So as I stated before I shelved my 550 cafe project back in 2008. As one could imagine I had pretty much forgotten what I had and what I need to complete the motor rebuild. Went through my parts today and was amazed how much I had purchased back then. From what I can tell I literally was set to put the motor back together when I shelved it. All the parts are there! New pistons (555 over bore kit), jugs were bored over back in 08, modern 4 piece rings, gaskets, Allen key dress up kit, All the little rubber parts, new fork seals, I even re-lashed the valves back in 08 with new seals.
I know your asking why I shelved it. Answer: Bought a house, started a company, got married, had a baby, adopted my stepson ect, ect, ect!
Its amazing how easily it is to shelve a project like this but its also like Christmas morning when you go back through it and realize that the past "you" bought just what the present "you" wanted. Now its a matter of making some space in my shed to get things rolling again.
Only thing I really need is a new timing chain and tensioner because I'm not about to put all this back together without replacing them. Anyone know a good place to get one? I used to literally have dozens of links saved for parts for this bike but no longer have them. Are parts still a pain in the rear to find or have they become a little more available?
Glad I didn't sell any parts over the years (other than the exhaust but it was 4 into 4 and it had to go for a cafe project anyway) Headed to my buddies house where my frame and other parts have been in his shop stored away to see whats needed there as well. The whole things is going to torn down and redone. Time to knock the dust off the welder and get some abrasives!
Man I cant wait to get back on this bike again.
