Topic: What problem areas should I look for when buying a cb550

[vintagehonda750]

Hi all I'm in the process of buying a honda cb550. There are three to choose from:
1976 550K 10k looks to be in mint condition clean title $1600
1977 550K 21K looks decent shape but needs tune up in order to run according to seller $1300
1977 550F 18k miles in good condition clean title and owner said needs nothing it does have an ugly aftermarket seat and backrest which I would remove. $1500

I have never owned a vintage motorcycle, I havent gone to see the bikes in person either. I want to know what are some things I should look for when going to inspect the bikes. I don't want to buy the bike to later find problem areas I didn't look for when purchasing. My main goal with the bike is to put clubman bars on it, drilled rotor, and possibly cafe seat depending on price. Also clean up the turn signal setup a bit. With time I would like to upgrade some of the suspension and brake components to more reliable ones.

[jamesb]

Check the tires make sure they are good make sure everything works on the bike. Make sure the titles are clean. Ask to ride it if you have cash in hand. Wiegh the differences in all 3 the better is more money but then look what you would have to possibly spend to get the others in the same condition. I'd go for the 76 offer him 1300 for it cash show him the stack of bills a few $100 bills  few $50 bills and the rest $20 bills. The 76 sounds like it has been taken well care of being the shape you said it was in.

[mono]

Always check the tank for rust, and try and ride it or have the seller ride it so you can hear it and see it go.   Look under the side cover at the electrics to make sure no one's done a hack job. 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

[LesterPiglet]

The 77K probably has PD carbs I'd prefer to avoid.

[Tews19]

If I were you get the 77 550F blue one w the kq seat.... I like that one the best!

[JACKOCASTER75CB550K]

Go for the 76' Low mileage mint condition clean title no work involved What else could you ask for?

[Tews19]

Pics of the bikes would be great... mint bikes shouldn't be cut up for a cafe build IMO.

[chickenman_26]

Hi all I'm in the process of buying a honda cb550. There are three to choose from:
1976 550K 10k looks to be in mint condition clean title $1600
1977 550K 21K looks decent shape but needs tune up in order to run according to seller $1300
1977 550F 18k miles in good condition clean title and owner said needs nothing it does have an ugly aftermarket seat and backrest which I would remove. $1500

I have never owned a vintage motorcycle, I havent gone to see the bikes in person either. I want to know what are some things I should look for when going to inspect the bikes. I don't want to buy the bike to later find problem areas I didn't look for when purchasing. My main goal with the bike is to put clubman bars on it, drilled rotor, and possibly cafe seat depending on price. Also clean up the turn signal setup a bit. With time I would like to upgrade some of the suspension and brake components to more reliable ones.

If it were me, I'd go for the '76, because that's how I like to keep my bikes - all stock. But it's not me. For you, I'd advise to negotiate on the 550F. You're going to cafe it anyway, so the seat and other warts isn't an issue for you, and the 4 into 1 exhaust will likely be more to your liking than a 4 into 4. But offer less and go up as little as possible. Regarding the '77 that "needs tune up in order to run", that's total BS and a sign that you should pay no more than you could sell the parts for on eBay ($500-$700) - because that's exactly what you may end up doing. The truth is, it won't run, and he has no freakin' idea why. Or worse yet, he may know exactly why, like maybe 2 burned valves and a holed piston. If all it needed was a "tune up", it would be running right now. Maybe not perfectly, but it would be running. Don't make or accept assumptions about a bike that won't run unless you don't mind nasty surprises.

Stu

[Tews19]

Well said stu!

Now can we get pics!

[Stev-o]

All were great bikes at one time.  Go look at each, check the cond, look for rust, especially in the tank as stated above. Look for dodgy modifications, especially wiring. 
Ask them to start the bikes, will it idle fine after two minutes? If not, there is an issue.
Ask them to ride the bike (if they won't let you), listen for odd noises and normal shifting.
Seeing the bikes in person will tell you a lot, now go!

[steam-powered man]

if the electric starter doesn't work, i'd walk.  gotta split the cases to repair. 

i bought a cb550k and the PO said it needed a starter, no biggie.  so i bought the bike and bench-tested the starter, it was fine.  turns out the starter "clutch" or "sprags" (your choice of terms) were toast.  i don't mind top end work, but splitting the cases is beyond me. 

if the owner says it's kick-only because of a weak battery, or bad starter -- i'd say "buh bye"

closely check the rims for damage by ham-fisted cheapskates that mount their own tires to save $20 but ruin $80 rims

check the spokes for excessive rust (a little is fine, they'll polish up nicely)

check the fork tubes for rust, leaking seals

check for dragging front brake

any sign of crash(es) -- broken fins, mashed speedo/tacho chrome bases, bent levers

i'd pass on the 550k


 

[RFogelsong]

I find that a good way to check for overall condition of the electrical systems is to run all the lights through everything (on/off, high/low beam, turn signals w/buzzer, dash lights, etc.)  If it's still got the turn signal buzzer and the turn signals operate properly and the dash lights all work as they should I'd generalize that the wiring hasn't been messed with too much.  In my experience, turn signals (especially the buzzer) are one of the first things people chop up and it's just nice to have original wiring as much as possible.

Oil leaks at the head gasket are a big one with these too.  As long as the transmission doesn't slip out of gear and there's no clutch slippage (can usually be adjusted if there is) these bikes are fairly conductive to Sunday wrenching.   

[goldarrow]

Get all 3, package deal!

[vintagehonda750]

Check the tires make sure they are good make sure everything works on the bike. Make sure the titles are clean. Ask to ride it if you have cash in hand. Wiegh the differences in all 3 the better is more money but then look what you would have to possibly spend to get the others in the same condition. I'd go for the 76 offer him 1300 for it cash show him the stack of bills a few $100 bills  few $50 bills and the rest $20 bills. The 76 sounds like it has been taken well care of being the shape you said it was in.

Thanks that's great advice and just what I was thinking I rather spend a little more on a bike that needs little to no work rather than save a few bucks just to spend on parts and labor. I will go see the 76 first and make him an offer and Ill go from there. Thanks James

[vintagehonda750]

Always check the tank for rust, and try and ride it or have the seller ride it so you can hear it and see it go.   Look under the side cover at the electrics to make sure no one's done a hack job. 

Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 4 Beta

Will do thanks mono.

[vintagehonda750]

The 77K probably has PD carbs I'd prefer to avoid.

Hey Lester I wasn't even sure of pd carbs until now did a google search and found a bunch of people that had problems with them. Ill figure out first whether it does or doesn't and go from there. Thanks

[vintagehonda750]

Hi all I'm in the process of buying a honda cb550. There are three to choose from:
1976 550K 10k looks to be in mint condition clean title $1600
1977 550K 21K looks decent shape but needs tune up in order to run according to seller $1300
1977 550F 18k miles in good condition clean title and owner said needs nothing it does have an ugly aftermarket seat and backrest which I would remove. $1500

I have never owned a vintage motorcycle, I havent gone to see the bikes in person either. I want to know what are some things I should look for when going to inspect the bikes. I don't want to buy the bike to later find problem areas I didn't look for when purchasing. My main goal with the bike is to put clubman bars on it, drilled rotor, and possibly cafe seat depending on price. Also clean up the turn signal setup a bit. With time I would like to upgrade some of the suspension and brake components to more reliable ones.

If it were me, I'd go for the '76, because that's how I like to keep my bikes - all stock. But it's not me. For you, I'd advise to negotiate on the 550F. You're going to cafe it anyway, so the seat and other warts isn't an issue for you, and the 4 into 1 exhaust will likely be more to your liking than a 4 into 4. But offer less and go up as little as possible. Regarding the '77 that "needs tune up in order to run", that's total BS and a sign that you should pay no more than you could sell the parts for on eBay ($500-$700) - because that's exactly what you may end up doing. The truth is, it won't run, and he has no freakin' idea why. Or worse yet, he may know exactly why, like maybe 2 burned valves and a holed piston. If all it needed was a "tune up", it would be running right now. Maybe not perfectly, but it would be running. Don't make or accept assumptions about a bike that won't run unless you don't mind nasty surprises.

Stu

You're right I think I'm going to skip on the 77 that allegedly needs the tune up. The ad clearly says no free rides and when I text the guy to ask him if I would be able to ride the bike back home he didn't even bother to reply. I dont want to spend time and money when there are better options. To be honest I really dig that mint 76 more than the 77F. I think that if I were to get that one I would definitely not cut the frame to install a cafe seat but would only install the clubmans. However that 4-1 exhaust looks sweet. I will try to get an offer in on the 76 and hope it works out if it doesn't ill go with the 76F it should be a good buy also since he's only the 2nd owner since 85 and bought it from a buddy before that it seems like both bikes have been babied through out their life time. Any way thanks a ton for the feedback ill keep you guys posted with the purchase.

[vintagehonda750]

Go for the 76' Low mileage mint condition clean title no work involved What else could you ask for?

Yup I will get in contact with seller and hopefully work out a deal if all works out this one will be the one. If not next choice is the 550F or ill keep looking. Ill post some pics up sooner than later. Thanks for your feedback jackocaster

[vintagehonda750]

All were great bikes at one time.  Go look at each, check the cond, look for rust, especially in the tank as stated above. Look for dodgy modifications, especially wiring. 
Ask them to start the bikes, will it idle fine after two minutes? If not, there is an issue.
Ask them to ride the bike (if they won't let you), listen for odd noises and normal shifting.
Seeing the bikes in person will tell you a lot, now go!

Will do man ill try to schedule a viewing tomorrow can't wait to see it in person. Thanks for your input.

[vintagehonda750]

if the electric starter doesn't work, i'd walk.  gotta split the cases to repair. 

i bought a cb550k and the PO said it needed a starter, no biggie.  so i bought the bike and bench-tested the starter, it was fine.  turns out the starter "clutch" or "sprags" (your choice of terms) were toast.  i don't mind top end work, but splitting the cases is beyond me. 

if the owner says it's kick-only because of a weak battery, or bad starter -- i'd say "buh bye"

closely check the rims for damage by ham-fisted cheapskates that mount their own tires to save $20 but ruin $80 rims

check the spokes for excessive rust (a little is fine, they'll polish up nicely)

check the fork tubes for rust, leaking seals

check for dragging front brake

any sign of crash(es) -- broken fins, mashed speedo/tacho chrome bases, bent levers

i'd pass on the 550k


 

I've came across many ads claims the electric starter doesn't work but is a cheap fix just don't have time to do it. Bunch of B.S now that you mention it. I'm glad I became a member and got all this awesome feedback I would of never thought that it was that much of a pita to fix. Thanks for the feed back steam powered ill check theses areas carefully and keep you posted.

[vintagehonda750]

I find that a good way to check for overall condition of the electrical systems is to run all the lights through everything (on/off, high/low beam, turn signals w/buzzer, dash lights, etc.)  If it's still got the turn signal buzzer and the turn signals operate properly and the dash lights all work as they should I'd generalize that the wiring hasn't been messed with too much.  In my experience, turn signals (especially the buzzer) are one of the first things people chop up and it's just nice to have original wiring as much as possible.

Oil leaks at the head gasket are a big one with these too.  As long as the transmission doesn't slip out of gear and there's no clutch slippage (can usually be adjusted if there is) these bikes are fairly conductive to Sunday wrenching.

It seems like many of the members are saying to be cautious with electrical system and ill make sure I take my time to inspect it carefully. Thanks a ton

[vintagehonda750]

Get all 3, package deal!

Lol Based on your sig you should donate a bike to me jk
It must be CB heaven down there.

[Tews19]

I recommended the 550F due to the fact it is on older gentleman's bike. You may have texted him with no one getting back to you because lots of older people do not text.

If I am thinking of the correct bikes, you are looking at the blue 77 550F, the 75 or 75 maybe the 4-4 550K, brown with a decal on the tank.. That bike has 10k miles.. Original owner and it is really to nice to cut up.. He has the side covers but not on th ebike to charge the battery.... If it is the brown one, it has new tires on it as well. Tires will cost you roughly 300 and up to be installed and balanced.

Good luck eitherway,.