Author Topic: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine (Read 126783 times)

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #150 on:** August 30, 2015, 04:53:11 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on August 30, 2015, 04:44:07 PM

I agree with riverfever that rotor is going to look great and perfm great.
Are you rebuilding the caliper? Figure you are using the stock caliper.

I am using a pair of stock Tokiko monoblocks from a low-mile GSXR. They look pretty darn clean - plenty of life left in the pads, too. I have a spare set of pads, if I decide to replace them.

t1_zps31hghohm by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

t2_zps0fewwkmi by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

t3_zpsjubhnopv by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

t4_zpsxuze5f6y by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #151 on:** August 30, 2015, 04:56:48 PM »

The stock frame on the 550 has a gentle curve to the upper seat/frame rails. I'm leaning towards using a Motolanna seat (until I decide on a custom sheet metal seat), with white overstitching, since the seat has a similar soft curve.

image_zpsdfilcfz7 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

image_zpslzwbyzyt by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #152 on:** August 30, 2015, 04:57:06 PM »

Painted sidecovers

image_zpsre2fqmgx by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

P.abrera · « **Reply #153 on:** August 30, 2015, 05:23:12 PM »

Dig that color a lot. Im big on neutral metallic tones

Retro Rocket · « **Reply #154 on:** August 30, 2015, 05:40:54 PM »

Quote from: P.abrera on August 30, 2015, 05:23:12 PM

Dig that color a lot. Im big on neutral metallic tones

Yeah, I like those colors as well, looking good Don....

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #155 on:** August 30, 2015, 06:43:52 PM »

Thanks, Mick and Paolo.

I also ordered an electronics tray from Devin at Cognitomoto to sort out and hide my electrical components.

IMG_6227_zpsfwt6nmb8 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

IMG_6228_113d836e-93f8-466b-923d-5cf0024ee1b2_zpsrpxfqftv by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

riverfever · « **Reply #156 on:** August 30, 2015, 06:54:55 PM »

Don I'm very interested to see (if you use it) how you mount this seat. I know Devin used a similar one on his 550 build but I haven't ever seen how it was mounted. I would rather not cut up my frame. Would appreciate it if you would send me any pics during the process. Even if they're just random shots that have nothing to do with motorcycles as I know you like to do that from time to time.

Bigsam302 · « **Reply #157 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:02:43 PM »

Don, this is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see it finished!

Sam

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #158 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:07:18 PM »

Quote from: riverfever on August 30, 2015, 06:54:55 PM

Don I'm very interested to see (if you use it) how you mount this seat. I know Devin used a similar one on his 550 build but I haven't ever seen how it was mounted. I would rather not cut up my frame. Would appreciate it if you would send me any pics during the process. Even if they're just random shots that have nothing to do with motorcycles as I know you like to do that from time to time.

Chris,

Whatever could you mean??

The Motolanna seat says that it includes 4 6mm mounting studs. I ordered one to give it a try. I am not certain this will be the ultimate seat I stick with but it will provides somewhere to plant my backside for now.

My buddy Jay is going to weld seat mount tabs onto the top frame rails for a seat to be mounted. I will have to see how to get this one to play nice. The underside photo of the Motolanna seat does not show the mounting studs.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #159 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:07:53 PM »

Quote from: Bigsam302 on August 30, 2015, 07:02:43 PM

Don, this is coming along nicely. I can't wait to see it finished!

Sam

Thanks, Sam. I've been following yours, too.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #160 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:48:21 PM »

If it has a composite layup of fiberglass/etc then it should probably be supported as best you can along the edges and front. So, form a metal or wood frame to keep it from being overstressed.
if it has a metal pan, then you are good. Just not sure a fiberglass pan or base will be strong enough without being a very thick layup unless it has some carbon fiber in the layup.
Understanding my concern?

Some nice components you have chosen for your build. It is going to look great

David

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #161 on:** August 30, 2015, 07:52:00 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on August 30, 2015, 07:48:21 PM

If it has a composite layup of fiberglass/etc then it should probably be supported as best you can along the edges and front. So, form a metal or wood frame to keep it from being overstressed.
if it has a metal pan, then you are good. Just not sure a fiberglass pan or base will be strong enough without being a very thick layup unless it has some carbon fiber in the layup.
Understanding my concern?

Some nice components you have chosen for your build. It is going to look great

David

David,

It's a fiberglass base form. I completely see your point. You want to displace the stress/load as much as possible, and obviously not fail to provide adequate support (so it doesn't snap).

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #162 on:** August 31, 2015, 10:59:38 AM »

The 750F hub/brake arrives today via USPS from Bill Benton! Then it's off to the blaster and powdercoater to match the black Cognitomoto hub in front, then new Sun hoops from Buchanan's and lacing/truing.

It'll be ON like . . .

dk by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #163 on:** August 31, 2015, 09:52:13 PM »

Well, the wheel hub/brake arrived in the mail today from Bill.

I have the cush drive rubbers and bearings ready for when the wheel goes back together (after blasting, powdercoating and re-lacing).

The bottom end of the engine is together and ready for paint.

CBertels · « **Reply #164 on:** September 01, 2015, 06:05:31 AM »

Looking good!

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #165 on:** September 04, 2015, 11:00:00 PM »

I got my Cognitomoto electronics tray today. I decided to go with the deeper tray because with the Motolana seat, I will not be able to tuck the battery into the seat cowl. Devin was supercool and changed it out before it shipped (all in the same day).

image_zpsnocmjuwq by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #166 on:** September 04, 2015, 11:26:03 PM »

Took my Old Girl out today. I hadn't been out on her for like 6-7 months. I forgot what a beauty and (torque) beast she is. I go on about improving the power on my 650 and 750 engines, but there is nothing like this sucka (and she pales in comparison to many new bikes out there). I felt like I was riding a rocket. I wacked open the throttle in first and was up into the 60s before I shifted into second with the wheel hovering. She's a "fun machine" but scary fast.

I felt like . . .

Restoration Fan · « **Reply #167 on:** September 05, 2015, 05:30:32 AM »

Don,
It's looking good. Your builds always have a very refined look; I'm looking forward to seeing how it works out.

I received my "deep tray" for the 500 yesterday and test fitted it. I like it a lot and think I'm going to go ahead and purchase one for the 550 as well.

Ron

FunJimmy · « **Reply #168 on:** September 05, 2015, 09:05:50 AM »

Quote from: CB750 Cafe Racer Fan on September 04, 2015, 11:26:03 PM

Took my Old Girl out today. I hadn't been out on her for like 6-7 months. I forgot what a beauty and (torque) beast she is. I go on about improving the power on my 650 and 750 engines, but there is nothing like this sucka (and she pales in comparison to many new bikes out there). I felt like I was riding a rocket. I wacked open the throttle in first and was up into the 60s before I shifted into second with the wheel hovering. She's a "fun machine" but scary fast.

I owned and rode an SP1 for many years Don. One of my favorite and most missed motos ever!
I wish Honda would start building adventure bikes with that amazing V-twin engine. KTM would have something to worry about.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #169 on:** September 05, 2015, 09:19:16 AM »

Quote from: FunJimmy on September 05, 2015, 09:05:50 AM

I owned and rode an SP1 for many years Don. One of my favorite and most missed motos ever!
I wish Honda would start building adventure bikes with that amazing V-twin engine. KTM would have something to worry about.

The old RC is still such a fun bike. I guess Honda's closest arrow to the bulls-eye is its new Africa (parallel) Twin.

Now if Honda made another flat tracker twin (RS750) . . .

bwaller · « **Reply #170 on:** September 05, 2015, 09:46:13 AM »

Those RC's were the last motorcycles to "move my soul".

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #171 on:** September 05, 2015, 10:22:45 AM »

With the RC, it feels like there is no resistance from the pavement and you can take off at any speed. The sound of the exhaust is like a drug urging you to stay on the throttle. It's a good thing the factory brakes are so good.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #172 on:** September 05, 2015, 02:03:42 PM »

One of the support engineers in Sierra Vista had a crotch rocket for a while. He lived in Tucson. The judge gave him the option of forfeiture of the bike and MC license or facing a huge fine. He was stopped on I10 doing in excess of 100. Limit there is 75. The officer was very angry with him as he had to hive chase for several miles as he wasn't paying attention to anything behind him and it took the cop several miles to close the distance.
I believe the bike was a Suzuki.
David

grcamna2 · « **Reply #173 on:** September 05, 2015, 02:05:45 PM »

Quote from: RAF122S on September 05, 2015, 02:03:42 PM

One of the support engineers in Sierra Vista had a crotch rocket for a while. He lived in Tucson. The judge gave him the option of forfeiture of the bike and MC license or facing a huge fine. He was stopped on I10 doing in excess of 100. Limit there is 75. The officer was very angry with him as he had to hive chase for several miles as he wasn't paying attention to anything behind him and it took the cop several miles to close the distance.
I believe the bike was a Suzuki.
David

Did he pay the fine ?

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #174 on:** September 05, 2015, 02:15:57 PM »

Back on topic. Bottom end together with stainless steel bolt kit, HD cylinder studs installed and painted Cast Iron VHT. The alternator cover has a decent scratch in it a little to deep to hide. I have a spare clean one (one the way) that I will paint and replace. Awaiting porting on the head.

IMG_4001_zpsmneopf7k by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

IMG_4002_zpsbeu2iuu0 by Donald Leonhardt, on Flickr

The weather is too nice. Time to ride.

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Author Topic: The Hot Mess - 1975 CB550F1 Frame/1981 CB650 Engine (Read 126783 times)