Entries Tagged as '1978 CB550 Build'

Project MotoJackD: Update 2

Engine Here are a few close-up pics I took with my new camera. Progress is moving along – I’m currently cleaning up the pieces of the bike I am going to salvage. Overall, most of the bike’s parts are in great shape – I think I’ll be able to use most everything that came with it.

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Project MotoJackD: Update 1 – Tear-down 95% complete!

The beginning After what amounts to about only 10 hours of work (3 of which was dedicated to 6 stripped out valve cover screws… more on that in the gallery) I have the bike ALMOST completely apart. The amazing thing about the whole process was my scary lack of problems throughout. [Read more →]

Project MotoJackD: 1978 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer Build

Anybody who knows this site knows what I do – I’m a freelance custom painter that’s had the pleasure of doing some really cool paint for some really cool people. A lot of folks ask me why I haven’t quit my day job and started doing this full time – I tell them I’ve always kept my painting as a hobby for a couple reasons:

  1. I never wanted to get to a point where I considered it a “job” and, by definition, start not liking it, and
  2. I always thought i needed to do more than paint a car or bike to REALLY get the most out of it.

Also, over the course of the last few years I’ve found myself itching to get my hands dirty again – my 9-5 is in front of a computer and, while its rewarding in its own way, doesn’t ever speak to this primal need i have to bust my knuckles on a piece of oil covered steel. This article from NY Times Magazine really lit a fire under my ass, for anyone who felt (or feels) that getting shuffled into the college/business world isnt for them… read it now.

So, with all that being said, I present my new project: The complete tear-down and rebuild of a 1978 Honda CB550 Motorcycle

The bike as I bought her...

Here she is - not in bad shape for $300

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