Topic: New guy saying hi

[lewisj]

Hey all,
I read on here new guys should introduce themselves so I thought I'd write a quick note.

I just picked up a '74 CB550 from a friend moving out of town.  I don't have any experience riding or fixing up bikes but he had to sell it and it seemed like fun.  After I rode it around the neighborhood I got hooked.  So now I have another life-long project on my hands.

Now for the first of many questions (I'll try to keep them down):

When I started cleaning up the bike I saw that the center stand was rubbing hard against the chain.  I had to take it off but I want to put it back after I solve the problem.  So why would this happen?  I figured either the legs are bent or there is a broken stop somewhere.

Also If you guys have any advice for a new guy/new bike, much appreciated.

[SteveD CB500F]

Hi and welcome.

Your 550 probably has an aftermarket 4-1 exhaust on it.  Some of these did not allow the centre stand stop to be fitted and so the stand is just pulled up by the spring until it hits the chain.  It's dangerous (think about it)

From the way you spell "center" I guess that you are in the states, so give us the VIN of your bike and we will be able to tell you which model you have and where the stop for the stand should be.

Cheers

Steve (UK)

[ElCheapo]

Welcome to the boards, if you stick around you will learn lots.

I think steve is right on the center stand. If keeping the center stand is a must then you may have to weld a tab on the stand that will stop the stand rest position in the right place. Personally I ditch them to free up some substantial weight. But it is your bike, make it the way you want it. There is something respectable in concours stock as well as crazy modified.

[ProTeal55]

Welcome to the board , and ditch that boat anchor of a centre stand.
Any pics of the bike 4 us to see ?

[cbjunkie]

yeah welcome, from the schoolmarm - fill out your profile...

sometimes it can be important. 

[gpjerry]

Welcome from another new guy with a CB550.   

[lewisj]

Thanks everyone.  When I saw 3/4 in. (yeah, I'm from the states) of metal worn from the stand, I thought hard about wether this project was possible, knowing that there is going to be much more.  Well I have confidence back.  Once again, thanks.

I'll post some pics later today, after a quick ride of course.