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Vintage race bike build

fastbroshi

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
111
Location
Dallas, TX
Hi guys, is it ok if I make a thread of my build here? My garage isn't near as nice as some here but I've added some things to make is more usable, like my stereo and some nice large shelves, etc. The best thing is that it's a good size, about 625 square feet, so plenty of room for my soon to be 3 bikes.

My biggest obstacle right now is that I don't know how to weld, so I need to farm that out to get some gussets on the frame done. Well, that and I haven't won the lottery yet. I've wasted a lot of time since these pics were taken, but I've been collecting parts here and there, fixing my other bikes etc. You know how it is.

So...plans are: Shaved and strengthend frame, rearsets, upgraded rotor and brake pads, full race port and polish on the cylinder head, CB650 type pistons, CB750 carbs, stainless race exhaust. CR should be right around 11.5:1. I'm shooting for 50hp, 334lbs dry weight.

I was planning on going with some GSXR forks, but I'm trying to save money here and there, and it's not going to be fully prepped cosmetically speaking. It will have some nice parts in/on it though, like the shocks and forks especially. Haven't quite decided on what brand of tire yet, but there aren't a whole lot of choices for 18" diameter 1.85"/2.15" wide rims anyway, so that shouldn't take long.

I've got the motor in pieces and have just started taking measurements. From preliminary indications, it looks really good.

For those unfamiliar with CB550s, here's my street '77 model right after I got done getting it back on the road.
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And here's my other 550 frame after a bit of trimming, still have a little to do before it's ready for gusseting.
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And some fooling around with a CBR *******. I won't be using it, it stretches the wheelbase too far and would really slow down the steering.
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It looks like it was made for it, huh?
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And this is my inspiration:
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Given what engine mods I'm doing, it should come right in at 591cc, just keeping me in the 600 vintage class. I can't wait to get this thing together.
 
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E.Marquez

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 11, 2010
Messages
499
Location
Kempner Texas
Simply outstanding. My first Bike was a 1976 CB550 Four SS... That was back in 1983.
It died a fast death stuffed under a Mazda RX7 in the hills dropping in to Berkly.

Will watch your progress with envy.
 

theoldwizard1

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 22, 2011
Messages
43,344
Location
SE MI
I had a CB550F. Always was sorry I did not get a 750K. It would have been a better fit for the +75 lbs I carry !
 
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F

fastbroshi

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 23, 2010
Messages
111
Location
Dallas, TX
On that note, I weighh about 200lbs and the first time I rode off on it my brother told it looks teeny. But it really isn't, folks are just use to bigger bikes these days. People thought the 750 was HUGE when it came out!! I like it though. It feels, uh, sprightly I guess would be a good word. It sounds good when I twist my wrist, and if I feel encroached upon while on the highway I just downshift and leave them. Not CBR-gone, but gone :)
 
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SIDECAR BOB

Well-known member
Joined
Mar 11, 2011
Messages
268
Location
illinois
Looks like a lot of fun and it really is a great project, love to see older bikes being fixed up customized or restored don't matter just good to see them fixed up and enjoyed
 
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