Topic: Another CB550 cafe

[fortyonethirty]

Hello dudes, this is my second build. 76 CB550. Here's what I'm starting with:



Clubmans, 16" Harley rim, cheese ball tail piece and many electrical gremlins. . . . .


My short term plans are to simplify fix and relocate the electrical stuff, move the battery to the tail piece and shave the frame. I'm hoping to finish with a very ratty and simple looking bike that is fairly comfortable and reliable.

[fortyonethirty]

This is the first bike I built, a 71 CL100 Brat:



It still needs a lot to be "finished" but it's been a great bike to learn on and make mistakes with. 

[fortyonethirty]

The first thing to go was the crappy tail piece the previous owner had made. It was made with tin that had been bent into shape and then covered in bondo and sanded. To make my own I cut the shape I wanted out of a rusted out spare tank I had and welded it to a pan I made. It still needs some finish work and upholstery but this is what I've got so far:



Chopped the frame. I'll Weld in a replacement brace once I figure out how the battery is going to fit inside the hump . . . .



Mock up



Tacked



Nearing completion

[fortyonethirty]

I also bought an AGM battery today that will fit inside the tail piece. I'm running it kick start only so I went with a 12v 9ah battery from Interstate. I can't wait to cut all those dumb tabs off tonight!