Author Topic: New project for a first timer CB550 build - Slowly getting back to it!  (Read 141237 times)

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Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #200 on: April 05, 2014, 09:33:17 AM »
Bambu -
You need a tappet cover for the one you destroyed?  Can't be bothered to reread the whole thread to see if you have a solution, but it just dawned on me that I have some in the garage...  They're rough cosmetically, but if you are planning on powdercoating or whatever, I could float you one at no cost.

Cheers,
G

Gman, thanks for the offer. Honestly not quite sure what I am doing with the tappets just yet. I may need to get the aftermarket taller ones as my cam is a bit hot. But I will take you up on the offer of one. That will give me some options. Let me take care of the shipping though. My zip is 95662. PM me your info and I will get it to you via PayPal?
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #201 on: April 05, 2014, 09:35:13 AM »
Thanks for the measurement!  I got your email.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline dagersh

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #202 on: April 05, 2014, 10:18:08 AM »
I knew I had seen that somewhere!  Thanks Bambuhiphop!

Gersh
1962 CA95
1966 Black Bomber
1966 CA77 Dream
1967 Superhawk
1970 CB750K0
1972 CL350
1972 CB450/500 Custom
1972 CB500K1
1975 CB550F
1976 CB400F
1975 CB750 Future Restoration
1976 CB750K6
1976 CB750F
1976 GL1000


1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1990 BMW K1
2001 'Busa
2003 RC 51
Bunch of Guzzi's

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/dagersh/

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #203 on: April 07, 2014, 11:32:29 AM »
It's funny.  You ask the same question and get all kinds of different answers.

I was/am trying to find out the correct length for stock fork tubes for a CB550K1. 

Bob aka bambuhiphop measured his at 22 13/16
Cycle X says 21 13/16
Frank at Forking by Frank says 22 3/16

I'm inclined to go with Bob, since he has the same model as mine.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #204 on: April 17, 2014, 11:53:12 PM »
Well, had 5 days of travel for work and came home to some goodies.

YSS rear shocks. Still need to tighten up and such but couldn't resist throwing them up.



Got the front wheel just about done as well. I could not get the tire on the rim so I took it to CycleGear and they got in on in 10 minutes.



Got some random small engine parts in preparation for the engine build but also got the new brake master. Need to pick up a bolt for the reservoir and a new brake line. The one I have is way to long.



Slowly but truly. Should be rolling next month!

« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:49:01 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline calj737

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #205 on: April 18, 2014, 05:23:17 AM »
Don't you just love the delivery man? It's like Xmas any day when they come by. I just put a YSS on one of my other bikes and am very pleased with it too.

So, I'm looking at your rear wheel picture thinking, "geez, did he order super short shocks, did I miss something? That hoop looks awfully close to the tire, what's he thinking!?!?" Doh! No spokes yet... Gotta get to the optometrist and stop spending time at the parts counter  :'(

Thanks for giving me another reason to laugh at myself this am! Best way to start a day-
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline SF

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #206 on: April 18, 2014, 07:27:58 AM »
Puttin YSS on my bike to, calj737 did you have to adjust them much or were they ready out of the box?
92 wr250 sold
98 zx6r sold
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73 cb350 twin
75 cb550f
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rgid springer bobber project

Offline calj737

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #207 on: April 18, 2014, 08:45:25 AM »
Won't apply as it was for a mono shock bike. For my preferences, I did adjust the pre-load. Damping seemed pretty decent as delivered.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #208 on: April 18, 2014, 12:27:47 PM »
Don't you just love the delivery man? It's like Xmas any day when they come by. I just put a YSS on one of my other bikes and am very pleased with it too.

So, I'm looking at your rear wheel picture thinking, "geez, did he order super short shocks, did I miss something? That hoop looks awfully close to the tire, what's he thinking!?!?" Doh! No spokes yet... Gotta get to the optometrist and stop spending time at the parts counter  :'(

Thanks for giving me another reason to laugh at myself this am! Best way to start a day-

Glad I could help you start the day off right ;)
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #209 on: April 18, 2014, 12:30:46 PM »
And look what the nice man from UPS just dropped off at work :)

« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:49:18 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline calj737

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #210 on: April 18, 2014, 12:33:40 PM »
gorgeous! got mine earlier this week too! The delivery man is my best friend-
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #211 on: April 25, 2014, 12:39:42 AM »
So this is a pretty exciting update for me personally. I feel like I have made some actual progress in what the bike is looking like.

I got my rear wheel back from Buchanan's last week. I had sent the hub down with a spoke kit I bought 2 years ago. Since that time I decided to go with a wider rear wheel making that kit no bueno. They swapped it out and loosed laced it up for me. Got it all trued up and then applied the Outex seal kit. I had done this on my front wheel and had a hard go at it. Still have a small leak in it but the rear wheel is money!!

First applied the little round dots on the nipples. The the double sided sticky tape.

(This pic still has the green protective film on it)


Then applied the off white top layer.



Found the rear wheel to be easier because of the width but also learning from the front one. Good product overall to work with and now I don't have to run a tube?

Got the tire mounted and then couldn't resist getting it on the bike. Got the brake, dampers, sprocket, etc all on and slapped her on.




And finally after three years the bike has the ability to roll on its own. Picture was taken a bit quickly and outside!! Had to make dinner and get to a softball game but I was pretty darn excited to see this stand on its own after all this time :)



Will have a little time this weekend to get some pieces on but now for another round of parts buying. Almost to the point of only engine related parts to buy. Pretty cool.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:50:08 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline DustyRags

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #212 on: April 25, 2014, 09:25:40 AM »
OK, that's pretty cool! I'd heard of ways to switch from tube to tubeless, but never seen it done. Are those special rims designed for tubeless tires, or just regular ones with a gasket on the inside?
1976 CB550K- sold
2005 Kawasaki Vulcan 500- sold
2000 CB750 Nighthawk - sold
1975 XL350 - crashed
2004 Suzuki Vstrom 650 - sold

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #213 on: April 25, 2014, 10:09:33 AM »
OK, that's pretty cool! I'd heard of ways to switch from tube to tubeless, but never seen it done. Are those special rims designed for tubeless tires, or just regular ones with a gasket on the inside?

Standard Rim with the seal kit.

Here is a video from the make via YouTube.

Tubeless kit for rim / Supermoto, DUCATI, OUTEX

And here is his store on eBay. He didn't have the kit listed for my rim sizes but listed for me after he figured out what would work for my needs.

http://www.ebay.com/usr/outex?_trksid=p2047675.l2559
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #214 on: April 25, 2014, 10:45:04 AM »
The wheel looks good. 

Two of those pictures appear to have something mounted on the rear hanging fairly close to the tire.  It might just be a trick of the eye, but if not, watch your clearance to the tire.
1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #215 on: April 25, 2014, 11:39:56 AM »
The wheel looks good. 

Two of those pictures appear to have something mounted on the rear hanging fairly close to the tire.  It might just be a trick of the eye, but if not, watch your clearance to the tire.

That is my keyless start system. It will be mounted higher. Electrical is still in progress.
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline dagersh

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #216 on: April 26, 2014, 08:02:55 AM »
Way cool!
1962 CA95
1966 Black Bomber
1966 CA77 Dream
1967 Superhawk
1970 CB750K0
1972 CL350
1972 CB450/500 Custom
1972 CB500K1
1975 CB550F
1976 CB400F
1975 CB750 Future Restoration
1976 CB750K6
1976 CB750F
1976 GL1000


1968 Suzuki T500 Cobra
1990 BMW K1
2001 'Busa
2003 RC 51
Bunch of Guzzi's

http://www.sohc4.us/gallery/v/members/personal/dagersh/

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #217 on: April 26, 2014, 08:57:16 PM »
Off topic of the build but got a pretty frigging awesome birthday present today from my mom and step dad... a 2004 BMW r1100s!

They upgraded recently to a bigger bike and we had been talking about me buying this off them but they surprised me today and handed it over. I was surprised to say the least. And now I get to ride this season!!



« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:50:46 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline calj737

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #218 on: April 27, 2014, 04:29:35 AM »
Love that bike, and the R12s! Just walked away from buying an '07 12s as I have too much committed to ongoing projects.... I envy you!
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #219 on: October 19, 2014, 12:21:40 AM »
Wow, be a long while since I have posted anything. The usual suspects have kept me away. house, works, travel, family. Haven't been able to do to much to the bike. Had some seized studs and a chunk missing from the case so wanted to make sure those got resolved before I dived in deeper. Had a family friend mechanic look at it when he had time. Was able to get ken out but not the other. Took him a few months as he was busy. Also, finally found a machine shop that did quality work for a good price. And finally have been trying to track down some discontinued parts that I am missing.

That said got the stud removed and a TimeSert installed. quarter sized chunk welded and repaired. Purchased HD Studs. And had the Cylinder head mineral blasted. Most the rest of the engine is out being soda blasted this week.









« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:51:37 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #220 on: October 23, 2014, 07:53:58 PM »
The parts collection continues. Cam Sprocket and stud nuts came from Dynoman today. Minor I know but progress is progress I suppose. Hoping to have the case back next week and then I can start working on painting it.

« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:51:55 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #221 on: November 02, 2014, 11:21:41 PM »
Engine came back from all nice and soda blasted. Everything turned out great, especially the interior. Started masking everything to go back to have the exteriors Minerial blasted. This is going to be one clean engine :)







« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:52:41 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #222 on: November 02, 2014, 11:41:01 PM »
Also started cleaning up and rebuilding the starter. I had pulled it off way back with the future idea of cleaning it and learning more about it as it was a mystery. Well, that future has arrived so I started. Took it apart and everything was foreign to me. Posted a question in the other thread that proved most helpful.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=142395.0

At the moment I have cleaned most everything up, ordered new springs and brushes, and prepped for paint. As soon as it is a little warmer in the garage I will paint her up. I know it is completely hidden when said and done but I like things to be thorough and this is great practice for the case. Her are pics to date. (Some are in the other thread)


















« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:53:46 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #223 on: November 10, 2014, 12:36:33 AM »
Got some starter parts and primary chain in the mail. Painted the starter and finished masking the case.

Still new in the OEM bag.  ;D


Starter needed to be cleaned up. Took care of the internals. Bought new brushes and springs, and o-rings. While it was apart I used it as a test paint piece. Even though it will not be seen once on the bike I wanted to give it some extra protection. Turned out ok. Learned some things for when I paint the case.





« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:54:26 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: New project for a first timer CB550 build
« Reply #224 on: November 14, 2014, 12:26:05 AM »
Decided to dip into the head a little. It and the alternator are the last "dirty" pieces at this point.

Scrapped a little carbon off the chambers (there is quite a bit) and also the remaining gasket that was seemingly fused to the base.



Not having a spring removal tool, I improvised...



Worked pretty darn well actually. Only took me 20 minutes to remove the springs and valves. Considering this was first try at this activity I was happy with that! Quite a bit of carbon on the chambers and the exhaust ports but nothing a good blasting can't take care of.



Wiped down the top a bit and removed the exhaust bolts in anticipation for new ones



« Last Edit: August 12, 2015, 10:55:14 PM by bambuhiphop »
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!