Topic: Restoring a '78 CB550k

[alancop]

Hey guys, I'm currently in the process of restoring my first motorcycle a '78 cb550. I have worked on cars for much of my life but decided to get into motorcycles. I was wondering if you guys had any tips on getting a bike that has been sitting for the better part of 20 years running. Any and all help, tips, or general info would be great.

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Welcome Alan,

You've come to the right place.  You'll get plenty of advice here, some of which will actually be helpful!

Some of the challenges you'll have with the K3 550 is that it had some unique (read:hard to find) parts.  The 404 exhaust and the side covers were used only on the '77 and the '78.  If you have those and they are in good shape, all you'll need from there to do a factory restore is time and money.

Tell us more about what you got and pictures are always appreciated!

[strynboen]

hey there are 3 things who make problems on this old bikes....front breake...elektric loading system..and kaburettors..rest are simpel stuff

the hydralic breake sistem..get it apart...and thek the piston for rust..and a new rubber kit..
kaburettors have also to be komplet kleaned...and if the tank are rusty...problems will kome back...
elektric...just get all other  things done..and test it at last thing..drive and learn
sorry for my bad english...
it took me 2 years to get my 1978 550 run proper..but now it runs like new

[cabrala]

The first suggestion is to find a three-ring binder and gather all the manuals and documentaition available from this site. It's a great resource for rebuilding, restoring and just overall learning about these old bikes.

The second suggestion is to preform the 3,000 mile maintenence per the above manual. Make sure you get rid of any old gas that's been sitting and please complete the oil change with a new filter. I recommend new plugs too, but you can pull the existing ones and check them if you really wish to. Really go over the bike prior to pressing buttons and kicking the sh*t out of it. Take some time to do it right here for better results down the road there.

The third and final suggestion is to do searches for anything you can think of on this site. You want tips and tricks, it's here; you want recommendations, it's here; you wants inspiration, it's here. You get the jist...

Put up some pictures of your ride too. We all like to see what's going on, especially because a lot of us can't read. There is a wealth of knowledge here that you can tap into, so don't be hesitant to do so.

[alancop]

Thank all of you for the advice! As you can see in the pictures, the exhausts are rusted to absolute hell and one of them was filled with oil! I, unfortunately, don't have those side covers, which is unfortunate. I will definitely check out the front brakes as the brake fluid reservoir was filled with a weird gummy substance. The tank is rusty and the carbs are from hell. I already have it completely apart, and I am taking the frame to sandblast/paint next week.


Here are some pictures on flickr:(remove the spaces) www. flickr.com /photos/68537074@N02/sets/72157630812650350/

[cabrala]

www.flickr.com/photos/68537074@N02/sets/72157630812650350/

^Just so folks can click and view (there were two spaces in the original one you posted).

Looks like you've got some work ahead of you . A word of caution...before you sink too much money into media blasting, powder coating and other "aesthetic" items, make sure you've got a little engine that can. Look to rebuild the carbs and master cylinder (gummy substance is/was brake fluid). Also, don't be afraid of steel wool and various brushes to remove a lot of the rust shown in the pictures.

Nevertheless, good luck with the build. Keep us all posted on progress and make sure to ask questions.

[cabrala]

Oh, I am also thinking this should get moved to "The Project Shop"...

It's not really an issue for you as one of the moderators will eventually flag it for moving.

[alancop]

I don't have enough posts to post external links, so I had to put the spaces in. I already have the carbs apart and am rebuilding them now. The next step is getting the head pulled off and making sure all is in order there. I know now that it is not seized. I am going to borrow a compression tester from someone and make sure that's all in order as well. At the same time I will be blasting and powder coating the frame myself as I have all the stuff in my garage. Thanks for the tips and encouragement, I'm glad to see you guys are here as such a great resource. Hopefully after I get this done I can do the same for someone else.

[TwoTired]

If it is not seized, why the EFF are you taking the head off?  Don't you think Honda knew how to put it on right?

I've seen so many of these ruined by those "taking a peek" and then bending the valves while putting the cylinder cover back on.  An otherwise good engine screwed by curiosity.

Check the FAQ for compression test details.  If good enough, run it!  The compression will get better with some running.  Work on something that's broke instead.

My opinion.

[hoodellyhoo]

Welcome from Neenah. I've got a set of pipes, or you could just by the whole parts bike.

PM Sent.

[cabrala]

I don't have enough posts to post external links, so I had to put the spaces in.

  I'm an idiot...maybe I should've read the "remove the spaces" part. Oh well, there is a link now!

If it is not seized, why the EFF are you taking the head off?  Don't you think Honda knew how to put it on right?

I've seen so many of these ruined by those "taking a peek" and then bending the valves while putting the cylinder cover back on.  An otherwise good engine screwed by curiosity.

Check the FAQ for compression test details.  If good enough, run it!  The compression will get better with some running.  Work on something that's broke instead.

My opinion.

Listen to the man, Alan. There are countless examples, on this forum, of people doing more than they have to and paying for it dearly. We are here for you! 

[alancop]

That's good advice, I have torn down an engine or two in my life though. I think I will wait on that project for if/when its really necessarily. While I'm asking, Is there a good way to test a motorcycle motor off of the frame? Or should I just finish my carb job, check the compression and wait until i reassemble the bike?