Nighthawk Bobber - CB550sc

[clem]

I so want you to pull this off. A nice Nighthawk bobber would fit in well around here.

Yea, I want to do it right. I've seen alot of bikes that just look like they were hacked up and I don't want to do that! This site has some of the best garage/home builds that I've seen and that's a big reason why I'm here.
Does your name refer to the Cresent City?

[CrescentSon]

Nope, it is an over thought play off the heraldic marks of cadency.

[clem]

Started painting the engine after soda blasting it:

[clem]

Well, I set the case with final drive to make sure I had the right angle on the shaft. I figured that I would angle it to where it is when I was riding the stock frame. It lines up perfect.

Blasted the front rim at work today

Then I recieved my tires

[clem]

I got the rims back from the powder coat guy, he charged me $50 a rim.

Then proceeded to chip them....sucks cause the guy wants $225 to redo them.
Then I started putting the engine together

That part is going pretty good so far but then I disassembled the starter to repaint it and when it was done I dropped it on the cement floor, not good. I hope that this is the last of the bad luck for this build and that I can get this thing rolling soon. Peace.

[sxecafe]

This is looking really good so far. Love the shock for the seat.

[clem]

Well, I finally got the PC on the rims straight and got the tires mounted. I went throught the frame again today to double/triple check that everything is inline. The front and rear tires are level and square with each other and the engine mounts are perpendicular to the wheels so I'm cool now. I'm going to remove the wheels and forks from it and have it welded then put the engine in it to start doing a mockup. I still need to insatll the rear fender and then place the footpegs and controls once the engine is back in. I'm kinda pumped cause I feel like I may be getting near the peak of this build. Sill have a few more things to buy like clutch and front brake controls, headlight and mounts, rear fender and a taillight. I think that I may be able to meet my April deadline if money allows!

[deepwaterimports]

looks sweet so far. tank and seat look great

[sxecafe]

Nice progress, man. Feeling the white grips too.

[clem]

Nice progress, man. Feeling the white grips too.

The package that the grips came in said they were "titty"grips but they feel a little too hard to be using the word titty around them.
I did get a stainless bolt kit for the engine covers this week,it's coming along well.  The saints have a playoff game this weekend so I'll have to wait until the following weekend to bring the cylinders to my cousins shop for a hone job. After that I should be able to get the top end of the engine completed.

[jelloelstone]

Im likin it! never seen a shafty bobber, its interesting! keep it up man.

[clem]

Well, I figured I'd update this thread since it's been in limbo for a few months. I finally got my cylinders back from my cousin and three of the four cylinders honed out good. The number four has to be punched out and re-sleeved. I can't find any oversized rings for this bike. It sucks. I did find some larger pistons on ebay but no rings are available so it doesn't do any good to have those in hand. I'm going to drop the jug off today at the block shop. I'm starting to realize that a bike that has ben sitting around for awhile can be trouble. I had this engine sitting up for awhile and although it ran perfectly when I abandoned it, it's still a mess. Some valves on the exhust side must have been opened enough to let condensate get in and pit the sleeves right above the pistons. Anyway, I got the valves out and am in the process of cleaning the head and soda blasting it while my cylinder is being re-worked.  I'll post pics of the engine when it's back together, it really looks slick with the silver case/ black jugs and polished aluminum covers.

[Erskine]

Yip yip.

[ProSimex]

whoa that frame is really nice.   Its rare to see a shaft drive hardtail that looks like its been done properly.  Exposed shaft is cool but are there going to be any issues with grit and crap getting into the seals and bearings?  not poo pooing the idea, just curious.

[clem]

I haven't considered the grim factor yet.The front part of the shaft is sealed so the only part that might reak havoc is where it fits into the shaft hub. It may require more periodic maintenance. I may be able to come up with some type of seal for that part, I'll have to look into it. Thanks. I left work Friday to drop off the block and the dude wasn't there! I ain't having any luck with this.