Topic: Minneapolis Mechanical Newbie here!

[nickahlm]

Hello All!

My name is Nick, and I live in Uptown, Minneapolis.

I've ALWAYS wanted a bike but... knew as a young buck, I'd likely kill myself on it... so I waited to "age out" of the desire for a Rocket to find something fun, unique... that I can't/won't got 180mph on!

This summer, I DID IT! 

I purchased a 1978 Honda CB550K.  The owner put it away 2 years prior and it was still running beautiful.  However, he put it away with oil/fuel still in the tanks, so I have some cleaning out to do. 

Thus far I've:

-Removed all fluid
-Removed seat
-Removed side covers
-Removed passenger pegs
-Removed/drained oil and filter
-Removed all the air filter box parts

As a person who's... honestly, NEVER worked on anything mechanical before, I'm sure I'm going to be entering unchartered waters here shortly so, a community like this would be a HUGE help for me.

My goal currently is during the winter, is to evaluate how much work really might be required.  The bike is in FANTASTIC shape, but, there is still some love to be given to it. 

I don't plan to, initially, spend too much time on cosmetics and/or horsepower... simply on getting the bikes basics to a good starting point, with the anticipation of using it this summer as much as possible in order to gain experience driving.  I've never driven before, and this is going to be just a "fun bike" for afternoon rides around the lakes or my neighborhood.  Until I gain the experience, I'm not too concerned about "performance" or "appearance"... but will ABSOLUTELY be adding pieces as I go along.

I think the most work will be:

-Carbs
-Wiring/Electronics (lots of electrical tape and ripped up wiring harnesses)


I want to:

-Underseat mounts for battery/electronics for the "empty" look in the frame
-Seat replacement
....... the rest as they pop up.

I'm SUPER excited to have this winter project and... Hoping that ya'll out there can help me when I'm lost because... it's most certainly bound to happen!  HAHAH

CHEERS everyone and look forward to "chatting".

--Nick

[dusterdude]

Welcome

[MD]

Hello from Northern MN.  I have a 1975 550F.  Last ride was about the 9th.

-MD

[nickahlm]

Hey!
Thanks for responding...

I kind of just bought the bike and dove into the deep end, so boards like this may be really beneficial to me!

Do you have a photo of your rig?

--Cheers

[TomsK8resto]

Welcome from Tucson Nick!  Looks like you have a great starting point on that bike.  You have hit the jackpot with regard to the experience offered from this friendly site.

Tom

[Zaipai]

Welcome aboard from S.E. Wisconsin. Nice 550 you have there!

When you get time post on the Registry of 500/550 Owners link below.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,29646.msg1757278.html#msg1757278

.: Scott :.

[Gene]

Welcome to the forum.  Don't get rid of those airboxes.  We'll discuss later when you start another thread.

[MD]

Hey!
Thanks for responding...

I kind of just bought the bike and dove into the deep end, so boards like this may be really beneficial to me!

Do you have a photo of your rig?

--Cheers

Here is the bike in progress.



-MD

[nickahlm]

Hey Folks!!!!

So, I was wondering if someone could give me some direction here...

There are a few parts/items I want to begin shopping for, however Google isn't as helpful as I figure ya'll might be!

I want to find:

Complete Air Box Assembly, top to bottom including Intake Manifold & Intake insulators
Complete under-seat electronics -
           This is one I have not done much research on because the electronics side of things is def. what makes me the most nervous.  I like the "Empty Frame" look when the electronics & Battery are mounted under the seat... I have a few questions:
                                 1) anyone go a solid link for a good option that'll house all electronics + batter?
                                 2) Is this something that people suggest doing or is it
                                                       a) not worth the effort/cost
                                                       b) any residual heat radiate through the seat (some to be expected, but is it substantial?)
                                                       c) would this require a re-wiring at all of current electronics
                                                       d) while performing this addition, is there any other items suggested to be completed at the same time

I figure the best place for me to start chippin' away at this beast is to address the simple/lower cost items initially and just continue to make purchases here n' there until the bike starts developing.

ANY help would be MUCH appreciated!

Cheers,

[calj737]

Welcome, Nick.

First, make sure to sign up for and take, the Motorcycle Safety Foundation beginning rider course. It will teach you properly the basics of handling a motorcycle.

As for your questions about relocating the electronics:

There is no plug-and-play solution to this. You can purchase a pre-made electronics box from www.cognitomoto.com that will fit and house your goodies. A smaller battery is likely necessary too. While you do this, you should at least upgrade your stock fuse block with a modern ATC style, and locate it under the seat. You can "simplify" things a bit with a modern Regulator/Rectifier too (also sold at CognitoMoto, Rick's Motorsports unit).

This relocation should entail a decent amount of re-wiring, at the bare minimum, proper repair of your hacked up harness. You can order stock replacement kits for all the connectors, plus a very handy crimper tool from www.vintageconnections.com

That "open" triangle look generally entails removal of the airbox, replaced with pods or velocity stacks. While this looks better, it is more challenging to tune the bike properly. (Long, heated debates on this forum over this very topic... Think Crusades meets Hatfield/McCoys then amp it up a bit. You get the idea).

A smart "upgrade/update" is to replace the indicator bulbs and headlamp with LEDs as long as its within your budget. But the best advice is to take heaps and heaps of pictures. Ask lots of questions, and go slowly. Get the bike running and tuned before dismantling it. Then, pursue the relocation and styling changes. At least you'll know how it runs, whether it needs a rebuild or what not before you commence cosmetic stuff.

[nickahlm]

Awesome info!
 
Thank you so much!

Could you perhaps do me one more solid?

As a newbie here... I want to make sure I understand the full scope of work that'd be involved.

What is a list of items I would need (electronics mount pan, regulator/rectifier...etc) in order to complete the Under-Seat Mount?

[mrbreeze]

Welcome to SOHC4 Nick. Before you tear in too deep you should try to get the bike running first before relocating the electronics. That is a bit of work that will involve fabrication, rewiring etc. You may later find that the bike needs intensive engine or transmission repair. You may find that you really don't care for this bike once you start riding it (I doubt that....they are fun bikes!).I would suggest getting Hondaman's book and/or a good shop manual. A Chiltons or Haynes is OK to have but a shop manual is the way to go. This forum is also a valuable tool. It sounds like you are eager to do your own work so that's a good thing. You will have to buy some specialty tools but they will pay for themselves by saving $$ to a dealership.
You already realize that the carbs will need some attention....they most likely will being that the bike sat for awhile and who knows what has ever been done to them as far as cleaning, adjustment, etc. You may need a battery but I would try to get it started before making that purchase. Do all of the tune up procedures before the carb work. Make sure the gas tank is clean inside. There are lots of things to do before relocating electronics. And like Cal suggests.............take the class and learn about riding beforehand. Have fun with it!!

[nickahlm]

Ok...

So from what I'm gathering is kind of what I anticipated.  All of the feedback I'm getting says essentially to just get it running before diving too far in... which I do agree with esp. since I'll be learning the ride as well.

I've got plans this summer to sign up for the road courses already... MPLS in December is not rider-friendly anyways, so this winter I just got the bike in the house to wrench on in my free time.

I know... ALMOST for certain that the bike will fire.  I know its no guarantee however, I know the owner put it away running, it tried to fire the first time I turned the key but after 2 years in a garage that was as to be expected.

I'm planning on doing just a basic carb cleaning kit and to clean out the tank, oil, and replace all those filters and gaskets.

As a newb... sometimes looking at the wiring makes me cringe... with all the frayed housing and electrical tape jimmy-rigging that is involved in purchasing a classic rig like this.

[calj737]

Do not use the replacement brass in the carb "rebuild kits". Only use the gaskets and o-rings if you need them. Stock brass is much higher quality than aftermarket.

To relocate:
New fuse block
(Recommended) New Ricks Reg/Rec for a SOHC 550
Electronic underseat tray
Keep stock solenoid
Battery
Vintage Connections kit

[Gene]

Remember, too, you will get through this.  Repeat everything Cal said.  Get the manual first, even though mods have already been done on this bike the manual will tell you essentially where and what everything is - and possibly what you need. Read first, wrench later.

[nickahlm]

Hey everyone...

I've got myself a Haynes manual already, as well as printed off multiple engine component diagrams as well to help me learn the ins and outs.  Definitely made sure a manual was in my arsenal of "helpers" so that's already got! 

I suppose my theory is that if I've already got the bike ripped apart to some degree...

Are there some basic fixes/additions (aside from the 3,000 mi check stuff and the basics of cleaning it out after sitting in a garage) that any of you would suggest?

Manifold... Velocity Stacks... regulator/rectifier... etc etc.

Is there anything anyone out there would "suggest" addressing prior to just getting it fired up?!  I know 100% this will by MY BIKE for a long time so... "getting it running" is obviously priority #1... but I also don't want to get it running only to have to tear it apart again to fix/add something.

Any hot spots to check?
Any regular/routine issues with parts that could be addressed pro-actively? etc etc

If ya'll just think getting it cleaned out and road running then that'll be my first priorty for sure! 

Most definitely appreciate your experiences and expertise!!!

Cheers folks!

[mrbreeze]

There are plenty of other items that need to be addressed but at least get it to run first to see what you have. There will be brakes, suspension, wheels, drive chain & sprockets, cables, controls, and more. Tell us where you want to start and we can take it one item at a time. I can spend your money all day long and I could also save your money. Same goes for other members here. Another thing......post up plenty of pictures. Like they say....they're worth 1000 words!

[nickahlm]

Certainly!

Totally expected that every turn of the wrench I'll find something new to spend $ on! haha but most definitely I do want it in full working order by spring... which for us is most likely April/May... So I've got some play time!

Tires are brand new.  Most of the items you mentioned I've already poked around at.

Controls seem good but the throttle/clutch/breaks are a bit tight so some new lines in those will help along with some love on the throttle... little bit by little bit!

Advice is duly noted... get er' running first... and then tinker as I can/need (as well as afford haha).

More pictures will be coming each time I get to work on it!

Cheers again!

LOVE what I'm seeing so far with all the help/input/opinions!!!!!

[calj737]

By the way...

Those "Phillips" screws on your bike aren't. They're JIS and they need a completely different type of bit/tip. You should buy a proper set of these ASAP! It will save you countless hours of pain and frustration trying to remove stripped screws from prior owners.

[mrbreeze]

+1......and an impact driver.

[Zaipai]

By the way...

Those "Phillips" screws on your bike aren't. They're JIS and they need a completely different type of bit/tip. You should buy a proper set of these ASAP! It will save you countless hours of pain and frustration trying to remove stripped screws from prior owners.

+1

Here is a link to some..
http://www.mossmiata.com/Shop/ViewProducts.aspx?PlateIndexID=123757

There is a forum member selling sets of these however I can't find the link any more. If you want to but the complete set then some searching on the forum will help find that set.

.: Scott :.

[mrbreeze]

Yes.....look for Gordon (Ilbikes).