what different/modern front ends can used

[stuartni]

Currently building another cb550 with a mono shock conversion. Have been doing quite a bit of searching on what fronts end conversions have been done such as

r6
gsxr
fireblade
gl1000 75-77 (direct fit)

Basically wondering what other options are available without going to end of the world an back to make them work.

[JustcallmeMrT]

I have no clue, but would love to see some pics of the monoshock conversion!

[hunterso]

From what I've read on this - the r6 is an easier bolt on job re the triple trees etc and bearings from allballs.

But you will have to mess about getting spacers made for the front wheel.

There is a good write up on sohc US I think - I will link it later if I can find it.

Gsxr is made easier but pricey by cognitomoto who can supply all the bits you need including a spoked hub to fit the forks.

Have a look at cognitomoto - really nice gear

Very interested in whichever way you decide to go.

[SteveD CB500K0]

This is from way back (2008) on .net



http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=30457.msg313584#msg313584

I know nothing of this guy but he is (was?) in Cumbria:

You can find more pictures in the following links

http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/hon1.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/hon2.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/hon5.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/honda1.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/HPIM0130.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/HPIM0131.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/HPIM0132.JPG
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/HPIM0159s.jpg
http://www.dalston.ndo.co.uk/HPIM0160s.jpg

The bike was bought from a pal, who decided to 'improve' it with a sledgehammer and welder, I bought it and let it get a bit more ratty.
The the motor decided to get a bit rough, it initially started as a engine rebuild, the top ring on no2 was broke and jammed between the positon and the bore, and all the top rings on the other pistons were broken. And it still ran!

When the engine was in bits I looked at the bike and decided to clean it up, i had i my possession the bits you see on the bike that were bought quite cheap, its a GSXr400SP front end and the VFR750FM rear end, with a ducati 916 replica tail and the CBX550 tank.
I had to get the triples re-stemmed, chopped off and built a new subframe, sourced a new shock, and a bit of paint and it looks like you see it now.

[Bitsa (Ralph Wright - RIP)]

Sorry guys thats frackin awfull to me why on earth do you want that?
Frack me but if you want a modern heap of shite go for it
Sorry hate it with vengance
Cheers
Bitsa

[Green1]

Dare I say it but I agree with Bitsa 
What is the point in a modern front and rear end if you still have the wussy frame in the middle.
Everything looks out of proportion on that.

Mick   

[mickwinf]

I agree with Bitsa and Mick, don't see the point of making a classic into an ugly modern looking bike with an old style engine, just buy a modern bike! If you wish to modify an old bike do it with more period mods.

[hairygit]

And after spending all the time and money turning a beautiful bike into something so f#ck ugly it makes me feel sick, how are you going to insure it? Seems to me as absurd as putting a Honda 90 engine into a fireblade!

Sent from my GT-S5839i using Tapatalk 2

[Norniron]

How about this then

[Trigger]

Norniron, that doesn't have a dresda arm on it. You should be happy with yours seeing everyone wants to buy it

[stuartni]

From what I've read on this - the r6 is an easier bolt on job re the triple trees etc and bearings from allballs.

But you will have to mess about getting spacers made for the front wheel.

There is a good write up on sohc US I think - I will link it later if I can find it.

Gsxr is made easier but pricey by cognitomoto who can supply all the bits you need including a spoked hub to fit the forks.

Have a look at cognitomoto - really nice gear

Very interested in whichever way you decide to go.

Yes looked at all these builds and cognitomoto site and builds does some lovely work.

I would like to use a gl1000 but the cost to buy everything for the front end is nnearlythe same as a modern front end tho it is direct fit for the 1975-1977 model.Think maybe cb750 dohc or cb900 might work

[stuartni]

And after spending all the time and money turning a beautiful bike into something so f#ck ugly it makes me feel sick, how are you going to insure it? Seems to me as absurd as putting a Honda 90 engine into a fireblade!

Sent from my GT-S5839i using Tapatalk 2

I agree with Bitsa and Mick, don't see the point of making a classic into an ugly modern looking bike with an old style engine, just buy a modern bike! If you wish to modify an old bike do it with more period mods.

I agree the bike above is terrible looking and is not what I would want at all. I personally don't think it's absurd to what better suspension and brakes and I am more of fan to a more period correct style but in regards to this bike it hadn't moved since 1988 and had been in a barn fire and for what ever reason the rear section had a lot more rust mainly round the shock mounts which pushed the mono shock idea. The bikes has its stock front end needing new stanchions seals rebuild caliper etc spend all that money to have poor suspension and wooden brakes so naturally it tempting to look at what other options are out there. With insurance I would insure it same as any other modified bike.

[stuartni]

How about this then

That's the idea for the mono shock conversion. How are you keeping anyway? Have you started the 550 build yet

[hunterso]

The bike that Steve posted is truly awful. 

These however are in a different league
First bike is the cognitomoto 550 with gsxr front end.
The next is (I think) funjimmys bike off sohc US with an R6 front end
Both very nicely executed

[mickwinf]

Everyone to their own, we are entitled to do what we wish to our own bikes its just to me the pleasure in owning an old bike is the fact that it is old and looks old, so I don't see the point of making it look like a modern bike as it will never handle as well as a new one due to the compromise of using an old frame. Anyway a proper bike should have two shocks!! I do like to look at custom bikes and admire the skill and workmanship involved, so if that's your bag then go for it.