Topic: The 550's - A Test of Patience (Ignition Install + Tune-up)

[cabrala]

In the year 1978, a black CB550 rolled off the line and into Archie's Cycles of New Bedford, MA. One decade later I rolled off the line, and a little over two decades after my arrival we met...



Last year I picked up both of my CB 550's from a local guy who used one to complete the other (see my avatar). My intention was to modify the runner but it spoke to me and asked to remain stock. This season I turned my attention to the "parts" bike. I tracked down the original owner, filed for the title and and sold my dad on a "father/son project". After going through the boxes of parts I received, the once black bike turned red and I came to the conclusion that I had enough meat here to warrant the project.

As this thread moves forward, please keep in mind that this is my first project and I'll need all the help, insight and guidance you can muster. Now, on to the pictures!







Best,
Alex

[cabrala]

On the first day, we make sure the engine fires.

Dad: "Let's check for spark."
Me: "Ok, but where are the plug wires?".
Dad: "Um better yet, where is the ignition coil?"



With that said, I am on the hunt for some coils. Stev-o has already linked me to a used one on Ebay, but I will also be posting up in the "wanted" section. If anyone else has some leads, I am all ears and shallow pockets  .

[cabrala]

Bit the bullet today and spent some cash on ignition components. Can't check for life if she won't ignite...right?

With no real luck finding reliable, used Honda coils I went to Z1 and purchased Dyna Dual Output 5-Ohm Coils (DYDC8-1). Also in my cart were lead wires; black Dyna 7mm Copper Core (DYDW200) capped off with two 102˚ NGK Resistors (TU38-1006 or OEM: XD05F) and two 120˚ NGK Resistors (TU38-1008 or OEM: VD05F). To spark this party, sparkplugs.com provided me with Denso Spark Plugs (X22ES-U). The above setup was at the recommendation of HM (Mark) when I spoke to him about using his ignition for this project.

This last week has been spent reading up on spark plugs, plug caps, lead wires, points + condensers, electronic ignitions and a whole Hell of a lot of member opinions. Nevertheless, it felt oddly good to spend some money today, even if it did take me 45 minutes to hit "Complete Purchase". 

I noticed a few views  , so I'll keep posting for the lurkers...and for my own record.

-Alex

[LesterPiglet]

What size is that rear wheel?
We need a picture of your other bike now.
Good luck with your build.

[cabrala]

Not sure of the rear wheel Les, but I'll be sure to check it out over the weekend and report back. It's a bit stout in comparison to the other bike, but I am a fan...so long as it is right and safe.

Now for what my viewer requests! The "other" bike; my stock '77 and staying that way  She's got a fresh oil leak I am trying to get under control, but other than that she purrs.

[Gurp]

What direction are you planning to go with this bike?

[sanglasmick]

Good luck with the build Cabrola.
Looks like you've got a good place to start a nice project.

Best of luck with it!

[cabrala]

Dyna Coils, lead wires and resistor caps have arrived. Thank you Z1! Just waiting on the Denso plugs to trickle in so I can get the engine moving forward.

Next chance I have to work on the bike, I will be verifying the condition of my ignition (points, condensor, advancer). My plan is to keep those in working order but hop them up by coupling with a HondaMan system. Let's get her running first, and oh, let's get that f@#^ing title in my name already.

I bought both bikes a year ago. The owner at that time had the title for my '77 and couldn't find this bike's. Knowing that I had a good project on my hand, I tracked down the original owner and went through the duplicate title process. Just last week the paperwork went through and the title was delivered to the P.O. She decided to drop it off at a local dealership so that I could pick it up at my leisure. Dealership lost it.  Back to square one!

[cabrala]

What direction are you planning to go with this bike?

Gurp, I'm probably going to sound like a douche here, but bear with me...
"Cafe" is the simplest description, but I try to shy away from using the word because I find it to be misunderstood as a fashion statement instead of a cultural thing.

Let's talk about what I love...
I love the line of the stock tank. I love the stubby rear-end while she is seatless. I love the dual shocks. I love the idea of a more aggressive stance. I would love to Frankenstein this bike with modern elements to enhance performance all-around.

I am just trying to see where the bike wants to go. I prefer to work slow and constantly evaluate the direction.

And when it's done you can sit back and say what the f*^# was that kid talking about, it's a damn cafe. 

[cabrala]

Good luck with the build Cabrola.
Looks like you've got a good place to start a nice project.

Best of luck with it!

Mick, I appreciate the well wishes. Keep checking back and throwing some motivation my way with comments. I'm looking forward to really getting this thing off the ground.

[Gurp]

Maybe a little douchish. lol but i was wondering if you were going to kinda do a traditional cafe or go modern with your parts. ext swingarm inverted forks...ect that kinda thing. or just roll with it. loli should have been alittle more specific with my question too lol

[LesterPiglet]

I still want know what size that wheel is. 

[cabrala]

I still want know what size that wheel is. 

I haven't forgotten about you Les! The bike is at my dad's and while I was home for Father's Day, he wasn't letting me get close to it. I'll give him a ring tonight and force him into the garage to read the numbers for me (you) 

[LesterPiglet]

Thanks.

[SF]

how about 1 stocker and 1 drag bike!?

[cabrala]

Gurp, I'm glad you can look past the #$%* in me.  I'm also glad you're the first to ask me my direction because it forces me to verbalize some otherwise mysterious thought process.

I look at this as a two-part project. The first being purely functional. Get her mechanically sound and mocked up. In my mind, this will put her in the category of "traditional cafe". I'd like to just be able to ride without a care given to aesthetics, and with this being my first build I can't see confusing myself with the fitment of modern components on the first take.

The second part is my utopia and ideal goal. It is about performance upgrades where I need them (brakes, handling, engine) and where I can afford them. Add some paint and polish, too. I have one of the few old Hondas back home on the South Coast of MA (from what I know), so it would be a dream to have a jaw-dropper.

[cabrala]

how about 1 stocker and 1 drag bike!?

Never really thought about the option SF. I've always thought of the 550 as a peppy little rocket, but now I have visions of the 1/4 mile 

[Cafe_Brat]

I just decided to stick with the original tank for the purpose of keeping the budget down.   What are you going to do for a seat?

[cabrala]

I just decided to stick with the original tank for the purpose of keeping the budget down.   What are you going to do for a seat?

I am going to try my hand at making a seat. My girlfriend's father has an old Delta drill press belt cover that I think would look amazing as a rear cowl. In all honesty I haven't thought too much about it, but I can't afford to buy one and I am into the unique, DIY satisfaction.

[Gurp]

LMAO cabrala..
I'm an easy going guy. lol
but i understand you i would like some modern thing but wont be able to make then happen as i work out of a 5 by 12 shed.. im doig my project in the same to steps but back words lol
I'm geting to look then going fix the performance.. I figure i i get it running tip top ill never finish it bc ill be rideing to much to work on it. 
Good luck on your build!

[SF]

Gurp, I'm glad you can look past the #$%* in me.  I'm also glad you're the first to ask me my direction because it forces me to verbalize some otherwise mysterious thought process.

I look at this as a two-part project. The first being purely functional. Get her mechanically sound and mocked up. In my mind, this will put her in the category of "traditional cafe". I'd like to just be able to ride without a care given to aesthetics, and with this being my first build I can't see confusing myself with the fitment of modern components on the first take.

The second part is my utopia and ideal goal. It is about performance upgrades where I need them (brakes, handling, engine) and where I can afford them. Add some paint and polish, too. I have one of the few old Hondas back home on the South Coast of MA (from what I know), so it would be a dream to have a jaw-dropper.

if your going the traditional rout than don't worry about spending money on changing parts to "up grade" use what ya got keep it period correct

[cabrala]

if your going the traditional rout than don't worry about spending money on changing parts to "up grade" use what ya got keep it period correct

Ideally I'd like it to end up being a more modern interpretation, but until I have the funding (and skills) to get it there, it will be pretty period correct. Shoot, for all I know I could love the period-correctness and keep it that way...a little blast from the past sistered up with my stock '77. 

[cabrala]

Les, I haven't forgotten about you, or the size of my rear tire. I finally got to see the bike again and here are the details:

Continental Super Twin TK44
4.00 V 18

I have zero idea what that means, but I hope it helps you out. I am used to seeing tires in the 225/45/17 format...

All I can infer is that it is an 18" wheel. Any clarity will help me learn and attached is a picture.

[LesterPiglet]

4" width. Thanks. I thought it looked bigger than that. Is the front the standard 19"?

[Messenger750]

I really enjoyed reading this thread. I started reading it from the beginning and was hoping by the time I got to the end it'd be finished! But alas, it's only begun. You're off to a good start. And remember in the the adverse times when it seems like your bike is going nowhere, remain patient and vigilant!