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I have started another cafe build using the tried and true CB platform. Tore the bike down just to discover the frame was bent. I have located another frame that is straight and will tear everything I need off the bad frame and start mocking it all up with the good chassis. I am going to use this tank from a CB550.
More parts!! I found a front end from a CBR954. I had to lengthen the steering stem by about 1/2 in. to make it work and a slight amount of grinding to the frame and she bolted right up. Also I am using a CBR F3 swingarm. The arm went in really easy just had to drill out the frame to accept the larger pivot bolt. I am going to use an F4i single shock for the rear end. All this when onto the new straight frame More parts are on the way, so I should be able to make some good progress in the next couple of weeks.
That doesn't look bad at all. The tubes lying beside the frame look like top frame tubes from that frame. Please tell me that you didn't cut them out to fit the tank......
You are putting modern, stiff suspension components on a frame that is quite flexible, I would consult a frame expert, as those forces are now going to be transferred to that noodly frame.
That doesn't look bad at all. The tubes lying beside the frame look like top frame tubes from that frame. Please tell me that you didn't cut them out to fit the tank......
Unfortunately the guy I got this frame from had removed the tubes attempting to do his project before he gave up. I will either weld them back or make my own to add strength to this frame. I have already put the frame on a jig to make sure it was straight before I decided to use it.
caferay said:
You are putting modern, stiff suspension components on a frame that is quite flexible, I would consult a frame expert, as those forces are now going to be transferred to that noodly frame.
That's a relief. BTW, I love the CBR gull wing top triple clamp. I grabbed one to try on one of mine, but It's wider than most GSXR lowers, and took me a while to find a combo that works.
I picked up a couple of wheels, Rear is a CBR F3, Front is from a RC51. Both with the same spoke pattern. Had them both powder coated gloss black. The rear was a direct bolt on. The front needed some mods to fit the CBR954 front end, I used CBR954 wheel bearings and a modified center spacer, 2mm wider wheel spacers, and the 954 330mm rotors. Fitted them with a couple of Dunlop tires and mounted them up.
Figured out my rear suspension ratios. pivot and mounting points. Using a CBR F4 shock and CBR F3 swingarm and linkage. Made some mounts and tacked them in place. Still may add some more supports later.
Making some more progress. I cut the rear of the frame off and bent some tubing to fit the tail section. I also welded the top tubes back into the frame where they were cut out. I had to modify one tube to clear the petcock for the 550 tank and had to rework the triangle piece that connects the 3 tubes so the tank would clear it. I will clean all this up later as well as add some more bracing.
I used rear sets from a CBR600F3 and drilled them out for looks. Drilled and welded mounts right to the frame.
Since I did not have enough room for the stock oil tank because of the single shock I had to make one. I cut away all the fittings from the stock tank to use in the new one. I cut my steel pieces and welded it together and installed the fittings. I maintained the stock oil capacity. Mounted it to my new sub-frame. Still need to make some cool covers for it. Should work well.
Took care of the instrument panel. Using KOSO digital tach and speedo. I made a small panel and used some mini LED's for indicator lights. Found this cool little headlight on Ebay. I made a cowl fairing for it out of a couple of pocket bike rear fenders. Fits nice.
Finally finished all the wiring on this bike kinda a pain in the ass with all the modern switches, gauges, and lights, but it all seems to work OK.
Also took care of some details like the 4 into 1 Exhaust system with a custom end cap and pipe guard. I made a cool little piece to cover the oil tank. I made a custom tail lights out of 2 round LED lights and some aluminum and did some mods to a CBR front fender. Need to get my carbs together so I can run this thing.
Had the frame powder coated and painted the engine. Installed a new bolt kit on the engine covers and some steel braided oil lines for a nice clean look. Finally going back together. Sent out the tank and tail to paint should have that back soon.
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