We did our first feature a 1975 Honda CB400F from Steel Bent Customs a few weeks ago, we were lucky enough to discover these guys from an ebay listing.
Today we are taking a look at their latest offering a 1975 Honda CB550 Cafe Racer.
According to Michael Mundy, co-owner of Steel Bent Customs “The 1975 Honda CB550 started out in stock running condition as a barn find. The 1992 Yamaha FZR600 was a beat to death on it’s last legs Street Fighter -rideable, but not pretty. I wanted to take the newer technology of the mono shock swing arm, brakes, and wheels & merge with the nostalgia of the iron clad utilitarian of the mid 70s Honda CBs. The triple tree fit fairly well with newer bearings, and the swing arm matched perfectly with the frame. The wheels & brakes give the bike a knee dropping urge w/dead sexy stopping power”.
This was a fun build for the guys, starting out with the mindset that anything is possible with a cutting wheel and a welder, not necessarily true but sounds nice all the same!
The 70s CB engines are a testament to Japanese reliability and performance ability. Steel Bent Customs say they are excited about the garage builder movement and are humbled by the positive response to their creations. We would have to agree, finding something special that rolls out of a one man, two man garage is pretty sweet.
Like all bikes that roll out of Steel Bent Customs garage this one is for sale. The guys say it will be on ebay next week unless they get a ‘too good to refuse offer’ before hand. For more info check out the Steel Bent Customs website.
Eh.. Why is the chain tensioner on the right loose?