1974 Honda 550~Four – Old school Café Racer build

[linkpimp]

Hey team,
I just thought I would share my latest project, I’ve got a 37 year old motorcycle that I picked up a few weeks ago (cheep!)

As is (not running) but it did run the last time the owner tried it, (17 years ago).. Or at least that’s what I told. Regardless, I’m going to perform a total restoration on it, Via “old school” Café racer. Basically since I’m an artist who paints WWII Nose Art, I’m pretty much designing the bike for that purpose. Yeah.. I know I’m a little different.

Please note I’m a visual kind of guy, so I’m basically walking you through the process / steps that I’m taking.

I hope you enjoy the project / pics.


Here what I get to work with..

 

[linkpimp]

Overall, IMO not a bad looking bike

 

[linkpimp]

Let the teardown commence:

I started with the carbs, why, well because when I open up the master cylinder to look, I saw this! I don't even know what the hell this is?, a mixture of water, fluid, and IDK??

So that’s why

Dam thou, this is ugly too.. lol.. oooo well anther fun project to keep me up a nights, well for a few months anyway..

 

[linkpimp]

OK.. after an overnight bath in the cleaner (Simple Green) this is what I have now, a clean bank of carbs to start with..

Here’s some more shoots;

Yeah…. I polished, and polished and polished some more..

 

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Then I painted them,.. Its kinda what I do.. Yes, I used the right kind of paint too, no worries..

 

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And then when you add the two together you get this

 

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I’m also started working on the bike itself too,

I figure I’ll take apart the front end and see what I have to work with, while I still decide the bikes overall fate.

 

[linkpimp]

Soo lets take a closer look at those forks shall we.

Yeah… I’m going haft to rebuild both of these.. no worries thou, as long as I know now.


Time marches on and while I’m waiting for my seals I decided to do a little polishing.

 

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[linkpimp]

After the seals arrived, I rebuild the front shocks and slapped everything back on the bike, just to see what it going to look like before the real progress commences.

Woow.. I haven’t even started anything on this side yet.. hahaha

 

[linkpimp]

Here’s a before and after shoot.. I defiantly think all of the polishing is paying off.

 

[linkpimp]

Well that’s enough “fluff” for now, its time to serious with it, it strip it down and actually start the project..

I’ll need to update this to electronic ignition

If slim bikes are in, I’m screwed, this looks more like a hipo.. hahaa

 

[linkpimp]

All of the wiring is out the bike (safety) I might add.

This does not look good, I’m going to pop of the head and see what’s going on here.

 

[linkpimp]

So now with everything that needs to be removed as been and now it time to take it outside for a bath..

 

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After everything was dry it looked a little different.

 

[linkpimp]

Here’s what my part bench is starting to look like

Now its time to turn my attention to the rear wheel, it sure needs some help.

Here’s what it looks like after a few minuets

Ooo yeah, I also removed the rear arm lets see where this goes, I’ve got an idea.. hahaa

 

[linkpimp]

Now lets add tire and shook I’ve been working on and see what we have, Actually we have the making / first look of the “old school” look I’m go for.. Right on!.

Just so were clear.. the whitewalls are painted on one side only.. I wanted to see what it would look like..

We’ll team that’s all I’ve got.. I’m off to pull out the motor and polish the frame.. I’ll post more pics once my alum tank and rear seat show up..

Thank you for your time everybody and have a great one

P.S.

Here's the tank and seat I'm getting for it

P.s.S.

I’m replacing both tires too.. but I might go the 3” WW, TBD.. I do like the way this bike looks..

 

[Timjoebillybob]

I think it's going to look sharp when it's done. And if you don't mind me asking, how much time have you spent on polishing so far?

 

[semperfi211]

Are you going to show it off at Cooks Corner some Sunday then see how fast you can ride Ortega Highway? I miss Orange County.

 

[linkpimp]

I think it's going to look sharp when it's done. And if you don't mind me asking, how much time have you spent on polishing so far?

Thank you sir.. I do to, Well at least I hope so..

Here's a thread I did on polishing, if this helps.. time wise... I would say right around 35+ hours.. If I can finish up the frame, motor bits ets and have under 100 hours in for polishing I would be shocked.. I actually budgeted 200 hrs for just polishing and cleaning.

https://www.indianagunowners.com/forums/break_room/141555-how_to_polish_metal.html

Are you going to show it off at Cooks Corner some Sunday then see how fast you can ride Ortega Highway? I miss Orange County.

I'll post pics for you Sir..

http://www.cookscorners.com/about.html