CB550 Cafe Racer Startup

I started a cafe conversion/restoration on my 1978 CB550 last summer. This is the first firing up since the project began.

I love the sound of the exhaust, but the carbs have yet to be dialed in - so I'm sure it will be even better.

[This bike was built by Pete Chase of Cafe Cycles, RI]

check out the build thread over at Do The Ton

[cpickell]

I actually answered this question a few days ago... just look back a little bit in the history and you'll find a pretty complete list of everything that went into the bike. The tank is from a Suzuki GS250E. Cheers!

[cpickell]

no problem... and thanks for the kind words. the rims and tires definitely made a HUGE difference in the look of the bike.

cheers

[cpickell]

@skittles011000
Thanks. The exhaust is a "Yoshi" system. It's not actually manufactured by Yoshimura, but it was custom built by a guy from MotoGP who used to build exhaust systems for Yoshimura. It's 4-into-1 and baffled.

[cpickell]

the additional parts alone were somewhere around $5, 000... not to mention the additional labour costs if you don't have the technical where-with-all, welding and fabrication skills, and resources for sandblasting and powdercoating. To put it simply, this bike was in the neighborhood of 10k, including the purchase price of the base bike.

[cpickell]

i highly recommend this setup. the improvement in handling was night and day. best of luck with your 750 project!

[cpickell]

The rims are Buchanan's, black anodized. It quite the challenge to fit. Custom spacers had to be machined for the hub. The biggest pain was that when the rims were laced, there wasn't enough clearance for the spokes to pass between the calipers. So we had to machine more spacers to move the calipers closer to the outside of the wheel, which is also why we had to go with the massive brake kit.

[Darthbelal]

The OG Ton-Up Boys would've LOOOOVED those disc brakes. Being able to drop out of hyperspace on a dime would've been a major boost to their confidence....

[cpickell]

glad you're into it. the yoshi badge actually came as an option on mine - it had to be welded on.

[cpickell]

It's a one-off made by a guy who used to build exhausts for Yoshimura - so basically, it's a Yoshimura. I understand Carpy makes a similar 4-into-1 based off of the original Yoshi's, but I've never heard any reviews and I'm also not sure if he's making them for 650's.

[cpickell]

pretty much stock - relocated the shock mounts and added a mounting bracket for the caliper. the rear disc is from a 750 (which as you can see - was drilled) along with the hub.

[cpickell]

@ATOILETFULL
Thank you. Things are getting close to being wrapped up, and the timing couldn't be better with the arrival of warm weather! Mainly finishing touches now - brake lines, seat upholstering, painting (color TBD), etc.

I started a build thread over at dotheton. Check it out below if you're interested.

[cpickell]

Coolest bike in the world?! Wow... not sure I could receive a better compliment. I've got another video coming your way brother... will hopefully get around to posting it this weekend. I'm planning on doing a full walk-around and touching on all the various mods. Check back soon and take care.

[trubb]

cheers, iv'e just started building a cb750 sohc cafe racer, i think i will use the same size rims, they look just right.

[dotcomdk]

i think we need that update video soon on this... The coolest bike in the World !!

Mikkel..Denmark

[cpickell]

CBR600RR front end
Buchanan rims, black anodized
Yoshimura 4-into-1 exhaust
Drilled CB750 rear rotor
14" shocks
Tarozzi rear sets
Custom rear set mounts
Modified subframe
Removed all unnecessary tabs from frame
Sand blasted frame and powder coated gloss black
LED strip taillight with integrated turn signals
Lucas style headlight
Mini tach from Dime City Cycles
Custom built cafe racer seat cowl (Aluminum) by Cafe Cycles Rhode Island
Suzuki GS250E tank, striped and brushed to match seat cowl

[cpickell]

These were built by MotoGP Werks, by a gentleman who used to build exhaust systems for Yoshimura... he told me this was the last one he'd ever make. (Not sure if he meant it) You can also check out Carpy, who makes a similar 4-into-1 system.

[cpickell]

will post a new one soon Mikkel... thanks for the kind words!

[cpickell]

Mikkel... I'm planning on uploading another video soon. The bike is completely done, so I'm gonna do a full walk-around and touch on all the modifications. Check back soon...

[cpickell]

thanks! the tires are Michelin Road Pilot 3's... they're fantastic.

[elshit]

thank you very much :D ur bike is such a beauty, just those rims and tires is wow already haha