Author Topic: Found - 1978 CB550K (Read 7871 times)

grcamna2 · « **Reply #25 on:** September 06, 2016, 08:23:24 PM »

Quote from: Johnie on September 06, 2016, 08:15:21 PM

For the life of me I could not find where Honda stored the tool kit on this bike. Looked all over. Did a search and found the kit is tucked under the back of the seat under a hinged cover. Went out to check and sure enough it was there. I could not believe it. Took the kit out and I don't think the PO ever knew it was there. I opened it up and it is like new. The tool case is perfect condition and the tools shine. So the only thing I really wish I could find is the owners manual which is not under the seat in the holder.

The next thing you'll be looking for is the original sales invoice..

dhall57 · « **Reply #26 on:** September 06, 2016, 11:15:07 PM »

I figured you would get it. It's hard walking away when you stumble on to one even if it's not quite what you looking for. I know believe me

Johnie · « **Reply #27 on:** September 07, 2016, 07:53:02 AM »

Yah, it was just such a good candidate I could not pass it up. I won't need to do any chrome or paint. I think there is a good chance this motor will free up. The guy I bought it from said he is sure he rotated it when he got it April 2015. And someone bought that carb kit in July 2014 so I would think it was not tight at that time. This is the first neat bike I found at a rummage sale. Usually they are pretty rough.

ekpent · « **Reply #28 on:** September 07, 2016, 07:59:26 AM »

You are now an official 'picker'. I love getting up really early garage/estate sale days and looking through others peoples junk. Some great deals out there, maybe even stuff you never even knew you needed

grcamna2 · « **Reply #29 on:** September 07, 2016, 09:31:13 AM »

Quote from: ekpent on September 07, 2016, 07:59:26 AM

You are now an official 'picker'. I love getting up really early garage/estate sale days and looking through others peoples junk. Some great deals out there, maybe on stuff you never even knew you needed

"stuff you never even knew you needed"

I presently cleaning out my storage and Need to downsize;I never even see 80% of the stuff but I will soon.

Johnie · « **Reply #30 on:** September 07, 2016, 10:09:17 AM »

Just spoke to the original and 2nd owner and did verify the 9,782 miles is correct. They tell me good things about this bike. 2nd owner says it never burned any oil, has the head weep which was very minor, he rebuilt the carbs a few times the 30 years he owned it. He is also the one who installed the oil cooler. The 2nd owner thinks he has the original key for it and might have the owners manual too. Fingers crossed. He said he really babied this bike the 30 years he had it. Always winterized properly, kept out of sun, tuned and regular oil / filter changes. He said it was not locked up in April 2015 when he sold it to the guy I got it from. This 2nd owner provided a lot of excellent information on the bike.

ekpent · « **Reply #31 on:** September 07, 2016, 10:18:02 AM »

Sounds like you got Columbo on the case Johnie !! Always great knowing the history of a bike.

Johnie · « **Reply #32 on:** September 07, 2016, 02:04:31 PM »

Have some great news. Based on what the PO was telling me there was no way the motor should be froze up...at least not tight. So I had some ATF in the cylinders for 24 hours and hooked up the battery to give it a try. She turned over like it was not even froze up. Oil light went off and she is free as a bird now. I then proceeded to check all the electrics before I remove the fairing just to verify everything works which it does. Have good blue spark on all plugs too. Got the luggage rack and sissy bar are already off. So I guess it is time to start the build thread.

Tews19 · « **Reply #33 on:** September 07, 2016, 02:16:41 PM »

Awesome find Johnie! If you want to part with the oil cooler I am happy to purchase it from you.

dhall57 · « **Reply #34 on:** September 07, 2016, 03:25:38 PM »

Quote from: Johnie on September 07, 2016, 02:04:31 PM

She turned over like it was not even froze up. Oil light went off and she is free as a bird now.

That's good news to hear Johnie. You might become a 550 man after all

grcamna2 · « **Reply #35 on:** September 07, 2016, 03:28:13 PM »

Quote from: ekpent on September 07, 2016, 10:18:02 AM

Sounds like you got Columbo on the case Johnie !! Always great knowing the history of a bike.

Yes !

grcamna2 · « **Reply #36 on:** September 07, 2016, 03:31:53 PM »

You got a Good one there Johnie

When you finally get it fine-tuned,etc. you'll have to let the rpm's build-up a bit more than on your 750's !

Gene · « **Reply #37 on:** September 07, 2016, 03:37:55 PM »

Nice bike, Johnie. You may find you like the 550 feel. They're very nimble - lotta fun.

Stev-o · « **Reply #38 on:** September 07, 2016, 03:50:58 PM »

Congrats, nice find Johnie. 550's are a fun bike around town.

FYI - you can pull the head while the motor is in the frame to change the gasket and pucks to stop the oil weep. Looks like you'll have plenty of time before Spring.

DH · « **Reply #39 on:** September 07, 2016, 06:37:43 PM »

And the front brake aint locked up? and you know its history? Man john, you got it made. There must be a
honda pipeline up there, and you're in it. Well done sir.

ekpent · « **Reply #40 on:** September 07, 2016, 08:23:26 PM »

Crap - you will be riding that one by the weekend and now need to find another project to get you through the winter. Better go hit some more sales !!

RainCityRider · « **Reply #41 on:** September 08, 2016, 01:05:47 AM »

I'll give you $550 for it!

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #42 on:** September 08, 2016, 01:06:50 AM »

Seems that money was well spent

Johnie · « **Reply #43 on:** September 10, 2016, 01:48:15 PM »

But I don't need no stinkin' fairing

ekpent · « **Reply #44 on:** September 10, 2016, 02:40:59 PM »

I can hear her give a big sigh of relief now that the big heavy burden has been lifted from her old frail but willing shoulders.

dhall57 · « **Reply #45 on:** September 10, 2016, 05:22:00 PM »

Quote from: Johnie on September 10, 2016, 01:48:15 PM

But I don't need no stinkin' fairing

Didn't think it would take you long before removing that ugly thing.

Johnie · « **Reply #46 on:** September 10, 2016, 06:11:17 PM »

After I trailered the bike home I noticed the wind blew the decal off my pilot light indicator plastic...the "oil, high beam, turn signal" indicator lights between the speedo and tach. Dang...that decal was like new. Can't get just the decal either. Have to find the top half of the pilot light cover. Posted in the want ads...fingers crossed.

DaveBarbier · « **Reply #47 on:** September 11, 2016, 02:08:41 PM »

Wait...I see a leaf to the right of your speedo, you got gypped...

Johnie · « **Reply #48 on:** September 11, 2016, 04:58:24 PM »

Well, I did not take the tank yet...there is still hope

Johnie · « **Reply #49 on:** September 12, 2016, 01:30:31 PM »

Will continue the thread in the project shop area.

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Author Topic: Found - 1978 CB550K (Read 7871 times)

DH