When you think of modifying an old Honda CB, the choice for many is the CB750, but recently, we’ve seen more examples of builders using the CB450 or the CB550 as a starting point, and it makes you wonder why we haven’t seen more of them before.
Jeff Stephens operates a little business out of his garage called Godffery’s Garage building and modifying bikes for his customers. He was considering a cafe project when a customer approached looking for something special. After questioning the customer and narrowing down what he had in mind, Jeff began work on a rough CB550 and his only restrictions were a red frame and a Benjis tank. With that kind of freedom, he began building and since the bike wasn’t pristine to begin with, he had no qualms about cutting off and tossing the unnecessary bits and pieces.
Jeff says he did a lot of research along the way and went through many changes in the build process. With budget room to do it right, he focused on quality, he wanted a lot more than a set of clubman bars and a bump seat on his build, which seems to be where too many cafe projects begin and end.
Why twin shocks? Everyone is doing mono conversions. Why exterior fork springs? He liked the look. Why a hydraulic clutch conversion? He hadn’t seen one on a CB550 before. Jeff took a lot of in progress shots along the way so you can see the whole build process and it’s interesting to see the detail work and fabrication that goes into a project like this.
I think the end result is a really sharp bike. It’s also one of those smaller displacement rides everyone seems to be asking for these days, of course, when the CB550 was new, it was no small bike, more of a middleweight. Times sure have changed.
With builds like this showing up, maybe a lot more builders will begin looking at this little brother to the well known and maybe overdone CB750. There’s a lot of 550s out there just waiting to be restored or turned into projects like this. I like it.
Related: CB450 Clubman Cafe
Related: CB550 Cafe
Be sure to check out the Honda CB550 motorcycles for sale
WRXr says
Looks great. Love the red frame and red accents.
JR says
How tough is a hydraulic clutch conversion?
Merlin says
Fantastic, except id be a little worried about my bits sliding under the tank.
oldtimer says
I like it…..but you knew I was going to say that, didn’t you? Lots of good ideas to ponder.
I rode many, many, trouble free miles on a CB 550 several years ago. A good platform for a trouble free ride.
fast eddie says
What a grate job on that bike . New idea’s for everyone. I wonder if the hydraulic conversion cures the weakest clutch in M/C history. The mother of invention , is what ?
I’d love to know how much it cost to build ? Build some more , please F E
FREEMAN says
Just gorgeous.
Phoebe says
This is pretty nice. I would actually like to get a CB550 myself, since it’s just the right size for me, and these bikes are very usable, reliable and fairly cheap to pick up.
Alan says
I don’t get the rear suspension. It doesn’t look like there’s any travel room between the subframe and the upper loop of the swingarm.
Alan says
So maybe there’s an inch or so of clearance which translates to, what, about three inches of travel at the axle? And is it just limited shock travel that keeps the upper swingarm from hitting the subframe?
Godffery says
Actually Alan,
It may look that way from these photos but the suspension loop fits rather nicely between the subframe. (Almost as if it were designed that way) ; ]
Godffery
Marvin says
I rather like those external springs its a nice looking bike all round. Funny but to me a 550cc bike remains a middle weight. Little would be 0-399, middle 400cc to 750 and big 750-1200cc and bloated for anything above this. This looks like a light and lithe middle weight which should translate into a whole lot of fun, I also like the battery placement it’s tidy without trying to deny it existence.
todd says
I’m trying to place it; is that a Austin Healey Sprite tail light?
I agree that the 550 is still a middle weight with plenty of power for getting out of traffic’s way. This is a nice build on a nice platform. It is my opinion that the 550 (and the 500) was a much better bike than the 750. It was just overshadowed by all the fanfare of the 750.
Beautiful exhaust by the way.
-todd
Nicolas says
Besides the great craftmanship shown here, the key is ” With budget room to do it right “. What’s the budget to retrofit this CB550 ? At some point, everything is possible, you can change any ugly duck/pig in a beauty queen/racing queen, but where is the yellow line beyond which you can step backwards, think twice, and maybe choose to get a 1198S for the same amount of $$ ?
The common clubman/bump seat may not be as fancy or enjoyable as a total resto/mod, but for most it’s probably the most affordable compromise, a step in the right direction, and maybe a way to do something with the bike and get the envy to go further in the DIY.
Godffery says
One of the few things that have stuck in my mind regarding the 550 vs. the 750 is an article I saw (Cycle World I think?) from back in the 70’s when these things first hit the street. They did a side by side comparison and the 550 was only a half a second slower then the 750 witch basically was due to there weight. So… I figured if I shaved even more off the 550 and added the CR carbs and Web Cam, I should have no problem going toe too toe with “Big Brother”…!
BTW Todd; you nailed it! Yes it’s a Austin Healey tail light. Two points for you! = ]
chickenflaps says
Todd, you need to get out more :o)
Mule says
Nicolas, on your budget comparison, I think it’s like this. Do you remodel your kitchen/house with cabinets and appliances and paint and carpet or buy a brand new Condo accross from the Mall? Two different lifestyles I’d say. Some people like the simplicity of a time gone by but with some high dollar sensible upgrades (this 550).
Another example would be today’s high end hot rods. Why not just buy a new Porsche Carrera instead of a smallblock motor’d 32 Ford? Different mindsets and priorities. In reality, only the people with serious dough can thumb their nose at an 1198. While people with not quite enough are required to droll. They HAVE to drool. It’s their specified position/roll in society. The people of higher means look at a bike like this and say, “WTF? I think I’ll have me one of those too!” And they order one up. Motorcycle purchases are 100% emotional. For you the fastest bike for $$ spent is what’s important. For others it’s having a bike custom built just for them that’s like no other! This 550 is one of those bikes and I’ll bet the owner of this bike is not a member of any specific “Herd”. He does as he pleases. This is the kind of bike that makes people happy. To look at, ride, appreciate not to mention the lengthy build process that he no doubt was involved with. It didn’t pop off an assembly line at the rate of 23 units per hour.
Godfrey, good job, it looks great. Probably sounds wicked too!
wade says
i love it. reminds me of a 550 i built for my brother who outran 8 police cars and then parked on the side of the road and smoked an entire cigarette before the first one slid up to him. fast and lean. oh , and loss of license for 5 years.
Motorod says
Quite tasty.
Sportster Mike says
Love the bike – nice and useable too
Would make a good ride to work and weekend fun bike as well
I think its a Morris Minor rear light though..
Al says
It even has a little ‘willy’ sticking out the front…
Nice attention to detail…Jeff
Good idea about the grease nipple on the brake shaft
Dream job… getting paid for doing stuff like that.
fireninja says
Fantastic cafe bike! I just love the cutout work. . . oh to have a machine shop. . .
IMHO, having built more than a few cafe bikes out of old honda CBs over the years (although I prefer the twins. . . give me a CB500t over a CB550f anyday. . .), the major value of the perhaps over done bump seat is that the little cowl makes a fantastic place to hide the various electrical crap, including a nice small sealed battery. Then you can pull the side covers and show off the skeletal quality of a true vintage bike.
Scotduke says
The detail work is excellent. I am curious how much rear suspension travel there is. I also think that gap in the tank needs to be covered up somehow and agree with one post that suggests this could be a hazard to a vulnerable part of the anatomy. But all things considered it’s a good result for a bike that was worthy (reliable and well made) but a little dull (boring looking) back in the day. It’d make a good daily ride.
Nicolas says
Mule, I’m myself re-building (messing around with) and riding older bikes that are modestly personalized to my expectations and needs, therefore I understand the point of having a “time gone by” / “customized” bike. I’m not about the fastest bike for the $$, my daily ride is a 1973 XS650 or a 1975 CB500t …
But what I see, while doing it, is that you can spend some serious dough in the process … the sum of the parts involved ends up being more than the value of the finished product. The 1198 reference was maybe out of target, I should have said a “Mule Motorcycle Streetracker” instead. If I could afford all the parts/work done on this CB, I’d probably still rather give you a call and ask you to build me a ride based on a more modern bike, while keeping the CB550 in my garage to restore/mod it, but at a more limited scope/budget.
Mule says
Nicolas, My response was sort of a generic response to scores of people that question the logic of pouring money into old stuff. I didn’t start out to be one of those people, but over time, as cool as a lot of the new bikes are, I got more enjoyment out of the simpler, easier to improve stuff. Now, building bikes from scratch seems to be the most attractive. Someday, my own motor!
Look at the old boardtrackers. The REAL ones. Now what on earth could a guy do with one of those? That Cyclone sold a year or so ago for $520K. Lots go for $80-120K and that puts them into another group of peoples hands and probably not the people on this site every day. What could you buy for that kind of money? I hate to think.
The fact that you have some older projects in work means you understand already and just have the good sense to stay within your budget(s). The first thing I always ask potential customers is, “What’s your budget?” Then I know what level of components and work can go into the caller’s dream project. No mun, no fun. The 550 here doesn’t have any crazy expensive componetry, but does have a lot of manhours. However, manhours are worthless without skills to be apply for all those hours. Google the Jackie Howerton Roadster. That guy had 15 years in the most unbeleivable car ever built. Primarily, an incredible, high level of skilled manhours. I’ve seen it and heard it. It’s a life altering experience. Kinda off topic, but good stuff nonetheless.
Jim says
I’m amazed at the level of craftsmanship in the projects that show up on The Kneeslider, and this bike is no exception. Great details everywhere, but I’d ditch the clear ignition cover; it looks a little too J.C Whitney (not that I haven’t bought stuff from them — their old Chicago Archer Street location was a destination in itself). The other posters have noticed the gap in the tank as well; it sort of reminds me of the old “gonad strainer” parcel racks the Brits used to put on their tanks. Cover it, or get a different tank. The humpback Benjis tank doesn’t do much for me, but that’s my opinion. All in all, however, this is a fabulous ride and offers lots of starting points for other projects. Nothing wrong with a 4 — lots of power and cheap to build.
rohorn says
At the risk of endearing myself to even more people – what exactly does this bike do better than the original bike?
I’m really beginning to think that ’70’s sohc twins & fours are becoming Man Barbies – get them for cheap (or as gifts!) and dress them up in whatever fashion you like! Are bobbers, street trackers, and cafe racers becoming the little black dresses, schoolgirl outfits, and cheerleader uniforms of the motorcycle world?
Yeah, they ARE cute. But how about something original? PLEASE!
Mule says
So what’s your original idea? Inquiring minds want to know.
taxman says
@rohorn – there are no original ideas left
todd says
From what I understand, we’re not critiquing the idea of this bike, only its execution and platform. The point of the topic is that there are forgotten bikes out there that can be picked up for nothing and turned into something, mostly with just a bunch of work. This guy did just that and did a fantastic job. Perfect? Original? No. Is anything?
-todd
Jim says
Original? How ’bout using a diesel, mounting the engine where the seat is and sitting where the engine was? Might be a little hard to operate, but nobody will accuse you of doing the same old thing.
All the viable ideas have been tried. Those that worked, stuck. How many different ways can you build a motorcycle, anyway?
Steve says
Beautiful job on a classic hot rod. That has to be the nicest one I’ve seen yet.
rohorn says
No original ideas left? That “thinking” explains a lot.
Mule,
Do a little searching whenever you are done with the relentless self promotion. Stuck in the past much?
Todd,
Well said and I agree – it IS well done – Paul picked a very good example to make a very good point. I’ll leave it at that.
Mule says
Rohorn, That’s your original idea?
John S says
I had two CB 550s decades ago. One endearing trait was that in rain both brakes would wet fade! You had no brakes whatsoever! Honda did a recall around 1977 to replace the front pads. Didn’t help much. And I’m sure the venting here will help the rear brake get wetter faster.
dannyb278 says
I dont pretend to be a motorcycle builder and master salesman (though i’m working on it) but if the customer got what he/she wanted within there budget than who really gives a sh*t if it is “origional” or not. Nice bike.
dannyb278 says
I’m also a firm beiliever in that ( I’m paraphrasing the great Cole Foster here) that custom bikes work only within a certain aesthetic based on the bike, basically there are “unwritten” rules that need to be followed to make a specific bike aesthetically pleasing. It is not about being the most “origional” but working within the confines of the bike itself and maximizing aspects of the original design with what the builder is bringing to it.. A basic example would be that if you could make a “street tracker” type bike out of a cb550 four. You wouldnt though, becuase the 4 cylinder engine doesnt lend itself toward that design. Would it be original, yes, but would it be aesthetically pleasing and would the bike succeed as a whole? i would argue no.
Sorry if i butchered what you said Cole, but thats what i took it for.
oldtimer says
Personally, I can’t wait till rohorn unveils his original idea bike. I don’t know how he finds the time for tearing down the work of other bike builders, while still pursuing what must be an awsome bike of his own. Go rohorn, Go!! You da bomb, dude!! Can’t wait to see it!
The "Great" Lumbee says
…wow! Awesome job on the rear suspension and fender…it is deceptively simple but looks superb. Simple is always better. I’ve sat for hours and racked my brain on how to work a similar rear suspension into a CB…and BLAM! Here it is. Thanx!
Las Vegas Harley-Davidson says
Beautiful work!
One of our service technicians, Hiro Koiso, is known for doing amazing work on motorcycles too, you can check out some of his work on his Facebook fan page: http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Las-Vegas-NV/Hiro-Koiso-Racing/287713362641?ref=ts
He’s actually going to be racing his Harley this weekend at the BUB Speed Trails with the rest of the Las Vegas Harley-Davidson & Red Rock Harley-Davidson based team! We’re wishing them all lots of luck!
valvolux says
meh, every man and his dog got an 1198.
im sick of the haters – its an excellent build with alot of intersting mods
Stephen Williams says
Neat, but can you enlighten me as to what a Benjis Tank is?
Bob Nedoma says
Excellent build! I may do without the external springs or see through covers, but them’s my “reasons”. Why should anyone care??
What I would like to know: Why is it an OVERKILL?
Bowtiedaddyo says
Nice Work. The old smaller Hondas 350’s, 400’s, 450’s, 500’s and 550’s are a great platform for just about any conversion. Plentiful and affordable.
Klaus says
Nice looking bike, so much more interesting than a brand new model! I’d be interested in a list of all mods and a comment from the builder, why he chose to do what and how he did it. – Turning a straight four into a cafe racer is quite an original idea!
Being from Europe, the exhaust header of the original silver bike looks like a 400 to me. I took my license test on one of those back in ’79. Didn’t know that that rare header was on 550s in the US. – Projects like this are the reason why I spend more time on this site than on sites like Cycle World or Das Motorrad!
Godffery says
Hello everyone,
I finally got some time (3: Am) to address some of your comments & questions.
Ok, here we go; in no particular order:
Fireninja – “I just love the cutout work. . . oh to have a machine shop. . .”
Re:___Man I WISH I had a machine shop for that stuff; I have to cut all that out by hand and finish it with files.
Sportster Mike – “nice and useable, Would make a good ride to work and weekend fun bike as well.â€
Re: ___ I’m really glad to hear comments like that, This bike WAS built to be ridden!
Sportster Mike – “I think its a Morris Minor rear light though..â€
Re:___ I don’t know about the Morris but I do know it was also used on the Triumph TR3.
JR – “How tough is a hydraulic clutch conversion?â€
Re:___ The design took some time (making sure I had calculated everything correctly) then it was a matter of getting the components made to spec and testing, modifying and welding into place. In short; it wasn’t as easy as I had hoped. But it never is.
Merlin – I’d be a little worried about my bits sliding under the tank.
Re:___ Actually you’d have to try pretty dammed hard to get your junk in there. Plus; there is very little movement of any parts up there.
Fast Eddie – “I wonder if the hydraulic conversion cures the weakest clutch in M/C history.â€
Re:___ Sadly… no. = / But, it is a much easer and smoother pull.
Fast Eddie – “I’d love to know how much it cost to build ?â€
Re:___ Order one, you’ll find out! ; ]
Todd – “Beautiful exhaust by the way.â€
Re:___ Thank you, that is a custom order from BCR.com (slightly modified from there standard 550 pipes).
Al – “It even has a little ‘willy’ sticking out the frontâ€
Re:___ HA… I never thought if it that way… But ya, I can see it now! Well, some bikes have balls; this one apparently has a “Willy†too boot!
Al – “Good idea about the grease nipple on the brake shaft.â€
Re:___ Thanks, I have found those are often neglected during regular maintains because they require complete disassembly just to grease.
Scotduke – “It’d make a good daily ride.â€
Re:___ Thanks man, that is what I was shooting for; there are a lot of real interesting builds out there but just not practical to ride.
Nicolas – “you can spend some serious dough in the process … the sum of the parts involved ends up being more than the value of the finished product.â€
Re:___ Yup. Can’t argue with that, but I will say this; have you ever seen a Harley that DOESN’T fit the scenario to a tee? =D
Jim – “I’d ditch the clear ignition cover; it looks a little too J.C Whitneyâ€.
Re:___Hummm… I’ll have to think about that. I know I didn’t want to go with stock or the typical alloy fined so I felt this was a nice change of pace.
Rohorn– “what exactly does this bike do better than the original bike?â€
Re:___ Really…???
Rohorn– “Man Barbies “
Re:___Ha, I actually like that analogue. You’ve probably here the expression “MotoPorn†You know; really nice too look at but no touching, well I like to think of this one being a little more like a MotoProstitute because you can actually wrap your legs around it and ride as hard as you like…!!! ; D
Mule – “looks great. Probably sounds wicked too!â€
Re:___ I’ll let you be the judge of that man… http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x0_tEgOupjg http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B_e16fjcz9w
John S – “in rain both brakes would wet fade! And I’m sure the venting here will help the rear brake get wetter faster.â€
Re___ Yup. Typical with my Norton as well, if I get caught in the rain; I ride accordingly.
Stephen Williams – “Neat, but can you enlighten me as to what a Benjies Tank is?â€
Re___ Sure : http://www.benjiescaferacer.com/home.html
Bob Nedoma – Why is it an OVERKILL?
Re:___ The project grew to be much more involved then originally planed and some of my buddies thought I was cracking the whip well past the finish line.
Klaus – “so much more interesting than a brand new model!â€
Re:___ Thank you; that is exactly why I do this and I build these about as close as you can get to a “New / Vintage†motorcycle.
Klaus – I’d be interested in a list of all mods and a comment from the builder, why he chose to do what and how he did it.
Re:___ I’ve been very busy but if I get a chance; I’ll see if I can put some more info together for you later.
Thanks for all your comments, please keep them coming, good or bad; I promise you won’t hurt my feelings.
Godffery
DickDastardly says
Hi – I’m the owner. I was interested to see the comments.
Some notes on the rationale for this. Obviously I could have bought a new bike, but I don’t see too many I like. Same for cars – show me a new car under $100k that stirs the heart (aside maybe from a Caterham 7 or a Lotus Exige). Most of my machines are old Triumphs (my daily commute machine is a ’67 Trophy and a mint ’71 Blazer in the snow) and a modified Royal Enfield. The ’67 Trophy is great but it’s not super reliable beyond say 150 miles. The Enfield…good God. It’s a ’95 but is a bitch to ride and frequently conks out. I really wanted a vintage Jap Cafe bike. I wanted a new bike though that I can happily do a 500 mile trip on without major heartache. This was the result. Simple really – this bike is to be ridden, not trailered around. Likely some track days next season too. Can’t wait.
Jeff’s a genius so I left him to it. If you ask an artist for a painting it’s a mistake to keep sticking your beak in and suggesting the odd brush stroke.
Do yourself a favour and call Jeff to order one of these up. What are you going to do with the money – we’re all going to be dead in a few years anyway.
Cheers
Richard
Scotduke says
Good points Dick, yes, yes and yes I think. Maybe yes as well.
robert haskell says
That’s the coolest I’ve seen. Jeff, what shocks (part no,) did you use? Would you be willing to duplicate that hydraulic clutch setup? Major cudos dude.
Godffery says
Robert, just contact me directly.
BTW; Here are some New photos by Art Montes:
http://tinyurl.com/2buckau
Godffery’s Garage
http://tinyurl.com/yfrw4fc
Malcolm Chalmers says
Beautiful bike, great work.