Topic: 1977 CB550F IDK (first build)

[minimo]

My garage and living room have been somewhat interchangeable as of late. With parts spread out between the two floors, at times I forget which space I'm in. I had a day off of work today so I figured I'd tidy up a little bit and try to get some parts together.

Installed new fork seals, rebound springs, O-rings, Progressive front fork springs (tightly wound springs down), and a fresh pour of Honda SS-8 10w suspension fluid.
My Clymer manual states 6.5 oz (160cc) for front fork oil capacity, whereas almost unanimously, the web universe calls for 5.4 oz. So I split the difference and called it 6 oz even.
Had some difficulty screwing the big bolt down on the tops and then remembered a number of posts here on the forums claiming it was best to get the forks in the triple-trees to act as a clamp to keep the stanchions from slipping. With a little uumf and a bruised right wrist, I was able to catch the first bit of threads as I pushed with all my mite on the big bolt. What a bear.

Next, I'll have to determine what I'm going to do with my frame because if I go the powder coating route, I'll definitely have to get the triple-trees done up as well. Stay tuned.

[minimo]

Working the wheels. Still.

Got around to replacing the bearings on the front wheel on my day off
With retainer
Took the opportunity to clean out (and re-grease) the gearbox. Waiting for the replacement oil seal (Victor Reins - hope it's a good fit)


I smacked the rear bearings in as well and still waiting for the NOS oil seals.

This Harbor Freight Bearing Race Driver set came in real handy on these bearings. Recommended. http://m.harborfreight.com/10-piece-bearing-race-and-seal-driver-set-95853.html?utm_referrer=direct%2Fnot%20provided

[minimo]

That wasn't so bad. I got a Motion Pro Armor Rim Strip stuck on the inside and with a Motion Pro Bead Buddy and a pair of Motion Pro tire irons, I stuffed a partially inflated BikeMaster tube and worked on a 19" Dunlop K70 tire; all by myself.
Booyah!

[minimo]

Oh, and with LOADS of 99¢ Store baby powder for lube.

[minimo]

So it turns out I have one of those darn 16" rear wheels on my 550. FML.

There's an amusing thread about it here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=37892.0

In addition to this, I went against the Hondaman grain and got myself a pair of Dunlop K70 tires, with the 19" at the front and mistakingly/hastily purchased 18" for the rear (not realizing my rear is 16").

Damnit. I suppose this 16" rear wheel now has more worth than the tire since it's spoked and trued by Buchanan's. I've been searching but I guess Dunlop doesn't make a 16" K70 rear tire.

Thoughts?

Should I just get a different set of tires? Will Bike Bandit accept returns (after front tires has been mounted)?

Or

Should I shop for an 18" spoked wheel?

[minimo]

Chopped rear and preparing hoop (upswept version courtesy of sohc4's very own, harisuluv)

[minimo]

Chopped/hooped

Tank mocked
Rear hoop may need a little trim

[jtran000]

great work sofar!  very inspirational and keep up the good work!  going to pick your brain when i start tearing into my engine

[minimo]

Thanks, jtran000! Slow as it goes... Your bike is coming along handsomely; and it's running!

I ended up getting a pair of Dunlop D404s - 19" in the front and 16" rear. These were actually the tires that Dunlop Consumer Affairs recommended to me as being higher performance and better speed rating than the K70s.

Meanwhile, I sent Bike Bandit back the uninstalled K70 18" rear so I'm stuck with a 19" front which I'll uninstall tomorrow. Anyone interested in buying it from me? A never ridden on (once installed) 3.5-19 front Dunlop K70? $50. I'll pay half of shipping. Local pickup encouraged :-)

[dave500]

use Dunlop 501 or Pirelli sport demons,those others are cruiser tyres man!

[minimo]

Thanks, dave500. I hear ya but as a first time rider, I think I'll be cruisin' at average speeds of 30 mph on straight roads :-)

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You won't be doing 30 mph in LA for long -- or you will have people honking at you to get out of the way.   

IMHO, there is ZERO harm in getting a better tire that offers better performance.  It will offer better traction and be safer for you.

[minimo]

Word.

Still, the Dunlop D404 are higher rated than the K70 tires. But damn, I like that knobby look.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Word.

Still, the Dunlop D404 are higher rated than the K70 tires. But damn, I like that knobby look.

I ride in LA, OC and the IE.  I don't like to ride in rain.  If you are going to be riding on surface streets, get a street tire.  The knobby tires might look cool, but they will offer inferior traction on an asphalt/concrete riding surface.  I don't want to be a buzz kill, but go for function over looks, especially if you are an inexperienced rider.  You want every advantage you can get.  People in LA drive like crap!

[minimo]

Thanks, CB750! I hear you, loud and clear. Per Dunlop, here are specs on the D404:
http://www.dunlopmotorcycle.com/tire-catalog/road/street/d404/
An all-around good-performing tire available in many sizes to fit a wide variety of standard, cruiser and older bikes.
Tread compound helps deliver impressive balance of mileage and grip.
Front and rear tread patterns enhance water evacuation and wet grip.
Bias-ply construction helps deliver a smooth ride for enhanced comfort.
Offset center groove for enhanced straight-line stability.
Dunlop performance in a great value package.
The D404 is not meant to be used on Harley-Davidson motorcycles.

[minimo]

Do I need some special seal or washer to make my valve stem fit? The hole is way too big.

[calj737]

You need a retaining washer outside rim, then nut threads on stem above washer.

[minimo]

Thanks, calj737.
I'll look into that retaining washer. I'll call BikeBandit on Monday.
I measured the hole diameter with my calipers and it's roughly 15mm. Could it follow that a TR-15 type stem work in this situation?

Some other notable details regarding my rear rim/tire:

- fitting a Dunlop D404 130/90-16
- the valve stem hole on the rim is offset (found opposite of the chain sprocket side)

[calj737]

Grab a washer from the hardware store; they're not specific to rims always. The offset is not unusual either if the center of the rim is "dropped" (raised from the rim edge).

[minimo]

Awesome. Thanks, calj737!

[minimo]

Bob @Johnson & Wood in NoHo sorted me out on my rear tube conundrum. The PO probably stuck on this wheel from an old Harley. Ultimately, I had to get a 5.00/5.10-16 TR15 (offset) inner tube to make it all work. This setup with the 16" rear was a common mod back in the day.
Got my dose of gym-time today muscling these rubbers on with my handy Motion Pro tire irons. Getting the hang of this B)

Next, a mock up of the rear wheel in position so I know how far I want the frame hoop to hang over it. I'm leaning toward a stubbier rear end with part of the fender cowling over the wheel. Does it sound like I know wth I'm talking about? IDK.

[Tews19]

I have a 550 rear rim if you want... pay shipping and it's yours if you do not want to use the Harley wheel. 

[minimo]

Tews19! Very kind and cool offer that I may take you up on. I will PM you. Thanks!

[Tews19]

No problem.  I can snap some pics. Send me number in PM and I can text you the pics.

[minimo]

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