Cafe Racer

BUILDING CAFE RACER IN 10 MINUTES!!(HONDA CB550)

After a lot of careful work, all parts have come together to finish the custom motorcycle build. The team focused on neat wiring, fresh handlebar and headlight choices, and making sure all moving parts fit well with the seat and frame. Each update was made with attention to both function and style.

The bike’s new headers, suspension, and leather accents helped improve its performance and look. Keeping the original orange color on the tank adds some character, showing off its unique history. With all systems tested and running, the build is now complete and ready for the road.

Key Takeaways

  • Every main part was installed and adjusted for performance.
  • Attention was given to style details and color choices.
  • The finished bike is tested and fully functional.

Summary of the Project

Purpose and Aims

  • The main goal was to upgrade several parts of the bike, including the headers, suspension, handlebars, and wiring.
  • Another aim was to improve the look and feel. The new handlebars and seat leather created a fresh style while keeping some original features, like the orange color on the tank.
  • Testing was important. Everything got checked to make sure it worked safely before considering the project finished.

Getting Started

The first steps included:

  1. Installing the headers and suspension.
  2. Cleaning up and organizing the wiring to avoid problems or clutter under the seat.
  3. Adding new handlebars, a headlight, and new grips. Most of these parts were ordered online, making it convenient.

A small wiring issue was found inside the headlight, but the headlight still worked. The original orange fuel tank was kept, giving the bike a bit of character, with its marks and wear adding to its style.

Installing the Handlebars and Headlight

 

Clip-On Bars from Online

The new handlebars are clip-on style and came from Amazon. After installing them, there was a noticeable difference in how the bike looked and felt. The fit was very good, with the handlebars almost matching the seat leather in color. They are not a perfect match, but they are close enough to look good together. Installing these handlebars finished off the clean and custom look the builder wanted.

Features:

  • Clip-on style for a low, sporty appearance
  • Easy installation and good fit
  • Color closely matches the seat

Making the Headlight Fit Right

The headlight, also from Amazon, works well even though some wiring inside needed a little adjusting. There was a small problem with the wiring, but it did not stop the headlight from working. All the wires fit into the space without touching the seat, so there were no concerns about things rubbing or getting damaged. The headlight helped finish the front of the bike and matched the overall look.

Wiring details:

Area Status Notes
Headlight Working Minor wiring adjustment needed
Seat clearance No interference Wires packed in but fit well

The orange color of the bike stays as it is, even with some wear, which adds character.

Electrical Wiring and Adjustments

Cable Management

The wiring is packed in tightly, but nothing gets in the way of the seat. There is no rubbing, so there is no need to change anything further. After putting everything back together, they tested all functions and confirmed that all controls worked as expected. The cables look neat, even though the space is limited.

Troubleshooting Headlight Connections

There is still a minor problem with some wires inside the headlight area. The headlight itself operates normally, but further tweaks may be needed for a complete fix. Even with this small issue, the system is reliable and safe to use until a final adjustment is made.

Suspension and Front Pipe Work

Putting the Suspension Back On

The suspension has been reattached to the bike. After securing everything, the setup was checked to make sure it did not interfere with the seat or other parts. Nothing touches the seat, so there are no issues with fit.

All wiring near the suspension was tidied up for a clean look. The bike was taken for a test ride to confirm that the suspension functions as expected.

Changing the Exhaust Header

The new headers were installed as part of the updates. Once mounted, their fit and look were reviewed. The headers do not interfere with other components.

Other parts, such as clip-on handlebars and accessories, were also replaced at the same time. The updated headers and neat wiring added to the improved appearance of the bike.

Seat and Leather Details

Accessories Purchased Online

A variety of parts were sourced from Amazon, including the clip-ons and headlight. Several other small pieces for the seat area also came from Amazon. All of these accessories fit well and do not interfere with the seat or other components.

Key Accessories:

Accessory Source Fit with Seat
Clip-ons Amazon Yes
Headlight Amazon Yes
Small Fittings Amazon Yes

All these parts are packed into the bike tightly, but nothing rubs against or damages the seat.

Matching the Original Leather Color

The new components closely match the color of the original seat leather. The shade is not exactly the same but comes very close. The orange color was kept for the seat, which adds character because of its natural wear and minor dents. The original orange matches the accessories well, making the overall look consistent.

Tank Adjustments and Preserving Color

Honda

Keeping the Orange Look

The tank’s original orange color was kept because it adds character to the bike. The orange finish has some dings and marks, sometimes called patina, but these small flaws give the bike a unique look. While the orange is not perfect, it matches well with other parts, such as the seat and accessories.

Appearance Details:

  • Orange paint has patina and a few dents
  • Matches seat leather closely in color
  • Gives the bike a classic and individual style

Thoughts on Adding Another Tank

There are plans to get a second tank in the future. This would allow the use of a different color, which was originally wanted for the bike. Having a spare tank would mean the current orange one can be preserved, while also trying out a new look when desired.

Possible Benefits of a Second Tank:

Current Tank Future Tank
Orange color Custom color possible
Keeps the original look Fresh and new style
Shows wear and patina Could be restored or new

Last Steps

Final Tweaks

The wiring is packed tight, but none of it presses against the seat. The headlight is working, though there is a small wiring issue inside that needs attention. Most of the parts, including the clip-on handlebars and headlight, came from Amazon. The grips closely match the seat leather in color, keeping everything looking neat.

He kept the orange tank for now, even though it has some dings and a bit of wear. The color adds character, making the bike stand out. There are plans to get a second tank to try out a different shade, but the current look fits nicely.

Quick facts:

Part Source Notes
Handlebars Amazon Changed the look
Headlight Amazon Works, minor fix left
Grips Amazon Color matches seat

Assembly Wrapped Up

The headers and suspension have both been installed. Everything was cleaned up and organized. After a test drive, all main parts worked as planned. He has only one small adjustment left before declaring the project finished. The build process is complete, and the results show off the hard work put in from start to finish.

Test Drive and Performance Assessment

Honda

After installing all the suspension and headers, the bike was taken out for a test drive. Everything worked as expected during the ride, with no parts rubbing against the seat or causing issues. The wiring was fitted snugly, and nothing interfered with the seating position.

There was a minor issue with some wiring inside the headlight, but the headlight still functioned, and the problem did not affect the ride. The new clip-on handlebars and headlight, both ordered online, made a noticeable difference in both appearance and comfort.

Notable points from the performance check:

  • Smooth ride with well-fitted suspension
  • All electrical systems working, with only a minor wiring adjustment needed
  • Comfortable handlebar position
  • No clearance problems at any contact points

The seat color closely matches the new grips, giving the bike a unified look. The original orange tank, though slightly worn, was kept, adding character and a classic style to the build.