Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Build, Cafe Racer Style (Read 5762 times)

ej18816672 · « **on:** October 30, 2010, 11:35:10 AM »

So I always wanted to do project motorcycle and decided on doing a CB550 Cafe Racer style. I have never messed with a motorcycle engine before so this is going to be interesting for sure. I found a 1975 model F on craigslist that I negotiated to a the mere sum of $350. My plans for it as for now is a complete engine rebuild. a custom swing arm that will relocate the rear shocks to the inside as is the style on modern bikes. Dual disk brakes on the front and as many upgrades as I can afford and imagine. Here is a pic of what I am starting with.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #1 on:** October 30, 2010, 11:41:30 AM »

The engine wouldn't turn over. Time to open that bad boy and see what kind of life it had removing the valve cover and inspecting it I commented to a friend of mine "this seems to be in pretty good shape".

ej18816672 · « **Reply #2 on:** October 30, 2010, 12:01:45 PM »

Trying to get the chain to move around was useless so I decided to cut it off. After a short show of spark the old chain gave up and I was off to remove the head. Well remember the engine didn't turn and that comment she don't look that bad. Look at that piston....
after some gentle persuasion (using a hammer and pry bar...ouch) that seized piston let the cylinder come off.

scunny · « **Reply #3 on:** October 30, 2010, 12:59:54 PM »

let the fun begin.

Stev-o · « **Reply #4 on:** October 30, 2010, 01:17:17 PM »

First of all, Welcome!

It sounds as if your motor was "stuck". This is fairly common on bikes that have sat for long periods.
There is a proven method of mixing ATF & acetone and letting it set in the cylinder for a few days. I recently have done this on my new 750 project.
Bottom line, you may not need a "complete engine rebuild".

You got a great deal and a good starting point for your project.

You probably do not want to use the stock muffler for a cafe bike, I may be interested in buying it if you are interested.

Good Luck

brandEn · « **Reply #5 on:** October 30, 2010, 01:31:20 PM »

Looks like a big bore kit is in your future!

ej18816672 · « **Reply #6 on:** October 31, 2010, 08:02:48 PM »

Thanks for the help guys, I Have already taken the head off. Stev-O As for the muffler where will you need it shipped to
And yes I am going with a bigbore kit was thinking of getting one from dynoman any thoughts about that?

Greggo · « **Reply #7 on:** November 01, 2010, 10:33:01 AM »

Cool project!

ej18816672 · « **Reply #8 on:** November 03, 2010, 04:33:53 PM »

after a couple of days of stepping back I spent another hour or so breaking down the engine removed the starter which only took a few minutes...

ej18816672 · « **Reply #9 on:** November 03, 2010, 04:37:33 PM »

I than set my attention back to the studs I was having a hard time with them last time only being able to pull three of them. This time, I used a little pick to get the grime off from around the stud base and than sprayed some WD40 waited a while and got back at it... I was able to remove three more sprayed some more WD40 and I guess I'll get back to it tomorrow maybe another three will come off.

Stev-o · « **Reply #10 on:** November 03, 2010, 04:40:03 PM »

Quote from: ej18816672 on October 31, 2010, 08:02:48 PM

Thanks for the help guys, I Have already taken the head off. Stev-O As for the muffler where will you need it shipped to

I live out by Lake Travis but work in Austin, I could pick it up.
I will PM you.
Thanks.

brett_bike · « **Reply #11 on:** November 03, 2010, 04:51:19 PM »

Damn-it Stev-0!!!

You beat me to the muffler request. Don't you already have a good F muffler?!!!

Anyway, Looking forward to the build ej18816672, subscribed.

I know Stev-0 will not fall through, but if he does, I call dibb's.

Stev-o · « **Reply #12 on:** November 03, 2010, 06:24:22 PM »

Quote from: brett_bike on November 03, 2010, 04:51:19 PM

Damn-it Stev-0!!!

You beat me to the muffler request. Don't you already have a good F muffler?!!!

Anyway, Looking forward to the build ej18816672, subscribed.

I know Stev-0 will not fall through, but if he does, I call dibb's.

Hey Brett! You know what they say, early bird gets the 550 muff!!

Mines in good cond, little rust hole in back, so if his is better, I will get it, otherwise it's yours.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #13 on:** November 03, 2010, 08:36:01 PM »

good, now three more studs came out, only two to go great

in the meanwhile I also removed the oil pum which looks fine, and the ignition plate cover and the ignition plate which did not look very good.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #14 on:** November 03, 2010, 08:53:07 PM »

Also I have seen some posts where the images are part of the post and not attachments that have to be clicked on to get bigger how do you do that?
when I click the insert picture in upper part of the post type all I get is this

which does nothing

Stev-o · « **Reply #15 on:** November 04, 2010, 06:47:56 PM »

Get a free acct at photobucket.com

Then click here:

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=70243.0

Syscrush · « **Reply #16 on:** November 05, 2010, 06:33:29 AM »

Looking forward to this build. The 550 is my favorite CB.

BTW, nice avatar. You did the Code school this year? I wanted to go do a 2-day session at NJMP after the Superbike races in Sep but it didn't work out that way.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #17 on:** November 05, 2010, 02:03:04 PM »

finally got the last of the studs out, now I can really start on stripping this girl....
I also took some pics to help me remember how things go back together...
of the engine that is.
(I am taking many more pics but not posting all of them)

ej18816672 · « **Reply #18 on:** November 05, 2010, 02:13:06 PM »

I am having trouble separating the case I got it to gap all around, but the area with the arrowes is only a lifting half an inch and than stopping I am not sure if it is the magneto or the chain that is holding it or something else. the problem is limited to the front of the case. Ideas any one?

ej18816672 · « **Reply #19 on:** November 05, 2010, 04:17:45 PM »

I am glad to announce she gave up, after much persuasion Mike that has been helping me on this project has been able to separate the cases now its time to take some measurements.

OneWheelDrive · « **Reply #20 on:** November 05, 2010, 04:44:06 PM »

Sweet! I bet there were greasy hi-fives involved

ej18816672 · « **Reply #21 on:** November 05, 2010, 04:51:17 PM »

We prefer the fist bump, much more respectable.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #22 on:** October 26, 2011, 04:00:48 PM »

After a long while of not working on this project I finally had some time to finish breaking down the engine.

ej18816672 · « **Reply #23 on:** October 26, 2011, 04:10:01 PM »

Had to rent some tools from Autozone

ej18816672 · « **Reply #24 on:** October 26, 2011, 04:16:27 PM »

and TADA its out.

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Author Topic: 1975 CB550 Build, Cafe Racer Style (Read 5762 times)