Author Topic: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's  (Read 7735 times)

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Offline WarwickE36

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #50 on: June 12, 2011, 02:51:54 PM »
Do whats going to keep you motivated and wanting to ride.  I bought my bike and in 2 months have almost exactly what I want (mid-cafe-conversion).  My bike was not in as good condition as yours for sure but stock isn't what I wanted.  "To each his own." I havent done anything irreversible so going back to stock would only require me to put on the old fenders, lights, and bars.  Everyone riding a cafe isnt a Hipster.  I dont have gauged out ears or a nose-ring.  I have a sweet fun bike to ride that turns heads and is a real conversation piece.  Is it perfect? FAR FROM IT.  does it make me happy to get on it every morning and ride? HELL YA!  Is stock and clean cool Definitely... but it might not be for you.

2 months ago it looked like this ...

now it looks like this ....



If you like the look of stock go for it.... if you dont, I recommend taking off your stock pieces and saving them.... buy ebay fenders in rougher shape and cut them. thats what I did.  Like i said, nothing ive done is irreversible... i can always sell my bike in stock condition...or at least as stock as it was when I bought it.  Its all about having fun.

+1 for the steel braided brake lines and good pads... works wonders... also recommend AT LEAST a flush of the brake fluid.  I had a nice front brake seize at 50mph due to the return orifice in the master cylinder getting plugged from gunked up very old DOT 3.
« Last Edit: June 12, 2011, 03:05:50 PM by WarwickE36 »
" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #51 on: June 12, 2011, 03:33:58 PM »
well the gsxr conversion i would imagine would give you some ups on the suspension.....

but ya the stock front brakes are fine..... if you want to loose some weight and save some $$$$$ just take the stock rotors shave them down, drill, and slot them to drop a lot of weight.

i haven't yet taken mine to be done yet but from what other forum members say it takes a lot of weight off.

also the aluminum sprocket is a good idea too. it takes off some more rotational mass on the rear wheel. if you go aluminum you are going to have to get it custom made (its about $60 from what other forum member say) so might as well do a 530-520 chain conversion and maybe add 2-3 more teeth to the sprocket too to give it more up and go feeling. granted this will hurt your top end a little.

http://www.sprocketspecialists.com/

i say kill this thread and make a new build thread. ur going to get preached day and night it wont stop so time for a new thread  ;D
« Last Edit: June 12, 2011, 03:39:33 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: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #52 on: June 12, 2011, 03:41:18 PM »
Do whats going to keep you motivated and wanting to ride.  I bought my bike and in 2 months have almost exactly what I want (mid-cafe-conversion).  My bike was not in as good condition as yours for sure but stock isn't what I wanted.  "To each his own." I havent done anything irreversible so going back to stock would only require me to put on the old fenders, lights, and bars.  Everyone riding a cafe isnt a Hipster.  I dont have gauged out ears or a nose-ring.  I have a sweet fun bike to ride that turns heads and is a real conversation piece.  Is it perfect? FAR FROM IT.  does it make me happy to get on it every morning and ride? HELL YA!  Is stock and clean cool Definitely... but it might not be for you.

2 months ago it looked like this ...

now it looks like this ....



If you like the look of stock go for it.... if you dont, I recommend taking off your stock pieces and saving them.... buy ebay fenders in rougher shape and cut them. thats what I did.  Like i said, nothing ive done is irreversible... i can always sell my bike in stock condition...or at least as stock as it was when I bought it.  Its all about having fun.

+1 for the steel braided brake lines and good pads... works wonders... also recommend AT LEAST a flush of the brake fluid.  I had a nice front brake seize at 50mph due to the return orifice in the master cylinder getting plugged from gunked up very old DOT 3.

dude u have a sweet bike i like the color you used on your tank!!!!

there is one thing that is buggin the crap out of me..... you would have a perfect bike except.....

THAT SEAT!!!!!!!!!!! GET A NEW SEAT OR SEAT COVER!!! aghhhhh idk maybe its just me but that loose mooshy seat just makes the bike.... not so clean looking.....
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 WarwickE36

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #53 on: June 12, 2011, 03:58:19 PM »
Its all about the funding... see at the time I AM BROKE as far as bike funding goes....

I am saving up for a benjies seat and maybe tank.  This winter I will be doing a total engine overhaul and frame resto.  The current look is to get me riding for the summer :)
 
I bought the bike 2 months ago and did what I could to get it ready to ride and as cafe as possible for this summer.  My buddies dad does upholstery so I may have him refoam and stitch new leather over my pan until I can afford what I want.


As far as the color goes it was BMW Titanium Silber (yes silber not silver lol) metallic ... I had it left over from painting my bimmer :) yeah yeah i know I'm a cheap prick.  Over that i sprayed some Dupont Chroma-clear ... gotta love free!

Thank you so much for the positive feedback!!!
« Last Edit: June 12, 2011, 04:06:22 PM by WarwickE36 »
" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #54 on: June 12, 2011, 05:56:20 PM »
Its all about the funding... see at the time I AM BROKE as far as bike funding goes....

I am saving up for a benjies seat and maybe tank.  This winter I will be doing a total engine overhaul and frame resto.  The current look is to get me riding for the summer :)
 
I bought the bike 2 months ago and did what I could to get it ready to ride and as cafe as possible for this summer.  My buddies dad does upholstery so I may have him refoam and stitch new leather over my pan until I can afford what I want.


As far as the color goes it was BMW Titanium Silber (yes silber not silver lol) metallic ... I had it left over from painting my bimmer :) yeah yeah i know I'm a cheap prick.  Over that i sprayed some Dupont Chroma-clear ... gotta love free!

Thank you so much for the positive feedback!!!

matching car and bike huh NICE!  ;D
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 WarwickE36

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #55 on: June 12, 2011, 06:47:37 PM »
As far as the clubmans go, I got a set of wide clubmans that clear the triples... I love them.  I thought they were going to be horrendous on the back and what not.  They arent.... as far as a touring bike goes, no probably not the most fun to ride 300+ miles a day on, but I have put 150 in a day on mine and its not a big deal at all.  If you have ever ridden a sport bike of any kind there little difference in ridding position to me.  Im sure many people here will tell you otherwise... I have very little knowledge which people are not shy about telling me.  Just dont be scared off by what others tell you.  Everyone has their own style.
" Why does anyone get offended by what someone does to their own bike? I dont get it. "

You made me think about it after I cheered knowing someone else would like to know what these control freaks are up to.
 Every time any owner strips whatever precious Honda part the horrified purists parts go up in value. That's not the part that bothers them.
 What bothers them is they sat up late at night, their breast full of wonder and estrogen, unable to sleep, dreaming about their lovely darling and all her glory... and next thing you know someone else doesn't share their emotional deluge and their reaction is they must spread their mind museum as far as they possibly can, taking over as much of the real world as possible.

Drink fast, drive slow, but ride it like you stole it

1974 Cb550 with style
2004 SV650s

Offline CafeDawg

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #56 on: June 12, 2011, 10:27:31 PM »
Here here.  Many have said the clubmans are tough of the back or uncomfortable but I agree with Warwick I'm not feeling that.  I think the stance is fine, and very reminiscent of riding my old Katana.  I ride 100mi. a day commuting to work and think it's a comfortable ride.  I was going to just skip the hate but feel now that I have to address it because if I don't than I become complicit in it.  It's like this:  I get the schism between Stockers vs. Modifiers, just as I understand the friction between Harley riders and CrochRocket riders.  The deal is though people have different styles.  I don't sit here and pass judgement on the Stockers, no name calling or broad stroke labels.  You want to ride a shining stock Honda more power to ya, I think they look great and if that gets you where you want to go great.  I want a slightly different level of performance, a quicker steering response, quicker braking etc.  I've got 78 CB750F and one reason I got it was for the triple disc, I know it's barely still a SOHC.  I want to personalize it, make it my own, a different paint scheme etc.  Some one said that these bikes are like land and he was right; some land we set aside and conserve and then on others we cultivate and build.  There's room for both I think, seriously they are just machines.  Some of us want to upgrade, from points, or drums, this doesn't make us all hipsters (whatever the #$%* that is), or followers of a trend,we actually have clue.  And asking for advice doesn't mean you have to pull out a soap box. Most of my time here has been great with gracious, helpful, knowledge members helping someone new to CB's but I'm not "new".  So there ya go just felt I needed to add my voice to the fray not to escalate the debate but to stake my place.
Respect!
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1976 CB550 basket case cafe rebuild
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=106235.0
1978 CB750F evolving, daily rider
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Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #57 on: June 13, 2011, 12:36:32 AM »
how are clip on handle bars  ;)
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 db22

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #58 on: June 13, 2011, 04:29:21 AM »
"So I'm sure my wife doesn't like this, but i will look for a beater 750 and carve it up".

Lol, I hear ya!  +1 on all the opinions that you should keep it stock.  It's a fabulous bike!  You'll end up spending less and having a great ride if you just recondition the 550 and grab a junker to mod.  I have changed my 550 only to increase reliability (learned about pods the hard way), and have an eye out for something rusting in the back of a garage as a project bike.  Working on them is fun, but riding is even better.
1975 CB550K (rider)
1975 CB550K (shaping up, slowly)
I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride. . .

Offline db22

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #59 on: June 13, 2011, 04:45:52 AM »
Whoa, CB550inct, I just read some of the rough stuff that was posted on the second page.  If you were offended (I imagine you were!) by that stuff, please don't think the people on this forum are all that way.  I will fall in with those who feel that it's your bike and you can do what you please with it.

Yes, there are opinionated people here, but you won't find a better resource for the information you need to do whatever you decide to do with the bike.  My 550 would be on the centerstand in pieces, or parted out and gone by now, if it weren't for the help I received here.  Sorry for the beat-down you encountered.
1975 CB550K (rider)
1975 CB550K (shaping up, slowly)
I may be goin' to hell in a bucket, but at least I'm enjoyin' the ride. . .

Offline cb550inct

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #60 on: June 13, 2011, 07:53:28 AM »
I did som polsihing this weekend. worked on the spokes, my parts will be in so I will start a build thread on thurs.

Benji has a bolt on seat i like., no cutting and it had a brake light

Nice choice on the paint. I have always wated to make a bike like an ss chevelle. I could get the emblems and the paint online
1978 cb550k
1998 Harley Springer Softail
2004 Harley Heritage Softtail (sold)
2001 Vespa 150 (sold)
1980 Kawasaki Kx 80  (first Bike)

Offline AjG

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #61 on: June 13, 2011, 09:14:52 AM »
I have a cafed  (73) 350 and a stock (74) 750....truly different look and feel to the styles...I get more input from riders over 40 on the stock bike. Younger riders go nuts over the cafe style. I like the handling and feel of the cafe bars and tend to like that look better. However, I agree with everything I've read here....a bike like you have there should not be altered....if you do, keep all the origional stuff and don't cut anything....you can always throw the old seat, bars etc. back on. Your resale is best as an origional....harder to find people with your exact cafe desires.

Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #62 on: June 13, 2011, 07:55:45 PM »
Quote
Whoa, CB550inct, I just read some of the rough stuff that was posted on the second page.  If you were offended (I imagine you were!) by that stuff, please don't think the people on this forum are all that way.

I assume you read the title of this thread...?

X smooth, you also only came here recently with piles of questions and no idea, i don't mean to be rude here but where did all of a sudden gain all this SOHC knowledge..?  Some of us have been building and riding these bikes for 30-40 yeas...I am now building 3 750's and have owned 18 more {as well as dozens of other bikes} and my and others advice {that was what was asked for} is based on what we know about these bikes, something we also know is that they are becoming increasingly dearer and rarer because they are being hacked to death by young {and old} guys as part of a fad, only too be sold on fairly quickly. I would modify anything when i was young, and now with more experience and a little less selfish out look on things, cringe when i think of what i have done to some "classic" cars, funnily enough i have never done that to an old Honda or any other bike. I sure as hell have fixed a lot of other peoples foray's into customising {read screwing} these old girls.........A very broad question was asked, there is no need to get all touchy feely just because a majority of the answers aren't preferred ......
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750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #63 on: June 13, 2011, 09:31:24 PM »
Upgrade the RCA!!!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #64 on: June 14, 2011, 03:30:39 AM »
Quote
Whoa, CB550inct, I just read some of the rough stuff that was posted on the second page.  If you were offended (I imagine you were!) by that stuff, please don't think the people on this forum are all that way.

I assume you read the title of this thread...?

X smooth, you also only came here recently with piles of questions and no idea, i don't mean to be rude here but where did all of a sudden gain all this SOHC knowledge..?  Some of us have been building and riding these bikes for 30-40 yeas...I am now building 3 750's and have owned 18 more {as well as dozens of other bikes} and my and others advice {that was what was asked for} is based on what we know about these bikes, something we also know is that they are becoming increasingly dearer and rarer because they are being hacked to death by young {and old} guys as part of a fad, only too be sold on fairly quickly. I would modify anything when i was young, and now with more experience and a little less selfish out look on things, cringe when i think of what i have done to some "classic" cars, funnily enough i have never done that to an old Honda or any other bike. I sure as hell have fixed a lot of other peoples foray's into customising {read screwing} these old girls.........A very broad question was asked, there is no need to get all touchy feely just because a majority of the answers aren't preferred ......

i still have a bunch of questions!!!

i pretty much listed a bunch of bolt on parts.....

dont ask me about carb tuning, points timing stuff, electrical engineering stuff, internal engine stuff like valve stuff, tappet spacing stuff, clutch stuff, pretty much all engine stuff.....

although i do know if you change to a cb650 cam u need the 650 speedo and tach drive gear  :) maybe more stuff but im not giving advice how to do it but i know it can be done
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: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #65 on: June 14, 2011, 03:33:56 AM »
Upgrade the RCA!!!

what does this mean? RCA?
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 cb550inct

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #66 on: June 16, 2011, 09:44:27 AM »
1978 cb550k
1998 Harley Springer Softail
2004 Harley Heritage Softtail (sold)
2001 Vespa 150 (sold)
1980 Kawasaki Kx 80  (first Bike)

Offline 70CB750

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #67 on: June 16, 2011, 10:21:45 AM »
I wish you were closer - I would trade you (plus $$) for your bike.  Mine is an ideal candidate for build up, whoever tried to make a chopper out of it must have been smoking something really weird  >:(
Prokop
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Offline xsmooth69x

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #68 on: June 16, 2011, 02:49:24 PM »
I started a build thread here

http://www.dotheton.com/forum/index.php?topic=26764.new#new

lol what website is this?..... is this just a site to show off your cafe... i cant really find any info on it like help on your bike and such...... u should post the build on this site way more traffic and community

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 cb550inct

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #69 on: June 22, 2011, 03:52:13 PM »
I gave this allot of thought.  There are some serious CB enthusiast out there, and I feel I would rather sell my exhaust than store it. This could help complete someones 77-78 550k restoration.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=120741303732&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
1978 cb550k
1998 Harley Springer Softail
2004 Harley Heritage Softtail (sold)
2001 Vespa 150 (sold)
1980 Kawasaki Kx 80  (first Bike)

Offline bender01

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Re: new member looking for advice on do's and dont's
« Reply #70 on: June 22, 2011, 07:26:28 PM »
Sometimes pictures dont show the true condition. Some one else has one in far better museum quality some where.You can always keep an eye out for a NOS set that may show up for sale in a later day when you have $$$ to burn. Im a stock guy because thats how ive found them. Except for a 350f. That came to me altered. 
 Have Fun!
 Welcome too.
75 550 K1
74 750 K4
1968 450 K1 Super Sport
74 750k 836 project
http://www.bikepics.com/members/bender01/
So, the strategy is to lie to people you are asking for help?

I think I'll be busy going for a ride.

Good luck!
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