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Offline NB

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one more CB550
« on: June 04, 2016, 09:58:14 AM »
Hello everyone,

Greetings from Larchmont, NY

My name is Ben, 46 yrs old, used to ride bike years ago. I've never really decided to get back to it until I've recently seen really good looking cafe racers. Soon after, I’ve purchased a 1976 CB550F Super Sport on eBay. I've got one that is already running not to scare my wife with a piece of junk. I haven’t uncovered issues with it but I’ve decided to ignore the traditional “if it ain't broke, don't fix it”. My bike’s signs of aging are going to be addressed over the next few months, with the goal of improving the overall performances too. Short term plan for the weekend: checking the compression in the cylinders and building a bike table if my 4.5 yrs old boy let me!

PS: I'm very impressed by what you guys do! I've got a lot to learn.

all the best
Ben
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Offline dhall57

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #1 on: June 05, 2016, 05:41:40 AM »
Welcome from North Carolina Ben. Good looking bike ;)
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1970 CB750KO
1971 CB500KO-project bike
1973 CB350G- project bike
1974 CB750K4-project bike
1974 CB750K4
1976 CB750K6
1977 GL1000
1997 Harley Wideglide

Online CycleRanger

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #2 on: June 05, 2016, 06:34:47 AM »
Howdy! Welcome!
I like that color.
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Do you have a copy of the Honda Shop Manual or Parts List for your bike? Get one here:
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CB750K5        '79 XL250s     CL350K3
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Offline flatlander

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #3 on: June 05, 2016, 07:41:31 AM »
welcome from a fellow 76 550f!
looks like a nice clean bike from the pic. do the full 3k mile tune-up as described in the honda manual to have a good base-line, then ride her for a while to see where possible issues are, and learn what you may want to change if anything.
i left mine stock looking, just did some (mainly invisible) performance mods.
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Offline NB

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #4 on: June 13, 2016, 10:03:04 AM »
Thank you for the welcome. The compression check calls for a needy attention. The bike table is ready and I am now waiting for a few tools to start the tear down. I'll post updates as it goes.

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Online calj737

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #5 on: June 13, 2016, 02:20:54 PM »
If the bike was not running regularly before you bought it, it may have lower compression than you'd like. It would be a good idea to perform a leak down test before you decide to tear into it.

Unless your certain the compression test tells the whole story?
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'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 Stev-o

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #6 on: June 13, 2016, 02:46:14 PM »
Welcome from a fellow 550F owner.

if you used an automotive compression tester, your readings may not be accurate.
Were the readings all within 10% of each other?

If the bike has sat for a long period of time, the compression may be low but after running a few hours, it should raise up.
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline NB

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Re: one more CB550
« Reply #7 on: June 18, 2016, 07:01:47 AM »
Hello everyone. Sorry for the delayed reply. A new born baby girl is delaying my rebuilt plan!  :)

The compression readings are average. At best 120psi. Cylinder #2 at best got 90psi. its fate includes a rebuilt.

Enjoy the weekend
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