Doms CB550F1 project

[DomP]

Remove the footrest rubber Dom and check to see what shape the bar is, the 500 and the 550 used different shape rods, IIRC, the 500 used square type and the 550 flat type. As the 550 uses footrest rubbers that are held by bolts going through the rubber and threaded into the bar and the 500 doesn't have that, if you swap the bars over and drill holes for the bolts unless you get them right they don't line up and the rubber sits at an angle.

This sounds far more likely to me Ken, I'll go take a look and a few photos

[DomP]

Remove the footrest rubber Dom and check to see what shape the bar is, the 500 and the 550 used different shape rods, IIRC, the 500 used square type and the 550 flat type. As the 550 uses footrest rubbers that are held by bolts going through the rubber and threaded into the bar and the 500 doesn't have that, if you swap the bars over and drill holes for the bolts unless you get them right they don't line up and the rubber sits at an angle.

Here's some pics-

[Oddjob]

Something not right there Dom. The rear brake pedal is miles too high for starters. The dot on the pedal and the dot on the rear brake actuator arm are supposed to align.

[DomP]

Something not right there Dom. The rear brake pedal is miles too high for starters. The dot on the pedal and the dot on the rear brake actuator arm are supposed to align.

Thats because I've got the rear end in bits

[Oddjob]

Try turning the peg down on the bolt

[DomP]

Try turning the peg down on the bolt

In this photo you can see that it's located in the notch on the frame so won't rotate any further, the other way would be the wrong direction so i can only assume it must be the wrong peg for this bike

[Bryanj]

I am probably wrong but i seem to remember the tand on the footrest bar locating againg the frame peg that sticks out

[Oddjob]

Yeah, forgotten about that TBH Dom.

Footrest looks correct TBH. Special one fitted to the 550F due to the kickstart needing to fold right out to miss the standard 4 into 1 exhaust. It might be possible to fit the 500 footrest onto the lower bolt if you're not using the standard exhaust.

[DomP]

I am probably wrong but i seem to remember the tand on the footrest bar locating againg the frame peg that sticks out

Yeah that's correct Bryan

[andy120t]

I'm pretty sure I have the same on a 550f frame. Funny flip-up peg to avoid kickstart exhausts etc. with the peg in a different location to the K models.  I assumed the foot rest was angled forward to give a sportier lean forwards towards flat bars on the F model.

[Oddjob]

I'd try a 500 footrest if it bothers you Dom. Locate it on the lower bolt, although that may mean buying the double ended bolt with it being longer. The left hand footrest is essentially the 500 so it would match better as well. You need to drill the bar to take the bolts holding the hero plate on but that's it I reckon.

[DomP]

I'm pretty sure I have the same on a 550f frame. Funny flip-up peg to avoid kickstart exhausts etc. with the peg in a different location to the K models.  I assumed the foot rest was angled forward to give a sportier lean forwards towards flat bars on the F model.

I thought this too until I noticed the left side

[Oddjob]

I wonder if anyone with a 550F and a 500 could try and see if the 500 footrest would fit so long as you're using an aftermarket exhaust?

[DomP]

Not much progress lately, a bit more plating of bolts and brackets but other than that I need to paint the frame ready to get the engine back in and put together the top end.  I think for now I'm going to skip getting the camshaft reprofiled, I can always revisit that next winter. 

[DomP]

Yesterday morning I managed to drift the swing arm bushes out, the tube that runs through them had well and truly seized onto them so lots of blow torching sorted that.  What I have noticed now is that my swing arm sounds like like a child's rattle, lots of loose rust inside, how can I get it out?  It sounds solid enough when tapped so I don't think there is any terminal rot, I might drill a small hole and inject some Bilt Hamber S50