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what colour for my Swarbrick pipes?

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Author Topic: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build  (Read 197025 times)

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Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #350 on: November 29, 2010, 04:17:11 AM »
That is some serious badassery.
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #351 on: November 29, 2010, 04:50:06 AM »
Thanks for the comment(s) Scott, and Mick.

That was the 2nd string camera.  Going to try and fiind / borrow one with a remote mic, and better sound quailty for the next go round. ;)
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline tweakin

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #352 on: November 29, 2010, 05:27:41 AM »
well done!  looks and sounds great.

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #353 on: November 29, 2010, 05:40:22 AM »
That is some serious badassery.
well done!  looks and sounds great.

Thanks Syscruch & tweakin.  Still lots of little details to finish up, but at least I know now the light at the end of the tunnel isn't a train. :)
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #354 on: November 29, 2010, 09:29:27 AM »
re-posted the pictures with some that are in focus. ;) :)  (see pg 14)

Now you can see the mount for the rear brake cable adjuster.  Just have to fab a rod for the shift linkage.  Also need to install a P/U for the rear brake light switch spring, and a return spring.  Only electrics left to sort are the HID headlight, and horn button (was working now it isn't ::)).  Still waiting for the front brake lines, and pieces to mount the front fender.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Zaipai

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #355 on: November 29, 2010, 04:52:44 PM »
Thanks for the comment(s) Scott, and Mick.

That was the 2nd string camera.  Going to try and fiind / borrow one with a remote mic, and better sound quailty for the next go round. ;)
I know we are asking a lot however with a build this nice it demands a lot of attention! ;)

I really love that exhaust. Would it be a waste on a street bike with some stop and go driving? Also if you baffle it please post as many of the steps it takes to do it. I probably could not get away with a exhaust that loud.

.: Scott :.
« Last Edit: November 29, 2010, 04:55:32 PM by Zaipai »
Its my Avatar..

75 CB550F  | 


Offline Stev-o

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #356 on: November 29, 2010, 07:43:46 PM »
Sounds wicked!

I see a 2011 BOTM winner...........
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #357 on: November 29, 2010, 08:29:41 PM »
Thanks for the comment(s) Scott, and Mick.
That was the 2nd string camera.  Going to try and fiind / borrow one with a remote mic, and better sound quailty for the next go round. ;)
I know we are asking a lot however with a build this nice it demands a lot of attention! ;)
I really love that exhaust. Would it be a waste on a street bike with some stop and go driving? Also if you baffle it please post as many of the steps it takes to do it. I probably could not get away with a exhaust that loud.
.: Scott :.

Neither will I. ::)  Police station is just down the road, and I figure they will be around eventually, if I keep making videos. ;) ;D ;D ;D

Once I figure out how I want to baffle it, I will certainly post what & how.  Oh, and a sound check. :D

Sounds wicked!
I see a 2011 BOTM winner...........

I appreciate the compliment Stev-O, but there are great bikes appearing here every day.  Just look at this year's BOTY lineup. ;)

Once sync'd it will be smoother, and I still need to check the advance.  Now that its running. ;) :) 

1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline FrankenFrankenstuff

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Offline SF

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #359 on: November 30, 2010, 05:48:51 PM »
tintop where did you get your carbs done? i need some one i can trust will do a good job.....gota tell ya the bar is set,your bike is absolutly well thought out and executed, sounds mean man, I like it 
92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
04 zx10r
73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
75 cb550f
72 r5c
rgid springer bobber project

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #360 on: November 30, 2010, 06:32:35 PM »



Neat Frankenstuff.  A variation on the Snuf-N-Not.

I have considered going that route, and this is interesting option.  This might be somewhat easier to fit.  I have a 2 3/4" opening, its also a  reverse mega.  So that's the largest OD disk that I can use.  Because of the taper that ID is about 4" back from the end.  It would be a PITA if you dropped a bolt/nut down the pipe. :)  The video has got me thinking though, thanks.

I've been looking into a wrapped baffle with a 2 3/4 flanged end, and 1 1/2" perforated tube.  Thought if I powder coat it black like the pipe, set down inside it won't be easily seen.  Would use either screws, or rivet it.  Its basically a stock engine, so it could use some back pressure.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #361 on: November 30, 2010, 07:07:40 PM »
tintop where did you get your carbs done? i need some one i can trust will do a good job.....gota tell ya the bar is set,your bike is absolutly well thought out and executed, sounds mean man, I like it 

I stripped and rebuilt them myself.  1st bike carbs, not 1st carbs. ;) ;D ;D  That said, I have certainly learned from the experience, and from the information here.  These carbs (& CAD) were cleaned and micro polished by Paltech.  The link is early in this thread.  Yes they were very nice, but I still had to check everything before assembly.  Even then I missed something. ::)  Lesson learned, I have a better magnifying glass. ;)

I have a rough looking, but nice inside 350 set.   Plan to review the various potions :) that have been used successfully here.  I would only do the micro-polish on the slide cap, and bowl any more.  It leaves a great finish, that doesn't seem to mark or tarnish easily.  Not the bling of high polish, but fairly maintenance free, like chrome.

There is an SOHC member in Milton who offers ultrasonic cleaning , rebuilding services.  So that option is close at hand for cleaning, if I think it is needed.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline ZoomyZen

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #362 on: December 02, 2010, 07:03:39 AM »
Very cool!
1975 CB550F non-functioning.

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #363 on: December 02, 2010, 07:26:08 AM »
edit: finally managed to retreive some in focus photos from the SD card.
TT, I f'n love your bike and the work you've done.  I have two suggestions offered in a spirit of goodwill and absolutely no hard feelings if you discard them. :)

1. To me, the Race Tech stickers look out of place on this bike.  It's too classy, I think that the fork stickers are at philosophical odds with the ghost kanji and the Honda mon.  This isn't a '74 Dart with a 383 and a Crane Cams sticker in the window. ;)

2. Bar-end mirrors that protrude less would look better IMO.  The lines of the bike are really sleek, and that bar looks awesome.  The ears sticking out the ends detract from the look.  Something like the Rizoma Reverse Retro would tuck in tighter and work better with the overall look of the bike.

Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #364 on: December 02, 2010, 08:35:47 AM »
2. Bar-end mirrors that protrude less would look better IMO.  The lines of the bike are really sleek, and that bar looks awesome.  The ears sticking out the ends detract from the look.  Something like the Rizoma Reverse Retro would tuck in tighter and work better with the overall look of the bike.

And they can be yours for only $250+ bucks.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #365 on: December 02, 2010, 08:58:15 AM »
And they can be yours for only $250+ bucks.
No problem, TT's rich.  ;D
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline Godffery

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #366 on: December 02, 2010, 11:52:00 AM »
Check these out:

And only $160

There made by Oberon and here's one of many supplier's.
Link:
http://www.ausfr.com.au/cart/shopexd.asp?id=150&bc=no
« Last Edit: December 02, 2010, 12:05:30 PM by Godffery »

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #367 on: December 02, 2010, 12:10:52 PM »
Check these out:
It looks like the ones on TT's bike could actually be similarly adusted to be farther inboard.

But now I feel bad because I've got more folks ganging up on TT's mirrors. :)

Anyhow, I'm gonna pretend that I have the BOTY winner on my side of this mirror issue.

I sure am looking forward to the nitpicks I'll receive when I finally get my build & build thread going!  ;D
Life is precious: wear your f'n helmet!
There's nothing more expensive than a free bike...
FWIW, I'm not a shill for Race Tech - I've just got a thing for good suspension and the RTCE's are the most cost-effective mod for these old damping rod front ends.

Offline bwaller

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #368 on: December 02, 2010, 12:27:39 PM »
Yea Phil, you're in deep doo-doo now. No-one else wanted to tell T-Top about his crappy mirrors. Now look what you've done.





 ;D  ;D  ;D
Couldn't help it brotha. Hey Bri, they look swell.

Offline brandEn

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #369 on: December 02, 2010, 02:02:55 PM »
I don't know how I could have missed this epic build thread! Better late than never. Tintop I love your bike. I just read the whole build thread here and am inspired for sure. Great Job!

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #370 on: December 02, 2010, 03:27:22 PM »
Awesome looking cafe, did you lower the front end or use different springs? I have a 76 cb550F and the front seems to sit a bit high?

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #371 on: December 02, 2010, 03:39:03 PM »
edit: finally managed to retrieve some in focus photos from the SD card.
TT, I f'n love your bike and the work you've done.  I have two suggestions offered in a spirit of goodwill and absolutely no hard feelings if you discard them. :)

1. To me, the Race Tech stickers look out of place on this bike.  It's too classy, I think that the fork stickers are at philosophical odds with the ghost kanji and the Honda mon.  This isn't a '74 Dart with a 383 and a Crane Cams sticker in the window. ;)

2. Bar-end mirrors that protrude less would look better IMO.  The lines of the bike are really sleek, and that bar looks awesome.  The ears sticking out the ends detract from the look.  Something like the Rizoma Reverse Retro would tuck in tighter and work better with the overall look of the bike.

Always open to comments and suggestions Syscrush.  There won't be much point in having a build thread if I wasn't. ;) :)

The Race Tech logos were actually custom cut.  The originals were their tacky yellow ones, and they didn't even make it onto the tool box. ;)  There is also a CMR decal on the back of the battery.  I would probably agree with your observation, but those little pieces in vinyl have keep some serious coin in my pocket, so they will stay (at least for now).

I did look at other mirror solutions.  However the point of having them is to see what's behind you.  With this positioning, these aren't half filled with my elbows. ;D  One of the reasons I went with these is the mounting flexibility.  If I want to have them up over the grips, I can simply reverse them side for side, and flip the mount 180.  They could also be mounted so they are under the grips.  For day to day this is the most usable, but easily changed if the mood strikes. :)
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #372 on: December 02, 2010, 03:43:58 PM »
Awesome looking cafe, did you lower the front end or use different springs? I have a 76 cb550F and the front seems to sit a bit high?

The forks are 77 550, ace1204.  The change in attitude is from the rear shocks, which are 13.2" long.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #373 on: December 02, 2010, 07:57:32 PM »
Yea Phil, you're in deep doo-doo now. No-one else wanted to tell T-Top about his crappy mirrors. Now look what you've done.
 ;D  ;D  ;D
Couldn't help it brotha. Hey Bri, they look swell.

Hey bw, I could always give you the mirrors.  If I tape up the headlight and put Brian Henderson on it, that should more than make up for your 6th gear, and extra displacement.  At least that way you will know when he's coming by. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline bwaller

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #374 on: December 02, 2010, 08:13:22 PM »


Hey bw, I could always give you the mirrors.  If I tape up the headlight and put Brian Henderson on it, that should more than make up for your 6th gear, and extra displacement.  At least that way you will know when he's coming by. ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
[/quote]

I wouldn't need any mirrors with Henderson out there, binoculars maybe.