Topic: 75' CB550F - First bike, First build

[Anton]

Bought my first bike this summer, a 75' CB550.

I decided i wanted to completely take it apart this winter and rebuild, I have zero experience with motorcycles so this is all very new to me. I hope to gain some wisdom through this forum and all the experience its members has to offer.

Here's a before photo, I forgot to take some pics before i started taking her apart so its the only one I have .

[Anton]

I started with the electrical. started off pretty straight forward from the tail end working my way to the front(labeling each wire as i disconnected it). I was actually thinking I might want to build a whole new harness from scratch. Then I opened up the head light and discovered the nest of wires and connections. ( some of which weren't even connected, don't know if that's normal but everything was working fine) Now I might just clean up the current harness as best I can.

[Anton]

wire harness

[Anton]

While I was taking off the engine mounting bolts i noticed this spacer sitting down on the swing arm at the frame on the left side. Couldn't really find where it could have came from.

Any ideas??

[Bankerdanny]

I have to say, take it apart why? From that picture it looks beautiful.

[Anton]

I have to say, take it apart why? From that picture it looks beautiful.

Beautiful yes, but not how I want it to look. I was a little unsure before I started because it was in such good condition but I said screw it and went for it anyway. It will (hopefully) be a fun project. It has been so far

[Stev-o]

I have to say, take it apart why? From that picture it looks beautiful.

Was thinking the exact same thing.  So all your electrical was working but you still removed the harness?

Guessing you never heard the phase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

[Anton]

I have to say, take it apart why? From that picture it looks beautiful.

Was thinking the exact same thing.  So all your electrical was working but you still removed the harness?

Guessing you never heard the phase "If it ain't broke, don't fix it!"

I want to blast and powder coat the frame, thats why the electrical came out.

[Mcwilliams570]

While I was taking off the engine mounting bolts i noticed this spacer sitting down on the swing arm at the frame on the left side. Couldn't really find where it could have came from.

Any ideas??

Its a spacer goes between the engine and frame when you pulled the long engine bolt out it fell off. I can get a picture later if you need one.

Matt

[Anton]

While I was taking off the engine mounting bolts i noticed this spacer sitting down on the swing arm at the frame on the left side. Couldn't really find where it could have came from.

Any ideas??

Its a spacer goes between the engine and frame when you pulled the long engine bolt out it fell off. I can get a picture later if you need one.

Matt

Thanks Matt, I knew it was something like that just couldn't pin point it at the time

[Anton]

So, Got the engine out and the frame pretty much completely stripped down. I guess my next plan is too clean everything up that I am keeping as best I can ~ front forks, rims, frame, swing arm, engine, gas tank.

I want to blast my frame and wheels and powder coat satin black. As far as the engine goes, I really want to clean it up real nice and was thinking about soda blasting it all in one piece but I know it could be a little risky as far as sealing it up and making sure no media get inside.  Anybody have any experience doing this?

The gas tank is gonna be stripped to bare metal and clear coated ( I really dig that look )

[Anton]

A little inspiration ~

 Im gonna go with a flat seat (no cowling) , No cafe bars either. I want it a little more upright

[Bankerdanny]

Seriously, if that is original paint and it's in a good a shape as it looks, please sell the tank and matching side covers and buy ones that NEED paint.

[Anton]

Seriously, if that is original paint and it's in a good a shape as it looks, please sell the tank and matching side covers and buy ones that NEED paint.

Side cover are not in great shape, there both cracked and have been glued back together. If you want to make me an offer for the tank I would consider selling, but it seems easier to just use what I have. Its not as perfect as it looks in the pictures.

[Stev-o]

Buy sidecovers here....

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=74022.0