Seattle Blue

If ever Kott Motorcycles had a standard base model machine the infamous CB 550 would certainly be it. Through the years there is no doubt in my mind that I have touched, worked on, customized or fully modified well over one hundred of these machines alone. For all intents and purposes I believe the CB 550 is one of the best all around motorcycles Honda ever produced. The power is immediate and more than sufficient and the machine responds well to any and all modifications. The “Seattle blue”, as this bike is referred to, is an amazing testament to the versatility and beauty of one of the many 550 models to have come through the shop.

This machine was commissioned from the Seattle area with several requests from the client. The requests included the openness of the middle frame area while still allowing for the battery and electronics to be discretionarily stowed away. This was to be accomplished in order that two separate seats could be facilitated for an occasional “two up”riding scenario. An incognito steel box was fabricated and powder coated to match the frame, attached and suspended from the upper frame rails allowing easy and immediate access to the electronics and battery. The electronics are guarded from road grit and water by way of a shortened fender attached to the swing arm as a mud guard, along with a minimized matching front fender. The motor was attended to by way of a top end rebuild which was polished, painted and equipped with a stainless 4-1 exhaust system. Proprietary rear sets and clip on handle bars provided the machine with an excellent seating position. Aluminum wheels were re-laced with stainless spokes and treated to new rubber further reducing the overall weight of the motorcycle. The blue/gray paint scheme, carried from stem to stern was embellished with a camel hair brown leather that together created a classy and understated appeal.