1977 CB550 Caferacer build

Holy cow, I think that seat looks good on there!

The low profile really stretches the look of the bike out into something low, long, and mean!

What are you planning for your seat build?

BSA is right, though, you'd better make sure your nice frame hoop doesn't hit the tire at full suspension compression.

BSA's trick to see if it'll hit is to disconnect one shock to make it easier to compress the rear suspension with a ratchet strap.

Keep it up!
Sherm
 
Thanks for the replies guys.

I'll check to put a 'stop' on it so I can keep it this low. My back will suffer but ... who cares.

Seat will be something like this (same style for taillight):

cafe-racer-tanks-cafe-racer-guysi-need-your-thoughts-pelican-parts-technical-bbs-57635.jpg


First up is welding the loop, then making a seat.
 
I think that seat looks pretty good BUT it's your bike.

http://www.dimecitycycles.com/legendary-motorcycles-universal-cafe-racer-motorcycle-seat-mounting-kit.html

You could always use something like this to mount the seat.
 
silly boy yer gonna compromise the ride handling and comfort for some percieved
"stance" when it is parked or in a pitchur :-\
i don't get it,you are only a couple inches away from having very good suspension and enhanced road holding with those koni's
 
Looking good! Personally I like the original tank and first seat choice, but I always say when you build a bike, you should never have to say "I wish I'd done..." so please, build it exactly the way you like. Which brand /style is that first seat anyway? I'd buy it if you weren't in Belgium. I think it'd be perfect for my (what was it someone called the CB500T?) flying turd.
Last question - do you plan to dress that top yoke with any bolts to fill in those holes? Again, my own personal preference would be to grind the handlebar mounts completely off. but I can also see the attraction to letting folks see that you've modded the bars by leaving the old mounts on.
 
Hi guys,

I will be keeping this tank. Don't like how the seat sits... so will be making my own after welding the loop. Uphaulstery is another question ... i'll need to have a look in that.

Bravo, this is the seat:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Cafe-Racer-Seat-Pan-LOW-SEAT-OPTION-SCR-UNI-1A-C-ABS-plastic-/141336875554?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item20e8559222#ht_1811wt_1020

The whole idea is that people can see this is modified, so won't be filling those holes.

Bsa, I want the loop to be horizontal, so doesn't leave me much of an option...

Brgds
 
Thanks for that link. That price with upholstery is not bad at all. Plus DCC doesn't have the one I want in stock.
I think you're on the way to having a really nice bike - looking forward to more...
 
Canadian said:
Hi guys,

I will be keeping this tank. Don't like how the seat sits... so will be making my own after welding the loop. Uphaulstery is another question ... i'll need to have a look in that.

Bravo, this is the seat:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Universal-Cafe-Racer-Seat-Pan-LOW-SEAT-OPTION-SCR-UNI-1A-C-ABS-plastic-/141336875554?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts_13&hash=item20e8559222#ht_1811wt_1020

The whole idea is that people can see this is modified, so won't be filling those holes.

Bsa, I want the loop to be horizontal, so doesn't leave me much of an option...

Brgds
Click to expand...
well then the loop needs to hang out the back further
you don't even know the position of the wheel at full bump do you ? this is the very FIRST thing that must be verified when changing up the rear frame
 
Canadian said:
Update time.

Got my neutral / oil / high beam indicators which I'll install coming weekend

2lstc1y.jpg

2roj143.jpg


& got my seat back. I'm not convinced but we'll see ...

fenbcj.jpg


Quick mock up:

2vwu046.jpg


First up is installing the lights. Then on to welding the U & find a way to mount the seat ...

I'm quite screwed what regards my license plates. Here in the EU we can't hang it on the side of the bike ... let's see!
Click to expand...

Those lights look clean, I like the housing and the way they mount. Where did you get them?
 
Well,

Billy, got those light from ebay uk.

Got the hoop welded (first time welding - was alright) & finished imperfections with bondo

Shaped the seat, will be fiberglassing this tomorrow. shaping the seat etc, all first time, it went quite alright!

67o950.jpg


szeuxv.jpg


2hfmmti.jpg


Brgds,
Elias
 
Changed the shape of the seat a bit, i'm pleased now.

Got cracking with the epoxy. First time I did this, messy stuff. But went quite alright in the end. Only did one layer.

Couple more layers to go.

sw9rau.jpg


Brgds,
Elias
 
So this is where I'm at currently.

Not that much time, busy days.

Time for bondo, get it clean & on to 'flush mount' rear light.

b7mngj.jpg


Brgds,
Elias
 
Hi all,

I'm moving on with this project & looking for some good, well looking tyres.

I don't wanna pay expensive. Bridgestone deluxe's are very nice & retro but just too expensive. Anyone who can recommend a good tyre with a retro look?

Thx,
Elias
 
Honestly - skip the 'retro look' tires and get yourself a set of AVON RoadRiders. You will absolutely be tempted to roll the throttle and get yourself up to 100MPH on the highway some day and you'll be glad you have quality rubber in the minuscule contact patch that is the only thing keeping you from becoming a hood ornament.

But - I do understand the appeal of a classic tire design. For my rigid project I'm running AVON SpeedMasters front and rear (21 front, 18 rear) because a) they're available in the sizes I needed and b) they look right. It's a boulevard cruiser though, intended to roll up and down the street scaring little children.

Dunlop K70, K81's are good choices for a more classic 1970's OEM look.

What is a Bridgestone Deluxe? Do you mean the venerable Firestone Deluxe Champion? If so, don't waste your time unless you're absolutely in love with them. Not only are they expensive, they are at the bottom of the performance scale. Like as in "keep your 40 year old tires they're better" bottom of the scale.
 
100% agree with Tim, Avon RoadRiders are the best tires I have had available in the older sizes needed for these old bikes. Night and day difference on lean angles and confidence vs even a fairly modern Dunlop they replaced. I have Shinko (Yokahama) 230's and 712's and they are just slightly less good than the Avons but about half the price. They also don't have as many sizes as the Avons do. Don't go with the fat firestone look at me tires, they are not worth the cost or the handling compromises at all.

Cheers.

Maritime
 
Thank you for the help guys!

Wanted to have the speedmasters but didn't have the right size.

The roadriders were too 'new looking' to me. So ended up with the Heidenau K44's.

Should have my rims & hubs back soon from having them full black.

Big update soon.

Thx for your help guys.
 
Hi all,

Got some work done last night.

New ignition lock & relocated plus fork boots. Will need to do wiring properly again.

2yov7e0.jpg


Got a new rear light, almost finished

axo1z7.jpg

4lhd0j.jpg


Sandblasted the hubs & rims and mounted the new tires

Heidenau K44's

25g8lyu.jpg

svl9ar.jpg


And finally, plasti-dipped the rims. 3 more layers to go. This was a cheap temporary solution as will get new rims/spokes in a couple of months

28slmbo.jpg

f4qivb.jpg


Best regards,
Elias
 
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