Topic: CB550 Cafe build - 1st bike build, but not 1st build

[bwaller]

I didn't even investigate for anyone here, just sent them to Megacycle. Web will look after it too, or use new parts.

[Tintop]

I didn't even investigate for anyone here, just sent them to Megacycle. Web will look after it too, or use new parts.

Looks like it is about $65US/each + ship to send them to the US, ouch!   New look to be around $35 / 40.   If I can find someone local for around the new price, then that's probably a better option, as they would have the harder face.

That said, the originals are 35 years old, and still good.  So new may be the most cost effective.  Also this is for street, if this was for the race engine (high RPM / high lift / stiff springs), different story.  I'm not planning to install this upgrade until Feb / March so lots of time to find the best deal. 

Just can't believe I forgot about this.  Guess I'm to use to working with shim under bucket twin cams.   Thanks again for the heads up bw.

[Godffery]

Any luck on getting into the Toronto winter show?  It's the one out by the airport in Jan, right?

It's a possibility, but they just did the 2nd operation on my injured finger.  With the holidays coming time is getting short.  That said it doesn't need to be a licenced runner for that show, so we'll see.

Hey, I've been wondering how that hand is looking..?  I had my right four finger & pinkie smashed years ago and every time I think of your injury, MY fingers tingal.

[Tintop]

Any luck on getting into the Toronto winter show?  It's the one out by the airport in Jan, right?

It's a possibility, but they just did the 2nd operation on my injured finger.  With the holidays coming time is getting short.  That said it doesn't need to be a licenced runner for that show, so we'll see.

Hey, I've been wondering how that hand is looking..?  I had my right four finger & pinkie smashed years ago and every time I think of your injury, MY fingers tingal.

Everytime I think about, or hear something that sounds like a table saw my hand twinges.  So I understand what your saying Godffery.  Good news is that by spring I should be able to two finger brake again, although not with the strength, or feel I had before.  'Go deep / brake late' won't be on the menu when I get back to riding next spring.

Oh, in reply to Syscrush, the Toronto show is a possibility.  However, for that to happen I would need to borrow an enclosed trailer (small) to get the bike from Trenton, up here.

[Bakeoff]

You might want to look into these mirrors...

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-caferacer-cafe-racer-bobber-chopper-brat-custom-motorcycle-silver-aluminum-cnc-bar-end-mirrors-dcc-bemirror-1.html

I know they have them in black too.  Much cheaper, and look to be the same piece.

[Tintop]

So a couple of updates to the build.

Finished off a couple of things.  Back end is done, just a final alignment to go.  The rear cable brake system is complete.  Installed a return spring on the pedal.  Also installed a link to the clevis pin that connects it to the brake light switch spring.  Head light is almost in.  Well its in the shell, after much wire rearranging for the HID bulb.  However, inserting the screws is proving problematic with the fairing.  Probably drill access holes, and use hole plugs after. PITA  Once that's done the only thing left up front is the install the brake lines, and fender.  Brake lines are in the mail; should be here this week.  The fender mount plates are being cut this week, along with a chain guard.  Sync guage will finally come home this weekend.   So, very close to being a rider.

An update on the show front.  After taking a look at what I needed to do, decided to pass on the Super Show in Toronto this coming weekend.  There is however a show the end of Jan that I'm going to.  The GNRS in Pomona.  Should be a lot of fun.  Figure I'll leave on the Monday and drive down with the trailer.

[Tintop]

Got to the shop today, and know how everyone likes pictures.

Finally found a solution to installing the head light.  Drilled access holes, and then plugged them.  One at top centre, and one on each side.  Also installed the brace for the fairing.  Brake lines came today, so just an install & bleed to go there.



Fitted the front fender mounts.  Needed some minor shaping, and bending.  Then gave them a nice buff after.



Chain guard.  1st picture is after 1st fitting.  2nd is after some buffing with the new machine.  Re-installed the side stand & spring, after modifying it to sit higher.



Sync gauge is suppose to be back tomorrow, so that's next on the list.

[tweakin]

Looking great TinTop, you know I love your build.

Got to the shop today, and know how everyone likes pictures.

Finally found a solution to installing the head light.  Drilled access holes, and then plugged them.  One at top centre, and one on each side.  Also installed the brace for the fairing.  Brake lines came today, so just an install & bleed to go there.



Fitted the front fender mounts.  Needed some minor shaping, and bending.  Then gave them a nice buff after.



Chain guard.  1st picture is after 1st fitting.  2nd is after some buffing with the new machine.  Re-installed the side stand & spring, after modifying it to sit higher.



Sync gauge is suppose to be back tomorrow, so that's next on the list.

[Zaipai]

Oh yea its looking VERY cool!!!

Excellent work man!! Go have a beer or two, seems to have been a good days work..

.: Scott :.

[FunJimmy]

Chain guard. 

Nice guard.
Something I still need to fab up too.

[Tintop]

Thanks for the compliments Tweakin & Zaipai.  It was a very satisfying day, with lots of little details finally taken off the 'to do' list.

Nice guard.
Something I still need to fab up too.

I thinking about redoing the guard.  The hole centre wasn't quite right, and it could use a bit more material at the front.  Also thinking that it would fit a bit tighter if I added a bend just below the holes.  Probably just live with it for now, as I'm not sure I have the time at this point to re-do it. 

[Godffery]

You’re doing some real quality fab work there man…!

[Tintop]

You’re doing some real quality fab work there man…!

Thanks Godffrey, appreciate the comment.  This is a part of a build, that really I enjoy.

Should be posting some pictures of the front fender coming together later.

[Tintop]

Got some work done on finishing off the front fender.

Drilled the alloy mounts, and then the fender.  Found some 1/4" fastners, and by adding a SS washer, got a nice stress free join.


Inside - nice a very low profile, as there isn't much tire clearence.


Also got a good start on the paint.  Primed & wet sanded, then colour coat(s).  Still needs to be wet sanded and then Clear coated.

[Flying J]

Your running an 18" front right? you have a lot of room between the tire and the brace. If i had a brace on mine with the 19 i think there would not be much room for the brace let alone a fender. I need to get some 18s. Im undecided on what to get. Sun or excel, dimpled or non dimpled, shouldered or not?

[Tintop]

Your running an 18" front right? you have a lot of room between the tire and the brace. If i had a brace on mine with the 19 i think there would not be much room for the brace let alone a fender. I need to get some 18s. Im undecided on what to get. Sun or excel, dimpled or non dimpled, shouldered or not?

Yes an 18", WM2, with a 100/90/18 tire.  I had some extra space built into my brace.  The notch on the underside was to allow more flexibility in mounting a fender.  You could probably get a 19" under my brace, but a fender would be tight against the bottom.

[Tintop]

Finished painting the front fender.  Just needs a wax once its had a chance to cure.  Ready to install next trip to the shop, along with the brake lines.

[Flying J]

what do you have going on with the end of your lines? Can i get a close up of the end that attaches to the caliper?

[Tintop]

what do you have going on with the end of your lines? Can i get a close up of the end that attaches to the caliper?

The caliper end is the same as a stock hard line fitting.  These are currently straight, but I will be putting a bend in them.  With the calpiers reversed, the hole angle in now, so the short piece will be bent slightly outward.

[Flying J]

Ok. where did you get the small straight piece. I have the SS lines and new stock tubes for forward facing brakes but would like to face them back.

[Tintop]

Ok. where did you get the small straight piece. I have the SS lines and new stock tubes for forward facing brakes but would like to face them back.

Shaun @ Slingshot made them for me.  As I said, I still have to put a small bend in them @ the caliper.  Easy enough, and the clocking will be correct, so there will be no stress in the lines.  The banjos probably could have been straight, but the slight bend helps get them aimed out, as they go back.

[greenjeans]

There's nothing more I like than stumbling upon a build thread that I haven't read through before.

Good god, how on earth did I ever miss this one.  Well done.    Soooo close.

[Godffery]

Ok. where did you get the small straight piece. I have the SS lines and new stock tubes for forward facing brakes but would like to face them back.

Shaun @ Slingshot made them for me.  As I said, I still have to put a small bend in them @ the caliper.  Easy enough, and the clocking will be correct, so there will be no stress in the lines.  The banjos probably could have been straight, but the slight bend helps get them aimed out, as they go back.

There is also the option of removing the stock flair fitting from the Caliper and using a banjo fitting down there as well.
http://www.vinmoto.org/gallery/v/VinMoto-Garage/album03/Godfferys-Garage-123/album85/107_G.jpg.html

[HedNut]

Wow... looking good man!!

Those banjo fittings are a nifty idea.

Cheers!

[Tintop]

Got a chance to get a bit more done today.  1st up was installing the front fender & brake lines.  


(sorry about the quality of this one, headlight lens and flash don't mix )  Started to bleed them, then stopped.  Thinking I should run the lines under the brace.


Did the final adjustment on the cable rear brake system, and the brake light switch.  Also decided to use part of the stock rear fender, and trim it.


Final thing on today's list was to expoxy the Monza cap, bunge, and cover plate into place on the gas tank.  Turns out the 76 750F tank has the same petcock mount as the 400F.  The 750 has a vertical outlet, and I needed a horizontal outlet, which the 400 has.  Have a petcock coming for it.

The plan for this weekend is the get it cleaned up (remove finger prints ), and polished.  Then just the carb sync to do, before installing the body work for the last time.  1st ride may have to wait awhile though, until the snow clears anyway.