1976 CB550F1 (what have I let myself in for) Project

[eight0]

Thanks! The lines aren't touching the stanchions, just looks like it in those pics. I'll take some better pics soon.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Thanks! The lines aren't touching the stanchions, just looks like it in those pics. I'll take some better pics soon.

It certainly looks a neat "Cafe Racer Style" - looking at the void where there was probably a battery & air box - in needs some nice chrome alloy air intakes fitting - probably not good for engine wear but I always liked those bell mouthed intakes with a coarse guaze over them to keep out the big rocks!

[Bryanj]

They wernt to keep out rocks but small children@

[eight0]

As nice as the velocity stacks look, I've spent too much time and money on this engine to fill it with dirt and dust.

I've ordered these from Steeldragonperformance the US, they have metal bell mouths built in which improves airflow over standard pods (apparently).

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

As nice as the velocity stacks look, I've spent too much time and money on this engine to fill it with dirt and dust.

I've ordered these from Steeldragonperformance the US, they have metal bell mouths built in which improves airflow over standard pods (apparently).

(Attachment Link)

Nice looking finish - the sensible choice.

[MCTID]

Congratulations from me too....I like Standard bikes, but all credit to your efforts......I think you have accomplished something really 'special' with your 'special' !

You'll need to add 5 minutes to all your rides as plenty of people will be asking you lots of questions about your bike....nice questions of course....and get ready for the positive handshakes. Well done fella.

[eight0]

They designed for the Honda fours? I'm wondering how they seal to the carb body, is that the back and the bell mouths bolt onto the flanges there and the front has rubber gaiters like the OE airbox?

Those particular ones might not be, that photo is from the website. The ones I've ordered are made for the cb550 069A carbs.  When they arrive I will let you know!

[eight0]

Just as a matter of interest what did you do with the kickstart, I know you refitted it etc but did you change the gears at the same time or reinstall the old ones, I notice the kickstart lever is missing so I'm thinking you went with the old ones.

I didn't. I left it out of the case and just left the shaft and circlip/spring in place under the clutch cover.

The kickstart doesn't clear the rearset anyway so I was going to have to modify the arm somehow. I've decided to leave it out and just use the electric start for now. I really did want to keep the kickstart though... if I miss it I will look at it then and I will have to get new gears.

[eight0]

Is this ok for fuel heights?

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[robvangulik]

First pic maybe a tad high, second looks right on the money

[Laverda Dave]

Just catching up on some threads. I missed the finished bike first time round so just seen it.
Congratulations on a great build and to keep going when faced with last minute set backs. The choice of paint colour really sets the bike off especially with the tan seat. You should have a lot of fun on that👍.

[eight0]

Thanks, I'll adjust those heights a bit.

Cheers Dave, yeah very happy with it.

Made a numberplate bracket last weekend. Bit Harley like but there's not enough room over the wheel Bit I think it looks ok

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[ Guests cannot view attachments ]

[SteveD CB500K0]

Doubles as a chain lube catcher

Are you going to fit a chain guard?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[eight0]

Yes probably, I might try and make one though it's down on the list of priorities at the moment.

It had a bad hanging idle, so I'm getting the float heights perfect, going back to original 38 pilots for now until I can source genuine 40's and putting some genuine larger mains in.

Still waiting for the custom air filters to come from the US.

[K2-K6]

Hanging idle is often a conflict of how the slide's heights are set against the master idle speed control adjustment screw.

Those air filters in previous post look to have many of the attributes of an airbox (they seem a particularly decent approach) and so possible that it'll be easier to work with when they are fitted. Definitely seems worthwhile getting those on before setting absolute jetting.