Author Topic: **Updated 5/20/13** In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe. thanks...Dave500, Twotired  (Read 95618 times)

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Offline xsmooth69x

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i decided to move this post to the front page in the hopes it will help some other newb and that my build thread can be used as a partial go to reference for stupid questions that have been answered numerous times

so i decided to put together a super newb about the newb questions someone who just bought one of these bikes would ask after lurking and looking at cafe threads and stuff

these are all threads i made for myself ( ;D Mostly all of them have pictures or vids ;D )

my $12 on stop shop aux fuel tank
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=110782.0

make your own timing light!!
Vintage Sled Tutorials #7 How to make a timing light for setting points

how to change out your starting clutch with the motor in the bike and without breaking down the motor
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=122084.0#lastPost

     how to adjust the clutch cable......FML video included
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=103328.msg1156064#msg1156064

     how u rebuild a 550 master cylinder and bleed it without it leaking everywhere; if you want to get the to meat of the bleeding.... pump very slow pulling the lever half ways. if you pump to hard it will start leaking from the opposite end by the handle. i thought i had the wrong MC kit or somthing was put together wrong but i was just bleeding wrong. also the bleeder nipple on the caliper for a cb550 is 7mm
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=106899.msg1195640#msg1195640

     these 3 threads are a start on how to sync ur carbs...... very confusing the first time......
this is just general questions about what the screws do on the carbs that are needed to be adjusted for the synch
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=98410.msg1096026#msg1096026
this gives the Drill Bit bench sync thing/theory
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=104196.msg1165264#msg1165264
this includes a video of the synch and that the gauge markings dont really mean anything
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=106760.msg1194025#msg1194025
also a good note about synching from Dave 500
     "good effort getting that engine running,,it sounds ok,the sound fidelity of video on the net is always wrong,,these engines do sound a little rattly though,,as i posted you should be able to wind the idle speed down with that main idle screw and get the engine to go slower and slower untill it stalls,,if you cant do that youll have to repeat the sync,,firstly those sync screws will have to be backed out,,this will lower the slides and shut down the air flow,,you can do it with the engine running,loosen all those sync lock nuts and gradualy but semi evenly back those sync screws out,the idle will start to drop and your sync will start to go out of wack,,as the engine loses idle rpm and gets near a real slow idle wind the main idle screw in untill the idle steadies again,then adjust the sync again,,without raising idle much if you can,,you should be able to get a good sync and wind the idle down enough to stall the engine afterwards,,if you cant when you ride the bike and you try and back off the throttle itll feel like its running with a stuck throttle and wont slow down well,cheers mate."
dave500 is so Australian lawl  :P

     coil firing order, in short; coil 1 is cylinder 1 and 4; coil 2 cylinder 2 and 3
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=98395.msg1095838#msg1095838

     dual disk brakes? simple right? just get a double banjo and another stock caliper and rotor... nope!
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88080.msg989960#msg989960

     want to fix some big rust holes in your exhaust....  not possible unless you like a tutorial with a beer can
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88088.msg990019#msg990019

     how do you spray bomb/paint
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=94234.msg1049323#msg1049323

     want to have the tron tail light? i figured out an exact clone of the tail light and the fleda tail light
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88085.msg990182#msg990182

     want some vintage cafe tire ideas? period correct ones? or modern ones
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88133.msg990598#msg990598
^ also about tire sizes
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89729.msg1004641#msg1004641
Front    3.25 x 19in
Rear    3.75 x 18in

     want to know about different carburetor synchronizer to buy?
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89623.msg1004383#msg1004383

     crappy wire harness? build a new one? check this out, it has all the places to buy the vintage connectors too
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89181.msg1000058#msg1000058

     about capacitors, wires, caps, plugs etc etc
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89800.msg1005547#msg1005547
     about wires and ohms
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89878.msg1006386#msg1006386

     front and rear sprocket and chain questions, sizes, where to buy, what brands
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=89343.msg1001747#msg1001747

     want to get an aftermarket speedo and tach? there are ratios...... read
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=90214.msg1009732#msg1009732

     do you need that metal tube section on the brake caliper? read this
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=90638.msg1013213#msg1013213

     measurements for the D washer if you want to make your own
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=122144.0

     dont know crap about polishing different metals?
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=90793.msg1014871#msg1014871

     starter works but makes a weird noise........ (with video)
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=91542.msg1022327#msg1022327

this is not my video but this kid does an amazing job showing how to change for seal on cb550

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pV5ZkIBtrns#

***some things to know......***

master cylinder banjo size 10x1.25

bleeder nipple on the caliper for a cb550 is 7mm

stock gearing front/rear for a cb550 is 17/37

spark plugs NGK 12mm D7EA Spark Plug

if you use NGK caps you need to unscrew the top section of the spark plug


spark plug gaps are .6 mm

spark plug wire splice if you wanna redo the wires from the coils NGK Plug Wire Splicer

spark plug caps are ngk part number XDO5F,stock number 8072

any 7mm wires copper wires will work i used some red NGK
http://www.z1enterprises.com/Dyna-Ignition-Wires--7mm-copper-core-red-209.aspx



you need 20w fork oil for the forks (i used bell ray)

the motor takes 10w40

fuel line diameter.... i personally use 1/4 its cheap abundant and i cant notice the difference from the metric size (i cant remember what the metric size was)

push/pull throttle tube (Honda OEM part 53141-300-010) but pro motion makes them and there like $10. these throttle tubes are made out of plastic so good chance its bad

best stainless steal bolt kit, only $23.95 best price great quality
http://www.z1enterprises.com/Bolt-Set--Honda-CB550-K-thru-76--Stainless-Steel-Set-293-1146.aspx

stock tire sizes and rim
Front    3.25 x 19in
Rear    3.75 x 18in

random not to de grease take off rust very cheap and efficiently. this is quoted from dave500
     "mix molasses with water 50/50 and it removes rust and smells like rum,tastes like licorice,soaking for a week does the job mostly,its cheap,you can buy it at farm produce supply places."

great places to buy parts....

www.partsnmore.com

www.bikebandi.com

you would be surprised but www.amazon.com has some great prices and shipping on parts i got a great deal on stem bearings

www.z1enterprises.com

www.bkrider.com




=========THE START OF THE RAW RUSTY RICE VENTI QUAD SHOT CAFE RACING LATTE PROJECT========
     ==================================================================
                    ======================================================




ok well im going to do as thorough as a write up as possible keep lots of pics and have lots of fun.

this is my first bike and bike build. i will also list and price out my whole build which most people dont.

any kind of comments and suggestions are always appreciated.

so far i bought my 1975 honda cb550 for $500 150 (parts credit) out the door from sport wheel (sportwheel.com) in Minnesota. this also included $150 in parts credit and a tank swap. my original gas tank was very damaged so i talked the lady into letting me take my time to find the perfect tank so i can swap them out for free.

*** i can honestly say paying $500 150 (parts credit) out the door for this bike was a little more than what i planned on spending. i did take the time to run through craigslist for a good 2 months prior but all the bikes are either showroom conditions in the 4 figures or bikes that are missing engines, having cut frames, no titles, and most bikes where 79  bikes.

i also wanted a 550 and not a 750 because of the extra weight and this is mostly going to be a cities bike with maybe some twisty time. so i figured less weight some more agility was what i was looking for.

so this is my bike when i rolled it off the back of the truck







now like i said this is my first bike so ill point out some newb mistakes i made when negotiating this price.

for 1 the seat was laying next to the bike. so i thought well #$%* this must be the seat for my bike ...... wrong!! so now i need a new seat.

i should have looked under my bike because ....... this is what my exhaust looks like



when the bikes are in the bone yard at sports wheels they are all drained of oil.

the bike did kick over and felt good so when i took it home i poured some oil into the cylinders and let them soak and ran a cold compression test. it was 240 235 230 120

the last cylinder seems bad but it might be just a stuck valve so i will wait to tear down the engine till i actually get the bike started.
« Last Edit: June 01, 2013, 01:18:20 PM by xsmooth69x »
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #1 on: May 09, 2011, 10:31:21 PM »
so thats what the headers of my exhaust looks like. the tip on the other hand is in very good shape. i also figured out that the exhaust is a kerker exhaust but i might be wrong but im fairly sure its a kerker.

after taking off the cables the throttle cable is completely snapped.

the speedo cable is ok but the plastic clip that goes into the front wheel is broken so ill end up replacing that too.

the brake line seems good and also the rpm cable are good. i soaked them in gas and sea foam and they are like new.

the wiring on my bike is a mess. i also noticed im missing the blinker fuss thing and the fuse block




1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #2 on: May 09, 2011, 10:37:35 PM »
after taking off all the wiring ...... the previous owners must have decided to remake the wiring harness lol

it is not that bad but there a lot of cuts in the harness.

i will post pictures later.

im taking the bike down more and more and im starting to see a lot of problems.

another thing i noticed that i dont have a center stand......

also when taking off the carbs from the air box the boots from the air box to the carburetors are cracked and broken. the internet does not seem to want to offer this particular boots other than a person on this forum that remakes them or someone in the UK.... i forgot his website but everyone here probably knows it.











1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline mickey6

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #3 on: May 09, 2011, 10:44:54 PM »
I hate to see you being the only one commenting on your thread, so hello...lol
650 for any near complete cb from the 70's is almost unheard of where I'm from.
I hope you are able to get her going and will check in and help where I can.
76 cb750F in 7 boxes
73 cb500 daily cafe

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #4 on: May 09, 2011, 10:47:28 PM »
my idea for this bike is to grind the frame completely down. then i might spray it gunmetal or leave the frame naked after the grind and clear coat it so its super raw.

tank paint scene is up in the air

putting some RB2/K112 combo rubber on the bike

the spokes will be all blacked out and im leaving the rim chrome.

wrap the exhaust (tan color)

clip on handle bars

hid head lights

no idea about corner lights or tail lights.

1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #5 on: May 09, 2011, 10:49:10 PM »
lol thanks mickey im just writing up the thread right now  ;D and i hope people will comment.
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline mickey6

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #6 on: May 09, 2011, 10:55:26 PM »
raw interesting, no paint means less weight.
tank paint see above. just kidding I always have a hard time deciding how to do my tins.
If you are about 6 feet tall as I am, I think you will be happy with clip-ons (they are the most confortable bars I've ever rode with).
As for lighting, on cafe's I like to incorporate my lights into my seat.
76 cb750F in 7 boxes
73 cb500 daily cafe

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #7 on: May 09, 2011, 11:02:31 PM »
so to get things started i purchased

1 x Contact Point (14-0009)  = $8.00
1 x Fork Seals (27-1007)  = $13.00
1 x Contact Point (14-0010)  = $8.00
4 x Carb Rebuild Kit (48-1907)  = $52.00
1 x Front Brake Master Cylinder Repair Kit (08-0215)  = $20.00

FedEx Ground (Flat Rate FedEx Ground®): $8.00

Total: $109.00 www.partsnmore.com

then

i went i bought an HID kit from V-led for $48.98 that included shipping

its a H4 35w 6000k diamond blue kit.

www.v-leds.com








« Last Edit: May 29, 2011, 09:49:09 PM by xsmooth69x »
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #8 on: May 09, 2011, 11:08:34 PM »
raw interesting, no paint means less weight.
tank paint see above. just kidding I always have a hard time deciding how to do my tins.
If you are about 6 feet tall as I am, I think you will be happy with clip-ons (they are the most confortable bars I've ever rode with).
As for lighting, on cafe's I like to incorporate my lights into my seat.

im 5"10 but im still going to rock the clip ons im sure it will be comfortable. since its a 550 the tank is smaller than the 750 so i should be straight

as for the tail light im either going to cut and weld a little part of the stock fender on the back to put on a tail light butttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

i will probably end up getting the 1 foot integratoz premium flexible light strip from radientz and making a replica tron tail light. (the tail light on the ducatti) or what fleda sells for 300..... but i can make the same for $120

the tank im thinking about grinding it down. leaving it kinda raw making it look distressed and ill tag the rising sun image (since im half japanese) on the tank more graffiti style. then clear coating it
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline TwoTired

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #9 on: May 09, 2011, 11:11:11 PM »
I'm concerned about the front end on your bike.  First thing I noticed is that the front wheel/fender is too close to the exhaust headers.
I think something up front is bent, probably from a front ender.  I wouldn't put work into that frame until I was sure the headstock isn't bent.  Hopefully, it's just the forks/triple tree.

Here's a couple photos of bikes that are still straight.  Note the space between front fender and headers/frame.

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #10 on: May 09, 2011, 11:14:49 PM »
sooooo now im on the carb rebuild.........





everything was going great other then huge amount of cleaning aghhhhhhhhhh

thennnnnn this happend  >:(





yes thats right if you could figure it out while screwing the bolt back in it snapped off....... a perfectly clean fully rebuild carb shot..... i didnt even torque it. it was one of those wow wtf moments like i didnt even know what was going on  kind of moments totally perplexed

so i had to drill out the broken screw to salvage all the new parts that are in the carb.

im off to sport wheels for another carb......gay

here are the rest of the 3 happy carbs sitting clean and happy




« Last Edit: May 11, 2011, 12:04:26 AM by xsmooth69x »
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #11 on: May 09, 2011, 11:18:30 PM »
I'm concerned about the front end on your bike.  First thing I noticed is that the front wheel/fender is too close to the exhaust headers.
I think something up front is bent, probably from a front ender.  I wouldn't put work into that frame until I was sure the headstock isn't bent.  Hopefully, it's just the forks/triple tree.

Here's a couple photos of bikes that are still straight.  Note the space between front fender and headers/frame.

holly F

i hope it was just the pics.....

is there anything i should look for if it is messed up?

everything looks find no warping no bending no twisting.....

the bike is n the kick stand too since i dont have center stand
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #12 on: May 09, 2011, 11:19:48 PM »
also the tank and the seat is just sitting on the bike. they arnt like locked in place.

the bike had plenty of clearance turning there where not touching issues by far

if you need me to take more pics i will take them of the tripple tree part thing of the bike.

its no bike deal if it is messed up ill just take the frame to sportwheels and they will swap it out for another one :D

another reason why i over paided for this bike  ;)
« Last Edit: May 09, 2011, 11:27:24 PM by xsmooth69x »
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #13 on: May 09, 2011, 11:22:47 PM »
got a little bored and started to take down the bike more.











opened my crank case to find a birds or rodent nest.... forgot to take a picture of it before i threw it out. but this is the inside

ewwwwww









1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #14 on: May 09, 2011, 11:25:49 PM »
you can see i did some grinding......

but mostly im going to be working on this beast next



so i can get my electrical up and running with my fresh carbs and try the start this bad boy up...... fingers crossed.
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline TwoTired

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #15 on: May 09, 2011, 11:26:48 PM »
I measured from the front axle to the frame rail center between the two forward motor mount bolts.  20 inches.

If you have the same, then it's probably ok and it's just a picture angle issue.
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #16 on: May 09, 2011, 11:41:07 PM »
i dont really understand what exactly you where talking about.....

i think this is what you meant...... well theres 2 measurements i took





this one was 19"

the other big bolt on the motor









1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #17 on: May 09, 2011, 11:42:48 PM »
some more pics of the front end






1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #18 on: May 09, 2011, 11:44:56 PM »
the bike is not really sitting perfectly center either i have the bike on 2 jack stands where the center stand is supossed to be but its kinda cock eyed and i tried to center the forks the best i could but the tires flat and the bike is already kind of wobbly  ::)
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline mickey6

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #19 on: May 09, 2011, 11:47:16 PM »
you may run into rusty pitted forks under those fork ears, I did on my 73 500
76 cb750F in 7 boxes
73 cb500 daily cafe

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #20 on: May 09, 2011, 11:49:59 PM »
ya fingers crossed i dont.......

and if i do.... well i have to figure that out because i have not looked into it yet.
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3

Offline TwoTired

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #21 on: May 10, 2011, 12:23:55 AM »
The center of the down tube between the two bolts to the front axle center = 20 inches, steering centered.

I suspect at least bent forks you have there.  Sorry.

Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline Greggo

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #22 on: May 10, 2011, 01:03:20 AM »
Ouch...Good catch there TT, better to find these things out early.

Good luck.

Offline Oddjob

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #23 on: May 10, 2011, 07:36:16 AM »
I suspect the forks are bent right where they go into the tree, it should become very apparent once they are removed.

Exceptional spot there by TT, must admit I didn't see it but then again I'm getting old now and the eyesights starting to go  :)

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe build wow wow
« Reply #24 on: May 10, 2011, 09:13:32 AM »
dang it......  >:(

im removing the forks now to check them out.

how do the forks bend like that?

the bike does not seem like it was in a wreak. there is no dents on the rim. how do the just contort?
1975 CB550 (FINISHED?!?!?)
first motorcycle ever!!! ow and i dont know how to ride it either :D

raw rust rice venti quad shot cafe racing latte project aka my build..... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=88853.0

black and white equation godzilla chalkboard 
1972 cb750 - next in line for some <3