I still can not get over how exciting it is to see the Seeley actually look like a motorcycle. But I have run into a few issues that I need help addressing. Most can be chalked up to the joys of working on a motorcycle that only had 302 others made. This is a first for me. Normally I would scourer through OEM service manuals or parts phish. For this bike no such info is out there. The other thing I would do if I was extra stumped would be to go out and physically look at another of the same motorcycle. I have been lucky enough to have more then one bike in the garage and a few local friends with similar bikes, but alas I don’t know anyone around here with a Seeley CB750. Actually I have never seen one in person before owning this one!
We all know that I am having an issue with the steering stem bearings, this issue is on hold while I seek out some other bearing options and reach out to some locals with tools that might be able to help me modify what I have to work.
Was hoping this was not going to be a big deal, but it is what it is. Right now I have a OEM Honda CB750 front end to use, goal was to swap to a Gl1000 front end that uses the same bearings. I have to admit that after the struggle it has had me thinking of other front end options too.
So here are the other hurdles I have come across so far.
The lower shock mounts on the top of the swing arm are very thin. When I was looking at them they are not perfectly square. I checked and I don’t see any cracks, damage, repairs or anything wrong. Just slightly tweaked. Is this a cause for huge concern?
There is some speculation that this bike last used a CB550 rear hub. Unsure if the that has anything to do with my issue. The OEM CB750 axle is a fair bit thicker then the Seeley axle. I was stupid and didn’t measure the two axles while I was in the shop, only the Seeley axle. It is 15mm. The CB750 drum would not fit between the swing arm with the spacers that I have. I think that the sprocket carrier is to “wide” as it seems to be pushing the whole wheel to the right in the frame.
Does a CB550 use a thinner axle? I assume that I will need to swap wheel bearings in the 750 wheels to suit the smaller axle.
You can see the wheel pushed to one side.
The issue isn’t just getting these wheels to work, but to make sure that I can run the Lesters.
Here is a better look at the parts I have to work with.
Took a look at the rear axle spacers. I think that I have all of the Seeley bits I need, but I will know for sure when I mock it all up. All of the parts, save the one OEM, are alloy and don’t weigh much at all. Even the axle nuts are alloy.
None seem to have any damage or ware that is cause for concern, very happy about that.
Interesting to see a small variation between the right and left axle end plates.
Function is identical, just coming from a world of mass produced parts it is cool to see something that was cut by hand for a small batch.
Unsure what will need to be done.
I will need to take more detailed measurements next time I am in the shop.
Have a friend that is sending me a complete Cb550 hub (thanks Bassmaster) Fingers crossed that solves the spacing problem.
Will need to look more into CB550 vs Cb750 wheels. I thought that they where the same actually, but that seems wrong now.
Maybe I just need CB500/550 wheel bearings placed in my lesters?
I thought that I had all of the special Seeley parts, but I was short the front right motor mount plate. Lucky it should be a simple part to make. Looks like I have even found a pattern for it.
The bike will need a side stand. Checked and the lower tubing looks to be 1 1/8 inch. Will have to see what type of bolt on options are out there.
Another thing on the list to figure out is foot pegs and rearsets, but that is for another day.