated 530 chain arrived today.



~Joe

[fasturd]

I am going to kkep my eye out for a 550. I have never had one. Has to be the best of 400/750 worlds all rolled into one! Besides now I know who to get all my parts from!

I dig the new chain. "13" may need one of those.

Good luck.

[strynboen]

yes 550 are the best,,vith lot more power then 400,,and still not as heavy as 750..and almost same top speed..
550 engine are the best looking of all 4-ohc.....but that littel 350-400,,,are just nice..but almost for small..

[Laminar]

"This image or video has been moved or deleted"

[The_Crippler]

Yeah, I'm thinking that this awesome build has hit that magic photo-bucket nuking level.

[traveler]

can't tell right now, as the computer I'm on won't show pics.....I moved the pics from my main folder into a folder just for the cafe build.  How many pics are not showing up??

~Joe

[Laminar]

can't tell right now, as the computer I'm on won't show pics.....I moved the pics from my main folder into a folder just for the cafe build.  How many pics are not showing up??

~Joe

Nothing on the past three pages. If you moved the pictures to a different folder, you've changed the address that references the pictures. You need to either update every picture in the thread or move them back.

[Ryan 550k]

550 has a kicker.

~Joe

Just out of curiosity, did you ever figure out the kick starter issue concerning your stock 550 engine and the rearsets?  Did you have to purchase an F model kicker?

[traveler]

can't tell right now, as the computer I'm on won't show pics.....I moved the pics from my main folder into a folder just for the cafe build.  How many pics are not showing up??

~Joe

Nothing on the past three pages. If you moved the pictures to a different folder, you've changed the address that references the pictures. You need to either update every picture in the thread or move them back.

Thanks.  I'll fix it tonight.

~Joe

[traveler]

550 has a kicker.

~Joe

Just out of curiosity, did you ever figure out the kick starter issue concerning your stock 550 engine and the rearsets?  Did you have to purchase an F model kicker?

got a "F" kicker from Spikeybike...haven't tried it out yet.  Worst case, I will make a custom one out of the "F" kicker and the stock "K" one.

~Joe

[Ryan 550k]

550 has a kicker.

~Joe

Just out of curiosity, did you ever figure out the kick starter issue concerning your stock 550 engine and the rearsets?  Did you have to purchase an F model kicker?

got a "F" kicker from Spikeybike...haven't tried it out yet.  Worst case, I will make a custom one out of the "F" kicker and the stock "K" one.

~Joe

Let us know how it works out.  I'm very curious.

And ya, sorry to say but all your pics are gone dude.  I just tried to reference where, position wise, you installed your rearsets and can't find one pic.

[traveler]

try again....I got most of them fixed at lunch....rest tonight.

[Ryan 550k]

try again....I got most of them fixed at lunch....rest tonight.

Pics are back.

Thanks man

[traveler]

No sweat.

Good deal....back to forward progress......now I just need my spigot parts to arrive!

~Joe

[traveler]

Did some work today.

Spigot part arrived...still didn't work...so I will offer the Pingel spigot up for sale.

I put the old spigot on....and it fit perfect!  I put fuel in the tank, and it leaked like a sieve!

Also, my float bowls were stuck and 3 of them started overflowing....even after tapping on the carb bottoms with a wrench, 2 kept on overflowing.....I  finally took the tank off to stop the fuel flow!

So.......My spigot needs a rebuild, and the floats in the carbs MIGHT need to be cleaned up.

Next, was the chain...what a PAIN.  I marked the link I needed to take off....but the steel is so hardened, I had to take it to the shop to have it grinded off.   Then back home.  Put the chain on.  Probably should have went one more link out!  I had to get inventive with the rear wheel adjusters to get the chain together, and then put my jack handle between the tire and front of the swingarm and pry to pull the adjusters back into alignment.  In short, there is ZERO slack in the chain right now, but with stretching, it will be A-OK.

Oh....had to make a second trip to town to get a replacement chain clip, as the original snapped!  So, the clip I have isn't nickel plated like the rest of the chain, but that's OK with me....just glad it looks good!

Put my pipes back on and cleaned them up with a green srubber pad and 0000 steel wool......managed to snap a head stud....DAMN!   I will have to change that out....otherwise the exhaust is back on.

Then tried to start the bike up after 3 months....didn't want to start...so there is some electrical "chasing": I will have to do!

Lastly, I finally decided to work on the rear brake side of my rear sets.  ALOT of messing around and shimming with washers got her where she will work okay....need a little more work to make it perfect....and just have to look at it a bit more.

No pics tonight....try to get some tomorrow.

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Wow, sorry to hear you had one of those nights.. If it makes you feel any better I have them a lot. Some times the bike gods just don't want you working on the bike and resistance is futile. 

I am sure things will look/be better in the morning sun on a new day..

.: Scott :.

[fasturd]

Uhm... We have a bottle of good scotch and few of cheap wiskey for those kinds of nights.

Some times you just have to keep going. I love getting lost in these builds. I think it is an obsession we all share.

I was at the chopper show last night. And yes there are MANY bikes I would not take home. BUT they were all someones obsession and that I can appreciate that.

Anyway with that said. I still LOVE that airbox of yours and I see it as a great solution for the next 400 I build.

keep it up.

Bill

[traveler]

Thanks.  Not all is lost....the pipes are on...the stud is on #4, an can get to easy, the chain looks fantastic, and the clutch cable went right on.  Just have to fix that spigot, floats, electrical, tighten up some spokes, and DONE!

~Joe

[traveler]

I got a head stud ordered, need to do something with the petcock....but completed the final cleaning on the rear brake plate.  After work, I'll get some pics.

~Joe

[fasturd]

I can almost hear it running!

[traveler]

This morning before I work, I said screw it, and ordered a new Honda Petcock from Western Hills Honda.

After that it is on to carb floats, electrical fix and rear spoke tightening....then DONE!

~Joe

[Zaipai]

Thats the way to plow thru it.. I think ordering the new petcock is a good idea, I will probably be doing the same thing since mine is pretty cruddy..

How much did that set you back?

.: Scott :.