Topic: First Project 1974 CB550

[brad37]

Thought I would finally post something on this wonderful site.  I have been lurking around for about 2 months, but I finally got my CB and started working on it so...  This is my first (kinda) full project bike , I have been doing my own maintenance on my bikes for years but never a restoration.  The bike all in all is in good shape , some surface rust here and there and the battery does not seem to charge well but from what I read that is par for the course.   First thing I did other then take off those hideously high handlebars was a compression  test .  I think the results are good but would love some input
Cylinder 1 140 PSI
Cylinder 2 135 PIS
Cylinder 3 135 PSI
Cylinder 4 140 PSI
I know the service manual from the factory they are 170 PSI, but I have read here and elsewhere 140 is fine.  The only other thing Im doing right now is rebuilding the gauges.  I will post more photos and updates as they come , and again thanks so much for this site , can't imagine doing this project without it.

[Goofaroo]

Welcome to the forum.

That looks like a good bike to start with and it sounds like the engine is in pretty good health.  What is the plan?  How many miles on the bike?

[davidtime]

I'm enjoying all of these 550s being done the same time I'm doing mine. haha That way I don't have to be the only one asking the questions. Great looking starter. Share your plans.

[brad37]

The Bike seems to run great once the oil was changed, mileage is 21,000.  My plans are somewhat fluid.  I flip back and forth between restoring it to stock without going nuts to ripping it apart and doing a cafe.  So far I have yanked the gauges and started to rebuild them , just about done. Pic coming. I rebuilt the frozen front caliper using the grease gun trick I learned here.  I think not matter what I will cafe it out, but I want to get it rideable first which should not take to much, I will post updates

[harisuluv]

Looks like an excellent base for whatever direction you decide to go, good luck

[davidtime]

Thats what I did, got it running first to see if it is worth the time it would take. I'm hooked.

[Bankerdanny]

That's one of the nice things about getting a bike that is a few steps removed from the original stock setup. You can do a cafe, or bobber, or some other non-stock style without feeling bad about messing with an original bike.

At the same time, if you WANT an original style bike, you are only a paint job, seat cover, handle bars and exhaust away.

[davidtime]

Thats true. I am going to be leaving all tabs and such on mine. Even gonna use the side covers!

[Bankerdanny]

I really liked the look of the time capsule '77 550k I picked up in 2011 that still had its original from the factory tires on it and apparently never used tool kit under the seat.

But I love the freedom that came with the project/parts bikes that I picked up this year. I can do whatever I want without feeling guilty.

[SF]

nice bike resto or cafe?