1974 Honda 550~Four – Café Racer or Bobber?

[sepe]

I have built my own and rode them all over the place, 600, 1300, 2000, etc mile trips on my rigid chops. But to each their own, build it the way you want an ride the **** out of it.

As for me....mine are long bikes.

I have no problem with that, a long rigid is something I want and I'd ride but most people won't put miles on a long bike. I've been to shows and seen beautifully done choppers being trailered because the person that built them (or more likely bought them) wasn't in it for bike. I've seen many choppers make a 5 mile circle of bars while never leaving the city limits. There are simply too many people that are into long bikes for the image.

 

[dirtdart]

I like the Honda for Cafe Racers.

 

[kinorton]

Mine is a 1975 cb 750, when I get another bike I am turning mine in to a bobber.

 

[linkpimp]

I did a 66 honda 2 years ago. Will be starting another this summer.

First and foremost sir, for this outstanding build, I award you the highest honor I know. I have only given this out twice..

I know how long that took, I know how hard you worked and how much you enjoyed it along the way.. An outstanding example of a dedicated builder.. Great job sir..


Back to the 550:
Team.. Thank you so much for your time and imput.. I actually had the opportunity to stop by a premier café builder in a so-cal over the weekend to discuss “things” lol.. http://www.cb750cafe.com/ Yeah.. I’m getting / building a Café Racer,

Here’s my list if anyone cares to look it over..


Rear seat and fender options I’m looking at $120-140
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=109
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=60
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/cbfb,
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/cbrs,

These are butt expensive $420 ish (don't know why)
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/seatspics.html

I’ve been looking at a few alum setup too, but on average there $400
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/1alloy,

these guys do some great stuff in alum.. But it’s $800 ish range
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/AlloyCombo.html

Rear tail light
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=49

Bar end mirrors $45
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=105

Front fender $69 (will probably end up just cutting mine thou)
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=66
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/tfender,

Front fender plate $35
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/europlates.html

Front headlight $99
http://www.cb750cafe.com/parts.php?id=46

Headlight bracket $40
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?path=store/bucket,

Handle bars $100 - 190
http://www.roccitycafe.com/item.php?...ore/cauniclip2,
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/cafebars.html

New / relocate rear controls $220
http://www.fastfromthepast.com/servl...ootpegs/Detail

here are some for $550 if you want BLING.. haha
http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/rearsets.html


BUT.. Not with this bike..

I’ve thought long and hard about it and due to the condition of this particular bike, I’m just going to put her back to new showroom condition and sell her to someone who wants a stock looking early 70’s bike.. It not going to cost me really anything and it will be quickest way to get it up and on the road… the bike is just too clean to chop up, I cant do it.. sorry..

But I will post pic of it when I get it back up and running..

Thank you all for your time and imput..

Link

 

[flightsimmer]

I had one, biggest problem was Jap wiring that self destructed internally where you couldn't see it. Recomend that you re-wire entire bike with new modern american made wiring. The fuse box would corrode on the ends of the fuses and they would melt the ends and fail so I used anti-corrision grease on the ends of the fuses and that cured it. Also it wouldn't run on a wet street or in the rain, Ignition would short out, never found a cure, I think it was the spark plugs (un-shielded). You'll have to sinc those carbs with a monometer set after you get it running. Other than that I had a great time on it except when a guy pulled out in front of me and put me in the Hospital and off work for five months. I died but they revived me.

10mm, when you care enough to send the very best.

 

[CVMA544]

I have no problem with that, a long rigid is something I want and I'd ride but most people won't put miles on a long bike. I've been to shows and seen beautifully done choppers being trailered because the person that built them (or more likely bought them) wasn't in it for bike. I've seen many choppers make a 5 mile circle of bars while never leaving the city limits. There are simply too many people that are into long bikes for the image.

Your words are so true, I build my own, I wrench my own, and I ride, if my bike is on a trailer it is either stolen, broken, wrecked, or I have died, if I am dead then it is probably because I broke my bike in the wreck.

I do all my own work, well the last bike I let a fellow Vet paint it cause thats his hobby, and he will probably paint the current build, but only basic black (Gloss).

Built a softail type once, sold it off right away, didn't like it. Don't get me wrong I will one day build a bagger for the wife and I, but I prefer a solo hard tail, long bike.