Topic: 1977 CB550F full rebuild

[kabuki]

Hi all,

This project started when I found this bike for $700 in decent running shape. I've been pretty interested in doing a cafe racer for a while, so I thought I'd get started. The original plan was to clean up the tank, mold a new rear clip, and some fresh paint.

The ever present head cyl oil leak was present, but since the compression was all pretty close, albeit low (110 psi), it didn't necessitate a rebuild.

Basically a friend convinced me that I should re paint the frame too, and once things started coming off, nothing short of a full restore will do now.

I've been getting lots of tips and info from this forum, and I thought I'd post my progress so that everyone can see what's going on, and offer any advice.

Cheers

Jon

Bringing it home.






Pulled the gauges apart.


This is about the point where I decided to pull everything off (I love a good project).


Polishing the carb tops.


Before and after polishing the fork legs.


A mock-up of the new gauges.


Engine out.


Relocating the battery.


Polished the front caliper.


I decided to make sure everything was okay inside the engine since things had already come this far.


Cases split.


That's about where things are at so far. I'll keep posting updates.

[mr g 400/4]

Nice work. Its horrible when the "only a clean up" goes a bit bigger.
My 400F was only going to get a clean up, but now its getting a little more apart and getting a lot more expensive!
Good luck with it.

[fastbroshi]

Let me know if you want to get rid of that exhaust.

[B.O.X.N.I.F.E.]

Nice polishing work. Having done some restoration before it's so tempting not to go that route once some bolts start getting turned. Post more progress pics as you go.