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 198349 times)

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Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #250 on: October 16, 2010, 06:51:32 PM »
The glib answer would be it has electric start. ;)

Actually, because the pedal arm is straight, it looks like it may just clear, depending on final position/angle.  That said, you will be risking your ankle on the peg. ::)  Tall boots will be a must, if you want to do the macho kick start thing, and still walk. ;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 #251 on: October 18, 2010, 10:13:13 AM »
Holy hell that bike is coming together nicely.  :)
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 Old75_ratafe

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #252 on: October 18, 2010, 12:20:58 PM »
Why not take the kick starter lever apart remove the rubber and then heat it and bend it in a vice until it will clear if its close?  Or even if its a issue of it being to close to the peg and skinning the ankle chop about 1/2 and inch out of it and have it welded back together.  Just an idea, these go for next to nothing on ebay so you could find a junky one to play with and try it if you don't want to chop the one u have up.
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Offline lone*X

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #253 on: October 18, 2010, 02:08:10 PM »
Been following this build for a while and really like the way it is coming together.   While mulling over the problem of the kick start lever vs the rear-set a thought came to mind.  I wouldn't be looking at modifying the kick starter, but would look at having a fold up rear-set/brake peddle combo.  The brake actuator would need to be cable pull, but that has been done before.  The whole assembly could fold up and back along the line of the triangle and out of the way, just like the factory passenger pegs.  Obviously I haven't put this in the cad system or prototyped it, just seems like the way I would approach this dilemma.
Lone*X  ( Don )

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VTX1800C for two up cruisin.
Several others have come and gone but whose keeping track.
52 years on two wheels and counting.....
"The best safety feature of any motorcycle is the one God put between your ears.  It's also the least utilized"

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #254 on: October 18, 2010, 03:21:14 PM »
Syscruch - thanks for the props.  I'm getting ichy to get it started, and then finished. :)  Have you been following the ON thread?  Seems like there is quite a bit of interest in an ON SOHC member ride(s). ;) :)

Old75 - Thanks for the input.  I have a 2nd engine so a kick start to play with is available.
Heating, and bending is probably the 1st choice, and I hadn't considered cutting it down. ::)  It will probably come down to the final position of the toe piece, and the angle.  It just cleared in the dry fit, but it's strange how thing are quite the same the 2nd time. ;) ::)

lone*X - Always happy to hear a compliment. ;)
As for the pegs.  Unfortunately I need to retain solid pegs.  Because of the pipes, using a Pit Stand isn't possible at the back.  So I will be using the pegs as my jacking points. The kick start lever already clears the peg (just close). ::)  A foldup toe piece has been in the back pocket as a solution from the beginning, and is a prefered route if required.  Of course the easiest solution is to just keep my electric start in good condition. ;) :)
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 Old75_ratafe

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #255 on: October 18, 2010, 11:15:46 PM »
I looked at my kick start on mine and its pretty long you could probably chop it down a bit and it would still look factory.  It would also in my opinion be easier to kick over as the long kick makes it extra work for me.  (yes I know shorter makes more effort just its farther back)
1975 CB750K
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Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #256 on: October 19, 2010, 02:41:29 AM »
Thanks for the followup input Old75.  Certainly something to consider, if I run into serious issues.
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 #257 on: October 19, 2010, 07:38:38 AM »
Syscruch - thanks for the props.  I'm getting ichy to get it started, and then finished. :)  Have you been following the ON thread?  Seems like there is quite a bit of interest in an ON SOHC member ride(s). ;) :)
No I haven't.  That ride sounds fun - I'd love to take part and take a bunch of pics of cool SOHC4's - if I'm not considered too much of an interloper on my KTM. :P
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 #258 on: October 19, 2010, 05:39:14 PM »
Syscruch - thanks for the props.  I'm getting ichy to get it started, and then finished. :)  Have you been following the ON thread?  Seems like there is quite a bit of interest in an ON SOHC member ride(s). ;) :)
No I haven't.  That ride sounds fun - I'd love to take part and take a bunch of pics of cool SOHC4's - if I'm not considered too much of an interloper on my KTM. :P

The ride(s) are member things, so can't see the bike matters.  Of course I doubt a KTM is going to be asked to lead the parade. ;) ;D ;D ;D

Might want to subscribe to the thread, just so you get the latest info.
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 #259 on: October 19, 2010, 05:44:30 PM »
Wow, 8100 views! :o

Thanks to all who have been following my build, for your interest, support, and advice. :)  The real fun is just around the corner. ;)

Tintop
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 HedNut

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #260 on: October 20, 2010, 04:57:37 AM »
Thank you TinTop!!!! For the excellent build thread, all the detail and excellent work on this SAXY bike! Myself along with many others (I'm sure) have learnt lotsa good stuff from you...   And it's all very much appreciated!!!

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #261 on: October 20, 2010, 05:07:12 AM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked

Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D

Mick
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If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #262 on: October 20, 2010, 01:36:06 PM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked
Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D
Mick

And here I thought it was a video. ;) ;D ;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 Retro Rocket

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #263 on: October 20, 2010, 03:15:34 PM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked
Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D
Mick

And here I thought it was a video. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D



Maybe you should start a poll then..... :D

Mick
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #264 on: October 20, 2010, 04:15:18 PM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked
Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D
Mick
And here I thought it was a video. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Maybe you should start a poll then..... :D
Mick

How about - 'When's he going to post the next picture?'  ;) :)
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

Online Stev-o

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #265 on: October 23, 2010, 09:21:12 AM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked
Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D
Mick
And here I thought it was a video. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Maybe you should start a poll then..... :D
Mick

How about - 'When's he going to post the next picture?'  ;) :)


I vote for the first week of Nov!
'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 #266 on: October 23, 2010, 06:34:28 PM »
Quote
Wow, 8100 views! Shocked
Yeah.......everyone's waiting for some bloody pics ......... ;D
Mick
And here I thought it was a video. ;) ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
Maybe you should start a poll then..... :D
Mick
How about - 'When's he going to post the next picture?'  ;) :)

I vote for the first week of Nov!

And the answer is today. ;D ;D

Got down to the shop and did the final electrical check before startup, and put the battery on the tender.  Made up the short list of things still needed.  Like oil, drain plug & washer (if you find the 'safe place', let me know ::)), fuel & drain line, plugs, and NKG caps for the Dyna wires.  Body work will be ready in 2 weeks, maybe less.

So I've been waiting for one of you photo starved followers of this build to have commented on a change, that appeared in a earlier picture.  Hint - blue.

I have decided on my stack & filter solution.  The FCR stacks have been replaced with 2 pair of the #2/3 77/78 40mm 550 stacks.  The filter(s) are not made yet, so for that you will have to keep checking back. :D :D  But I promise you'll be excited. ;)




Given there are no snags with parts, 1st push of the button should be next weekend.  Long enough to strobe the timing, and look for leaks.  If all is well, the next step will be to sync the carbs. ;) :)  Once I have the bodywork on, it will be video time. ;)

The 'still to do' list includes painting and mounting the front fender, front brake lines & bleed, rear brake cable adjuster mount, rear sets.

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 Flying J

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #267 on: October 23, 2010, 07:37:09 PM »
What ignition switch did you use? I need to get one but not sure what im going to buy yet. Also, i think you should paint the points cover to match the rest of your engine.

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #268 on: October 23, 2010, 08:14:05 PM »
The switch I got came from my local Harley custom shop.  It's a 3 position, with 3 connections for Batt / Ign / Lights.

I've also got a transparent blue finned cover.  If I paint anything it will be that one, as it has a better surface to prep.  The thought of doing it in Black Wrinkle had crossed my mind.
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 #269 on: October 24, 2010, 06:31:12 AM »
I've also got a transparent blue finned cover.  If I paint anything it will be that one, as it has a better surface to prep.  The thought of doing it in Black Wrinkle had crossed my mind.
That's a cool cover - painting it seems a bit sacrilegious.  Maybe you should build a cool blue bike around it.  ;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 Steve_K

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #270 on: October 24, 2010, 08:13:08 AM »
Just spent an hour on a rainy Sunday AM going thru this thread.  A great build!  When I see these type of builds, I step back and consider, got to up my game!.  Love the 550's and the way they handle.  Good detail form the electrical to frame changes.  Fork brace is a nice bit of work.   
Steve
Steve_K

76 CB 550, 73CB750, 86 GSX-R750, 16 Slingshot
Old rides:305 Honda, CL350, 74 CB550
 05 SV1000S, 88 CBR600,92 VFR, 88 Hawk GT, 96 Ducati 900SS, 98 Kaw ZX6R, SV650

Offline Zaipai

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #271 on: October 24, 2010, 09:47:43 AM »
Wow, very clean very nice. Thing is gonna look killer.. And probably be fast...!




.: Scott :.
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Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #272 on: October 24, 2010, 04:16:46 PM »
I've also got a transparent blue finned cover.  If I paint anything it will be that one, as it has a better surface to prep.  The thought of doing it in Black Wrinkle had crossed my mind.
That's a cool cover - painting it seems a bit sacrilegious.  Maybe you should build a cool blue bike around it.  ;D

Syscrush-
A 'blue bike' was the original intent.  It was why I got the 1st cover from Frankenbike.  Adding the remote filter on that side changed the dynamics.  I'll probably just keep changing them around for awhile, as I finish the bike off. :)

Just spent an hour on a rainy Sunday AM going thru this thread.  A great build!  When I see these type of builds, I step back and consider, got to up my game!.  Love the 550's and the way they handle.  Good detail form the electrical to frame changes.  Fork brace is a nice bit of work.   
Steve

Steve_K-
It rained most of the day here as well, but I'm glad you enjoyed the thread.  Both the machinst and I were a bit concerned about the look of the triangulation.  However, once it was on the bike, all mine and his doubts disappeared. ;) :)  Going to the flat wipers made it an even cleaner look.

Wow, very clean very nice. Thing is gonna look killer.. And probably be fast...!
.: Scott :.

Hey Zaipai, glad to see your still following along.  As for 'fast', the chassis upgrades should produce a demon corner carver, but I doubt it will set any straight line records.  ;) :)

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 P_Camps

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #273 on: October 27, 2010, 10:50:14 AM »
I have decided on my stack & filter solution.  The FCR stacks have been replaced with 2 pair of the #2/3 77/78 40mm 550 stacks.  The filter(s) are not made yet, so for that you will have to keep checking back. :D :D  But I promise you'll be excited. ;)



I CANT WAIT!!  ;D ;D
1978 CB550

Offline Tintop

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Re: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build
« Reply #274 on: October 27, 2010, 03:53:32 PM »
I have decided on my stack & filter solution.  The FCR stacks have been replaced with 2 pair of the #2/3 77/78 40mm 550 stacks.  The filter(s) are not made yet, so for that you will have to keep checking back. :D :D  But I promise you'll be excited. ;)
I CANT WAIT!!  ;D ;D

Well then, you had better cross your legs, and don't think about any thing liquid. ;) ;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