1976 CB550 cafe

[englishwheeler]

Finally getting around to posting on the forum. I'm cafeing...if that's a word...my cb550 I bought a while back.

This is the first time I've modified an existing frame for myself...in some ways it's more difficult than building one from scratch.

I wanted to do a modern/retro build. So I've put some modern touches on this, but will still give it an overall retro feel I think.

Here's how she started:

Then I tore off some stuff to sell and ended up with this:

The front end and front wheel, brakes, and rear shocks all eventually went away too.


Then it was time for a new front end and front rim....so I did this....

Special creds go out to Squirley from the sohc4 forum for giving me inspiration to do the front end. I went about the front wheel thing a bit differently, but the end result is the same. He used a 1" Harley hub, but I used a 3/4" hub. There was quite a bit more machining involved doing it my way, but it works the same in the end.

Once I got the front end figured out, it was time to think about the rear end....so I thought of doing this.

So those thoughts eventually lead to this:

With an overall destination of something similar to this:

Here is how she is setting right now:

Next step is to carve out the new tank from foam, see how she looks...then get shaping some metal!
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[englishwheeler]

A little more progress has been made. I've gotten the tank mocked up with foam and wood. I then got the tail section shaped and nearly finished.

Crappy cell phone pics...

The bung in the rear....I know how that sounds

, is for my LED taillight I'm going to use. I was originally going to french it in, but I'm thinking I like it sticking out a little bit. I have plans for some more aluminum work to make a raised vent on the tail that is reminiscent of old aircraft and belly tank racers.
Battery and most electrics will be inside tail.

For access to all this, I'm planning on an access panel on the front of the tail. All the extra aluminum work will be accented with hard rivets.

The engine is at a friend's house who is doing a spruce up in trade for some work on his bike. So, slow....but steady as she goes.

 

[englishwheeler]

Here is a bit of progress. Got the tail section nearly finished. Mainly some cosmetic blending around the taillight and couple of welds.

I'm debating putting a pseudo-vent on the top, like a teardrop shaped cowl. Sorta like the piece behind the driver's head on an old midget car.

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[englishwheeler]

Sunk in some turn signals/extra brake lights. These are twin electrode LED's. I thought I would wire them as turn signals and brake lights, but my brake light in the tail is so bright I don't need them....it's almost offensively bright.

 

[71cb450]

Keep up the good work this thing is bad ass!!

 

[JustinLonghorn]

Hell yeah man, I dig this.

 

[MotorbikeBruno]

Yeah dude, looking good!

 

[englishwheeler]

Thanks guys! I will keep up with the progress posts as I get more done. I hope to get pounding the tank out soon.

 

[kookie31]

the work on this is exceptional. i am diggin the whole style. keep it up. you got some skills!

 

[Hohokam337]

Good job man, I really like what you are doing with the tail lights. I might have to steal the ideal but implement it in my own way. Also, what's that fork you have on there from?

Hohokam

 

[englishwheeler]

The forks are from a 2004 GSXR.

 

[englishwheeler]

A little progress has been made. Got the tank nearly done and mounted. It's smooth enough for polish, brushing, or paint...which ever I go with. Gonna re weld the seam on the knee indents because I think they are a cool look...and I can't smooth them out in such a tight radius for polishing.
Overall it's coming along nicely. I think I'm going to keep this one!

 

[moho]

Bloody Hell Man, This thing's going to be wicked! You are going to have a blast riding it, Very inspirational. Thanks for sharing an Cheers on the build

 

[englishwheeler]

Getting her mocked up for exhaust and rear set fabrication.
Looking like she's going in the right direction so far.

 

[Ringo]

How have I not seen this until now? Great work man! Lovin all the fabrication.

 

[englishwheeler]

WOW thanks . That's quite a compliment coming from you. Your bike is outstanding! I wish I had the time to document mine like you did yours.
I'm trying to do better on the postings.

 

[mothgils]

Your bike is looking great! I love the modern/retro styling! I agree with Ringo, I don't know how I missed this thread. I also saw you are in Indy, what part of town? I am down on the southside. Hope to have my CB550 on the road real soon. Keep up the great work!

 

[englishwheeler]

Mothgils,
I'm way up north. Either way we're still relatively close. We will have to meet up once I get this thing done! Hopefully that's soon. I've got so many other commitments that I can't seem to get long stretches to work on this thing. My goal is to ride it to MotoGP this year...we'll see.
Thanks for the kind words.

 

[mothgils]

Mothgils,
I'm way up north. Either way we're still relatively close. We will have to meet up once I get this thing done! Hopefully that's soon. I've got so many other commitments that I can't seem to get long stretches to work on this thing. My goal is to ride it to MotoGP this year...we'll see.
Thanks for the kind words.

Yeah it's only a 20-25 min drive to the northside from where I am. I understand the commitment thing. My wife is due with our first child in about a month so I am rushing to get it finished up. I also plan to make it to MotoGP and the events that weekend. We will most definitely have to plan a meet-up and go for some rides. My buddy Jordan (TheJSJamboree on here) also has a 74 CB550. It would be cool to get some rides put together.

 

[Nein_Collins]

awesome!...and damn I really need to learn how to weld..lol


I love the way you did the lights, very cool thinking