New Rider!

[phengv18]

Hello all!

I have always had a desire to own and ride a bike for a very long time and ever since I stumble across some photos of cafe racers randomly one day on the net, I couldn't stop thinking about getting one. Since that time, I've been searching around trying to get more information about these types of bikes and happened to come across this forum. I've been lurking around this helpful forum for a while now deciding where to start, what bike to buy, etc, etc...

After several mouths of searching, deciding which bike to get, and trying to find the right deal to purchase a bike locally, I bought myself a 1975 Honda cb550 for $800. It came with a title, and runs pretty smooth. (I had to bring along my cousin to test drive it for me since I have never rode a bike) It has about 20,000 miles on it and barely no rust at all. This is my first bike and the first bike I will ride on besides a moped. haha


I believe I got a pretty good deal on it. What do you guys think? Here are some photos of the bike.

Do you guys know what type of exhaust system this made by?

I'll like to add minor things to this bike little by little, cosmetically such as clip-ons, smaller turn signals, etc as I go. Can you guys give advice where I should start? or what products I should purchase? I'll like to know what are some clip-ons out there?

 

[Big R]

Wow, that's a really clean bike for 800 bucks. Congrats and welcome!

Google the following stores: dimecitycycles, roccitycafe, and denniskirk. Plenty of products to check out.

 

[Grahamworks]

New Rider!

Hey man, your story about randomly coming across some cafe racer photos on the net one day, sounds like my experience exactly. I am also a first timer. First bike, first build. I too have been lurking until fairly recently. I introduced myself and am starting to ask some questions. So far, everyone on DTT seems cool and helpful. You are one up on me because you got a runner, I picked up a cb350. I need to get her going before I tear into her. By the way, where you at? Just curious... Good luck on the bike she looks clean.

Chris

 

[phengv18]

Thanks, I'm located in St.Paul, Minnesota. I was looking into getting a cb350 as well for my first bike, but the opportunity of getting this 550 for 800 bucks, I couldn't pass up on it. Good luck on your project as well!

 

[phengv18]

I have a few questions if anyone can offer any help or input.

At this moment, I just want to add minor upgades to the bike, and I'll like to know which clip-ons are the best?
I have been looking at the 35mm tarozzi clip-ons (35mm offset)
http://www.dimecitycycles.com/vintage-cafe-racer-caferacer-bobber-brat-chopper-custom-motorcycle-handlebar-parts-tarozzi-clip-on-clipons-59-0016s.html

And the 35 mm clip-ons from woodcrafts. Which do you guys prefer? Or would you guys recommend some other clip-ons at a equal or lower price? How hard is the install?

I am also planning to buy some new set of tires and have decided to get the avon roadriders, however the sizing is a bit confusing. Would a 110/90-18 fit for the rear? and 3.25-19 fit for the fronts? Are these sizes the same as stock?

Just a question, I like the looks of wider tires, and I know wider tires will affect the handling of the bike's turning but what do you guys think if I were to go 120/90-18 for rear? Would it fit? How much would I be sacrificing on the handling?

I also want to know what if their is anything I can add to the engine? I'll like to make it more reliable. Is there is any need to add ingnition coils or anything in particular?

 

[Big R]

Well, I can't speak as far as the quality of the Tarozzi or Woodcraft bars. But check out the ones from www.RocCityCafe.com as well. Look for headlight mounts too since the stock mounts need to be removed. Installation is fairly straightforward of each- but plan on putting a few hours into them if you have never done it before.

Check out this list for tire sizes: http://www.dropbears.com/u/utilities/tyrerim.htm . You need to look at your rims for a size stamped on them.

And reliability? You have a Honda! Kidding. You will have to wait for somebody else to chime in on that.

 

[VonYinzer]

The 550 is a great motor. Put everything to stock, check all clearances (your manual will guide you through this and give you the numbers), replace any wear items (oil filter, sprockets, chain, points, etc) and youll be fine. If you properly maintain that motor, and dont ride it like an ass, you can put tens of thousands of miles on it. Eventually you can look into some cool upgrades (big bore kits, custom carb setups, etc...) but seeing as youre new to this whole thing go with making it all work like it was meant to when it was new. Its got plenty of power for a new rider.

One thing I would suggest right away is getting a proper muffler for that header. Unless the PO put some real time into tuning that bike, Its never going to run 100% correctly with that open exhaust.