Topic: ***Rocker's 1st Cafe Racer Build***

[Rocker]

For a long time I have wanted to build a cafe racer. I have searched all over this forum and the rest of the internet for information to start my own build. I hit Craigslist about 5 times a day looking for the right bike(s). I lucked up and found a really good deal from a local guy selling a 1974 CB550 K0 with a spare motor and box of spare parts. I could not pass the deal up.




The bike does have some missing parts. One of them is the headlight assembly. DCopp sold me an extra he had. I am expecting it in the mail soon. In the meantime, I am sorting through the bird nest of wires. The previous owner painted the speedo/tach bracket yellow.... 



Needs battery and organizing of wires on right side. I would like to get some side covers but my plans are to eventually rewire the electrical system and leave this area open.



Seat has seen better days. Not sure if I will buy a cafe seat or use the frame on this one to make my own.



After I hooked a few wires up and applied power, I got a neutral light and brake light. These are promising signs!

[Rocker]

Minus the tank and seat. Without a compression gauge I did the next best thing. I used my hands. I places my hand over each carb insulator while my wife kicked the bike over. Each time I had a nice black round suction circle on my hands. I realize this is not definitive test but at least lets me know I have compression.



The spare motor is much cleaner the motor on the bike. I am torn between which to use.



Electrical components seem to be in good shape. No major cracks on any of the plastic and the wires are not corroded. I will re-insulate the wires and use some wore loom later down the line.



More yellow....I don't get why the previous owner like yellow so much. This is the front brake cable. I am a little worried about the lump I found. Hope it is not malignant!!






Box of extra parts. Some of which do not fit a CB550.



more updates to follow...   

[burmashave]

Good deal and good pics, Rocker.  Why are you torn as to which motor to use? I wonder if it would make sense to compare them with a compression tester, although you'd need to figure out how to test mount the spare motor to be able to kick it.

[edit 23 June]Ooooops. I was too busy looking at the pictures to read how you did test the compression. 

[ProTeal55]

Looks like a great start to a killer bike !

[bill440cars]

                Seems like you've got some good material  to build in whatever direction you decide to go.
          Lots of Lucks with your project.

                                                    Later on, Bill

[Meet The Twins]

You wouldnt happen to have a spare left hand control IE: Lights/ horn/ blinkers in that box would you? I need one badly!

Amazing bike. I love my CB500T. I thought I got a good deal but yours rivals mine

[Bodain]

You will quickly figure out which engine to use when you run a real compression test. <GRIN>

[Rocker]

I did finally get my compression tester but I have not had time to use it. Work, family, and so forth have taken all my time lately. Plus it's been too hot in my garage to work on it anyway.

I do have plans to have it ready by next riding season (Well, atleast riding it. Maybe not 100% done)