For $200, Dayton, Ohio’s Kyle Nearing scored this 1975 Honda CB550, which had been rotting in a Midwestern yard for untold years. The motor had been removed but the price was right. At first, Nearing, whose only other bike has been a 2007 Yamaha R6, didn’t completely tear down the CB550. Instead, he got it running and installed new handlebars and an exhaust and rode it in the rough shape it was. That time helped him better understand what style of custom he wanted it to be in the end. He also fell in love with the feel of a vintage motorcycle underneath him and knew he didn’t need 108 horsepower between his legs for a thrill.
“When winter came around I know it was time to start my first build,” he said. From start to finish, Nearing spent a year on the project but couldn’t estimate the exact number of hours. A pilot for PSA Airlines, Nearing is 26 and found time after work and on his off days.
“Luckily, I had a good friend named Steven Merrell, owner of Arrowhead Lighting and part owner of Arrowhead Motos.” Steve had already built a cafe racer and was able to help.
“Most of the parts on the bike are handmade such as the rear cowl, Bixenon headlight and the seat. There are also many features not seen such as a keyless ignition that is now controlled by a remote RFID chip. The bike is completely rewired as well.”
The paint work was done by Lebanon, Ohio’s McCall Colors (Terry McCall). The seat wrap is by Chris Merrell from Arrowhead Motos.
Dime City Parts:
- Black 35mm vortex aluminum clip-ons
- Black rear shocks
- Mini red, green, and amber LED lights used for turn signal neutral and oil pressure lights.
- Mini LED turn signals
- Exhaust
- Misc. engine parts
Instagram: @kyle_nearing
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(via Dime City Cycles)