Doms CB550F1 project

[DomP]

Now I've solved the hanging idle problem I can move on to some of the minor niggles I have.  Here is one that's baffled me, the right side cover doesn't fit nor does the resprayed replacement which is odd because the frame doesn't appear cut about, any thoughts folks?

[Sesman]

Hi, Dom.

It may be the photo perspective, but something appears odd about that bracket position and associated welding. I’ve attached a few photos of my F2, which may be helpful…or not!

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

It does not help that the lower photo showing the swing arm is upside down - unless that's me.

With three location brackets for the fitting holes can you not measure the distance between the two upper holes on the frame, then compare that measurement against the side cover locating pegs. This first measurement should help you point where the problem lies.

How doesn the diagonal measurement differ between the upper left hole and the botton locating one, how does this differ from the right side similar measurement.

Worst case scenario is there might be enough metal to file a locating hole in the right place.
Sorry if I'm stating the obvious.

[Oddjob]

How about a pic showing the placement of all 3 holes?

The problem may be one of the others causing the front upper not to fit anymore.

[DomP]

Thanks chaps, I'd not considered it being one of the other two brackets so ill get a photo of all three.  That photo is the correct way up Ted

[DomP]

Here you go, there has been a tab removed by the top right bracket, I think it was a helmet hook?

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Assuming the 500 & 550 frame are the same the orientation of your top right bracket is different to mine.

If you zoom in on the top right bracket you will see what I mean, the oval slot is the opposite way round.

#.trashed-1717841760-PXL_20240509_094552105 by Macabe Thiele, on Flickr

[DomP]

Hi Ted, the orientation is correct on mine for a 550, just not quite in the right place I think

[Oddjob]

If you remove the rubbers does it fit then. They look a little thick to me.

[DomP]

If you remove the rubbers does it fit then. They look a little thick to me.

Nope, this is with no grommets, looks like the top right is at a slightly odd angle to me.  If its been moved I can't imagine why, nothing else has been lopped off that I can see

[Oddjob]

Looks ok to me Dom, the welding looks the same as the other bike pictured.

Looking again it does look a little pushed in, top right that is. Try knocking it out a little and see if it helps.

[DomP]

Its really weird, is there any chance this frame isn't a 550f frame, except it has everything else F related like the right foot peg and rear brake lever.  I have two sets of F side covers both with the same fitting issue.  It does look a little pushed in Ken but to fit it needs lowering around 5-8mm I think.  Baffled.

[McCabe-Thiele (Ted)]

Just trying to think outside the box here, so sorry if I'm being daft.
Obviously the 550 has a slightly different frame to my 500 as the top right mounting bracket has the oval part turned through 45 Deg.

Are the 550 side panels different as well?

[Oddjob]

Try fitting the panel one lug at a time, eg top left, does top right still fit?

Then try top right, does the lower still fit?

Try and isolate which bracket seems to be distorted.

[Sesman]

Dom, the top right hand lug is the culprit. The top of the lug bracket should run parallel with the top of the frame, thus giving you the 15-20mm of misalignment you are experiencing. I appreciate that no two welds are the same, but yours has been re-welded imho. If other members could provide a photo of their their bracket positions this will become immediately obvious. That’s a bugger🤨