Author Topic: **Updated 5/20/13** In over MY head 1975 cb550 cafe. thanks...Dave500, Twotired  (Read 95452 times)

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Offline Kwality

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Well done! It has been quite the journey. Now it's time to enjoy riding it. Tank looks tops!

Offline Syscrush

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+ i wanna hear my bike its a machine and it sounds amazing. might where some weak ear plugs but still able the ear my surroundings
If you're gonna be doing more than 40mph for any amount of time, you really need ear plugs.  It's a lot more pleasant and it drastically reduces your risk of hearing damage.  Drop a few bucks on some custom silicone ones now - I screwed around with foamies for almost 10 years and every time I put my custom ones in now I wonder what the hell was wrong with me. :)

As a bonus, because they cut the wind noise so much, you actually hear the mechanical sounds coming from your bike BETTER when you have plugs in.


Bike looks great, congrats.

How much riding experience do you have?  Have you been practicing in that 14 months, or does the practice start now?
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 jneuf

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Congrats man. Now go ride the hell out of it! (safely, of course).
'75 CB400f

Offline xsmooth69x

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+ i wanna hear my bike its a machine and it sounds amazing. might where some weak ear plugs but still able the ear my surroundings
If you're gonna be doing more than 40mph for any amount of time, you really need ear plugs.  It's a lot more pleasant and it drastically reduces your risk of hearing damage.  Drop a few bucks on some custom silicone ones now - I screwed around with foamies for almost 10 years and every time I put my custom ones in now I wonder what the hell was wrong with me. :)

As a bonus, because they cut the wind noise so much, you actually hear the mechanical sounds coming from your bike BETTER when you have plugs in.


Bike looks great, congrats.

How much riding experience do you have?  Have you been practicing in that 14 months, or does the practice start now?

riding experience starts now. i have done manual atvs and little to no dirt bike time but i think ill manage.

the cb550 is still pretty light compared to my uncle and aunts harleys so ill be able to man handle it if it tips or somthing.

but ya its my first bike so i didnt have any others to practice on.

hopefully i wont have to make a re build this cuz i dropped my bike build thread hahaha..

===============================================================

im off to the dmv to hopefully get my new frame titled!!!

then i gotta stop to wally world to get some rotella oil and take out the regular auto oil i was using just to get the bike up and running  :P
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 kerryb

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Well done!...you should be proud.  Now go ride it like everyone else is trying to kill you and you'll be perfectly safe!
intrigued by the wail...seduced by the scream.

Offline Syscrush

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riding experience starts now. i have done manual atvs and little to no dirt bike time but i think ill manage.
Good luck to you, brother.  It's a fun and rewarding adventure that awaits you.

Dirt bike time counts a bit, ATV doesn't.

Have you done the MSF course in your area?

Quote
the cb550 is still pretty light compared to my uncle and aunts harleys so ill be able to man handle it if it tips or somthing.
The weight really only matters if you tip it.  When riding, you keep the bike upright with skill, and the skills that keep a 200 lbs dirtbike upright work just fine for an 900 lbs bagger.

Quote
but ya its my first bike so i didnt have any others to practice on.

hopefully i wont have to make a re build this cuz i dropped my bike build thread hahaha..
The reality is that this bike will probably get dropped and dinged up a few times as you learn to ride.  They key is to do your best, and if you do drop it, don't get back on until you've calmed yourself down enough to remain in control.

In my experience, people tend to crash when they make something else more important than not crashing (getting home despite the rain, getting to an interview on time, showing off for a buddy or a girl, catching up to that jackass who just cut you off so you can give him the finger, getting a knee down, killing your chicken strips, etc. etc. etc.).  Remember that your first and most important responsibility is to not crash, and you'll be well ahead of the game.
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 TwoTired

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the cb550 is still pretty light compared to my uncle and aunts harleys so ill be able to man handle it if it tips or somthing.
If by "man-handle" you mean picking up a dropped bike, remember to lift with your back toward the machine.

If you mean "man-handle" referring to making the bike go where you want. You're kinda in trouble and overlooking the rapport you should develop with the machine.

The 550 in particular responds well to "balance steering" (at least in stock form with stock tires, etc.), i.e. leaning your body steers the bike.

When you move yourself around, you have a "body center" which you maneuver, without much thinking about it.  On the MC you learn to extend your "body center" to include the bike's mass and it's response to control and body shift action.  This gets developed with practice, like most skills.

Cheers,
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 Tugboat

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Congrats man!! You've shown some true dedication and have an awesome bike to show for it. NOW GO RIDE!!!!
If it's worth doing, it's worth doing twice.

Offline xsmooth69x

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man handle like picking it up and going backwards and forwards to turn the bike around or like push it forward  :P

ya self preservation is pretty high up there on the list so im not really going to be a squid about riding my bike.

i drove it for a couple hours already and riding it is very easy. have the concept down well but i still havent taken in on the 55 mph roads yet. im still getting used to it.

also i have crash guards on the bike so a drop should maybe only take out my side mirrors so no biggy but i dont plan on dropping it.

when i take my full licence im going to borrow a friends scooter.

in MN as long as its a road legal scooter whatever you can take ur test. u can even use 3 wheel motorcycles like the 2 wheels in the front and one on the back bikes
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 Syscrush

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Have you done the MSF course?

I implore you to do it if you haven't already.
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 steakCB550K

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I agree about taking the MSF course, even if you have some experience.  The few hours of riding with a experienced rider watching you totally helps you with technique and they also give you some insight on their own experience.  good luck with riding.
77 CB550K
78 CB550K
77/78 cool 2 member

Offline Retro Rocket

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Have you done the MSF course?

I implore you to do it if you haven't already.

Absolutely....
750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.

Offline xsmooth69x

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i will look into the msf stuff and register as soon as possible im back in school the 27th and want my full licence so i can ride this beast over to my college house an hour away but my permit dosnt let me ride on highways or at night
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 Syscrush

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i will look into the msf stuff and register as soon as possible im back in school the 27th and want my full licence so i can ride this beast over to my college house an hour away but my permit dosnt let me ride on highways or at night
It's not just about getting to your license, it's about having a solid foundation to build on as you learn.

DO THE MSF COURSE. :)
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 xsmooth69x

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i will look into the msf stuff and register as soon as possible im back in school the 27th and want my full licence so i can ride this beast over to my college house an hour away but my permit dosnt let me ride on highways or at night
It's not just about getting to your license, it's about having a solid foundation to build on as you learn.

DO THE MSF COURSE. :)

i know this i just want to be a good driver

i dont think u need the msf course to get ur full licence
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 Operator

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Nice work!!! Ride it, be safe. That's all there is to it.

Good Luck
If ever there was a creator of bastard sons, it is the open road, for she has claimed so many young men yearning for freedom......

1973 CB750 K3
1976 CB400F (Cafe Project)
1979 Yamaha XS400 (Currently up for Sale)

Offline Syscrush

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The reason I'm advocating so strongly for the MSF course isn't because I think that you come out of it as an expert rider, it's because the vast majority of riders will never develop a real understanding of the dynamics of riding/steering/braking a motorcycle if they just go by how stuff feels as they ride/practice.

Having a solid understanding of those principles, and the chance to practice them in a parking lot, getting immediate feedback about bad habits you never knew you had, is an essential first step to becoming a safe & proficient motorcyclist.

And on the subject of being a proficient motorcyclist:

Read this book.

Again, it's not the font of all wisdom, but it has a lot of valuable insights and pointers.  Read it more than once.
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 knowsnothing

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I highly recommend the MSF course.  I was in a very similar situation as you, with no previous motorcycle experience, I bought a bike, fixed it up to be road worthy and then tried to learn how to ride on my own.  After about a year of messing around i decided to take the course (last aug) and wow it makes a difference.  I had already developed a few bad habits and now have a good understanding of what i should and shouldn't be doing.  Plus you get to whip and around and abuse THEIR bikes while you practice stuff. 

Another bonus, at  least here in MA, if you take the course you pretty much get a license at the end of the course.  No DMV visit required.

Take the course.   
1978 CB750k Green - 811 engine
1978 CB750k Blue - for sale
1974 CB375F Faded Black - had to have that 6th gear
1976 CB400F Red - in many pieces
1973 CB350F TBD - in many pieces

Offline xsmooth69x

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ow ya i like and love learning so i wouldve taken the course anyways and i do want to develop proper form and techniques so i will be taking the course for sure  :)
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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second day i had my bike out and its parked outside my work (summer job liqueur store) and people pulled in just to snap some pictures of it and not even step in to buy anything lol. ive been asked if it for sale already hahahahaha lol
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 dawdish

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Very nice and unique, I like the effect on the tank. Love the creativity with the LEDs' I'd say you kept your head above the flood just fine ;)
'75 CB400F
'72 CB500 Four
1 CB550 Chappa (barn find)
1 '75 CB550 (barn find)
'81 Guzzi V1000( I couldn't help myself)

Offline dave500

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does yours still have a working steering lock?if it does use it!liquor store hey??ill have a bottle of your cheapest and nastiest bourbon please,ill gladly pay you next tuesday!

Offline Finksies

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Nice job on the bike, I especially like the seat! Great how to on the fabric backed foam stuff.

Offline xsmooth69x

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does yours still have a working steering lock?if it does use it!liquor store hey??ill have a bottle of your cheapest and nastiest bourbon please,ill gladly pay you next tuesday!

steering lock.... ya that thing is long gone....

im going to have to figure out a way to lock my bike up.... thinking of like a pad lock on the rim but idk the bike is so light 2 guys can just put it on a pick up truck...
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 Syscrush

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im going to have to figure out a way to lock my bike up.... thinking of like a pad lock on the rim but idk the bike is so light 2 guys can just put it on a pick up truck...
Exactly.

I haven't locked my bikes for 10 years, including the steering lock.  You're more likely to inconvenience yourself than an even partially dedicated thief.
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.