Topic: CB550 Custom Ideas, Like Hidden Wires

[bill440cars]

I'm searching for trick ideas to use on my CB550, like wiring through the frame. Has 
         anyone got any ideas or input drilling the frame to run the wires in the frame to help get rid
        of the bulkiness of the harness and whatever else I can. I intend to  remove anything that's
        not needed, within reason. But, I want to keep the electric starter. I'm not planning to run
        turn signals (if I do, they'll be compact ones.) I don't have any pics and won't for a while. The
        bike is completely disassembled and wasn't in great shape when I got it. I plan on running
        Comstars and I plan on lowering the bike by about 3" front and rear. I'm working on a rear
        fender idea using at least the outer part of an SL350 rear fender and a slender custom front
        fender. I like the gastank w/ pounded-in knee inserts but, I'm too to try it and too broke to
        pay to have it done. I've got a couple of ideas for a tank that I'll disclose later. I haven't
        decided whether to run a 4 into 1 or a 4 into4 w/ megaphones exhaust. Probably use 4 small 
        air cleaners instead of stock. I'm considering low profile handle bars or drag bars (I'm too old for
        clip-ons or any resemblance). Old British type tail light, bracket unsure at this time. Dual front
        disc brake (eventually). Any input, ideas or pics would be greatly appreciated.  Later On, Bill   
   
                                                                 

[ProTeal55]

BILL440----->

Take a look at the bars I have on my bike. They are Flanders "Superbike" bars. I think they are about 2'' or rise.
I actually chopped 1'' from each side, to shorten them up abit. They give the low bar look , yet are allot easier on your back.
I got them powdercoated black from Flanders for $10 bucks over the chrome ones...

As far as wiring goes, I am sure you could put the wiring in the frame, if needed. Much of the wiring runs under the tank,
so you don't see it anyways.. I removed all my switches from the handlebars on my CB, and are now totally clean. I moved the starter
button to the left sidecover, along with the ign. switch. The turnsignals are activated by a super-small micro switch just under the
middle of the tank...

Pics are in my Gallery......

[bill440cars]

ProTeal,

                  I think I'm going to try to use your ideas on switch relocation which will cutback on the
          amount of wires going to the front of the bike and I like the idea of downsizing the turn signals,
          switches and gauges. Also check'd gallery pics, Like those bars!! Greats ideas, keep them coming. 
                                                               Later, Bill

[ohiocaferacer]

drilling the frame to run the wires in the frame to help get rid of the bulkiness of the harness

All my bikes have the wiring harness running thru the frame backbone.....its not that hard. The main thing is you have to splice the wire to add some new lengths to the wire and make sure you use rubber gromets in the holes where you want the wires to exit the frame....this protects the wire from rubbing thru on the frame and shorting out.

I'd post some detailed wiring pics of my CR350 racer, but its at a local convention center right now....sitting in a bike expo. I'll look on my website and see if there are any pics.

Later,
Greg
www.OHIOCAFERACERS.com

[ohiocaferacer]

Found a pic....not real good but you can kind of see.


http://www.ohiocaferacers.com/cb350ls150.jpg

[bill440cars]

    Hey Greg,

                 I had thought about the grommets but, I wasn't sure about where it would be okay to drill.
     I wanted to make sure that I wasn't going to weaken it. I'm looking at ideas from ProTeal about
     switch relocation to cleanup the handlebars but, I'm still considering hidding the rest of the wires in
     the frame. Thanks again for the input and I'll be looking forward to the pics.  Later on, Bill