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Author Topic: Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F  (Read 454 times)

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Offline Smudgemo

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Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F
« on: August 12, 2016, 07:09:16 AM »
Hello, new member here.  I love fixing and making things, and recently decided that I wanted a different kind of  project, but one that would fit in my garage.  Something with an engine, but I didn't want a car (even if it was small like a Triumph) or another watercraft because they take up too much room, and a lawn mover is boring. 

Somehow I decided on either a CB or KZ from the '70s and wound up with a non-running '76 CB550F.  Never had a motorcycle before, but I did own a '70s Honda ACT90.  I don't anticipate a ton of riding, but I wanted something mid-sized with lots of available parts and interest.  Seems I scored there.  I'll create a project thread soon because this one is coming down to every last piece unless completely unwarranted.
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Thread - How to fix your starter button (for real): http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.0.html

Offline flatlander

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Re: Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F
« Reply #1 on: August 12, 2016, 08:34:57 AM »
welcome from one 550 f-er to another. what's the plan for it?
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Offline Smudgemo

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Re: Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F
« Reply #2 on: August 12, 2016, 09:01:00 AM »
I think mostly clean it all up and put it back to what it was originally like, but not do a hardcore restoration.  I'm huge on reliability, so the biggest goal will be to start and work properly every time.  I might swap out the bars for something with less rise, but I like the general design as Honda made it.  Plenty of boogered-up bikes out there to turn into something custom if I like this project.
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Thread - How to fix your starter button (for real): http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.0.html

Offline flatlander

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Re: Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F
« Reply #3 on: August 12, 2016, 11:58:45 AM »
i like your approach, did pretty much the same with mine apart from some invisible performance improvements. somewhat lower bars are a good idea, loke the ones that the european 550s came with. or you can swap to stock bars from a 400, thay are a bit narrower as well.
your bike is relatively complete, that's a good starting point. pity that the muffler is not in the best shape, they are hard to find.
did you already download the honda shop manual and partslist?
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Offline Smudgemo

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Re: Berkeley Hills '76 CB550F
« Reply #4 on: August 12, 2016, 07:28:06 PM »
Yeah, I'd like to try and save the muffler if I can.  I like how it looks.  I've got a few friends that are very proficient in TIG welding thin-wall steel for bicycle frames that can maybe weld on a new cap.  I don't know, I'm new to this stuff.

I started a project thread here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,160110.0.html

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Thread - How to fix your starter button (for real): http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,163170.0.html
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