Regulars Rides: Steve's Honda CB550 K3 Shed-Build
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 5 พ.ย. 2018
- In 2015, Steve was having a rough point in his life, so decided he needed to immerse himself in a project. So he bought a barn find, knackered up Honda.
Here's the fun twist though, Steve didn't actually hold a motorcycle license!
But, despite that minor hindrance, he set to work and over the last two years tinkered and toiled to create this beautiful CB550 café racer.
Teaching himself metal work, fibreglass modelling, engine rebuild and a whole lot of cleaning and restoring skills and more, he then submitted his creation into The Bike Shed London 2018 Show and surprised himself when we said yes (we didn't hesitate for a second though).
What Steve created is what shed building is all about and the what The Bike Shed was built upon.
We say well done sir! - ยานยนต์และพาหนะ
That racey sound is savoureux
I forgot to mention in this that I'm super-grateful to my good pal, Winkle, who allowed me to use his workshop, bust a few of his tools, put up with me trying to run before I could walk, and generally help me from total newbie to someone who has at least a good understanding of why my welds look like pigeon shit!
Having someone like this who was totally tolerant of me taking up some of his space was truly crucial in my ability to put this bike together. Thanks man, you're a true friend!
Awesome build man, super clean.. And it sounds super crisp!
@@beobe99 cheers man!
@stephen do you have any more videos on this bike or a forum build thread ?
Great work mate. I don't know if I have enough patience to work for two years transforming a piece of crap into a beauty like yours but the result is certainly stunning! Great job and Happy New Year!
What carb jetting did you go for in the end?
The Exhaust note is EPIC ! 😳
When I was young the seventies bikes were all being run with open headers. You could hear them echoing off the buildings in Manhattan. I said someday that's going to be me, and when it did that was an extremely happy moment. I knew some kid was listening to wide open headers, popping like fireworks on deceleration (we didn't have Power Commanders, only jets.) Back in the 80's that popping was great in tunnels!!
This thing sounded nothing like I expected it to
It’s a mental sound, isn’t it? To be honest, it’s the real reason (other than the look) that I love this thing
This thing is in the ideling Key of Ab/G# sweet
Redshift313 cool man, how’d you figure that out?
As someone who has worked on many old Japanese bikes. I'll save some people years of trouble. Steve is right! If you want the most power, and the best throttle response, and the best high RPM performance, leave your stock airbox, 100% stock. Also leave your mufflers 100% stock, with the factory baffles. Do not drill a single hole in the air box. Do not change to a different air filter. Run the stock carburetors with their vacuum slides, with a stock air filter, and stock air box, in the stock location. Do not modify it. You will be absolutely astonished how much more power your bike has with the stock air box, even though it looks like it has a tiny orfice, it was engineered to work properly. As soon as you drill a single hole in the air box, you drastically change the jetting requirements, and the engine will not have as much power. I rode for years on 400cc Yamaha XS400 twin, and it never had very much power, and felt boggy. One day I plugged the 1" holes I had drilled in the airbox, and the engine gained 20% more power on top, it became a snarling beast that wanted to rev to 10,000 rpms. If you open up the mufflers, that also changes the jetting. The easiest way to start a motorcycle project is to start with stock mufflers, and a stock airbox. Then, modify ONE THING at a time, while making a before and after comparison. You'll never know how much power your engine is supposed to have, unless you start with the STOCK AIR BOX, and STOCK JETTING. If you don't know what the "baseline" is, then you'll be searching endlessly without any reference, wondering what your bike is supposed to run like. Start stock, even if it seems counter intuitive.
I keep returning to this bike as one of my favorite builds
Thanks mate!!
Me too lol
sweet
sweet bike man
Amazing work. I would have given up long ago. Congratulations.
That is One Beautiful bike. The exhaust sound is out of this world. 👍💯
Top notch with the details. That sound too wow. Thanks for sharing.
Sounds like stink, right?
nice work, love the indicators
Brings back memories of my Navy days. Nice color too. Thanks.
Holy Cow!!! That's an awesome bike. To think that you pretty much brought it back from the dead. Such a labour of love.
Stunning looking Bike m8,,,well done,,,,,wow
Colin Wood thanks Colin
Uff that exhaust note. 🥶
Absolutely fabulous job. I still have the 550 I bought new when I was in high school. It hasn't run in 30 years but this proves that given the time and the will I could bring her back to life. Nothing sounds quite like those 550s with a proper exhaust system. My bike was still running strong with 80,000 miles when she went to sleep. Time to wake her up.
George Wallace mate... that sounds like you’ll have as much fun as I did!!
How did it go?
@@Hariharan-ms1fr I've been thinking about the restoration for quite some time and was saving up for it. Then in late 2017 I came across a brand new 2014 CB1100 for $6,199. I bought it immediately and installed a set of Arrow headers straight away. So the 1100 has twice the power, better brakes, better suspension, a hydraulic clutch, and fuel injection. It's a great ride which I'm very happy with and nicely pairs with my '14 CB1000R. Still there is nothing like the sound and feel of the old 550F. Long answer to the "how did it go?" The short answer is it didn't. Yet.
Jesus it sounds SO beautiful!
Pablo Jan Martinezzi cheers bud
I’m just starting to get into bikes. I still need to do all my schooling and test. But these models made me fall in love. Yeah sure Yamaha r1s, Ducati panegali’s are all nice but these are a work of art I want one so bad I want this this to be my first bike and my last !!! It’s so hard to find one at my location…
I own a '78 CB550K myself. All original except the 4 into 1 pipe. Your exhaust sounds wicked. Awesome build. been daydreaming about doing something like what you've done for a while now. Cheers...
Love the bike and story!!!!
ACTS_ MEN thanks mate!
This video was good, I watched it twice. The exhaust note is empyrean.
Plight_of_Icarus great word!
Amazing build and the fact that it was a basket case makes it that much cooler!
The detail on this has got to be one of the best I've seen on a cb. Fantastic job, it looks so good.
Thank you Jacob, glad you like it!
There's nothing else like doing anything by yourself. Such a beautiful piece of art.
Daniel Eduardo Merino baptism by fire for sure!
@@stephenmarshall4427 you're an inspiration king Midas.
You have created a beauty, my friend. Nothing sounds quite like an inline 4 cylinder motorcycle engine. Your exhaust really sounds wonderful.
Ron LHeureux cheers mate!
Great job. Like the indicator solution in front 👍🏽
Lovely sound
I had a new '75 K1 CB 550, most amazing motorcycle I ever owned. 15,000 RPM no problem! Faster on top end than CB750s, lighter, and easier to ride. I wish I still had it today.
A real 'snotter' love that description. Great build btw.
Mark Pitman it’s the only way I could legitimately describe it! Fook knows why I challenged myself with such a cosmetically ‘gone’ bike for my first build!
Was not expecting that exhaust note. Epic.
This bike looks incredible! Steve you should be really proud of yourself and your bike.... its simply breath-taking...
Thanks mate, I love a few things about it: how it turned out, keeping it running, the interest it gets, how it rides, and finally (pretty obvious really 🤪) that sound!!
Nice build. AFX represent!
the exhaust note is badass ;)
Truly a work of arts 😎
Nicely done Mr 😎
That’s probably the coolest little Honda I’ve ever seen!
John son cheers mate!
I remember when Bikes used to sound like that.
Amazing bike.
bald vale they do again... thanks mate!
@@stephenmarshall4427 Your welcome.
Why does it sound so good?
FZ6 Fazer M8.
@tyvek05 Yeah, the Japanese can mass produce motors capable of 16,000 rpm, and going 100,000 miles. Please tell me, what does an EVO motor rev to and how long before they need rebuilt?
OMG!.....a cannonball
Aaahhhhrrr! The envy is killing me
Really nice build, and the fact that he did almost all of the work himself made it almost as special as that exhaust sound!
I loved the process!
@@stephenmarshall6004 I bet. I just finished off restoring my project bike but I ran out of money and have to sell it so I couldn't do any customization on it like I originally wanted. Still, just being able to get a non-running bike that needs a lot of work, running again and looking way better than it originally was, is a great feeling!
Turco949 exactly! It’s a bit like “I make fire!”
Que bella quedó esa obra!!
I adore this bike... clean, humble, yet has it’s own pride...
Wow, amazing job. This bike is stunning.
Thanks!!
Love the lines of the older Honda’s, my gosh, they are becoming scarce, Finally motorcycles are gaining value exponentially.
Oh wow, I wish I had the skill, time, patience and where-with-all to do something like that - lovely machine (and I don't even like cafe racers!!).....great vid once again guys, lovin' your content....
If I can teach myself to do all this, having zero background in the process, so can you!
Here you go...
suchen.mobile.de/fahrzeuge/details.html?id=268604241&damageUnrepaired=NO_DAMAGE_UNREPAIRED&isSearchRequest=true&maxFirstRegistrationDate=1950&minFirstRegistrationDate=1930&pageNumber=5&scopeId=MB&sfmr=false&sortOption.sortBy=searchNetGrossPrice&sortOption.sortOrder=ASCENDING&searchId=3e0bf6c1-b5b3-984f-3b8a-ca8ae1e5779a
@@stephenmarshall3175 Nice one Steve - love your bike but don't underestimate your achievement here - what you've done is something very special that not everyone can do....because of skill, time, patience, where-with-all, etc.....enjoy and ride safe buddy!
That engine sound was the bike worlds equivalent of Barry White getting his groove on...with Brian Blessed.
Much kudos to you for. Making that an incredible sounding bike.
Roger Moore 😂
Almost a year later and I still LOVE this build. Steve this is a beautiful build.
charles kiarie cheers mate!
Good Job on the Rebuild !!
Very much in the spirit of the 70s Honda fours - really nice build!
thanks man!
I was in awe at the sound of this machine. That exaust is unique. The LEd custom...is what I now want in my builds. M.
Awesome, the sound is great
Wow! Beautiful workmanship! I love it! 😎👍🏻
Cheers John!
Excellent job. Well done.
castelnedd thanks mate!
Really enjoyed your video. Gorgeous bike!
Thanks Peter!
I watch your video almost 50times love the looksss
Nice , clean build and a massive undertaking considering how the bike started off. I tip my hat to you Sir and what wonderful motivation to get through your CBT and test. 👍
VadersDarkside thanks mate, it was a proper challenge, and I loved every minute of it!
awesome built!
That’s sounding fantastic!
That is an amazing restoration 👍
The exhaust sounds brilliant without having the need for volume. The seating reminds me of the 80's Suzuki Katana. I rode with my feet behind me on the pillion rider's foot rests to avoid back and thigh cramping!
Love the switches. Hell of an undertaking, you're a brave man! The end result is definitely worth it - nice job
I‘m not quite sure how many times I’ve watched this video, it’s so inspiring for me 😂 I think it was more than 20 times 👌
A. Kastner that’s great! And thanks for keeping our view count up!
thats a really gratifying comment mate - lovely that someone else likes the outcome as much as I do! Hope you take as many ideas from this (and build on them) as you want. Make something awesome!
This build is nothing short of a godsend to an aspiring builder like myself... it is kind of empowering to know that Steve came from a place of knowing nothing about motorcycles... to crafting this beautiful beast. Hats off Steve... I vow to follow in your footsteps mate.
slapcanister nice one mate! Best experience getting stuck in. Good luck!!!
How’s the restoration going?
Beautiful beautiful build, so clean! That pipe is super neat, would hoped you talk more about it, sounds awesome. Hopefully lucky enough to see it in person someday.
It’s a Carpy stainless, which I messed around with to get that rear kick-up
that looks sweet. So glad you got into this, nothing like a project to give you purpose in life! love the 70's engine...they look bulletproof.
Fantastic sound!
Definitely like this bike. Nothing crazy, just subtle and elegant. A bunch of tasteful changes that equal a really nice looking ride.
I wish manufacturers would make motorcycles like the ones done on this show
Eric B I think a number of them have picked up on the retro theme. Royal Enfield, Mutt, Triumph (to a degree). Make no mistake, a lot of them do keep their eyes very closely on the custom scene for design cues.
Just found the “Bike Shed” a few weeks ago. Awesome ! I wake each morning ready to see what they posted. Beautiful job mate. The exhaust note is over the top. What a beautiful labor of love and respect that moto represents. Stay UpOn2 Cheers from Texas to you Sir!
They’re a lovely bunch of folks too!
Brilliant. Just brilliant. The lines, the flow, the machining. And that sound is to die for.
cheers mate - it's the little things that make it
Fantastic restore - absolutely love it. So many cool bikes/bikers at the Bike Shed. The UK riding scene rocks!
Awesome, incredible transformation. Ive always loved the look of the cylinder block/head design of those, its a kind of accidental industrial beauty that Honda can always revive. Talking of accidental when I was a kid I was with me mum in Wellingborough and as we were walking along the pavement I noticed that a coach that had turned right had knocked a biker off a gleaming new machine and its rear wheels were imminently going flatten a big chunk of the bike and quite probably the legs of the rider. Seeing the impending catastrophe I stepped out into the road holding my hand up to the driver of the coach whilst pointing to the guy under the coach. Driver of the coach stopped and bystanders stepped in to haul the guy and his CB550 from underneath. I was feeling well chuffed with myself stepping out onto the road like that, what with me being like six years old.
That's proper hero work Simon! i love the configuration of these engines
@@stephenmarshall3175 Thanks. Another time me mum was taking me into town in her Morris Traveller and on entering a 90 degree corner in a Bedfordshire village we had an encounter with a guy on an early large capacity Kawasaki Z series. He had obviously completely mis-judged the corner or was assuming that no one was coming from the other direction. I can remember him coming round the corner, seeing the Morris, slamming on the brakes, getting on a massive wobble before hitting the car sideways on and sliding out on the deck. A guy in a vicars outfit come out of a nearby house to help the motorcyclist who was nursing his wounds. Me mum was quite shocked by the whole experience but I was sat there thinking "those Japanese motorcycles with the four cylinders must be great fun"
I definitely prefer the CB350/400/500/550/650 bikes over the CB750 in terms of engine design!
Wow....good work... Beautiful bike.
Great job you pulled that bike out of the grave and made it a bike of beauty just awesome.
Nice build....great attention to details...even if it's a clean minimal bike
This is so sweet, absolutely beautiful lines and subtle but unique features in the top plate etc.
Awesome build
One of my favorites on here recently, beautiful.
I fell in love as soon as I saw that smooth little rear cowl.
Beautiful Build
Anhony Prior thanks mate
So good, good. Then that sound!
Nick Charlton great pipes aren’t they?
Nice bike
Well done
Nick
Nice clean and honest bike, well done! Those pipes are awesome too. Enjoy what is a great bike.
Wow! One of the nicest CBs I have seen! It also has the best exhaust note, lovely!
she's a screamer for sure!
I've done a few builds and this looks like quality work for an experienced builder. Very well done.
Joshua Miller thanks mate. Looking forward to the next one!
Amazing job. Beautiful, clean lines and great attention to detail. Sounds great too.
Jaw dropping Steve..and that engine is so purdy.
Jool cheers man!
Magic. Buttons/swiches are brutal!
I just love these regular rides series. Thank you !
Always good to see something different, great little bike.
Jean Clifton thanks Jean!
Well done!!
Great job on the rebuild. My first street bike as a teenager was a 1981 Honda CX500. I wish I still had it today to do what you've done to your bike. I love the sound of your machine too!
The Trail Buzzard in Pittsburgh thanks man!
Awesome build!
Very clean build. Well thought out and executed. I give it high marks in all areas.
This is amazing , would be my ideal bike….
Love the whole look!
Something I will aspire to once I’ve passed my test 👍
Lovely build and great job on the tail section.
Beautiful build.
gasgas270 thanks mate!
Awesome bike 👍
Bravo, fella! One of my favourites so far. To bring a bike back from the dead and turn it into that is an amazing achievement.
Jonathan Hopkins cheers man! Super chuffed to get all these positive comments
Funny how when "we" go through rough periods, some of us instintctevily turn to motorycles. A cm400t barn find saved my life.
Great video and I wish a place like the Barn Shed existed here in Montreal... Hummmmmm that's got me thinking. Great video loved what Steve has accomplished. Beautiful bike, art meets engineering. Awesome.
Cyrille Loreau cheers man!
Shiiit !!! That exhaust sound ❤ amazing bike.... I liked the simplicity about it ... I wasn't expecting that sound at all
Some great work there