Author Topic: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special" - muffler fell off at 80mph  (Read 30786 times)

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Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - finished for this summer
« Reply #75 on: May 05, 2011, 11:12:05 AM »
Syscrush my friend, I just welded up the seams where it was stamped!  I'll try and find some pics for ya.

Offline Syscrush

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - finished for this summer
« Reply #76 on: May 05, 2011, 11:27:16 AM »
Syscrush my friend, I just welded up the seams where it was stamped!  I'll try and find some pics for ya.
I'm still in the planning stages, but I'm already spiraling out of control.  You know how it goes with frame mods:

"I'd really like a braced swinger"
"If I'm going to do that, might as well convert to monoshock"
"If I'm reworking the rear suspension, might as well clean up that subframe"
"I've always wanted a cool old bike with a girder front end"
"I never liked the looks of those stamped sections around the lower rear frame - maybe I should have something CNC cut or a trellis made to replace them"
"It would be a shame to do all that work and have the stamped sections on the downtube still showing"

Next thing I know, I'm trying to talk myself back from just having a sexy frame custom built.
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.

Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #77 on: May 06, 2011, 09:40:46 AM »
Revved the piss out of her for a vid today.  Enjoy.
1975 CB550 Gulf test run
You can hear the chain rubbing on the guard under the sprocket cover during engine braking.  I might have to bend it down some.

I've had some requests for the full build, so rather than copy/pasting 70 pages, I'll just give you guys a link to DTT:
http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=19771.0
« Last Edit: May 06, 2011, 10:25:03 AM by Ringo »

Offline sangyo soichiro

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #78 on: May 06, 2011, 11:11:43 AM »
Thanks for the vid.  That's a really good looking bike!   8)
1974 CB 750
1972 CB 750 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,57974.0.html
1971 CL 350 Scrambler
1966 Black Bomber
Too many others to name…
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Offline Ecosse

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #79 on: May 06, 2011, 11:28:59 AM »
I'm still in the planning stages, but I'm already spiraling out of control.  You know how it goes with frame mods:

"I'd really like a braced swinger"
"If I'm going to do that, might as well convert to monoshock"
"If I'm reworking the rear suspension, might as well clean up that subframe"
"I've always wanted a cool old bike with a girder front end"
"I never liked the looks of those stamped sections around the lower rear frame - maybe I should have something CNC cut or a trellis made to replace them"
"It would be a shame to do all that work and have the stamped sections on the downtube still showing"

Next thing I know, I'm trying to talk myself back from just having a sexy frame custom built.

or... just buying a modern bike and inserting a 35 year old engine.  ::)

Thanks for the vid.  That's a really good looking bike!   8)

and sounds awesome! thx for the link too.
1974 CB550K     
                 
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Offline Syscrush

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #80 on: May 06, 2011, 12:24:32 PM »
or... just buying a modern bike and inserting a 35 year old engine.  ::)
Well, that part I left out was "if I'm having a one-off framer built, then why use an SOHC4 motor?" That one brings me back from the brink. :)
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 Ecosse

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #81 on: May 06, 2011, 12:50:43 PM »
or... just buying a modern bike and inserting a 35 year old engine.  ::)
Well, that part I left out was "if I'm having a one-off framer built, then why use an SOHC4 motor?" That one brings me back from the brink. :)

 ;D


1974 CB550K     
                 
            Help stop TORTURE and SLAUGHTER of cats, dogs, and other kept animals.                                                  www.animalsasia.org

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Offline Syscrush

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #82 on: May 06, 2011, 02:55:49 PM »
Revved the piss out of her for a vid today.  Enjoy.
Wow.

That's some fine revving, sounds great. :)
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 GaJet

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #83 on: May 06, 2011, 07:22:12 PM »
One of the most inspiring builds I have ever seen! You might name the bike the "Le Mans Special",as so many winners of the 24 hours wore the Gulf colors,and this bike is definitely a winner!
GaJet
Stock is boring

Offline FelixP

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #84 on: May 06, 2011, 08:25:04 PM »
This is freaking amazing.  Is that the stock master cylinder?

Offline FunJimmy

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #85 on: May 06, 2011, 08:39:10 PM »
Sounds really good Ringo.
+1 for the Le Mans Special too.
You never see a motorcycle parked outside of a psychiatrist's office!

CB550 Cafe Interceptor a Gentlemans Roadster
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=27159.0

Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build - took a better video today
« Reply #86 on: May 06, 2011, 09:18:37 PM »
GaJet, you nailed it man.  That's just the name I've been looking for.  "Le Mans Special" it is!  Fitting, I have a replica Steve McQueen Le Mans jacket...

FelixP, no sir.  It's an aftermarket 14mm MC.


Offline Syscrush

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #87 on: May 07, 2011, 04:45:25 AM »
One of the most inspiring builds I have ever seen! You might name the bike the "Le Mans Special",as so many winners of the 24 hours wore the Gulf colors,and this bike is definitely a winner!
GaJet
Also, the lines in the tank and seat are a bit reminiscent of the 917 long tail, too.  Or maybe I just need my morning caffeine. :)
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 Tintop

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #88 on: May 07, 2011, 05:15:07 AM »
excellent build, the 'glas work is inspiring.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Ecosse

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #89 on: May 10, 2011, 02:50:07 PM »
1974 CB550K     
                 
            Help stop TORTURE and SLAUGHTER of cats, dogs, and other kept animals.                                                  www.animalsasia.org

                                  Your 1%er name

                                                A WORTHY EFFORT: http://www.honorflight.org.

Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #90 on: May 10, 2011, 04:53:01 PM »
Sure enough! 

Offline Syscrush

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #91 on: May 11, 2011, 04:45:23 AM »
Some well-deserved recognition.
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 bambuhiphop

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #92 on: May 11, 2011, 11:41:20 AM »
Hey Ringo, what Ikon's are those rear shocks?

Also, have any detail on how you mounted the taillight?
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #93 on: May 11, 2011, 12:13:42 PM »
Hey bambu, the shocks are Hagons.  They're fairly inexpensive, and actually pretty darn good...just not rebuildable.
http://www.davequinnmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/webc.cgi/HAGON_TWIN_SHOCKS.html



The tail light is a flush-mount LED job.  The fixture was epoxied into the tail, then the lens was epoxied into the fixture.  I also had to sand down the lens and polish it...as you can see in the pic, it has a bumpy/prismatic surface and I wanted it smooth.

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #94 on: May 11, 2011, 12:49:37 PM »
Ringo, apparently I need to learn to read, hahaha. Could of sworn those shocks said Ikon.

Thanks for the info. I have been looking for a solution to my tail light woes and I think this may be the ticket. Great bike btw.
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Ringo

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #95 on: May 11, 2011, 02:00:13 PM »
Hey thanks man.  Just be forewarned, I got a bit of sticker shock when I went to order it.  :o

http://customdynamics.com/led_flush_mount_kits.htm

But the plug and play nature of them might be worth it to you if you're LED-retarded like me.

Offline bambuhiphop

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #96 on: May 11, 2011, 03:19:00 PM »
Ya, I saw the prices but you get what you pay for in my opinion. If it is a quality product then I don't mind spending within reason :) And these look quality and plug n' play is always a good thing when you can find it. I already have enough "custom" projects on my bike in the works as it is.

And heck I just got some new Buchanan spokes and nipples. Not cheap but so worth it!
75' CB550K -- Still in pieces but it rolls again!!!!

Offline Tintop

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #97 on: May 11, 2011, 03:27:44 PM »
Hey thanks man.  Just be forewarned, I got a bit of sticker shock when I went to order it.  :o

http://customdynamics.com/led_flush_mount_kits.htm

But the plug and play nature of them might be worth it to you if you're LED-retarded like me.

I used an Custom Dynamics tail light on my build.  Great support, to go along with the product.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline bikerbart

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Re: '75 CB550K - "Le Mans Special"
« Reply #98 on: May 11, 2011, 04:18:53 PM »
Wow!This is one of the coolest bikes I have ever seen.Insirational to say the least.You should be proud. 8)
its better to regret something you have done,than something you havent.Except playing with explosives.

Offline fastbroshi

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Re: '75 CB550K - Gulf build
« Reply #99 on: May 11, 2011, 06:14:36 PM »
Nice thing about it is the fact that the ends don't fray after you cut it; no need to melt the braid.   It came in different diameters.  I put some around the main harness as well as the points wires where they snake down underneath the clutch cover.

http://www.wirecare.com/products.asp?prodline=FG

Sorry I took so long to post this, I'd forgotten but they just sent me an email ad of sorts.  Probably overkill, but after my harness roasted once I'd had nightmares of the bike bursting into flames in the garage.
Just call me Timmaaaaay!!!