Author Topic: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis  (Read 1655 times)

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Offline Newatthis

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CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« on: February 25, 2011, 09:57:47 PM »
Hi iam new to this whole forum thing so iam hoping some one can help me out.

Alright my goal is to put a Cb 550 motor that I got for free into a Cb 125 Chassis.

Has any one done this if so can you please post pictures or tell me what fabrications might have to take place. Also are the cb 550s pretty quick?

Offline kuksta

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #1 on: February 26, 2011, 12:19:41 AM »
Hey man, nice deal getting the free engine i hope its in good shape! ;D

I have a 78Cb550k. The frame has a double cradle to support the 4 cylinder engine.  I think the cb125 has only a single cradle frame and mounts the much smaller and narrower engine very differently.  You would have to make some extreme modifications to get them to mesh.  I would recommend using a frame meant for a midsized 4 cylinder.  Good Luck!
Don't forget the Gumption :)

Offline strynboen

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #2 on: February 26, 2011, 02:02:13 AM »
just bay an 350 or 400..they are just as small in frame..and are readu for the oil filter  forward in frame
i kan not speak english/but trying!!
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Offline klp

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #3 on: February 26, 2011, 02:03:46 AM »
Yeah I love it - classic hot rodding. Please post up some pics as you make progress.

I know that the 200cc honda motors bolt right in to the 125 frames - as soon as I can find a decent motor I am going to build one.

I have several 100/125 hondas and the suspension and brakes are pretty flimsy too - you may want to consider uprating those too.

Offline Kong

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #4 on: February 26, 2011, 07:07:37 AM »
Sometimes its nice to pop a bubble.  If you have to ask there isn't a snowball's chance in hades that you could do it - not that there is one good or sensible reason on the face of the earth you'd want to do it.  To put it bluntly, its an idea that doesn't have a single up side and a whole lot of down side problems.   Its not strong enough, its not ridged enough, its the wrong size, the brakes will be so inadequate as to be suicidal, none of the necessary accessories will have mounting points, the suspension system that goes with the frame will be inadequate in every way, oh, and do you have the ability to weld up your own exhaust system?

Now, could you do it?  Sure, if you're a good enough welder and machinist, have frame jigs, all the materials on earth, and a great deal of knowledge of motorcycles, metal fabrication techniques, and considerable financial resources.  Otherwise its just a suicidal pipe-dream.  Anyone who could actually pull this off wouldn't do it, they would build a complete custom frame instead because it would be cheaper, easier to do, and the result would actually be useful.
« Last Edit: February 26, 2011, 07:09:58 AM by Kong »
2002 FXSTD/I  Softail Deuce
2001 Acura (Honda) CL Type-S
1986 Honda Rebel, 450
1978 Honda CB550K
1977 Honda CB550K

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #5 on: February 26, 2011, 07:54:41 AM »
Anyone who could actually pull this off wouldn't do it, they would build a complete custom frame instead because it would be cheaper, easier to do, and the result would actually be useful.
Kong was a little bit harsh, but is 100% correct.
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 mjstone

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #6 on: February 26, 2011, 08:02:26 AM »
Anyone who could actually pull this off wouldn't do it, they would build a complete custom frame instead because it would be cheaper, easier to do, and the result would actually be useful.
Kong was a little bit harsh, but is 100% correct.
+1
Be sure you post pics, I'd love to see it before you wreck it and kill yourself and maybe others too.

MJ
1972 CB500Four (Honda)
1973 CB500Four (Oliver)

Offline Newatthis

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #7 on: February 26, 2011, 09:43:01 AM »
Ok so i got the motor running and she runs good now it  time to find a chassis, Iam not going to use that 125one any more bc of how weak it would be i got a hold of a buddy of mine who has  kawasaki motorcycle not sure what size but I think im going to use that frame. Thanks for responding so quick ill get some pictures up later once i got get that kawi

Offline Kong

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #8 on: February 26, 2011, 10:04:26 AM »
Dear god son, do you know how cheap 550 frames are and how easy they are to find?  Quit trying to make this hard on yourself.  You can find and buy a titled frame that your engine will bolt right into for less than a transplant project is going to cost you in welding wire and clamps.

I'm not actually trying to be harsh or mean here, I'm just trying to jolt you into reality.  You have a wide engine of some considerable power, it requires a strong and inflexible chassis in which to ride and which in turn will provide the structure for the most vital components - brakes and suspension.  These are things that are related in complex ways with engine and rider weight and of course power.  Alignments are critical, as is structural strength.  And of course in the end there are the legal requirements - if you have any thoughts of putting a tag on the thing you'll need to title it somehow and what you suggest is only going to complicate that process as well.  By far your best option is to find a stock frame and then if you want to make subtle modifications to it, that's up to you.   Many folks remove excess bracketry, add and modify tubes, improve steering and suspension using time-proven parts.  Why not take advantage of that world of knowledge and make it easier on yourself all the way around at the same time?
2002 FXSTD/I  Softail Deuce
2001 Acura (Honda) CL Type-S
1986 Honda Rebel, 450
1978 Honda CB550K
1977 Honda CB550K

Offline Newatthis

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #9 on: February 26, 2011, 10:11:52 AM »
Ok kong ill take your advice and begin to look around for a 550 frame hopefully i can find a semi complete bike.

Offline Syscrush

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #10 on: February 26, 2011, 12:46:57 PM »
You can find and buy a titled frame that your engine will bolt right into for less than a transplant project is going to cost you in welding wire and clamps.
That may be the best single sentence I've ever read on this board. :)
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 Newatthis

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Re: CB 550 in a Cb 125 Chassis
« Reply #11 on: February 26, 2011, 12:49:59 PM »
haha