my 'new' CB550F2 '77

[Trigger]

Very nice bike Steph, where did you find such a fine example? Or have you restored it. Very nice set of down pipe's.

[Norniron]

Yea really nice pipes

[Steph550]

Thanks

I bought the bike from Charlie at Oxford Classic Honda, it was in tatty original condition at that point having been sat in someone's garage for a few years awaiting restoration, and I've just done bits and pieces to it over the last couple of years (lots of polishing, new rims and spokes, etc). The big issue was the exhaust, there was a big dent in one of the original downpipes and the silencer was starting to rust out inside. Luckily I managed to talk a friend (and owner of a classic motorcycle exhaust manufacturing company) into making a one-off exact replica of the original downpipes and silencers for me in stainless steel.... Not cheap (at all) but worth every penny in my opinion. I'm still trying to talk him into making and selling them...

Here she is showing off her 'good side':



Steph.

[Norniron]

If you can talk him round steph tell him il have two made.

[LesterPiglet]

You should float this idea on the US site. I think you would find a lot of interest.

[Steph550]

I'll keep trying but he's not keen! I think for it to be worth it for him they would have to be too expensive to be that popular - mine were made "at cost" for the materials and time, and I don't think people would be willing to pay a lot more than I did. Also last time I spoke to him he said his company are flat out at the moment just with British bike exhausts, but if things get quieter maybe I'll be able to convince him to make a few sets as a trial.

Steph.

[Trigger]

I know a few people that have payed out £600 + shipping for stainless exhausts from the USA. I think it is mad that no one wants to do it here.

[Steph550]

Exhaust manufacturers don't seem to realise that there is the demand for parts for these classic Japanese bikes, I've just had to order a set of silencers for my CB77 from Australia!

Sorry for the slight thread hijack TonUp...

Steph.

[Steph550]

Thanks Oddjob,

Indeed, I have adjusted the headlight since those photos! All this talking about bikes is making me wish it was spring already so I could go and ride...

Steph.

[LesterPiglet]

We had a great day for it today but all I could do was go to the garage and tinker with mine.   

Did you win anything at that show Steph? You should have.

[TonUp]

wow, nice bike Steph. I have got something to aim for now! 

[Steph550]

Aww, thanks everyone, the bike will be blushing in the garage with all these nice comments!

Didn't win a prize at that show Les, but there were some absolutely stunning bikes there so I wasn't surprised! My other half won best in show with his CB450 Black Bomber, well deserved but very annoying...

TonUp, if I can be of any help with details/photos of any area of the bike let me know. Mine is by no means perfect but she is pretty original.

Steph.

[TonUp]

Thanks Steph,
Can you check the routing of the main headlamp wiring loom. Mine goes from under the left side of tank and then underneath the bottom yoke. The outer sheath has worn away but fortunately the wires are not damaged.
Just looks a bit tight and wondered if it was routed correctly.

[Steph550]

That doesn't look right from memory... I'm not home until Saturday but will check then and let you know :-)

Sent from my GT-I9195 using Tapatalk

[TonUp]

sweet