Author Topic: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED (Read 22294 times)

Johnie · « **on:** September 12, 2016, 12:48:59 pm »

I ran across this 78 CB550K with title at a rummage sale. The good - 9,700 miles, stored inside, chrome good, rims good, tank clean, no dents with all paint and graphics very good. Side covers very good & all tabs in place. OEM exhaust with #4 rusted out, but the other 3 look good. All parts are in place & has key. Has a box of OEM parts that were removed for the fairing and excellent shape. Shifts through all gears. It is easy to see the bike was well cared for. Fork seals leaking. Carbs are off the bike but there. OEM seat is torn. Last run in 2006. As a plus, still in the Honda packaging was a set of 4 OEM float needles and an OEM carb gasket set with receipt for $185 from the local Honda shop. I did pop a float bowl off and it is spotless. Will be a fun winter project.

Johnie · « **Reply #1 on:** September 12, 2016, 12:59:28 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.

Johnie · « **Reply #2 on:** September 12, 2016, 01:01:29 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. Posted in the want ads and member "qside" had one for me. Thanks Gary!

Johnie · « **Reply #3 on:** September 12, 2016, 01:03:52 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.

Johnie · « **Reply #4 on:** September 12, 2016, 01:05:33 pm »

Got the fairing, sissy bar and luggage rack off. The bike sure looks cleaner with those items off. I was glad to see the PO did not chop up the wiring either. The wiring loom was in a leather sack which must have been provided by Vetter at the time. Gave the front and back fender a polish and it is amazing...no rust.

Johnie · « **Reply #5 on:** September 12, 2016, 01:08:32 pm »

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. Carb float area is very clean. Slide area dusty from laying in the garage. A full rebuild will be in order here.

Darren Jakal · « **Reply #6 on:** September 12, 2016, 02:48:38 pm »

Great find!

I'm just starting a 78 550 myself. I picked up another set of carbs that look better than my originals outside, but don't look nearly as good inside.

What are your plans for cleaning yours up?

I broke the originals all apart and used Pinesol and carb cleaner and they turned out well except for the choke "felts". I hope this new set has felts that can be resuscitated. I haven't decided how to go at them yet as I want to retain that original iridescence if I can (the pinsol did not a bad job at retaining the finish but I didn't let them soak too long in 1:1 pinesol water mix).

Looking forward to following your build.

Darren

Johnie · « **Reply #7 on:** September 12, 2016, 02:57:48 pm »

Darren...this will be my first introduction to a set of PD carbs and a 550K. Mainly did the 750's before this bike came to me. They sure appear more complicated. Since this is a winter project it maybe be a few months before I get into them.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #8 on:** September 12, 2016, 10:31:26 pm »

What a great deal for $500!!

Lostboy Steve · « **Reply #9 on:** September 13, 2016, 03:07:50 am »

Quote from: Johnie on September 12, 2016, 02:57:48 pm

Darren...this will be my first introduction to a set of PD carbs and a 550K. Mainly did the 750's before this bike came to me. They sure appear more complicated. Since this is a winter project it maybe be a few months before I get into them.

I really dig that gauge. The whole bike is very nice. I love it when you find something that's just frozen in time with all the original stuff intact. Very cool!

jerry h · « **Reply #10 on:** September 13, 2016, 06:40:27 pm »

Hi John,

Wow what a nice find! I'm always amazed at how much better these projects always look, by just removing the windjammer and sissy bar/luggage rack.

Can't wait to see more....

Johnie · « **Reply #11 on:** September 13, 2016, 06:46:13 pm »

Thanks Jerry...let me know when you are in the area again and have a look.

Johnie · « **Reply #12 on:** October 20, 2016, 09:02:17 pm »

Winter is not here yet, but I did get the master and caliper off for cleaning and new seals. It was not stuck or leaking, but knew they had to be rebuilt. Same gunk in the bottom of the caliper as usual. Got the chrome cleaned up really nice. Tank is awesome with nice paint. Tested the tach and speedo. Tach is fine, but the speedo needle moves very slow. Will try to wash it out with isopropyl alcohol as noted on the board. Hope that takes care of it as this speedo is so nice with no fading and the lense is so clean. I hate to separate it unless necessary. With so few miles on the bike (9,780) and no real corrosion noted it took me by surprised when I tested it. I have had a number of other bikes in a lot worse condition with no clock issues.

Johnie · « **Reply #13 on:** October 24, 2016, 07:07:00 pm »

The slow speedo needle has been remedied. I ended up taking the unit apart and was not surprised when it looked pristine inside. Very clean and no rust. I noted some heavy grease on top of the bell area which rotates with the needle. When that area moved into or out of the back of the bell housing it was very sluggish. I removed the grease and it worked like new. As long as I have it apart I will add some new paint to the tip of the needle and get it back together.

hoodellyhoo · « **Reply #14 on:** October 25, 2016, 10:19:52 am »

Looking forward to watching your progress on this one John

Johnie · « **Reply #15 on:** November 25, 2016, 12:56:58 pm »

Here is that speedo in excellent condition and ready to install...

Johnie · « **Reply #16 on:** November 25, 2016, 01:10:02 pm »

Have not had a chance to get much done on the bike with deer hunting and Thanksgiving. Today I got that oil cooler off which was not needed anyway. Removed the mufflers, chain & front sprocket cover. Got the exhaust flanges and some other parts in the Metal Rescue. Progress...

Johnie · « **Reply #17 on:** December 17, 2016, 09:03:25 am »

Stripped the old paint off the center and side stands, foot pegs, etc. Now ready to paint and get those items back on so I can tackle the rest of the bike.

bill440cars · « **Reply #18 on:** December 17, 2016, 09:58:44 am »

Whoa, that really WAS a GREAT FIND. Great Shape & Priced Nice too? I NEVER have that kind of luck. Proud for ya.

Johnie · « **Reply #19 on:** December 17, 2016, 01:52:55 pm »

Thanks Bill. I have to get me one of those enclosed mini sand blasters.

SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan · « **Reply #20 on:** December 17, 2016, 06:00:25 pm »

That speedo looks damn tidy.

RAFster122s · « **Reply #21 on:** December 17, 2016, 10:57:55 pm »

You are one lucky guy Johnie. Were we all that fortunate. I look forward to more as you find time to do and share.

David

Johnie · « **Reply #22 on:** December 29, 2016, 11:48:57 am »

Paint turned out nice on the center, side stands and pegs. Got those back on so I can get the 4-4 back on.

Johnie · « **Reply #23 on:** December 29, 2016, 11:54:36 am »

Since this is my first CB550 project I am learning the differences between that and the CB750. Was a bit surprised to find only 2 rear wheel bearings. Got those changed out and now waiting on the new front and rear sprockets, chain and Conti. Next up is replacing those front wheel bearings and putting a new Conti on there too.

Stev-o · « **Reply #24 on:** December 29, 2016, 03:35:23 pm »

Hey Johnie - why do you prefer paint over powdercoat on the center and side stands?

I usually have these powdered to take abuse such as stones that may get kicked up.

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Author Topic: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED (Read 22294 times)