• Please use the new GTAM Classified section. Check it out HERE

FS: Just Completed – Yoshimura cb550F Café Racer Replica

noelocol

Well-known member
FS Yoshimura inspired siver cb550 cafe racer.. (Sorry guys, my error in posting.. Its not a Yosh replica... I cant edit the title..)

silvercafefinalpics009.jpg

silvercafefinalpics014.jpg


THE PLAN – to build a period Café/Superbike from the CB550 Honda. In 1970’s America the café racer style morphed into the American Superbike. Basically this new design was personified in Cycle Magazine’s Gentleman’s Express build model. Take an existing UJM and turn it into a racer for the street. The concept is to keep the same identifiable style as the original but add lower handle bars, better suspension and brakes and of course a modified engine with a four into one exhaust system. The idea was that the bike must be relatively comfortable to ride and reliable, thus a striped down and more aggressive version of the standard street bike.

silvercafefinalpics002.jpg


THE BUILD – We wanted to use as many of the existing up rated parts as possible, just like builders would have done in the 70’s. The bike would be a “sleeper” built along the same lines as an American Superbike/Café Racer. The machine will resemble a CB550 but what’s under the skin is heavily modified, hot rod style! Obviously the CB750 model could supply many stock looking but upgraded components for the build.

silvercafefinalpics005.jpg


CHASSIS
CB750 forks – same diameter as 550 but heavier springing, retained CB550 triple trees to have correct stem height and stock rake and trail numbers. A tapered roller bearing kit will replace the balls for enhanced feel and control. Tarozozzi fork brace will offer increased stiffness and control during braking and cornering.
CB750 front wheel and rotor – same width and diameter rim as 550 but a 1” larger brake rotor. The rotor will be drilled to lighten it and improve wet weather braking. I will use EBC sintered metallic disc brake pads for stronger fade free performance. Fitting a one piece braided steel line for better feel and pressure as well as the larger CB750 brake caliper, piston and master cylinder
silvercafebuild035.jpg

silvercafebuild029.jpg


CB750 rear wheel assembly – the 750 rear rim is one size up (WM3) from the 550. The hub is also a touch wider and has bigger brake shoes for improved stopping. power. I’ll run a 130 section tire on the back for additional cornering and acceleration potential. Rear sprocket is a custom aftermarket unit at 38 T to increase acceleration a touch yet not affect high speed running by under gearing for highway.
silvercafebuild031.jpg


SHOCKS – Boge/Mulholland – 13 ½” with 75lb spring, longer than stock and stiffer to transfer more weight onto front wheel and quicken steering. This was a period after market shock absorber change for much improved dampening.
TIRES –Bridgestone Spitfire, Superbike style pattern, 100/90 front and 130/90 rear.
silvercafebuild032.jpg

silvercafebuild023.jpg

silvercafebuild030.jpg

silvercafebuild033.jpg
 
Last edited:
ENGINE – Rebuilt as needed, modified for increased horsepower and torque
Intakes – cleaned up and matched to head, rejetted and rebuilt 550 carbs with all new o-rings and jets
silvercafebuild008.jpg


Head – Decked for flatness and milled to raise compression
Rocker Arms / Shafts – CB650 matched to the cam, spring mounted for positive cam engagement, drilled for additional oil circulation.
Cylinders– bored to 61mm, Powroll 591cc kit pistons, rings, pins and Teflon clips fitted with Cometic composite head gasket.
Cam – CB650 for increased lift and duration over stock. 650 cam drive and cable
Air filters – UNI foam pods
Exhaust – MAC 4 into 1, period correct, custom built mid pipe and muffler, designed for 591cc engine
silvercafebuild010.jpg

silvercafebuild014.jpg

silvercafebuild016.jpg

silvercafebuild017.jpg

silvercafebuild001.jpg

silvercafebuild009.jpg

silvercafebuild022.jpg


THE LOOK
Stock 550 tank with period Dunstall fiberglass seat. Paint is silver metallic with red accent on tank and Yoshimura characters airbrushed in black onto red accent. Will use CB750 instruments as they have a 7-1 ratio tach required for 650 cam. Tomasselli Adjustable Clipons with GP grips , 550K controls and cables. Custom Lucas taillight assembly, brushed aluminum headlight ears and smoked signals, café bar end mirror. Black painted engine, wheels and frame. Polished top triple clamp, fork stanchions, instruments, controls, master cyl, brake hanger, brake caliper, engine side cases, tappet covers and cam covers. Alloy bolt kit, polished and drilled rear brake backing plate . Modified countershaft cover, Tardozzi fork brace. Center stand removed.
Fast, Loud, Menacing
silvercafe3002.jpg
silvercafe3007.jpg

silvercafebuild003.jpg

silvercafebuild033.jpg

silvercafefinalpics010.jpg


All ready to go, certified with papers - $7200

BEFORE:
silvercafebuild004.jpg


AFTER:
silvercafefinalpics020.jpg


You can call me at: 416 888 3030 or Kemp at 416 557 5051 for details...
 
Last edited:
Back
Top Bottom