Topic: New project for a first timer CB550 build - Slowly getting back to it!

[akabek]

I am just getting caught up on this build.  Great job on the build and congrats on the new family members.  What are you planning to use for the carb.  Your avatar shows a seat. Has that been worked out?

[bambuhiphop]

Thanks for reading!

I am planning on installing the Keihin CR26 carbs

http://www.power-barn.com/keihin-cr26-carburetor-kit-for-1974-1978-honda-cb550/

The seat has mostly been worked out but I may change it up. This has been a longer build so my taste has changed some. Once I get the motor in the frame I will re evaluate and if staying with it finish the final details.

[akabek]

I have the same Powerbarn kit in my bike.  Ideally it would be good if someone offered an air box with a single filter to fit the CR26.  That would probably make life easier to tune the carbs.

[bambuhiphop]

Another long break in this project. Had to concentrate on some household items for the new kiddo we had in June.

Also had to clean up the garage a bit to have the space to get back into this and have had parts waiting to be worked on in the meantime.

So I was able to work on this a little the past week. Got the head primed, painted, and chased all the threads. Installed new exhaust and intake bolts. Mounted intakes and then got the head on the rest of the engine. Then got the cam and sprocket installed.

[bill440cars]

So far I am having fun 

I have taken some inspiration from a few bikes. Probably the biggest influence for a 550 is  doug_id's bike. FunJimmy and Tintop's also inspired me.

- Frame going to get powder coated black.
- Wheels will be re-laced with stainless steel spokes. Rims and Hubs will also be powder coated. Plan on going with some Avon Roadrider for shoes.
- Bike will be all LED with along with a HID system
- Will add Hondaman's ignition and fuse block
- Will upgrade front and rear shocks.
- Thinking the Euro Style bucket from BCR for the Headlight
- Digital speedo/tach
- Raask Rear Sets
- Rocket Four seat from Carpy
- Clubman Handlebars
- Color will be Blazing Copper Metallic on the tank. seat, and side covers.
- Still deciding on exhaust. I really dig the yoshi pipes that Carpy makes but non for the 550 
- Engine stuff TBD

I think that is most everything. I am sure I am missing something but that is the basic idea.

   You picked some fine builds, to be inspired by, for sure. I'm checking out any 500/550 builds, as I could possibly be building one myself and I like the way you are going, with yours, from what I have read so far. I just got onto this though and will catch up, in a bit and then can better keep up with what you are up to now.

[Godffery]

 Dying to see paint on that tank!

[RAFster122s]

How's your little girl who will be six months old here in a few weeks...just before Christmas?
Amazing growth in their first year.

She has you totally wrapped around her finger by now without speaking a word...

[bambuhiphop]

Dying to see paint on that tank!

You and me both 

Honestly, the tank and the Head were the last things I got back. Since then the bike has sat. Ended up lightly remodeling sons new room and completely gutting our guest bath. That meant a redirection of funds for a bit.

I am hoping to get the engine in the frame here soon and then get the last remaining parts (carbs, field coil, tappets, points replacement) so it can be done. Then on to painting the tank I think.

[bambuhiphop]

How's your little girl who will be six months old here in a few weeks...just before Christmas?
Amazing growth in their first year.

She has you totally wrapped around her finger by now without speaking a word...

She is doing really great. Thanks for asking! And yes, she will be about 6 months right around Christmas. Our household has been a little crazy. Her, now big, brother is adjusting wonderfully as well. There may or may not be some wrappage occuring

[bambuhiphop]

I removed this engine in early April 2011. Since that time I bought a house, got a new job, got married, had a kid, and had another kid. Lots of craziness 

So, it is pretty darn cool to see this thing back in the frame. Went in fairly easily. Step dad helped out. Also, mocked the exhaust headers. Purchased the exhaust in 2011. Long wait to see it on the bike but totally worth the wait. Snapped a quick pic to share.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Welcome back to the fold.

[RAFster122s]

Looks good and I like the glyptal, not too many builds I have watch of late are using it. Odd that observation...
Congrats on all the life changes and return to MC a bit.
David

[bmann]

With all the detail and time you have into your bike I am surprised you did not degree your cam.  The only reason I say this is you have not skipped or skimped  on anything so far. 

[bambuhiphop]

Looks good and I like the glyptal, not too many builds I have watch of late are using it. Odd that observation...
Congrats on all the life changes and return to MC a bit.
David

That's interesting. I haven't been able to follow a lot of builds as of late. It's great stuff and worth the time if you've already split the cases IMO.

[bambuhiphop]

With all the detail and time you have into your bike I am surprised you did not degree your cam.  The only reason I say this is you have not skipped or skimped  on anything so far. 

I plan to. Have an adjustable sprocket on there. Cylinder head cover isn't done yet so I will have the top of the engine open for a bit longer. Got the case in the frame now to primarily make room in the garage. Luckily the 550 can have engine serviced in the frame.

[bambuhiphop]

I've got some goodies on order that are making their way to me slowly, so I am looking forward to making some progress in the next few weeks. For now though, just a mini update.

Got the oil passage caps on, tightened up the front engine mounts, Rotor installed, and front sprocket installed. My chain came in the mail so I started to install it. Need to break a few links out and press on a new master but it is looking pretty good.

I decided to take a pic that was from a similar angle from disassembling the bike. I think it might be better now, ha!

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Wow!!! Night and day!

[RAFster122s]

It looks good!  You are keeping the motor covered right?  Dust is abrasive, no need to add abrasives to your motor.

Nice before and after.
How much farther do you guess in weeks of work are left on the build before it is wired and buttoned up for test firing and then final wrapup?  Realizing of course that you can't spend 8 -10 hours a day on it 6 days a week it will take much longer to do an hour or two here and there.
Things always take longer than we imagine.  Add a new child and wife and all the rest

[bambuhiphop]

@RAF122S - Motor is covered when not being worked on. Actually whole bike goes under a blanket when there is no work happening.

I would guess a minimum of 6 months honestly. Biggest hurdle at the moment is budget. Couple of the final components I need are quite expensive. This is basically what's left.

Engine: Need to get rockers hardwelded, carb kit ordered, degree cam, oil filter setup (Cycle-X), finish cylinder cover, finish exhaust install, and install clutch.

Electrical: The stator and field coil are at Ricks right now. Just got there on Wed. I expect to hear back from them after the first. Once I get those back I just need the C5 ignition and taillight. With that I can finish the electrical. My m-unit will be here next week. Planning on wiring that up and finishing the headlight bucket wiring this next month.

Controls: Rearsets, connectors, and rear brake controls are on order from Cognito. Will all be here next Thursday.

Other: Tank is currently being painted. Still need to figure out seat and side covers as I keep changing my mind as to what I want.

[SF]

Really happy for you that the best part of life has found you and that your back in this build of corse 😉

[bambuhiphop]

Really happy for you that the best part of life has found you and that your back in this build of corse 😉

Very Kind. Thanks!

[bambuhiphop]

Got a couple parts in yesterday.

M-Unit and electrics tray from Cognito. Already pulled a bunch of wiring off the bike for the new setup. Original plan didn't have an M-Unit in it.



Also got new brackets, rearsets, and linkage connections. Got most of the bolts locked in and started getting an idea of how it all fits together on the left side of the bike. Cover hasn't been bolted on yet. Need to get the field coil and stator along with a new Honda plate and locate the swingarm bolt. Once I get those I can button up this side of the bike completely.

On the other side I am waiting to hear back on one of the fiber plates for the clutch. Once that gets resolved that clutch side cover is ready to go on. Then I just need to work out the rear braking setup on that side and adjust the rear axle and chain tension. With that done most of the lower end of this bike will be complete.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Those Cognitomoto rearset brackets look clean. I gotta get me some of that.

[calj737]

M-Unit and electrics tray from Cognito. Already pulled a bunch of wiring off the bike for the new setup. Original plan didn't have an M-Unit in it.

I know the M-Unit does simplify the wiring a great deal, but yours looks, how shall I say it? Really simple. I can't see that working to support the bike as you have it installed. Maybe I missed a build day? 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

M-Unit and electrics tray from Cognito. Already pulled a bunch of wiring off the bike for the new setup. Original plan didn't have an M-Unit in it.

I know the M-Unit does simplify the wiring a great deal, but yours looks, how shall I say it? Really simple. I can't see that working to support the bike as you have it installed. Maybe I missed a build day? 

He's using the new wireless (wifi) Motogadget set-up!