Henri
Based on a '77 Honda CB550K3.
When Nick, our client decided he wanted a retro project, the 'net was duly scoured and a purchase made. Although the forty four year old Honda ran it had gearbox and other issues.It also hadn't been on the road for quite a while and did look a bit sorry for itself.
Due to work constraints and a pending house move, SRC got the call from Nick to undertake the project.
The brief was for a 'Brat Style', pared back build that he could take his wife on the back and the tank paintwork to loosely resemble the original colour scheme.
Of course there we plenty of other details too so the first job was too strip off all the unwanted parts then it was off to OS Pipes in Staffordshire for the fabrication of the new stainless 4 into 2 brushed stainless exhaust system.
Once back, the rest of the fabrication could be done which included a new, shorter rear frame loop, under seat electrics tray, new seat base, under swinging arm battery box and various other brackets.
Next up was stripdown time. With the motor out it was prepped and sealed as a whole unit ready for dry, fine blasting prior to being stripped. The frame, swinging arm, wheel rims and lots of other bits were sent off for blasting and powder coating in satin black.
Once the motor was stripped and inspected, the gearbox issues could be addressed and the rest of it refreshed and when reassembled it was treated to a tough satin black heat proof finish with bronze ceramic coated detailing.
With the finished motor and powder coated frame mated up, the refreshed forks, new fully adjustable shocks, rebuilt wheels with stainless spokes and Avon Roadrider tyres could go on.
As the old wiring loom was consigned to the bin, a new bespoke one was made to link up all the new electronics including Motogadget M Unit, M button, Motone push button switches, Acewell speedo/tacho, Koso Thunderbolt LED headlamp with Highsider close fit clamps, tiny Motogadget Tens 3 combo LED rear lights (stop, tail,indicators) and front M Blaze Pin LED indicators.
The 'icing on the cake' was fitting the lovely freshly painted tank and seat. Finished in VW Toffee Brown pearl with red and gold striping to resemble the original, it really compliments the rest of the bike along with the black leather seat and gold stitching.
Living on the South Wales / English border Nick now has the perfect, easy going bike to explore those lovely roads.
Side Rock Cycles