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

[bambuhiphop]

Biggest goal for myself this year has been to get this engine running this year. I won't make that goal but I'm close, finally!

I got a new table for the bike to make life a little easier. Very glad I did as it has made working on the bike so much easier!



I started by getting my pistons in right. Had to order some new gaskets to put back together.



To make sure the cam guide was in right I dropped the oil pan to get a look. Realized I missed a 6mm bolt that I got put in correctly. Also ran into a big issue with my kick. Took a little bit to figure out but the kick gear was meshing all the time. Took about 3 hours but I was able to get it lined up correct so the motor rotates nice and free and kick doesn't click.



Because my exhaust really isn't removable I decided to remote mount the oil filter. Got the oil plate mounted and torques in. Just need to make the oil lines.



Upgraded the points and have installed a C5 ignition. Still need to wire but all in place.



I traced down some unused tappets and installed them in the 1978 head cover I picked up.



And finally I got cam degree'd, TDC set, and carbs back on. It actually looks like an engine again.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Which 4-1 pipe? MGP?

[bambuhiphop]

Which 4-1 pipe? MGP?

Yes, MGP. One of the first ones made.

[Godffery]

I was also never a fan of the stock nut for the shocks so I had this nut made for me.

 Dig'n that Nut for the top shock mount!

[Camrector]

Looking good bud! Glad you sorted out the issues. Your gonna love the Yoshimura cam. My “672” screams.

[riverfever]

This build is great to watch. Bambu did I miss it...what shocks are those?

[bambuhiphop]

This build is great to watch. Bambu did I miss it...what shocks are those?

They are YSS shocks. E-302's at 320mm to be exact.

[bambuhiphop]

Looking good bud! Glad you sorted out the issues. Your gonna love the Yoshimura cam. My “672” screams.

Thanks! I'm sure I will (whenever that happens) hahaha

[bambuhiphop]

Dig'n that Nut for the top shock mount!

Thanks! I have the drawings if you want em'. Just shoot me an email.

[Camrector]

Going to have lots of dudes here sweating your nuts! I’m one of them btw.

[Godffery]

Dig'n that Nut for the top shock mount!

Thanks! I have the drawings if you want em'. Just shoot me an email.

Sure, I could look into running a batch and see if there is any market for them.  It would likely come down to price per set.

[Camrector]

How much for your set of nuts Jeff!

[RAFster122s]

Size of the nuts impacts price, right Jeff?!

If you did not make them, then CognitoMoto might be interested since thy have in house cnc milling capabilities.

Are there other areas that would look nice with such a nut design?

David

[RAFster122s]

Bike looks great!  With all that money in it a bit of obsessive compulsive would make me want to fix those cylinder fins on left rear.

Love the color selection chosen.

David

[bambuhiphop]

Bike looks great!  With all that money in it a bit of obsessive compulsive would make me want to fix those cylinder fins on left rear.

Love the color selection chosen.

David

Thanks David. You know. I thought about fixing those a lot but eventually decided to leave it as a "beauty" mark. I've replaced so much of the bike I thought it would be fun to keep a little history.

[Godffery]

Size of the nuts impacts price, right Jeff?!

Are there other areas that would look nice with such a nut design?

David

Yes, Though I have not made any yet.  I will have to figure out price when I get a batch going.

Perhaps Rear Axel or Swingarm pivot nus?  Possibly even fancy Headlight bolts, but those may already be available somewhere?

[bambuhiphop]

So, I had a little bit of a scare. Was getting the final washers and nuts on the tappet post bolts and the second to last washer took a dive into the bottom of the engine case. Oh Happy Day!! I popped the oil pan off and no dice. Took the cylinder cover off and fished around but still no dice.

With those steps behind me I sourced a wireless endoscope that connects to ones phone. One the first trip down looky, looky what I found!!



With actual eyes on it I was able to nab it with my magnet. Had a bit of luck on my side and got it out on the first trip up. Now the motor is officially buttoned up. Just some electrical and clutch work left and I can try starting this sucker for the first time!

[bambuhiphop]

Got a few things in the mail so I was able to take some next steps. I decided to upgrade my brakes and clutch. This meant going with a more modern front end, as many others have done. I think I am doing something a little different with this though.

One of my driving factors was the speedo mount. I came across a front end I liked and am moving forward with it (I'll share more later when it is more concrete). I am also going to convert the rear to a disc and convert the clutch to hydraulic. I'll have more on those later as well. For now I'll share this...

I got my new clip on's in so I mounted the new controls. I decided to go with the Brembo 17 RCS for both my brake and clutch levers. I also moved away from the controls I had and went with M-Switch mini's. The clip on's are Woodcraft's. I got the left side drilled out and the switches mounted. Nothing is tightened down just yet but I think I am in the ballpark.







Also started dry fitting the headlight bucket. I was able to reuse part of the mount but had to order larger fork rings.



I then I got the front calipers cleaned up, new Galfer pads installed, and new bolts to hold em on. Just hand tightened for the time being. I think this will help with the stopping.

[Godffery]

 Look'n Good Man!
Did the Electrical Box & Tachometer Drive Delete arrive yet?

 G~

[bambuhiphop]

Look'n Good Man!
Did the Electrical Box & Tachometer Drive Delete arrive yet?

 G~

Thanks Man! They are not here yet. Looks like they got delayed in Texas. I'm thinking tomorrow or Tuesday though.

[Godffery]

Look'n Good Man!
Did the Electrical Box & Tachometer Drive Delete arrive yet?

 G~

Thanks Man! They are not here yet. Looks like they got delayed in Texas. I'm thinking tomorrow or Tuesday though.

Texas seems to be having a lot of problems lately.  =/

[Marissa]

Just went through this whole thread. Massive amount of work and attention to detail. This will have a fantastic final outcome for sure. Best of luck!

Also, good spot on cam for noticing the pistons orientated incorrectly. That would have been heartbreaking to go past all of us and ruin this build.

[JoeCooley]

Nice build! I can't wait to see it all together and running. You've been at it for so long! Good on you for not giving up. The new forks are nice. They look a lot like mine but in gold. Radial brakes are the #$%*... haha

[Camrector]

How in love are you with those grips bambu? To my eye it seems that they clash with the rest of the build now. I have two builds now with the mini buttons and the motogadget rubber grips. I love them. I also have the aluminum motogadget grips going on another build. They are sweet too.


Thanks marissa. Bambus work is so nice. He inspired me( and cost me a lot of money) that I had to make sure he was sorted!

[bambuhiphop]

How in love are you with those grips bambu? To my eye it seems that they clash with the rest of the build now. I have two builds now with the mini buttons and the motogadget rubber grips. I love them. I also have the aluminum motogadget grips going on another build. They are sweet too.


Thanks marissa. Bambus work is so nice. He inspired me( and cost me a lot of money) that I had to make sure he was sorted!

As of right now I'm not planning to change them but I have looked at alternatives because I do have a little doubt that I still like them. I am going to wait to make decision until I get some more pieces on to get a more complete picture. And thanks again for the eagle eye, ha!