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Author Topic: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland  (Read 810 times)

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Offline Christo

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Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« on: January 10, 2013, 07:22:53 PM »
Hi there, This site is a wealth of knowledge and i must be a part of it  :). I recently bought a 74 CB550 and need to start educating myself with this mid sized beast. Bit of a step up from a postie I recently sold.

Have posted some pics in the Gallery Posts.

The first thing I need to sort out with this bike is a flat spot in the lower range of the throttle. Generally when I am cruising at a lower speed it splutters. Only goes when I give it more gas. I am new to bikes and trying to learn as much as possible. To cut a long story short, does anyone know of any mechanics on the goldy who specialize in honda fours?. I don't have the confidence to tackle this yet. Reason why I guess it's the carbies is that it has a mac 4-1 exhaust. The previous owner said he didn't change any of the jetting. Anyway sorry for the long write up. If anyone can point me in the right direction that would be great.

This is my first real bike and i am a bit of a novice. I am willing to learn and do things for myself however been doing some reading on jetting and carbies and it seams a bit advanced for me at this point in time.

Looking forward to possibly meeting some people from here and maybe do some runs.

Cheers Chris
« Last Edit: January 10, 2013, 08:18:28 PM by Christo »
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Offline SBR-CB400F

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #1 on: January 11, 2013, 02:34:48 AM »
Hi Chris, and welcome, only a new member myself.
Sorry I don't know any mechanics down your way, I think you maybe right about the flat spot, balance the carbs and check the timing. I wouldn't think you would need bigger jets if the exhaust is baffled. If you don't already have one, get yourself a workshop manual and have a go doing it yourself.

If your not doing anything on 23 Feb come out to Willowbank, Nostalgia Drags. I'll be on the lil CB400f.
Cheers Adam   
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1975 cb400f, 14.435 @ 89.01MPH at Willowbank Street Series 28 March 2015
1976 cb400f Nostalgia Drag Bike.
1.871 @ the 60'
8.632 @ 78.44 mph over the 1/8.
13.822 @ 91.91 mph over the 1/4
1977 cb750f2 Resto Project
1973 cb750k4 Chopper project
1971 cb750k1 Restoration Project
1975 cb750f1 Drag bike
1.549 @ 60'
4.425 @ 330'
6.895 @ 98.05MPH  1/8 mile
10.993 @ 116.76MPH  1/4 mile

Offline trueblue

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #2 on: January 11, 2013, 03:17:55 AM »
Welcome to the site, there are a couple fellas on the forum in your area who may lend a hand if you need it.  They may need to be plied with alcohol first though ;).
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1979 CB650Z
Nothing can be idiot proofed, the world keeps producing better idiots.
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Offline Christo

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #3 on: January 11, 2013, 04:15:43 AM »
Thanks for the welcome guys. I will download a manual and do some reading. Bit that worries me is I've heard that working on these carbs can be a bit tricky. I don't mind sharing alcohol at all. Especially when it's for a good cause  :).

I really just want this bike running clean and reliable. This then makes my longer rides more enjoyable rather then wondering if anything will go pear shaped and also hoping I'm not doing any damage.

I will sneak the drags date onto the calendar. See if the wife notices it  ;D

I been reading up on longer rides with a sleeping bag, small tent and a bag and just hit the road. I would love to do that some day. I work in a stressfull environment at times and I could really do with some time away from it all.

Have any of you done something similar where your hit the road and ride and your nights accommodation is wherever you end up and feel like stopping? This is my idea of relaxing. Doing something that isn't pre organised.
Anyway, Cheers guys. Thanks again for the welcome again.
Chris
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Offline trueblue

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #4 on: January 11, 2013, 05:30:20 AM »
The carbs are quite simple, but you must remember that for it to work properly everything must be even across the bank.  I haven't done any overnight trips on my bike yet, I've been going to do one for the past 2 years.  One thing is for sure, I'm doing one as soon as I in a state where I can ride it again.  Looking at it sitting in the shed and not getting used is starting to get to me a little.  This is the longest it has sat since I bought it 2 1/2 years ago, nearly 3 months :-\.
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1979 CB650Z
Nothing can be idiot proofed, the world keeps producing better idiots.
Electronic Guages for your SOHC 4

Offline Christo

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #5 on: January 11, 2013, 05:52:09 AM »
Yeah, that must be frustrating. My wife is slowly getting used to me riding. Took her a while to get used to the fact that I wanted a bike. She has always in the past been against them . Anyhow lately she knows when I just need to tinker or go for a ride. Must sense my eagerness to head outside. However Dont know what her face would look like if I said "I'll be back in 2 or 3 days".

How much longer will the bike be out of action?
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #6 on: January 11, 2013, 03:39:18 PM »
Quote from: Christo on January 11, 2013, 05:52:09 AM
However Dont know what her face would look like if I said "I'll be back in 2 or 3 days".

I would worry about that when i got back... ;D :o

Forum member Dave500 is down your way and is very good with the 500-550 Honda's...

Oh, welcome to the madness.... ;D
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Offline trueblue

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #7 on: January 11, 2013, 05:13:48 PM »
Quote from: Christo on January 11, 2013, 05:52:09 AM
Yeah, that must be frustrating. My wife is slowly getting used to me riding. Took her a while to get used to the fact that I wanted a bike. She has always in the past been against them . Anyhow lately she knows when I just need to tinker or go for a ride. Must sense my eagerness to head outside. However Dont know what her face would look like if I said "I'll be back in 2 or 3 days".

How much longer will the bike be out of action?
My missus is fine with me riding, most of the time she comes along ;D.  I prefer when she comes along too, the bike is much wore comfortable when riding two up.  The bike will be out of action until the nut that connects the handlebars to the seat comes good :-\.
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1979 CB650Z
Nothing can be idiot proofed, the world keeps producing better idiots.
Electronic Guages for your SOHC 4

Offline Christo

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #8 on: January 11, 2013, 08:19:46 PM »
Hi RR. Wonder if Dave500 wouldn't mind sharing a six pack or two while taking a look at my bike? Hahah. Might pm him and say g'day. Think I read from the SOHC/4 world tour he was in mudgerraba which is only down the road.

My seat is a single, so looks like I am on my own...

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Offline dave500

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #9 on: January 12, 2013, 12:29:07 PM »
gday christo,well have to catch up and ride,you might be able to adjust the airscrews or if they are the hollow type we can replace them with solids and it might run a little smoother,make sure the ignition is spot on before tampering with carbs.
« Last Edit: January 12, 2013, 03:08:43 PM by dave500 »
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Offline Christo

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #10 on: January 12, 2013, 07:11:01 PM »
Hi Dave. Good to meet you and the others today. Perhaps as you suggested we can catch up next weekend to have a look at a few things. Thanks for the workshop manual. Was a great ride today. Hope you pulled up ok and your feeling better.


« Last Edit: January 13, 2013, 03:35:01 AM by Christo »
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Offline dave500

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #11 on: January 12, 2013, 10:49:49 PM »
no worries christo,pretty hot today,glad we spotted your missing caliper bracket bolt!yeah i couldnt ride long today,sorry wassa,i wasnt even thinking.
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Offline Christo

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #12 on: January 13, 2013, 02:56:54 AM »
Yeah thanks for spotting that. I owe you one.

Hey is it worth starting a Gold Coast thread somewhere?
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Offline Retro Rocket

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Re: Newbie From Gold Coast Queensland
« Reply #13 on: January 13, 2013, 02:58:26 AM »
Quote from: Christo on January 13, 2013, 02:56:54 AM
Yeah thanks for spotting that. I owe you one.

Hey is it worth starting a Gold Coast thread somewhere?

Nah, your lot aren't that special.... :P
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750 K2 1000cc
750 F1 970cc
750 Bitsa 900cc
If You can't fix it with a hammer, You've got an electrical problem.
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