Topic: Trad's Rust and Bones 550 Brat Build: Input on plug readings needed, last page.

[Trad]

FRIDAY NIGHT UPDATE: IT LIVES!

<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/124681381" width="500" height="281" frameborder="0" webkitallowfullscreen mozallowfullscreen allowfullscreen></iframe> <p><a href="Not a valid vimeo URL">Rust &amp; Bones: 1978 CB550 First Start Up[/url] from Jared Chilko on Vimeo.</p>

EASTER SUNDAY UPDATE:

The bike is 99% done.

550F 1 by tradart101, on Flickr

Since my 74 550K project is taking longer than expected and I have so much to do still  http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=130575.0
I decided to buy this 78 550F off a friend so I have something to ride come spring. He’s working on a badass SR500 project so I basically took this off of his hands to fund the SR.

My plan is to NOT dump a huge amount of funds into this unit but strip it down even more, same suit as my K. The bike looks good from far but it’s pretty rough exterior wise. Tank is all dented, frame is rusty, and it needs a little love in a few other exterior places.

A quick run-down of what has already been done. Pipe, rear hoop, custom seat upholstery by Blue Collar Textiles, fork rebuild with OEM seals and gators, simplified electrics, custom dash panel, mini speedo, shocks, drive chain, integrated LED tail-light/signal strip, sprockets, top end gaskets, Uni pods and James did a nice job starting to polish the engine covers.

I’m sure I’ll end up doing a fair bit of other things but the ride the heck out of this thing come Spring.
Plans for this bike.

-Metallic Blue SuperSport Tank
-Clean up engine with brushing and polishing
-De rust as much as possible
-CB 650 Cam, withbetter conditional valve train parts
-Progressive front fork springs
-Totally rebuild carbs (115 mains, 40 slows, needle clip dropped one notch)
-3000 mile tune up
-Fix top end oil leak
-Grease or replace swing arm bushings and headset bearings depending on condition
-Raw and cut down Renthal bars
-Progressive rear shocks
-Integrated LED Tail light and turn bat in rear frame hoop
-Clutch and throttle cables replaced
-New rubber for tires, grips, foot pegs, tank mounts, intake boots, and wherever any rubber is going to #$%*.





I'm sure there is more.

[Maurice]

That is nice, wow. Yeah pods are going to be a bit of a PITA.

How much are you looking for the carpy pipes? Not a big fan of removing them each oil change but...

Does your friend document the SR build? I would be interested if so.

[strynboen]

im not a brat lower..but it looks nice.

. ..sav a crome airbox filter on e bay....easy fix your lean problems...think it vas named "crome airbox for cb 550"..
...http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-VINTAGE-1975-CB550E-/121539624229?hash=item1c4c537d25&vxp=mtr#ht_22wt_1362

[Trad]

That is nice, wow. Yeah pods are going to be a bit of a PITA.

How much are you looking for the carpy pipes? Not a big fan of removing them each oil change but...

Does your friend document the SR build? I would be interested if so.

He is not documenting it. Not into computers too much. I should do it for him because it's an unreal build.

I just checked and Carpy lists the ceramic coated pipe at 460US + Shipping. This pipe is totally mint with exception of some slight scraping on the underside that you cannot see. I'd do 300 + Shipping. Save you a lot of coin.

Thanks for the words my man!

[Trad]

im not a brat lower..but it looks nice.

. ..sav a crome airbox filter on e bay....easy fix your lean problems...think it vas named "crome airbox for cb 550"..
...http://www.ebay.com/itm/HONDA-VINTAGE-1975-CB550E-/121539624229?hash=item1c4c537d25&vxp=mtr#ht_22wt_1362

Don't worry, it'll be more cafe when I'm done. 

That box is sold out but I will keep an eye out. Thanks for the tip.

[Maurice]

That is nice, wow. Yeah pods are going to be a bit of a PITA.

How much are you looking for the carpy pipes? Not a big fan of removing them each oil change but...

Does your friend document the SR build? I would be interested if so.

He is not documenting it. Not into computers too much. I should do it for him because it's an unreal build.

I just checked and Carpy lists the ceramic coated pipe at 460US + Shipping. This pipe is totally mint with exception of some slight scraping on the underside that you cannot see. I'd do 300 + Shipping. Save you a lot of coin.

Thanks for the words my man!

If you get to snap a pic or 2 of the SR that would be nice. I picked up a running one recently and looking for ideas, it is such a fun bike I am surprised it is so rare in the US.

Sounds fair on the pipe, the only problem I have is hiding the filter... I'll let you know.

Oh and for the clutch I would take it apart and make sure all is there in the right order etc. A well-working clutch on the 550 is precise and very pleasing to operate, actually. There's not a whole lot to adjust, only cable slack more or less. If there's an issue it's likely plates thickness out of specs.

[Trad]

That is nice, wow. Yeah pods are going to be a bit of a PITA.

How much are you looking for the carpy pipes? Not a big fan of removing them each oil change but...

Does your friend document the SR build? I would be interested if so.

He is not documenting it. Not into computers too much. I should do it for him because it's an unreal build.

I just checked and Carpy lists the ceramic coated pipe at 460US + Shipping. This pipe is totally mint with exception of some slight scraping on the underside that you cannot see. I'd do 300 + Shipping. Save you a lot of coin.

Thanks for the words my man!

If you get to snap a pic or 2 of the SR that would be nice. I picked up a running one recently and looking for ideas, it is such a fun bike I am surprised it is so rare in the US.

Sounds fair on the pipe, the only problem I have is hiding the filter... I'll let you know.

Oh and for the clutch I would take it apart and make sure all is there in the right order etc. A well-working clutch on the 550 is precise and very pleasing to operate, actually. There's not a whole lot to adjust, only cable slack more or less. If there's an issue it's likely plates thickness out of specs.

I will grab a few of the SR next I'm over, he's done a GSXR front end but it's very tracker looking elsewhere. I'll get this basket apart on the weekend to confirm the thickness and number of clutch plates.

I'm in nor rush to sell the pipe so just lmk if you decide to get the pipe. I'm sure it'll be around.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Hi Jared,

Nice limited project bike.  The challenge will be to keep it limited.  My K7 "rat bike" ended up pretty nice.  My advice is to limit any mods and work for now to those that keep it a runner -- like the ones you have planned.  When your main project bike is completed and shaken down, then think about any more serious mods.

I know that you have a spare set of clubmans, but if you get tingly wrists from the angle, you may shop for a pair of adjustable clubmans (Tomasellis).

Keep up the great work on your main project and ride this one like you stole it!!   

[albertaboy]

Very nice find.  Looks good too. Will be a fun ride.

[Trad]

Hi Jared,

Nice limited project bike.  The challenge will be to keep it limited.  My K7 "rat bike" ended up pretty nice.  My advice is to limit any mods and work for now to those that keep it a runner -- like the ones you have planned.  When your main project bike is completed and shaken down, then think about any more serious mods.

I know that you have a spare set of clubmans, but if you get tingly wrists from the angle, you may shop for a pair of adjustable clubmans (Tomasellis).

Keep up the great work on your main project and ride this one like you stole it!!   

Thanks for the words as always Don, always appreciated. I know, the mod itch comes and then you're deep into another project without a runner. Its a vicious cycle and I'm prone to it. This bike WILL be nicer than it look here, the pictures truly make it look cleaner than it is.

I've ridden clubmans and clipons with mid controls forever. I know it's not ideal but the body position is more comfortable there than with rear sets. It's a similar position as to how I ride my bmx bike. I have most control like that. Might sound crazy. haha

The main build may slow a bit as I dial this one in for Spring. I have quite a few bmx trips coming up so I won't be at home much.

[Trad]

Very nice find.  Looks good too. Will be a fun ride.

Yes it will be! You resto turned out amazing btw. We need to get out and cruise this Spring. SOHC 4 represented. haha.

[Trad]

On another note, I was able to work on the bike a bunch last night.

1)  I found and stopped the oil leak. The aftermarket tach plug was not seated all the way. 2 minutes and it's now a leak free machine 

2) I fixed the clutch. The previous owner installed new springs the the tension was just too much. I took the clutch springs out of my parts bike and problem is solved.

3) I cannot get the carbs sorted. These PD carbs are a whole other ball game after working on early carbs. Also, the carb popping is only happening under 1/4 throttle. I'd like to find some 40 or 42 pilot jets but them seem to be obsolete or sold out everywhere. I think Harisuluv will be rebuilding them for me because it's going to me more time than it's worth for me.

[Maurice]

Never had much popping with my carbs.

How many turns OUT are the mixture screws? Remember, they're fuel mixture screws, opening them lets more gas in, the reverse of air screws which let more air in and are probably what you have on your other bike.

Mine are probably about 2 1/2 to 3 turns out, can't remember, stock intake plenum and single custom foam filter, should be fairly similar to your setup.

[Trad]

Never had much popping with my carbs.

How many turns OUT are the mixture screws? Remember, they're fuel mixture screws, opening them lets more gas in, the reverse of air screws which let more air in and are probably what you have on your other bike.

Mine are probably about 2 1/2 to 3 turns out, can't remember, stock intake plenum and single custom foam filter, should be fairly similar to your setup.

Maurice, The main difference is you still have your stock air box, way more reliable. 

The pod filters are what's causing the issue hands down. It's the same battle I was fighting with my K model before the rebuild.

As for the mixture screws I tightened them all the way in and then backed each one out 2 turns. If I go any more the screws get way too loose (doesn't seem normal). Idle became better after that but it still needs more fuel. NEED to find larger slow jets. the 112 mains are great at WOT. This bike seems to scream after 5K RPM.

Thanks for the input!

[Maurice]

I see. Probably a combination of pods and more open exhaust, that will probably require quite a bit more jets opening.

Good find on the oil leak. FWIW I did not use any sealant on my pucks either and engine does not leak after more than a year and about 3k miles.

[Maurice]

Pilot jets on jetsrus. They're a bit pricey...

http://www.jetsrus.com/a_jet_kit_street/honda_550_CB550_1977-1978.html

[Trad]

Well, I know I said I wasn't going to put any money into this bike but after I got quoted a huge amount for the paintless dent removal on the tank I bought this on Ebay just now. It was a NOS tank 5 years ago and is pretty damn clean.

Yeah, this just happened. haha.

[Trad]

Pilot jets on jetsrus. They're a bit pricey...

http://www.jetsrus.com/a_jet_kit_street/honda_550_CB550_1977-1978.html

Thank you Maurice, I owe you one brother!!!

[AintNoEasyWay]

Eager to see what process you follow to get things going. Good luck, trad!

[Maurice]

Dayum nice find. I would keep the color, splendid.

[Trad]

Eager to see what process you follow to get things going. Good luck, trad!

Thanks sir, I'll do my best to update this regularly. I'll be working on this a lot more in the coming weeks than my K model.

[Trad]

Dayum nice find. I would keep the color, splendid.

Yeah YEAH! haha. I was planning on going raw but it would be a shame to do that to this tank.

[bwaller]

All I can offer is that....yes you are nuts to take it for a ride in January.      It's -18C here right now man!

[Restoration Fan]

All I can offer is that....yes you are nuts to take it for a ride in January.    It's -18C here right now man!

Holy hell.  It was 63 degrees Fahrenheit today.  Glad I live in the south! 

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Hi Jared,

Nice limited project bike.  The challenge will be to keep it limited.  My K7 "rat bike" ended up pretty nice.  My advice is to limit any mods and work for now to those that keep it a runner -- like the ones you have planned.  When your main project bike is completed and shaken down, then think about any more serious mods.

I know that you have a spare set of clubmans, but if you get tingly wrists from the angle, you may shop for a pair of adjustable clubmans (Tomasellis).

Keep up the great work on your main project and ride this one like you stole it!!   

Thanks for the words as always Don, always appreciated. I know, the mod itch comes and then you're deep into another project without a runner. Its a vicious cycle and I'm prone to it. This bike WILL be nicer than it look here, the pictures truly make it look cleaner than it is.

I've ridden clubmans and clipons with mid controls forever. I know it's not ideal but the body position is more comfortable there than with rear sets. It's a similar position as to how I ride my bmx bike. I have most control like that. Might sound crazy. haha

The main build may slow a bit as I dial this one in for Spring. I have quite a few bmx trips coming up so I won't be at home much.

Jared,

You've had a busy 24 hours.  Great find on the tank and even better work trouble-shooting the oil leak and clutch issues.  Well done!!

If the clubmans work for you, that's all that matters.  I have a lot more years and a finicky back!