Topic: 1975 CB550F College Budget Project

[chronic_rider_550]

Hello, my name is Chad Latka and this is my build. I’ll start off with saying a little bit about my self. I grew up in Kansas and always had a desire to get a street bike, I had never thought of buying and older bike and turning it into a cafe racer. I live go to school in Chicago, and my bike is at home in Olathe, Kansas so building is an off and on project. I buy parts, and when I go home I install the parts ride it for a few days, and then end up having to go back to Chicago. This bike, was one that I could not pass up. I got this bike because I was over at a Friend’s house and I joking said to his parents “How much do you want for that bike?”(referring to the CB550F) and they replied “how much do you want to give us?” I then gave them $100 and took my bike to my house. I had to put a new battery in it, replace the gas, and rebuild the carbs. After that she ran like no ones business. I got her with 13,000 original miles on it and she now has about 15,500.

This is what she looked like right when I bought her.


And then she got painted by a friend for another $100


This is the process of taking off the turn signals and relocating the license plate.


This is where the front turn signals are off


And this is how she stands now with the clip-ons


Different license plate relocation


This is how mean she looks from the front


This is the custom head light mount. SUPER easy, SUPER cheap, and it works really well. Message me if you want Details. It cost me 8 dollars.


Just a cool picture of her


Future Upgrades include:

4-into-1 exhaust-230
Front Harley Fender-50
Rear-Sets-?
New Seat-120
Turn Signals-50
New Grips-?
New Levers-?
New Avon Tires-175
New Chain-?
37 tooth rear sprocket-40
17 tooth front sprocket-25
Front Racing Fender-60
Rear disc brake-?
Double front disc brakes-?
Lowering springs in the back-50
650 Cam-?
650 Pistons-?
Pod Filters-50
New Rims-?
Rear Shocks-?
Front Shocks-?
Electric Start (She only kick starts right now)-250
Oil Cooler-?
Powder Coat the engine black-?
Powder Coat front shocks and brake caliper black-?
Take off the center stand-0
New Kick Stand-?
HID head light-?
Center the Speedo-?
Shorter Clutch Cable-?
Shorter throttle Cables-?
LED brake light-15
White/Blue under glow kit-?
Custom Stabilizer-?
Newer Style Keys-?
New Stator-?
Powder Coat the Frame White-?
Total so far= $1115


So far this project has been amazing. My running total is approximately $700. I’m not sure you can go wrong with $700 and such a sexy looking bike. I am 100% positive that this was the best investment that one could make. I have done most of the work my self.  The first time I had the carbs rebuilt I had an awesome shop do it for me, I did not realize how easy it is to rebuild the carbs you just need to get it timed. Since then I rebuilt the carbs my self. I plan on doing the rest of the work my self as well. I hope you guys like my build and I will update it when I make more progress.

Costs so Far

Bike- $100
Register- $25
Carbs- $300
Clip-Ons- $68
Battery- $72
Rectifier- $100
Headlight Bracket- $8
Custom Fuse Box- $15
1st Battery - $35
Total= $723

[Retro Rocket]

Love the colour,i am going to use a similar colour on my 750 and couldn't find any pics even close, now i know how it looks its all systems go....

Mick

[chronic_rider_550]

You should see it when she is washed and waxed  looks 100x better. That colour gets some good looks too! Post your pictures when you get it done 

[Retro Rocket]

Mine is going to be a bit of a hot rod and i will do a build thread. Most of my parts are coming from over seas so it is taking some time but it will happen....

Mick

[chronic_rider_550]

Alright, so I have been having a few problems with my bike.

My bike will not turn on. So I checked the basic things, fuel, battery, spark plug. So, I hooked it up to a jump box, and it starts right up. I take the leads off the bike and it dies almost instantly. I look at the spark plugs, they are giving a good spark. So, I change the regulator/rectifier to a new solid state. My bike runs for a little while, with a brand new battery. I let it sit for 2 weeks because of constant rain. I try to turn it on. She's COMPLETELY dead. No sign of life in her what so ever. So I put her to the jump box again. Nothing. I hook her up to a car, jump her that way, brings her right to life. Take the jumper cables off, she dies right away.

So heres my question. Could it be the stator? I opened the stator up, and it looks okay. No really big burn spots or anything. I have a voltmeter, I just don't know how to check my stator w/ it. If anyone has any suggestions PLEASE HELP!!!

Thanks,

Chad

[chronic_rider_550]

Update!!!

Well I fixed all the problems with my bike. Everything was fixed for approximately 6-8 hours. This passed weekend I was riding home from a friends house and happened to hit a deer going 50 mph. The deer died on impact and I was thrown from my bike and tossed on the road for about 120 feet. My bike also slid a good 100 feet. I had a helmet and jacket on and that's what saved me. For the bike, not too much damage. Headlight, and tank were damaged but not totaled. It has small damage I'll post pictures here soon.

[scroggins5000]

Update!!!

Well I fixed all the problems with my bike. Everything was fixed for approximately 6-8 hours. This passed weekend I was riding home from a friends house and happened to hit a deer going 50 mph. The deer died on impact and I was thrown from my bike and tossed on the road for about 120 feet. My bike also slid a good 100 feet. I had a helmet and jacket on and that's what saved me. For the bike, not too much damage. Headlight, and tank were damaged but not totaled. It has small damage I'll post pictures here soon.

Damn! Glad you're ok... If you're going to make venison sausage, I recommend 1/2 deer, 1/4 beef and 1/4 pork!

[Laminar]

I thought the F came with a 4-1 exhaust stock.

[chronic_rider_550]

The F does come with the 4-into-1 exhaust. For some reason this bike, when I bought it had the cb500 exhaust. I dig it for the most part. It's rusting out a little bit but not too bad.

As for the deer, I'm staying with my parents right now and they don't really like the idea of me bringing a dead deer I hit with my bike into the house. Kinda sad cause it was a nice lookin' buck. As well as my first buck I've ever killed.

[chronic_rider_550]

So those are the pictures of my bike after the accident. Not too much damage going on. Just a little bit. And then that's the deer at the end. 8 point buck. Good thing I was wearing my helmet and jacket because they both saved my life as well as my skin.

Sorry about that Laminar. I fixed it 

[Laminar]

Pictures aren't working.

[chronic_rider_550]

Well I haven't really updated this for a while because I have had some financial struggles. It's been about 5 months since anything has really happened. I just got a new Job and some good money will be rolling in and my project will go on it's way.

Things to happen in the next weeks.
Front Sprocket
Rear Sprocket
Chain
Rear Shocks
Fork Springs
New Clip-ons(mine got bent in my accident)
Steering damper
Brake Pads
Grips
Fork Seals

For now that is the list of things that will be happening in the upcoming weeks. I will have pictures of everything when I get the parts in.

[chronic_rider_550]

Might as well add some pictures to the list as it sits right now. They are off my phone. So they aren't the greatest quality but it shows how she looks right now.

[SF]

GLAD TO SEE YOUR BACK AT IT AND OK

[chronic_rider_550]

It's been a little while since my last update. I finally ordered some parts. Just new sprockets and chain as well as the diaphragm for the master cylinder because I lost mine somewhere along the line. I also bought a viper fairing for the front and a tank from kmart550. I'm getting the seat reupholstered within the next couple weeks and getting pod filters next week. Also, I bought a 4-into-1 exhaust from one of my friend back home but shipping was stupid expensive so I'll get that in July. Lastly, I'll be replacing my rear tire with avon tire. I'll also be removing my side cover(because they are broken) and figuring out how to hide everything. The last thing I bought was a stabilizer off a 2001 gsxr 1000. I'll figure out how to fab that up too. Seems like everything is coming together. I'll be posting pictures within the next week or so.

[chronic_rider_550]

Okay. This is literally my last resort. I've been searching all over the forum to see if I can resolve the issue I'm having with my bike. My problem is that I have no power. My bike starts, it idles fine, it sounds deeper than it used to. This is what happened. I put pods on it, bike ran like crap(because I didn't rejet the carbs) then I returned everything back to stock because I have to ride to work every day(I don't have a car). I have recently had a tune up in the end of May. Cleaned my carbs, synched them, adjusted everything back to stock. My bike just wont accelerate at all. All 4 pistons are firing, everything is warming up accordingly, points are set correctly, the only thing that is a possibility is spark plugs. I believe they are a little over a year old. I just bought new ones, and should have them in early next week. I need help. The biggest problem is that in 5th gear I top out at 65-70mph pinned. It's like it isn't getting enough gas to the carbs...

[Statenheimer]

I wouldn't say that it is necessarily the plugs causing the problem, but I would definitely take a look at them.  Should be able to narrow it down a little bit from there, as you will be able to tell if you are in fact running lean.

If it is a fuel starvation issue and your points are all set correctly, I would start at the tank and work your way down.  Check the petcock, in line fuel filter if you have one, lines, and work your way to float heights, etc.   Process of elimination.

Just my 2 cents, I am sure others will chime in.

Good luck.

[chronic_rider_550]

Thanks! Yea. I was just thinking about replacing my inline fuel filters because they are decently old, About 8-10 months old. Thanks for the input. Seriously, I just need some outside people to give me ideas ya know? Thanks Statenheimer.



********UPDATE********

I bought an exhaust a little while back and have been waiting for a little time to install it and I finally had a couple hours to put it on. It's a 4-into-1 and I have no idea what kind it is. My friend had it on a parts bike and I picked it up for 50 bucks.


http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=1942404318393#&comments

Sorry about the low quality it is off my phone. Once I get my other camera charged up I will post a better video.

[chronic_rider_550]

Next update. So I have a small problem with my exhaust. When installing the pipes I had to take off my rear brake. Now it will not fit onto my bike. The exhaust sticks out a little and sits right under my brake. I'm not sure exactly how to fix this. Even if I were to be able to put the break back on, I would not be able to push it down because the exhaust would stop it from actually moving. Does anyone have any ideas on how to make a bracket or some type of brake that would leave the foot pegs in the original position and maybe custom build or buy a brake that would fit? I will add some pictures soon so you can help me out. Thanks.

Chad

[chronic_rider_550]

So here are the pictures of my brake or lack of brake.

[paulh1282]

Bike looks great, sorry about hitting the deer. If you come across a deal like that again let me know...

[chronic_rider_550]

Bike looks great, sorry about hitting the deer. If you come across a deal like that again let me know...

will do man! Thanks for lookin at my build! It's slow but it's gaining speed because I actually have a job that pays me enough to pay rent AND the bike project. So I will be updating more within the next 2 months when I redo my seat, put the new tank on and get everything painted.

[chronic_rider_550]

Problems with the bike. My bike has killed my battery. I just put a brand new battery in a couple days ago because my battery was about 2 years old or so. I put a new one in, fired up just fine. Went to work, came back, wanted to jump on and go for a ride and she was dead. So I took the battery out, connected it to my trickle charger and now I'm pretty sure my trickle charger is shot because it didn't charge my battery. It's a 1am trickle charger and I had it on there for 12 full hours. Seriously frustrating. I also have no idea why my bike is not keeping the battery charged. If nothing is on, why would my battery be dying? It's never done this before. So I guess I'll be working on that problem this weekend.

[Bankerdanny]

If the battery worked in the morning then was dead in the evening you have (a) a short that drained the power or (b) a bad battery.

(a) seems unlikely with the simple electrical system we have, no clocks or computers to run the battery down, but it's easy enough to test, obviously you need a battery with a charge on it, then just connect an ammeter or multimeter set to measure amps in series between the + terminal and the battery cable and look for a negative draw. (b) is possible, I have had new batteries die almost immediately. Take it to the dealer and have them test it. Auto Zone or Pep Boys might be able to do this too.

[Rgconner]

Simple check on the charger:

Check the voltage with the bike idling, then rev it. Voltage should jump and return when going back to idle.

Exact voltages are not available off the top of my head, I am sure they are somewhere on the site...

Also,when I first got my bike, same year and model, I tended to turn the key "UP" to remove it, not down.

That results in the tail light being on, which will run the battery down.

Had to kick start it a few times from that boneheaded move!

PS, I have the 500 labeled 4-4  exhaust as well
PPS: Chicago has a vibrant cafe racer scene from what I hear. I bet you could get some hands on experience on the bike out there.

[chronic_rider_550]

If the battery worked in the morning then was dead in the evening you have (a) a short that drained the power or (b) a bad battery.

(a) seems unlikely with the simple electrical system we have, no clocks or computers to run the battery down, but it's easy enough to test, obviously you need a battery with a charge on it, then just connect an ammeter or multimeter set to measure amps in series between the + terminal and the battery cable and look for a negative draw. (b) is possible, I have had new batteries die almost immediately. Take it to the dealer and have them test it. Auto Zone or Pep Boys might be able to do this too.

Thank you, I'm going to check that out this weekend. I am officially moving into my fiance's house and she has a garage so I will be able to work on my bike more frequently. And I'll be able to figure this out this weekend.

Simple check on the charger:

Check the voltage with the bike idling, then rev it. Voltage should jump and return when going back to idle.

Exact voltages are not available off the top of my head, I am sure they are somewhere on the site...

Also,when I first got my bike, same year and model, I tended to turn the key "UP" to remove it, not down.

That results in the tail light being on, which will run the battery down.

Had to kick start it a few times from that boneheaded move!

PS, I have the 500 labeled 4-4  exhaust as well
PPS: Chicago has a vibrant cafe racer scene from what I hear. I bet you could get some hands on experience on the bike out there.

I will also end up checking all this just to see. I think I have found the voltage somewhere around this forum so I will just have to use my favorite thing the search function.
The 4 into 4 exhaust was cool, I liked it a lot, but the holes in the exhaust were frustrating to I moved on to that 4 into 1 and I couldn't have gotten a better deal. I was also forced to buy(at least that what I tell my fiance) rear sets because my rear brake would not work with the new exhaust. And secondly, yea there are a lot of people with cafe racers in chicago. The hard part is really meeting people that are nice. Maybe I've been exposed to the wrong people but everyone I've talked to or tried to talk to is kind of an #$%*. I mean don't get me wrong I'm 100% sure there are some awesome people in Chicago riding, I just haven't met that many.

Either way. Thanks for the advice guys! Anything helps at this time.

-Chad

[Danno]

uh not to be a nut but these bikes have a notorious problem of the advancer freezing up it is under the points plate and even if you have electronic ignition it will still be there use pb blaster if it is stuck also advise using a timing light you should see the advance mark in the timing window at about 2500-3000 rpm using the light.  if not and it is the f mark then the advancer is stuck you will have to pull the plate and hit it with penetrating oil and gentle persuasion to free it be carefull  not to break the advance arms  (gentle) also on this site you will find the manual for this bike download it and pour through it there is one other contributing factor if your slow jets are cruddy it wont top out but im betting on the advancer

[Scott S]

 As for the exhaust....are you SURE your bike was originally an F model and not a K model? That's a stock CB550F header with an aftermarket muffler welded on. The F's had a slightly different frame/pedal mount arrangement. If you try to mount the F header on a K frame, you get pretty much the interference issues you're having.

[Aladinsane07]

^  I was thinking the same thing.  I don't know if the tank and sidecovers are original, but they don't appear to be F items.

Cool bike either way.  Keep at it, man.

[chronic_rider_550]

Well. I'm not 100% sure actually because on the Title is says 1975 Honda CB550F and not K. I mean it could be I haven't looked too much into it. I wouldn't be surprised at all if it was a K.

Also, couple things got fixed. I fixed the problem with not being able to top out. I just rebuilt my carbs with a carb kit and BAM I was hitting those tops speeds again. Great feeling for sure. Also bought some rear sets and will be installing those this following weekend, or in the following weeks once I move into my fiance's place. The exhaust is an F exhaust, just confirmed that from the guy's father I bought it from. The guy I bought it from(aka one of my good friends) wasn't sure what exhaust it was and just gave it too me for 50 bucks. I was just talking with his dad and he said it came off a CB550F. So knowing that the K model has a problem with the F exhaust it must mean that my bike is a model K. Which is nice because I have been wondering and been calling it a F model but not really knowing what it was. Thanks for everyone's help! Also and update with the bike. I broke my kick start pedal. So I bought a new one. and that will be in at the end of the week. And now she wont start. I bought a new battery and nothing. She just wont start at all. I have slow charged the battery, and right when I put the battery in, I try to start it and nothing happens. I can't kick it over, and it won't start with the electric start. Not too sure what is going on here, but once I get it in the garage and start tearin her down I'm sure i'll figure it out.

Thank you everyone for checkin out my build. I'll be updating more within the coming weeks with the new upholstered seat I'm going to start working on, and the new tank, side covers and everything else. So hopefully this baby will look real nice and clean in the upcoming months!

Cheers.

Chad

[chronic_rider_550]

I'm going to try and take some pictures today. I'm sanding down my new tank as we speak. I don't have an electric sander so I am doing it by hang. I'm taking it down to the metal and then clear coating the metal. I'm pretty excited about this. I had a problem with my battery and I found out that part of my wiring harness had melted against my new exhaust so I cut that out and rewired everything up. I received my new kick starter in the mail yesterday and I will be putting that on tonight. Hopefully I'll be able to take her out tonight and ride around after I put everything back together. Pictures will come soon I promise!

------Update-----(pictures as promised)

New Tank









In the next week I will be building and upholstering a new seat. I will also be building new side covers as well as sanding down the gas tank. I will take progress shots as I go.

[terryjennings]

I hate to bust your bubble, but this is not an "f" model. It's a "K", unless you've changed the tank and a lot of other parts. Don't mean to be picky, but there are a lot of differences so you have to be careful when ordering stock parts.

[chronic_rider_550]

I hate to bust your bubble, but this is not an "f" model. It's a "K", unless you've changed the tank and a lot of other parts. Don't mean to be picky, but there are a lot of differences so you have to be careful when ordering stock parts.

thanks man. Yea I appreciate the input. I had the original manual that came with the bike and it never specified and I did a decent amount of research but never turned up anything specific. I kinda thought it was a K model but wasn't too sure. It's all good though still a sweet bike!

[chronic_rider_550]

So this passed week I've been pretty busy. I spent about 18 hours sanding my new gas tank with a good friend back home in kansas. Then his dad clear coated it for me. I also built a seat. And painted my side covers. Here are some pictures of how everything looks. It looks a lot different!













The seat doesn't fit perfectly so I will be making another seat in the future, one that fits better and is a little more comfortable. Either way I think it turned out pretty good for my first seat ever made. I did everything. Made it and upholstered it. I like it.

[SF]

HOW DO THE REAR SETS WORK FOR YA? I HAVE THE SAME BUT HAVN'T TRIED THEM

[chronic_rider_550]

I like them a lot! I need to adjust them a for the riding position but once I adjust them and get them dialed in they will be better but I do have to say I think they look good, and they are well made!

[Gibblet]

do you have one of your push pull cables above your brake lever and one below it?

[chronic_rider_550]

Yes. Yes I do. That would be my quick fix on needing to replace both the push/pull cables but not having enough money to do so. If they are in any other position it's almost impossible to pull the throttle. I'm pretty sure they are the original cables. I'm planning on getting new ones asap, when money comes in.