Topic: New here - a few questions about the 550

[Henndoe]

Hi Guys, I'm new to this forum, and recently purchased my first sohc 4 bike.


I have a few questions: Can the oil tank be removed completely? I head that one of the advantages of the 550 over the 750 is that it has a wet sump engine - rendering the oil tank not necessary. I don't like the look of it, I think it makes the rear end a little busy.
If I were to remove it, is it as simple as drain the tank, disconnect return lines etc?
Would you need to plug up any lines to the engine etc, and if so what is the best way to do it?

The bike is very well sorted, but I have a few modifications in mind. I'm probably gonna go with a different set of bars, lowering shocks on the rear end, and a brat style seat/rear frame loop.

If I were to lower the front end, is that as simple as looseing the bolts on the triple tree, bringing the fork down to the desired height and tighetening it again?

Thanks for all the help.

[2ceebees]

The 550 doesn't have an oil tank.  Careful with lowering the front end, it changes the handling, not always for the best.  If I was you, I'd seriously put the front fork brace back on also.  Really helps keep the front end doing what it's supposed to.

[Deltarider]

Oil tank? oil tank?! I'm afraid you're drifting into the realms of fantasy here, Henndoe.
Only the 750s had an oil tank. Your oil is in the sump pan at the bottom and I advise you not to remove it.

[Henndoe]

Ah okay, so sorry about the confusion, what I mean to remove is the piece of body work with the "550" on it. I thought this was the factory oil tank - I guess there isn't one. What is this then, the air box? Could I still remove it?

Thanks again.

[Deltarider]

Could I still remove it?

Yes you could, they're just covering up things. On the left side all kinds of electrics, on the right side a battery. Just pull them away. No need to exercise force. Nice bike. But I would keep them sidepanels on, they are functional. I'd repaint them maybe. To start with: do you have an owners manual?

[Henndoe]

Ok great. I do have an owners manual.

[Deltarider]

OK first of all I'd advise you to get familiar with your bike. I suppose you've read the Owner's Manual.
Then there is some serious literature for if you plan to work on your bike.
The orginal Shop Manual and Parts List.
They contain all info you need. The Honda CB500 CB550 workshop manual is here
http://www.dotheton.com/downloads/CB500-550_Manual.pdf
and - assuming yours is an F model - the Parts List is here:
http://www.honda4fun.com/materiale-documentazione-tecnica/parts-list/parts-list-cb550
Go to CB550 Super Sport.
Don't hesitate to ask. TwoTired is the 550 expert here.

[DJ_AX]

welcome to the SOHC4 forum.
... nice 550...

You'll get different opinions here which is nice


I like to ride my bikes often so...
imho....
I'd keep the airbox and side covers. It's way easier to make it run better.
It looks like you've got velocity stacks on there now and if you say it's running well then the PO must have tuned 'em. (But how will you know how well it might run with the airbox?)

And at least put on a fork brace.. but better... a fender. One puddle can splatter a lot of shht.


Now on the other hand ....if I didn't care to ride everywhere ...
I'd say go all out..
Clear out the side covers and what's behind 'em... looks cool when that's opened up.

Remove, cut off, or drill holes in whatever you can.

You can also remove every other spoke for a more open aired wheel look...
(j.k.  ... that may be a bad idea... but it's probably been done)


Either way I think the key word is... enjoy

[Henndoe]

welcome to the SOHC4 forum.
... nice 550...

You'll get different opinions here which is nice


I like to ride my bikes often so...
imho....
I'd keep the airbox and side covers. It's way easier to make it run better.
It looks like you've got velocity stacks on there now and if you say it's running well then the PO must have tuned 'em. (But how will you know how well it might run with the airbox?)

And at least put on a fork brace.. but better... a fender. One puddle can splatter a lot of shht.


Now on the other hand ....if I didn't care to ride everywhere ...
I'd say go all out..
Clear out the side covers and what's behind 'em... looks cool when that's opened up.

Remove, cut off, or drill holes in whatever you can.

You can also remove every other spoke for a more open aired wheel look...
(j.k.  ... that may be a bad idea... but it's probably been done)


Either way I think the key word is... enjoy

Thanks for the info. I think I'll keep the airbox and side covers. I intend to get a fork brace for sure...
I'm looking to do just aesthetic modifications. I just want to slim down the seat, new bars, lower ride height and bigger tires.
Appreciate all the info, - I definitely have some research to do - this is my first Honda, please excuse my ignorance.

[dave500]

i like it,nice looking unit,the 550s are an improved 500,the clutch and some transmission internals were upgraded,i never liked the trap door fuel cap though,thats just me,has it got actual filters behind those intake tubes?

[Retro Rocket]

I intend to get a fork brace for sure...

So you intend to get a fork brace but you want to lower the front and back....    Dude, do yourself a favor and leave everything alone until you know what everything is supposed to do and why...   Not trying to be rude but so far it sounds like you are pretty new at bikes {old Honda's anyway} and you don't want to destroy what is already a nice bike...   Ask LOTS of questions....

[Stev-o]

Is there an airbox on it?

[FrankenFrankenstuff]

I would throw a front fender on there. Bike looks like PO cleaned it up purty to sell. Just too nice. Maybe I am just jelous. Please keep whatever you take off, save it. Please go slow and research before any changes. Take pics for your own reference. Spend hours on this forum...

[Spike]

I recognize that bike I think.  Northern California ??  Maybe Sacramento area???  I saw it in Grass Valley last summer.

It might be best to put some miles on it and see what details rise to the top of the list.  A front fender makes good sense for more reasons than one.  Nice clean machine.

[wowbagger]

I would throw a front fender on there. Bike looks like PO cleaned it up purty to sell. Just too nice. Maybe I am just jelous. Please keep whatever you take off, save it. Please go slow and research before any changes. Take pics for your own reference. Spend hours on this forum...

+1 Couldn't have said it better. I just got my bike in October and, as eager as I am to tear into it, I've stayed my hand and read the crap out of this forum. It's already stopped me from doing numerous stupid things.

[Henndoe]

I intend to get a fork brace for sure...

So you intend to get a fork brace but you want to lower the front and back....    Dude, do yourself a favor and leave everything alone until you know what everything is supposed to do and why...   Not trying to be rude but so far it sounds like you are pretty new at bikes {old Honda's anyway} and you don't want to destroy what is already a nice bike...   Ask LOTS of questions....

Look I know that I'm new to this bikes. I haven't done anything yet. Thats why I'm asking questions - so I don't do anything rash. How can I figure out what to do/the answers to my questions if I just leave everything alone?

[CafeDawg]

Welcome to the forum.  You are asking questions (lowering and larger tires) that have been discussed here before....a lot.  A couple good resources here are the google search for whatever topic you are looking for,  also the FAQ section can answer some questions on tire size.  The modification you are suggesting have consequences. Yes you can lower the front end by loosening the triple tree and sliding forks up and lower the rear with shorty shocks.  Lowering affects the geometry/handling  of the bike and you'll want to check clearance with the rear fender.  Larger tires also have draw backs, clearance/wear issues.  Cafe loops available here from members, DTT and ebay.  I like lower bars but you will have to pull wires out of the old ones and either drill and thread them into new ones (my preference) or run them on the outside, also cables may need to be shortened.  Everything your looking to do can be done relatively easily , do a good bit of research and you'll be fine.

Respect
CD

[Retro Rocket]

I intend to get a fork brace for sure...

So you intend to get a fork brace but you want to lower the front and back....    Dude, do yourself a favor and leave everything alone until you know what everything is supposed to do and why...   Not trying to be rude but so far it sounds like you are pretty new at bikes {old Honda's anyway} and you don't want to destroy what is already a nice bike...   Ask LOTS of questions....

Look I know that I'm new to this bikes. I haven't done anything yet. Thats why I'm asking questions - so I don't do anything rash. How can I figure out what to do/the answers to my questions if I just leave everything alone?

Easy, ask FIRST....    

For a start, you want to put a fork brace on to help the bike handle better, lowering the front and back will make it handle worse, so will bigger tires so it kinda makes the fork brace a waste of time and money. You first need to decide, before doing a thing, if you want the bike to go round corners or just to ride to the corner store and back {bar hopper}. As it sits it is a nice bike that will handle relatively well, what is it exactly that you are trying to achieve..?  Most of the brat style bikes i have seen will handle like sh1t, they are purely built for looks, you need to work out if you want form or function.....  You say you want aesthetic changes but so far the changes you propose {bar the seat} are physical changes and detrimental to a good handling bike.... 

[Killer Canary]

These are all good points. You'd be surprised how well even a stock 550 handles curves. Respectfully, avoid playing the form over function game.

[Deltarider]

You probably know the saying: give a girl a bike and she starts polishing it, give a boy a bike and he starts taking it apart. Memorize this whenever you feel the urge. Now, you will discover there are quite some polishers amongst men and some go even that far to polish the engines.
I advise you strongly: ride it first and discover what a wonderfull balanced bike the 550 was and still is. You'll come nothing short. If you'd understand German I could send you a link to a German motorcycle magazine where they had a 500 race against a 750 on the famous Nürnburgring. Although the 750 was faster, differences were very, very small.
BTW I don't see your pics anymore.

[rb550four]

Yeah , what you have heard here is spot on. Ride it , Know it, Love it. Then make an educated decision about what would improve the ride, handling, or personal comfort.
  Your pics aren't up anymore, there has to be pics or it never happened.
Only one other thing to constantly consider, "motorcycling is dangerous enough already", be sure  that when altering your ride that you  aren't making it more dangerous, life is short enough already.

[lone*X]

OK, I know Im getting old(er) and maybe my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, but where is the picture you guys keep keep referring to?  Looks good, nice bike, etc, but no picture of Henndoe's 550 that I can find.  Whats up?

[Spike]

OK, I know Im getting old(er) and maybe my eyesight isn't as good as it used to be, but where is the picture you guys keep keep referring to?  Looks good, nice bike, etc, but no picture of Henndoe's 550 that I can find.  Whats up?

Well... it was there.  I don't know what he did with it!@

[Stev-o]

Pics or it didnt happen.  Guess it didnt happen?! Thats a first.

[Spike]

Well, ok here it is!