Author Topic: New to me 1974 CB550k (Read 2703 times)

71cb450 · « **on:** April 30, 2012, 05:22:57 PM »

Hello all I just wanted to share my dads latest purchase and since I'm going to do most of his mechanic work I figured I better join up and get some knowledge! Well my dad bought this bike from the original owner from June 1974! He bought this bike when he was a senior in high school! It is pretty good shape but isn't running on all cylinders, so I have ordered OEM carb rebuild kits, and I am planning on rebuilding those. The plan is to keep it original since they are only original once! I am not a complete noob with old Hondas I rebuilt a cb450 last winter (see pics) I am just a complete noob to in-line 4's. So in summary I just wanted to introduce myself and maybe get some future advice on my build, And if anybody has some left side exhausts that would be awesome!
Thanks all

Still has the paint on the bolts from the factory!

71cb450 · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2012, 05:25:50 PM »

Forgot pics of the 450

CycleRanger · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2012, 05:57:36 PM »

Quote from: 71cb450 on April 30, 2012, 05:22:57 PM

The plan is to keep it original since they are only original once!

I like your plan!

Howdy, welcome! Nice pair of bikes!

bender01 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:31:36 PM »

That sissy bar is higher than mine! Order some new pipes from Honda if you can. I did 3 years ago. It was just under $800! Do it before theyre gone! Nice bike.

71cb450 · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2012, 06:37:03 PM »

Make me an offer and the sissy bar is yours! lol
I am having a hard time spending $800 when I got the bike for $1000

Stev-o · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2012, 08:56:47 PM »

Welcome and nice bikes. I would give it the full 3000 mile tune up, including new plugs, points, caps and valve adjustment. Confirm you have spark on all plugs.
It's only original without the sissy bar, lose it! HA!
Have fun and good luck...

71cb450 · « **Reply #6 on:** May 01, 2012, 06:24:31 AM »

Thats the plans! but what do you mean by caps? like spark plug boots?

Duanob · « **Reply #7 on:** May 01, 2012, 02:55:56 PM »

Sunburst Orange my fav color for these bikes. Nice score.

Go to the bike parts for sale there is a member selling a decent set of 4 x 4 pipes for $250+ shipping last time I checked.

dylboss · « **Reply #8 on:** May 01, 2012, 05:52:19 PM »

Gorgeous bike and fantastic price! Get rid of that sissy bar and put on an original, just my opinion

. I wouldn't bother rebuilding the carbs until you have fully cleaned them. Most of these bikes that have sat for a long time just need some good cleaning. Just picked up a '72 CB750 that has sat since '99. Cleaned the carbs, new plugs, fired right up. Of course all these need the 3k mile tune-up as normal.

Stev-o · « **Reply #9 on:** May 01, 2012, 06:00:13 PM »

Quote from: 71cb450 on May 01, 2012, 06:24:31 AM

Thats the plans! but what do you mean by caps? like spark plug boots?

Caps, see link below, but you can get them at Honda for about $3. And clip the wires a quarter inch before you put the new caps on. It will expose "fresh" copper for a good connection.

http://www.bikebandit.com/ngk-plug-caps

wedoo2 · « **Reply #10 on:** May 01, 2012, 06:56:01 PM »

Nice motorcycle, and if you had not shown the holes in the muffler it could be close to a BOTM. But that sissy bar looks like it could fall on some poor unexpecting passer-by and kill them. Hang your helmet on that and you might not be able to reach it to get it down.

m00ntan · « **Reply #11 on:** May 01, 2012, 07:15:47 PM »

Beautiful! Did you know I lost my virginity riding that bike. I think that made the sissy bar grow. Welcome.

bender01 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 01, 2012, 08:23:38 PM »

Quote from: Duanob on May 01, 2012, 02:55:56 PM

Sunburst Orange my fav color for these bikes. Nice score.

Go to the bike parts for sale there is a member selling a decent set of 4 x 4 pipes for $250+ shipping last time I checked.

That bike deserves New pipes! 10 years from now he will very be happy with that choice he made. If he can do it. I do understand $ doesnt grow on trees. Nor does all original Honda parts after 4/5 decades!!

71cb450 · « **Reply #13 on:** May 01, 2012, 08:59:28 PM »

Thanks guys for the awesome comments

I just wanted to throw up some completely stock pictures of the bike because on my 450 I just started into and always regreted not getting some before pictures. The sissy bar is coming off!

Duanob · « **Reply #14 on:** May 02, 2012, 09:34:16 AM »

Quote from: bender01 on May 01, 2012, 08:23:38 PM

Quote from: Duanob on May 01, 2012, 02:55:56 PM
Sunburst Orange my fav color for these bikes. Nice score.

Go to the bike parts for sale there is a member selling a decent set of 4 x 4 pipes for $250+ shipping last time I checked.
That bike deserves New pipes! 10 years from now he will very be happy with that choice he made. If he can do it. I do understand $ doesnt grow on trees. Nor does all original Honda parts after 4/5 decades!!

All our bikes deserve new pipes but @ $900 a set? My used ones will do just fine.

Tamothy · « **Reply #15 on:** May 02, 2012, 11:08:51 AM »

That's going to be a fantastic ride. Hoping to find a K model sooner than later.

71cb450 · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:05:47 PM »

Well I figured out why my the bike isn't running right....ewwww

Rhummy · « **Reply #17 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:17:29 PM »

Buy a bucket of Berryman Carb Dip. Mighta mispelled it, but your going to need it. I had to use it on my 77 550f. Otherwise, awesome bike!

CoachDoc · « **Reply #18 on:** May 06, 2012, 04:41:41 PM »

Great find. I have the exact same '74, and yours is the first bike I've seen in years that has the same luggage rack I bought for mine in 1974. I only put it on the bike when I want to use it.

I agree with the guys who have advised a new set of pipes. Spend $800 and the bike will be so close to cherry it's value will increase way more than your expenditure. I also agree about postponing rebuilding those carbs until you clean them. Make sure every orifice is perfect, and you should be good to go. I replaced my coils with Dynas in addition to new wires and plug caps. Also do the full 3000 mile tune up and change the fork oil (ATF works fine). Last thing would be to clean all your electrical connections. Fine emery paper works fine on the males and I use a .17 cal. rifle bore cleaning brush to clean the female end of the bullet connectors. A little dielectric grease and you will have completely rejuvenated your wiring.

That bike is is great shape and I'm very happy you're going to keep it stock. Enjoy!!!

71cb450 · « **Reply #19 on:** June 03, 2012, 06:40:39 PM »

Well it has been awhile since I have posted but I will show you the fruits of my labor!

Holy Cow what a difference!! After these boys got rebuilt, I sync them using a 1/8 drill bit on the slides and BAM the bike runs like a sewing machine!!! It is smooth from idle to redline!! Also my dad bit the bullet and ordered 2 brand new OEM mufflers, this bike sounds and looks sweet! We also installed new plugs and caps! Thank all of you guys for helping me get this bad boy back on the road my dad appreciates it too!

rboe · « **Reply #20 on:** June 03, 2012, 07:26:31 PM »

You did good! Looks mighty fine.

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Author Topic: New to me 1974 CB550k (Read 2703 times)