Poll

what colour for my Swarbrick pipes?

gloss black
3 (13%)
low gloss black
14 (60.9%)
SS grey
3 (13%)
Jetcoat silver
3 (13%)

Total Members Voted: 20

Author Topic: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build  (Read 192834 times)

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Offline jtran000

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #725 on: April 28, 2015, 10:45:10 am »
beautiful bike!

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #726 on: April 28, 2015, 11:34:34 am »
Interested in your decision to go with Carpy's pipe over the ever popular MotoGPWerks.
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 Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #727 on: April 28, 2015, 01:20:50 pm »
That pipe looks great.
beautiful bike!

Thanks, I like to change in looks, and it sounds good.  However, I don't think the 'pink' is going to last long. ::) 

Interested in your decision to go with Carpy's pipe over the ever popular MotoGPWerks.

Three things....price, the baffle, and availability.  One call, deal done and pipe on the way.
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 FunJimmy

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #728 on: April 28, 2015, 05:45:05 pm »
Three things....price, the baffle, and availability.  One call, deal done and pipe on the way.

All good reasons. Did you have it ceramic coated in Toronto?
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 Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #729 on: April 28, 2015, 07:55:13 pm »
All good reasons. Did you have it ceramic coated in Toronto?

It was in stock already coated, one of the things that made it an easy decision.
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 Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #730 on: April 29, 2015, 06:16:43 pm »
Sweet.  Such a great bike - good to see it getting some love again.  Hopefully some seat time, too!
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 #731 on: April 30, 2015, 07:01:59 am »
Sweet.  Such a great bike - good to see it getting some love again.  Hopefully some seat time, too!

Took it for a 75 mile ride yesterday.  First part went well, up to the stop to visit with a friend.  The HID low beam has stopped working, so was using just high.  Got stuck sitting at some road construction, and then the problems started.   Bike started running rough, wouldn't pull, and finally died.  The headlight, dash lights are on a separate switch position so turned them off.  Used the kick to get it started, and after few miles the plugs cleared and got it home.  Seems I have a high draw when the lights are on that is killing the battery.  Going to have to trouble shoot the wiring, which means the head light comes off. >:(

Other than the electrical issue the bike ran great, and the new bars made the riding position much more comfortable.  The rear suspension is way too stiff.  BWaller would like it for his race bike, but on the street....not so much.  Likely need to get softer springs.
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 FunJimmy

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #732 on: April 30, 2015, 07:17:04 am »
Took it for a 75 mile ride yesterday.  First part went well, up to the stop to visit with a friend.  The HID low beam has stopped working, so was using just high.  Got stuck sitting at some road construction, and then the problems started.   Bike started running rough, wouldn't pull, and finally died.  The headlight, dash lights are on a separate switch position so turned them off.  Used the kick to get it started, and after few miles the plugs cleared and got it home.  Seems I have a high draw when the lights are on that is killing the battery.  Going to have to trouble shoot the wiring, which means the head light comes off. >:(

Other than the electrical issue the bike ran great, and the new bars made the riding position much more comfortable.  The rear suspension is way too stiff.  BWaller would like it for his race bike, but on the street....not so much.  Likely need to get softer springs.

That's a bummer. I hate diagnosing electrical issues.
BTW, do those shocks have adjustable compression dampening?
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 Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #733 on: April 30, 2015, 11:16:25 am »
I'm trying to find the manual for the shocks, there's rebound dampening adjust so....??  Already have the preload backed right off.

+1 on electrical issues.  With the custom harness, and new electronic bits just makes it not quite so straight forward.

The tach isn't reading right, but decided to do a basic charging check across the battery.  Bike started fine, warmed up and settled into idle, with just a new touch of ruffness (sync / timing / plugs?).  However, the results were not good. :(  off - 12.97V, ign on - 12.4V, idle - 12.3V, at well over 3K( ::)) - 12.3V :(  Bad part, or bad connection, time will tell.

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 Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #734 on: April 30, 2015, 02:20:08 pm »
I'm trying to find the manual for the shocks, there's rebound dampening adjust so....??  Already have the preload backed right off.

+1 on electrical issues.  With the custom harness, and new electronic bits just makes it not quite so straight forward.

The tach isn't reading right, but decided to do a basic charging check across the battery.  Bike started fine, warmed up and settled into idle, with just a new touch of ruffness (sync / timing / plugs?).  However, the results were not good. :(  off - 12.97V, ign on - 12.4V, idle - 12.3V, at well over 3K( ::)) - 12.3V :(  Bad part, or bad connection, time will tell.


You might benefit from retrofitting a modern MOSFET-type R/R in place of what is probably an SCR-type R/R.  I haven't used the FET stuff on a vintage bike, but it definitely helped the low RPM voltage on my SV650.

Start your research here.
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 #735 on: May 01, 2015, 08:59:31 am »
Thanks for the info on the R/R's Syscrush.  Still in the process of checking through the system components.  If it turns out to be R/R related will certainly look into these.
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 #736 on: May 01, 2015, 02:41:34 pm »
some results - R/R (no P/N or markings! >:()
++ 0-0-0
+- 1.02-1.03-1.02

-+.465-.475-.478
-- 0-0-0

Stator - 1.6 / 1.4 / 1.4, none open to ground

Battery - installed voltage: 12.97V

Only had carb fuel (tank off) but it started, and everything worked ???  Tomorrow, attach remote tank and check alternator output again.  Not sure about the R/R results though.  Would have thought they should have been about the same both ways.
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 #737 on: May 03, 2015, 07:43:09 am »
So does anyone know if these readings look right??  Going to hook up the remote tank and re-test the output across the battery.
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 fastbroshi

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #738 on: May 04, 2015, 02:45:13 pm »
I don't have my service manual in front of me but there's a R/R test in the back. 
Just call me Timmaaaaay!!!

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #739 on: May 04, 2015, 03:54:49 pm »
I don't have my service manual in front of me but there's a R/R test in the back. 

Thanks for the reply, I used standard R/R diode test procedures to get the numbers I posted.  However, I couldn't find anything that said what range of numbers I should see.  What is bothering me is that I thought the numbers should be similar both ways, and they are not.  The ohms #'s for the stator are slightly higher than I expected.  But they were taken at the R/R end of the harness, so a little extra resistance from 3+ ft (and an extra connector) of wiring is to be expected.

That said I put another 50 miles on it today, mix of city stop and go, and country 2 lane @ 50/60 mph.  Included x3 stops, and it re-started (off the button) easily after each.  There is a slight hesitation/miss at part throttle, but it pulls very cleanly when you twist it, no bog.  Going to re-check timing, and sync.
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 #740 on: January 25, 2016, 07:01:51 am »
Charging is sorted, runs great and now has 1000 miles on it. ;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 Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #741 on: May 20, 2016, 10:51:26 am »
Glad to hear it!

Did you ever get the baffling sorted out, or are you just figuring it'll matter less as you go more deaf? ;)
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 #742 on: May 20, 2016, 03:53:34 pm »
Actually I put a Carpy 4/1 on it, and sold the 4/4's.  Got tired of the noise.  In March I got an offer from a collector I couldn't refuse and the 550 now has a new home in Burlington.  He's been riding it and says it's the best bike in his collection. 8)

The proceeds have gone into a single horse power / 1100 pounds of torque 4 year old Dutch Harness Horse.  Spent the winter in Paris Kentucky (just outside Lexington) training with a US National Champion & World Cup Singles driver.  Do a YouTube search for Combined Driving.  The Marathon part makes sidecars feel tame.

Still have an 80 CB750F in the shop waiting to be rebuilt.  But as a bumper sticker at the stable said...."The driver has no cash, it's all in the horse."
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 #743 on: May 21, 2016, 01:08:40 pm »
There's always something we throw money at Brian. Race gas or hay....eeer well you don't have to shovel what's left of the gas!

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #744 on: May 21, 2016, 02:13:18 pm »
There's always something we throw money at Brian. Race gas or hay....eeer well you don't have to shovel what's left of the gas!

I don't shovel, on full board, and he's on shavings so they only use a shavings fork. ;)  That said he does go through a lot of hay.   At least I'm not paying the $12US / bale that it cost in NC. :o
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 Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #745 on: July 07, 2016, 12:40:53 pm »
That is a very interesting development!  Is the horse just an investment, or will you be doing some riding?
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 #746 on: July 07, 2016, 01:40:58 pm »
Quote from: Syscrush link=topic=70130.msg1826818#msg182681Marathon8 date=1467920453
That is a very interesting development!  Is the horse just an investment, or will you be doing some riding?

Bit of both.  He's actually a carriage horse and plan is to do some Combined Driving events.  They are like 3 Day Events, driven dressage 1st day, Marathon 2nd day (search You Tube), Cones (like Solo2, but with a horse & carriage) 3rd day.  Currently he's stabled at a dressage farm so I can get back to riding, and he can learn to be ridden. 
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 #747 on: July 07, 2016, 08:13:04 pm »
Syscrush this is a 'hazard' in the marathon, there are usually about six (some with water).  Fastest time wins. ;D  This is the coach I spent the winter with (Paris KY) competing in France last weekend for the US team.  It was a 'tune-up' for the FEI World Single Horse Driving Championship.

https://www.facebook.com/100934749984335/videos/1060933483984452/
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 Syscrush

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #748 on: July 08, 2016, 02:28:03 pm »
Haha, for when vintage sidecar racing is too normal... ;)
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.