Duc's Cafe Racer Project - CB550 '76

[Duc]

Here is where I am at with my Cafe Racer Project.

Original CB550 Super Sport '76 and now stripped down as shown.

-Engine ready for removal and off to the mechanics after the weekend.
-Parts and covers will be polished and coated.
-Frame to be stripped and powder coated.s
-Wheels / spokes polished
-Tank and side covers to be painted

Parts ready and waiting to be refitted include seat hump, winged tappett covers, winged generator and winged points covers plus polished exhaust clamps and brand new 4 into 1 exhaust sytem from Pete @ Custom Chambers coated by ProCoat.

Carb system already refurbished and ready.


http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...CB550orig2.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...tripped3sm.jpg

http://i170.photobucket.com/albums/u...tripped2sm.jpg

[Bonez]

Looks like you had a damn fine example to start with. Looking fwd to progress.

[jonbuoy]

Nice base to work with there, have you decided on tank & seat?

[xwhatsit]

Honda Café, sexy time

You're old, so you'll have the budget to do it within a decade. Dun and Jonbuoy, I hate you both

Good luck. That's a hell of a nice bike to begin with; I've seen one other in real life, and it's a complete rat, which is a shame. With that frame shape it ought to be very straightforward with seats and tanks and such things.

[Duc]

Nice base to work with there, have you decided on tank & seat?

Will use existing tank. Its ok and in excellent condition but I would have preferred one with a raised chrome filler cap intead of the flap that this tank has. If any one wants to swap one? (Contact me). I also have other (un required) original CB550 parts in excellent condition and will do a few TradeMe auctions soon.

I have bought a hump seat but not sure if I like it so I am going to keep searching. There are a couple I like in the States.

As of today motor and wheels and bars removed. Tomorrow ...forks and swing arm will go.

...Let the games begin.

I want this bike on the road by Xmas (this year).

[98tls]

Awsome Duc.............once you get started its hard to let it go eh.....ive an old XS750 triple i am mucking (slowly) about with..look forward to seeing your progress.

[Bonez]

Will use existing tank. Its ok and in excellent condition but I would have preferred one with a raised chrome filler cap intead of the flap that this tank has. If any one wants to swap one? (Contact me). I also have other (un required) original CB550 parts in excellent condition and will do a few TradeMe auctions soon.

I have bought a hump seat but not sure if I like it so I am going to keep searching. There are a couple I like in the States.

As of today motor and wheels and bars removed. Tomorrow ...forks and swing arm will go.

...Let the games begin.

I want this bike on the road by Xmas (this year).

You could chrome the tank flap. Sets off a black tank very nicely. A cb500 or early cb550k tank will fit straight on though giving the raised cap look. I could be interested in cb550 parts btw, depending on what they are. Have a '76 cb550FA myself I've owned fof 21 years. Ventura manufacter Manx style handle bars for around $50 a pop.

[Duc]

Bonez: I really like the idea of the chromed flap ... thanx.

I will PM you with contact details and maybe I have parts you need and vice versa.


Sunday Progress - Swingarm and front forks removed. Frame is almost ready for berad blasting and powder coating. I need to work out exactly what parts will get this treatment but guess I can do it in a few stages.

[roadracingoldfart]

I had a CB400/4 for many yrs and looking at the front brakes you have made me remember what a scarey thing they are when you want to slow down.
CB400N or CB650F calipers and rotors can easily be adapted to the front wheel. If you want more detail then PM me and ill let you know what i used to run.
Good luck with the project.
Paul.

[Duc]

I will PM you because I do want to "upgrade" the brakes and have been gathering info on a braided line system and eliminating the brake connector on the triple clamps.