Topic: Rebuild or parts

[Akmahala]

Just picked up a 74 550 and a 78 550k both for 400
I want one of them for myself. The other I was just going to snag parts from.
My question is whether it is worth it to rebuild and sell the other or should I just part it out?
My knowledge is limited, but I figure if I am learning about one,  I could do both at once and maybe profit a bit

Also, I know this has been asked before, any thoughts on which model to keep? Both have about 20k on them. Beyond that I don't know much.

[calj737]

Keep them both while you rebuild one of them. There's nothing like having a standing, complete bike as a reference when all the parts and goodies get strewn during a rebuild. It also prevents confusion on which bike/which part.

Restore one, modify the other. You may find the process addictive like so many others. Often the end result is a bit of a let down after you've been so deeply immersed. You can't ride everyday, and we all need winter time hobbies ;-)

[Bankerdanny]

There are some slight differences between the two.
- The frames are different at the passenger pegs and near the steering tubes,
- The '78 uses different carbs and I believe has an improved valve cover and rocker arm assembly.
- The wiring harnesses are slightly different due to the key being moved from the downtubes on the early bikes to between the gauges on the F bikes and 77-78 K's and individual flasher lights instead of a single dash light.
- The top triple is different because the attachment points for the '78 gauge bracket is different that the '76 and earlier.
- The internals of the forks are slightly different and I believe that the fork slider tubes are not interchangeable.

I would keep them both until one is done and you know for sure that you won't need parts from the other and are not interested in restoring it too (whcih can be addictive).