Topic: 1976 CB550 K2 First timer - Sold

[mscuiletti]

I am a bit hesitant to buy nice shocks as part of me worries that after all the documentaries I have watched and time I have spent so far in this build, I won't like riding on the street. I have only ridden dirt bikes on a few occasions and loved them, but I really hope I love this as much or more. It sure would be a waste if i ended up hating it haha.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I am a bit hesitant to buy nice shocks as part of me worries that after all the documentaries I have watched and time I have spent so far in this build, I won't like riding on the street. I have only ridden dirt bikes on a few occasions and loved them, but I really hope I love this as much or more. It sure would be a waste if i ended up hating it haha.

The IKONS are a good compromise.  You will need some decent shocks for the god-forsaken, pot-hole ridden Detroit roads. Riding a roadbike with worn out or crappy cheap shocks is sure to provide you with a bad experience that you will not enjoy.

[Stev-o]

From what I have heard, the pot-holed streets of Detroit will be like riding off road!

I had a dirt bike too [Yammie YZ125] but I found I like street riding more...

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I visited early spring a few years ago.  The Enterprise clerk told me that I would be crazy not to get the road hazard warranty for a few bucks -- because they have so many cars sustain wheel damage.

[mscuiletti]

Haha, good points. My International Scout feels like its coming apart every time I drive a specific block on my way into work every day. I imagine I will be looking for a more fun route with fewer lights when the bike is finished. I received a reply from Dave Quinn with some suggestions which I will be trying this evening as far as figuring out what length I need. I will spend some time looking at the options today, as I really want to get it on the road this season. Maybe that is far-fetched.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Nils (IKON dealer and member here) is presently in Europe on a bike tour this week, so if he doesn't call you right back, that's why.

[Stev-o]

Nils (IKON dealer and member here) is presently in Europe on a bike tour this week, so if he doesn't call you right back, that's why.

Figured he was out of town, I emailed him the other day and did not get a prompt response as usual.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

Last spotted in Croatia drinking beers after doing 200-300 miles through the countryside.

[mscuiletti]

I want that job.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think he took today off to catch the sights in Dubrovnic, Croatia. He's been having to slum it on a BMW S1000XR

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

I think he took today off to catch the sights in Dubrovnic, Croatia. He's been having to slum it on a BMW S1000XR

Riding that bike will ruin a man...

No doubt. I covet the S1000R (which you don't have to covet because it's in your garage!) but what's not to love about it!  It makes your other bikes inferior.

[flatlander]

croatia is great. and nice coastal roads. pretty good food as well. you probably won't see him back...

[Stev-o]

croatia is great. and nice coastal roads. pretty good food as well. you probably won't see him back...

He'll be back!  Although my H2 carbs got vapor'd somehow without him....

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

croatia is great. and nice coastal roads. pretty good food as well. you probably won't see him back...

He'll be back!  Although my H2 carbs got vapor'd somehow without him....

But did you get Skittles?

[Stev-o]

croatia is great. and nice coastal roads. pretty good food as well. you probably won't see him back...

He'll be back!  Although my H2 carbs got vapor'd somehow without him....

But did you get Skittles?

Carbs are still in transit, bet I dont get Skittles! [did last shipment]

[mscuiletti]

You all lost me. Skittles?

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

You all lost me. Skittles?

When Nils vapor blasts parts (https://www.restocycle.com/) he often encloses a pack of Skittles as a thank you.

[mscuiletti]

You all lost me. Skittles?

When Nils vapor blasts parts (https://www.restocycle.com/) he often encloses a pack of Skittles as a thank you.

That sounds like great customer service!


I had not taken any photos, but when attaching the bar end mirrors, I could not get them tight enough. The two sleeves that expand as tightened were too small, and the larger included sleeves did not fit into the bars. I did some reading and ended up using a small rubber hose cut to an inch long, cut down the middle, wrapped the expanding sleeve and somehow wiggled it into the bar. Once tightened now, it acts like a gasket and is much much tighter. That is all I had time for before having to go to the girlfriend's sister's choir concert. Hopefully I get something done tonight.

[SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan]

  Nils is a great guy. His vapor blasting service is amazing. I only know of a couple people who presently do it although I'm sure there's more:   Nils aka noblehops doing business as restocycle.com and Cerberus Moto in San Diego.

[mscuiletti]

Yesterday, I dropped the seat pan off at the upholsterer. He had some great stories as he used to ride a CB350 long ago, so had a great time chatting briefly with him. I'm looking forward to see how it turns out, and hopefully the shade of brown I chose goes well with the rest of the bike.

I ordered a gallon of Honda Pro GN4 Motor Oil (10w40), after reading positive reviews, which will arrive tomorrow. I will probably buy a second gallon and filter though, so I can change the oil after its running and tuned. I imagine after sitting so long, any rust or debris in the motor will hopefully get caught in the filter, and will need to be replaced before I actually start riding.

The rest of the evening was dedicated to a doctor's appointment and then replacing the alternator in my girlfriend's Camry, which I had replaced just last year. At least the parts store honored the warranty so it was free. Tonight though, I get back to my garage!

[mscuiletti]

Over the weekend, I greased the steering head bearings, installed the front disk, checked clearance so I can order shocks that will not cause the tire to meet the frame, greased the swingarm, installed the starter, replaced points and condensors, soaked the carbs and other bit, filled with oil, and cleaned and installed the intakes.

I realized the front bleeder was rusty, so I have another ordered, as well as a replacement gas cap gasket, and new rear brake switch and spring. I have been unable to find the pedal return spring though. I have mine still, but even after soaking, it has some pitting, so I would prefer replacing it. Anyone know if its the same as a 750? I have located plenty of those...



Ignore the clutch cable routing. I had not thought to order shortened cables. I am curious if I ship the new cables back to 4into1, if they would give me credit. Better send another email.


Opening the carbs was pretty nasty. The bowl on the right looked to be filled with a mix of baby poo and snot. Jets should arrive today, so hopefully I can get them all cleaned up throughout the week, replace all the gaskets and o-rings, and get them on installed before the weekend. I am trying to finish one thing at a time, otherwise I keep getting overwhelmed.
 

[mscuiletti]

Clean up and re-use your stock brass. Take note of the jet sizes stamped on the mains and pilot jets too. And note the clip position on the needle. Aftermarket brass is typically not nearly as reliable as stock and OEM brand is always best used.

The carbs boots probably could use some attention. They need to be supple and have no tears in them as that's a prominent source of vacuum leaks.

Thanks for the pointers as always. Those boots are pretty supple and clean, but I suppose could be a little on the firm side. Any suggestions as to carb soak? I see some people use pine-sol, but I figured I would just get gunk or another soak from a local parts store.

I am a little frustrated that I went with the hoop in the back, purely for aesthetics, because it doesn't clear at 10". I suppose I could hack the rear again but the seat is already being made. Even the long Hagons (360mm/14.2") are fully compressed at 11", which is just too close. I also did not want to spend over $400 on Ikons as that would leave less of a budget for everything else I need. Decision time I  suppose.

[mscuiletti]

360mm Hagon shocks are now ordered. Dave Quinn was incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. I should get them in a few days.

[mscuiletti]

I'd avoid the Pine Sol as it's pretty acidic and can turn the cast aluminum body of the carbs dark grey. Gunk, Berrymans, etc are just fine for soaking the carbs.

Yeah, the whole flat seat/hoop issue rears its head rather often. Folks get caught with the aesthetics then find out later... oops. It's only metal. Cut it and change it later. Or, use the short Ikonsfor a time.

Personally, I am dubious that shocks at short will offer reasonable damping andrebound to be a decent ride. Maybe... Dave Quinn is top notch, so he should be a decent source of knowledge.

If you have to change, a smaller diameter rim/tire and slightly longer shocks would be easiest later to accommodate.

I will pick up some soak from the parts store. As for the shocks, is 360mm considered short? They are about 2 inches longer than what is currently installed, and an inch longer compressed. I'm told that they are the longest Hagon shock with the clevis end for the 550. I will do some fitting, but may just end up cutting the gussets and doing an angled hoop

I have seen numerous builds that use a rear hoop but rather than a flat seat, have a cafe rear seat on top of the hoop. Of those builds, it is obvious that they have a much longer shock, rather than the typical brat style build which frequently only a couple inches of clearance. Fingers crossed that these longer shocks do the trick, and if not, I will rethink the rear. Unfortunately the upholsterer is already working on the seat, but hey, my girlfriend changes her hair color pretty frequently, so why can't i change the bike up.

[Smudgemo]

When I did the carbs, I more or less did them one at a time.  All the parts were kept in separate containers and I soaked everything in a gallon of Berryman's (one carb at a time.)  The internal basket didn't lose any parts and I used Honda rebuild kits.  Not terribly complicated, but you should make sure each piece is clean and threads look good.  I used fishing line and copper wire to clean out the orifices.  An old toothbrush to encourage the varnished fuel to move on, that sort of thing.  It's easy to lose or damage parts, so take your time.  This is what the exploded carb from my '76 looks like: