Hi all, I've recently been using the US site, thanks to Ewan I've been directed here, which is a little more closer to home.
I recently bought a CB550 1977 Suoersport F2, a barn fine which is in a bit of a state. However, my objective is to buikd a cafe racer, stripping the bike down and rebuilding from the ground up. I have an endless list of tasks to complete, albeit without a deadline as such.
http://acaferacerisborn.wordpress.com/gallery/#jp-carousel-210The bike is currently stripped, engine remains in the frame (due to 2 seized lower frame bolts)
Lots to be done to include:
The engine Will be stripped
Frame will be blasted and powder coated
Engine soda blasted and painted
Front end refurb, hub, spokes, rim, caliper, forks, seals etc
Rear end rebuild, hub, spokes, rim, brakes, bearings etc
Rewire
New hoses
New clutch plates
New chain and sprockets
New tyres
New bearings / bushes all round
Carbs stripped, cleaned, polished and parts replaced - cone filters
New clocks/gauges
Respray side panels, tank and cafe seat unit (silver)
New exhaust (downpipes/end can muffler)
Rear sets
Cafe seat
The list goes on...
Some people have asked why I'm not restoring it back to its original showroom condition, well, personally, I have no emotional, historical or sentimental connection with this bike, so with respect, it means nothing to me other than a heap of rust that would make a suitable donor for a cafe racer.
I've always admired cafe racers and love the style of this bike, I was told a CB550 would make a good project bike.
In hindsight it could've done with being in better condition (everything is seized on the damn thing) but then it's all good fun and a challenge to say the last.
Moving forward, I've stripped the bike down to the frame, the forks have been stripped, new seals, oil and a polish. The carbs are half way through being, stripped, cleaned, replacement parts and polished.
The front end is being stripped, I managed to separate the hub from the disc, which seemed to be fused together, it took me about 2 hours.
So that's where I am am at the moment, the engine is being worked on also, rocker and head off so far, bearing in mind it's taking me 5x longer due to everything being seized!! I love a challenge me!!
For more info, pics etc, go to
http://www.acaferacerisborn.wordpress.com I will of course do my best to duplicate the posts here for anyone wanting to follow. I use an iPad a lot which unfortunately and irritatingly doesn't work great when adding photos etc. I will have to dig the laptop out. Does anyone know if this site is on Tapatalk? I know the US version is.
Hope to get to know some of you and obtain valuable advice, experience, tips and tricks :-)
Cheers
Chris
