Topic: New From Florida -- My First Bike!

[macisaguy]

Hey everyone!  My name is Mac and I just purchased my FIRST BIKE EVER!!  1978 550CB!  This thing is sweet!  It runs, but needs some TLC.  I have already been all over these boards reading and soaking up a ton.  I'm a bit overwhelmed...so I'm just taking things slow. 

(Not even worrying about all the aesthetic changes I plan on making.  Sticking with basic tune-up and fixes for the next few months.)

Anyhow...I am so thankful for this community already.  As someone who is totally new, and totally in over his head, I'm grateful for the work everyone has put in here. 

Just wanted to say hey from Jacksonville, FL.  Very glad to be here.

[Stev-o]

Hey.....from Texas.  Bike looks good but would be better with some diff handlebars.
How old are the tires?

[macisaguy]

Hey Stev-O.  Definitely needs different handles bars.  Plan on going semi-cafe racer on it.  Low/flat bars, much shorter front forks, different seat, etc.  But this was the one in my price range that was running.  The vision is strong though brother.

The tires are ready to be replaced definitely.  That's another item on the "to do soon" list.

[Stev-o]

Sounds like you have a good plan. You should be able to get all those parts at a reasonable cost either on this forum or eBay.
What tires are you thinking?  Shinko makes a good low cost tire. Don't forget tubes and rim strips too.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001CD5E8M/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&psc=1&s=automotive

[macisaguy]

Thanks for the suggestions Stev-O!

Also, wanted everyone to know that I'm learning the hands on way about how everything works.  I'm not great with my hands (yet) when it comes to fixing stuff.  I'm more, what you could call a dreamer.  Anyway....dug into this thing to explore the electronics and to fix a jacked up headlight.

After two days of TONS of reading on here and caveman type poking and prodding around the bike, I got the headlight fixed!  But I managed to get the front turn signals to not blink.  (Working on that.)

Anyway...thanks again to everyone who's put time/energy and info into these posts.  You guys are lifesavers.  I'd be lost and standing around with my thumb in my mouth crying for mommy if you guys weren't around.

Here's a photo of the little lady as she stands now.  Anyone remember the days of when this rat's nest intimidated them?  Because that's where I am right now.  And that wiring diagram...I feel like I'm looking at some kind of Area 51 alien spaceship diagram.  So many wires....

[bender01]

Welcome from SC! Looks like a great first bike.

[tool14]

welcome,lots of info here.