Author Topic: Anyone near Chicago cb550  (Read 1958 times)

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Offline Meecrob

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Anyone near Chicago cb550
« on: June 03, 2015, 07:28:00 PM »
Looking to meet up with someone with a good running/sounding cb550 preferably someone that's known these bikes for awhile. Mines makes some noise and I wanted to hear what a properly maintained one sounds like.
78 cb550k

Offline calj737

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #1 on: June 03, 2015, 07:31:07 PM »
With a stock exhaust, just like a well running sewing machine. What does yours sound like?
'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 Meecrob

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #2 on: June 03, 2015, 07:57:52 PM »
Kinda has a chain type of noise. doesn't really sound like a primary/clutch basket. Adjusted the cam chain tensioner and it seemed to be working correctly and didn't change the noise least not for the better.
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Offline calj737

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #3 on: June 03, 2015, 08:27:12 PM »
Often, the noise you are describing is remedied by a proper vacuum synch of the carbs. Have you removed them and rebuilt them? Or did the prior owner? If so, this may be all you need.
'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 Meecrob

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #4 on: June 03, 2015, 09:26:27 PM »
Already done. Noise is present at idle and gets slightly louder into the higher rpm bands. Noise is also audible at cruising speed.
« Last Edit: June 03, 2015, 09:47:49 PM by Meecrob »
78 cb550k

Offline Meecrob

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #5 on: June 03, 2015, 09:53:50 PM »
Made a clip so it's easier to understand.

78 cb550k

Offline calj737

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Re: Anyone near Chicago cb550
« Reply #6 on: June 04, 2015, 06:46:33 AM »
It does sound a bit "tinny and rattley". Almost sounds like an exhaust leak as the noise is synchronized to the RPMs.  Have you looked carefully underneath and behind the pipes on all four mufflers? Checked for bad gasket at the head?

One thing you can do is to try the "mechanic's stethoscope" trick: with motor idling, use a long flat blade screwdriver, handle pressed to your ear, tip on different parts of the engine. It transmits the vibrations pretty darn well and you'll be surprised what you can hear. Move around to different spots on the engine, frame and exhaust to help locate the source. Check the clutch cover, stator, points cover, valve cover, front back, left and right side of the motor until you find the loudest spot.

If the noise is solely internal, then you're going to have look at the chains if the valves are indeed properly adjusted. But you may be surprised-
'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