Author Topic: 1976 550K Project  (Read 23959 times)

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Offline mrfish2

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1976 550K Project
« on: July 12, 2014, 12:55:19 PM »
What up guys! New member here, and I just picked up an awesome '76 cb550 yesterday. Wanna guess how much I paid for it?

It hasn't run since '92 and I'm only the third owner of it. It's only got just over 4100 miles too!! My only problems with it are going to be finding a set of 4-into-4 pipes as the ones on it are completely rusted through past the mufflers, and the previous owner tried taking off the the needle and floats in the #4 carb and broke the little stem the needle threads through.....

But other than that this bike is awesome and I'm extremely excited to work on it as it'll be my first project bike. I'll be a senior in college so work will be slow as this poor college student can only afford so much haha. Enjoy the pics!!

(And by the way, I only paid $160 for this sweet vintage machine)
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #1 on: July 12, 2014, 03:37:48 PM »
Welcome. A bit of experience for you: the most expensive bikes are the ones you get free. But don't let that dissuade you from turning that bike into a great little machine and enjoying the hell out of it!

Nearly every part, bit, and bolt on that bike is still available new, or aftermarket. Or in some members shed pile. With some effort, beer, assistance when needed, and more beer, you can make that as good as/better than new. Download a manual online here, and perform a comprehensive 3,000 mile service. It will help you establish a baseline of where the bike is, and get it current on proper condition.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline dhall57

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #2 on: July 13, 2014, 02:23:00 AM »
Welcome from North Carolina to the forum mrfish ;) Looks like you got you a nice project. It will just take your time, dedication and of course your $$ ;D Is engine free? These CB550's are great bikes, I had a 1976 CB550 back in the day also. To bad the original pipes are trash and the float post is broke off one of carbs. Where was the bike stored since 92? Quite a bit of rust on shocks, etc. You say your the 3rd owner, do you know much history on the bike from PO.  How did you find it? Looks like its was just parked years ago and forgot about. I found a all original 1974 CB750 several months ago that had been parked in the owners basement since the mid 80's with only 5000 miles. But unlike your 550 the original 341 pipes after a good cleaning look almost brand new ;D
Would love to see some more detailed pictures. For inspiration check out forum member rocs near perfect 1976 CB550. Beautiful bike 8)

Since you got the bike cheap you've got plenty of cash in the parts fund right. Check these out!
http://www.ebay.com/itm/1972-1973-1974-1975-Honda-CB500-CB550-Exhaust-NEAR-MINT-LIKE-NEW-Muffler-HM323-/221484440411?pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&fits=Make%3AHonda%7CModel%3ACB550&hash=item3391805b5b&vxp=mtr
« Last Edit: July 13, 2014, 06:21:07 AM by dhall57 »
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #3 on: July 13, 2014, 07:45:52 AM »
Welcome to the community! Nice score
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline dhall57

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #4 on: July 14, 2014, 03:02:37 PM »
To late on the pipes fish. Winning bid $1435.99 :-\
1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #5 on: July 15, 2014, 06:03:00 PM »
@dhall57   I had been watching those pipes actually but they were wayy over my budget haha. The motor is most definitely free cause the kick starter will turn it over and it sounds like it has great compression. As far as the history all I know is that the original owner had bought it new in '76 and decided to park it in '92 after a truck pulled out in front of him causing him to lay the bike over. I was told it was stored in his basement, but for the past maybe 5 years it was stored in a barn by the PO were it acquired most of its rust. Oh, and I had found it on a local classifieds website.

I've decided to leave the carbs alone for now and let Harisuluv have at em when I can save up some extra money. I did however tear into the front brake today cause the brake lever just wants to flop around and doesn't have any pressure behind it, and wouldn't you know that the darn thing didn't have any brake fluid in it?? Haha not surprising, but an easy fix at least. After a few bruised/bloody knuckles and a broken ratchet i finally got the calipers off, banjo bolts out, and lower brake line off. Letting the rusty bolts soak in some EvapoRust for a while and I'll probably put everything back together tomorrow after work and bleed the lines. I figured if I wanna ride having a working brake might be important...
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #6 on: July 15, 2014, 08:22:19 PM »
Sounds like a great idea to have Haris do your carbs. His reputation is excellent and his knowledge of these little pampers is extraordinary.

Great news about your ability to free up the caliper and bleeder line. But, you're not done! You really need to get the piston out, remove the seal (black o-ring inside) and clean the ever loving dog piss out of the caliper internal, the internal groove, the piston (make sure there's no pitting on the body) and the master cylinder/reservoir needs to be spotless.

The reservoir shoes signs of moisture, which can also mean rust accumulating on the piston inside the master cylinder, and the return holes in the bottom of the reservoir may be clogged. Look very carefully at the bottom, should be two tiny diameter holes. This is where the fluid "returns" from the caliper back up the line.

A good idea to replace the brake hoses with at least new rubbers, or upgrade them with modern hoses or stainless steel lines. A little more money, but they produce higher pressure by less expansion of the hose length. More pressure in the line = more braking pressure in the rotor.

When you re-assemble the caliper, be careful. The mounting bolts are 10mm with a very fine thread pitch. Many have crossed these up or stripped them extracting/installing them. A little anti-sieze lubricant on the threads is a very good idea. But make sure they're threading in straight. Tapping those threads sukks!

Looks like you're off to a great start stop!  ;)
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #7 on: July 16, 2014, 04:12:28 AM »
I thought it was rust as well inside the reservoir, but after starting to clean it it ended up being old gunked up mess with zero rust anywhere I could find (probably the only area that doesn't have rust haha). Stainless steel lines are definitely a future upgrade, but not top priority at the moment. I'll get to work dissasembling that caliper this evening.
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #8 on: August 16, 2014, 06:35:16 AM »
Been pretty busy between work and moving back to college and haven't had time to work on the bike much, but I was pouring over it today making a detailed list of things to do and I noticed this:



Unless this is a previous owner putting CB500 exhaust and mufflers on this bike I'm very confused as to why they would be on there. Also, if anyone has a plastic "F" laying around for a side cover such as the one below I'd be more than happy to take it off your hands.

1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #9 on: August 16, 2014, 06:40:06 AM »
Those are the pipes for your 550. They all came with the pipes stamped with 500. Steel wool triple 0 should clean those up like new.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #10 on: August 16, 2014, 06:46:12 AM »
Oh ok, I was just confused cause I've seen sets on ebay stamped with CB550. But these pipes are shot, I planned on replacing them anyway. If you look at the pics above you'll see they've rusted right through the bottoms.
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #11 on: September 06, 2014, 11:11:13 AM »
Finally got the stuck oil filter and drain bolts off today thanks to the Hulk and discovered this behind the filter housing:





Obviously there shouldn't be a crack here, but will this be harmful at all to the motor? Seems like it isn't in any particularly important spot.
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #12 on: September 06, 2014, 11:14:44 AM »
Looks like the normal casting marks.


Ran into the garage. 550 here with what looks like the same but in a different area.

 markings.
« Last Edit: September 06, 2014, 11:22:34 AM by Tews19 »
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #13 on: September 06, 2014, 11:38:41 AM »
Damn, Tews! Clean your engine please!

He's right though, the surface cracks are meaningless.
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #14 on: September 06, 2014, 11:40:38 AM »
Shoot that's the parts bike.
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline calj737

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #15 on: September 06, 2014, 11:44:45 AM »
Equal parts dirty and disassembled I see
'74 550 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=126401.0
'73 500 Build http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132935.0

"Of all tyrannies, a tyranny sincerely exercised for the good of it's victim may be the most oppressive. It may be better to live under robber barons than under omnipotent moral busybodies. The robber baron's cruelty may sometimes sleep, his cupidity may at some point be satiated, but those who torment us for our own good will torment us without end for they do so with the approval of their own conscience." - C.S. Lewis

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #16 on: October 04, 2014, 02:23:44 PM »
SHE LIVES!!!!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YYipRnAtyR8

Finally got the title from the PO, getting ever closer to being back out on the road.
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline Tews19

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #17 on: October 04, 2014, 02:27:17 PM »
That video is freaking awesome! Your buddies new name is Switch!
1969 Honda CB750... Basket case
1970 Honda CB750 survivor.

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #18 on: October 04, 2014, 02:55:05 PM »
I'm the one in green by the way haha
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #19 on: October 04, 2014, 05:40:25 PM »
Welcome and congrats!    BTW - my 550 does not like throttle on a cold start til she fires.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline brokesohc

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #20 on: October 04, 2014, 08:51:10 PM »
Congrats

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #21 on: October 05, 2014, 11:33:15 AM »
I understand this bike has been sitting for a long time, but shouldn't it still idle somewhat? After shooting the video me and my friend continued to getting her to start consistently, and soon it would start on the first kick, but it wouldn't idle at all. As soon as the throttle is let off it would completely die. Is this normal for sitting for so long or should I be checking for something?
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #22 on: October 05, 2014, 12:14:30 PM »
Adjust the idle adjustment screw on the right side of the carbs
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0

Offline mrfish2

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #23 on: October 05, 2014, 12:31:43 PM »
Adjust the idle adjustment screw on the right side of the carbs

I did that yesterday but it refused to idle even around 2000. Had to turn it in till it was basically holding the throttle at 3000. I'm hoping it was just because it hadn't run in so long.
1976 CB550K            1979 XS1100
1980 CB650C - Sold

It's a little motor and likes having the tits revved off it.

Offline goldarrow

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Re: 1976 550K Project
« Reply #24 on: October 05, 2014, 12:34:19 PM »
Did you go through 3k miles service yet?
Life Is Full Of Challenges - And My Backyard Is Full Of SOHC4's

CB550 K0
CB750 K0, K2, K23 JDM, K45, K5
And the little ones z50r, xr50r, st90


750k5 http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=114817.0