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Author Topic: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED  (Read 24597 times)

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Offline Gene

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #125 on: August 11, 2017, 06:21:15 PM »
Quote from: Stev-o on August 11, 2017, 04:58:55 PM
Quote from: Gene on August 11, 2017, 04:52:52 PM
Quote from: Johnie on August 11, 2017, 12:55:13 PM
Last item - took the old gas out of the tank and it's really clean, but with a few stains on the bottom only I decided to use some Metal Rescue on it. I hate to mess up the nice carb rebuild that harisuluv did for me by having any junk get into them. The OEM petcock works excellent and the OEM in tank fuel filter is in great condition. Check out the original paint. Side covers just as nice.

Wow. That's gorgeous. I know I have a penchant for Orange bikes, but I've always loved the Honda Brown.

Brown? Johnies tank is Excel Black.  Candy Garnet Brown was '77...

Must be the color scheme on my mac. Looks like that dark-chocolate brown. Wha' Evs.  ;D Pretty nonetheless.
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*1973 CB750K3 (Bow)

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #126 on: August 12, 2017, 03:22:49 PM »
So today I am historically pumped. Got the tank cleaned, installed, filled and took my first test ride ever on a CB550K. Man this is a sweet bike. The seat is so cushy compared to the early 750's. She ran flawless, shifted perfectly, ran her up to speed and not a miss or backfire. She seems really dialed in. I was surprised at the power the 550 has. Put on about 60 miles and she performed like this bike should with only 9,800 miles on it. Stopped to get some pics and do a 2 minute video. Not to much else I can do with it except ride it or sell it :) Thanks again for all the advice and help as this was my first 550 work.
« Last Edit: August 12, 2017, 03:29:29 PM by Johnie »
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #127 on: August 12, 2017, 03:38:35 PM »
Knew you would like it!   Nice job, BTW...
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #128 on: August 12, 2017, 05:19:39 PM »
Honda had a good idea with bringing the bars back towards the driver. Makes it a lot more comfortable than the early 750's.
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline seanbarney41

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #129 on: August 12, 2017, 05:46:30 PM »
Quote from: Johnie on August 12, 2017, 05:19:39 PM
Honda had a good idea with bringing the bars back towards the driver. Makes it a lot more comfortable than the early 750's.
really nice smaller one Johnny.   I am thinking you got those bars pulled back more than most would have them.  Nothin wrong with that if you like it.  I generally just continue the line of the forks with the bars.

Go throw that thing around the kettle and you will see what's up with the 550s.
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If it works good, it looks good...

Offline Can550

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #130 on: August 12, 2017, 06:27:15 PM »
Beautiful (tank) bike


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #131 on: August 15, 2017, 03:44:30 PM »
Johnie, very nice outcome!  I am sure you are falling in love with these bikes like the 550 owners have known.  A built 650 motor with performance build will outperform even mildly built 750s.  They are easily a much better handling bike than the 750s in my opinion.

I think you will enjoy the bike enough to sway you to keep it.  It is a very nice example.
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Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #132 on: August 15, 2017, 04:14:04 PM »
Quote from: RAF122S on August 15, 2017, 03:44:30 PM

 A built 650 motor with performance build will outperform even mildly built 750s.

Johnie - this is a great idea!  Now that you completed the restoration, tear it back down and slap a 650 motor in it!

Then you can race all your 750's....
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline RAFster122s

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #133 on: August 15, 2017, 04:28:43 PM »
Where is the raspberry emoticon for Stev-0?   If and when he wants more from the bike...
Then, that is the path to take rather than pouring lots of money into a 550 build.
The 550 handles so nicely, better than the 750 and most vintage Kawas or Suzies

Quote from: Stev-o on August 15, 2017, 04:14:04 PM
Quote from: RAF122S on August 15, 2017, 03:44:30 PM

 A built 650 motor with performance build will outperform even mildly built 750s.

Johnie - this is a great idea!  Now that you completed the restoration, tear it back down and slap a 650 motor in it!

Then you can race all your 750's....
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David- back in the desert SW!

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #134 on: August 15, 2017, 06:17:17 PM »
I do have to admit it does handle very smooth compared to the 750's. I am amazed at how quickly it starts. Once she starts the choke comes off almost instantly and she continues to run smooth. Harisuluv did a bang up job on these carbs.
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #135 on: August 16, 2017, 08:32:03 AM »
Nice bike. I fully endorse the 650 swap idea! ;)
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #136 on: August 16, 2017, 11:46:23 AM »
Man you guys are shakin' my money tree :)
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline SOHC4 Cafe Racer Fan

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #137 on: August 16, 2017, 12:06:37 PM »
Glad to be of service.
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1975 CB550K1 "Blue" Stockish Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=135005.0)
1975 CB550F1 frame/CB650 engine hybrid "The Hot Mess" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,150220.0.html)
2008 Triumph Thruxton (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,190956.0.html)
2014 MV Agusta Brutale Dragster 800
2015 Yamaha FZ-09 (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,186861.0.html)

"There are some things nobody needs in this world, and a bright-red, hunch-back, warp-speed 900cc cafe racer is one of them — but I want one anyway, and on some days I actually believe I need one.... Being shot out of a cannon will always be better than being squeezed out of a tube. That is why God made fast motorcycles, Bubba." Hunter S. Thompson, Song of the Sausage Creature, Cycle World, March 1995.  (http://www.latexnet.org/~csmith/sausage.html and https://magazine.cycleworld.com/article/1995/3/1/song-of-the-sausage-creature)

Sold/Emeritus
1973 CB750K2 "Bionic Mongrel" (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=132734.0) - Sold
1977 CB750K7 "Nine Lives" Restomod (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=50490.0) - Sold
2005 RVT1000RR RC51-SP2 "El Diablo" - Sold
2016+ Triumph Thruxton 1200 R (http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/topic,170198.0.html) - Sold

Offline jaycox

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #138 on: August 20, 2017, 12:15:22 PM »
That is an awesome looking bike.  I'm doing one also same colour too, paint was good but tank had a dent so will get it redone.
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Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #139 on: October 30, 2017, 12:50:48 PM »
Had the 550 out again to check some last minute stuff. Needed to lube the tach cable so that is good now. Gave the chain an adjustment. She runs fine and these OEM pipes sound nice. Reminds me of the sound and look of the 77 CB750K I had. Might be the same pipe. I took some more pics and did a video. Probably will sell it in the spring mainly because I need the room in the shop. Just got the title in my name last week so she will be a good bike for someone down the road. Now I can concentrate on the 1969 CB750 I picked up last spring with 11,999 miles. Already started the 69 build thread and it was because of that 69 and a kitchen remodel that got me behind on this 550 which I should have had ready to sell last spring. Thanks for the past help and tech support on this my first 550 project. I will be calling this project completed.
« Last Edit: October 30, 2017, 01:04:26 PM by Johnie »
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #140 on: October 30, 2017, 01:44:25 PM »
Nice job Johnie, you are officially a 550 expert now!

I had a similar bike w/ stock exhaust a few years back, I thought the exhaust was too restrictive and quiet.
I sold it and the buyer thought the stock 4-4 pipes were incredible, prolly one of the main reasons he bought the bike!

It would be boring if we all like exactly the same things...

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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline chiefum

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project
« Reply #141 on: October 30, 2017, 03:04:42 PM »
Looks great! I'll keep an eye out when you put it up for sale.
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Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #142 on: March 03, 2018, 08:45:00 AM »
Now that spring is almost here I am posting this CB550 up for sale on the board. Some lucky person will have a nice original to ride!
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #143 on: March 03, 2018, 10:41:18 AM »
Hey Johnie....great job.   Nominating you for BOTM!
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'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED & FOR SALE
« Reply #144 on: March 03, 2018, 11:25:51 AM »
Wow thanks Stev-o!
« Last Edit: March 10, 2018, 07:04:48 PM by Johnie »
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline jaymz

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #145 on: March 10, 2018, 05:43:45 PM »
She's beautiful, I might be a bit biased though.
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Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #146 on: March 10, 2018, 07:06:12 PM »
Wow another beauty! Very nice Jay...how long you had it?
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA

Offline BradyN

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #147 on: March 22, 2018, 01:40:28 PM »
Love this bike! Mine is the same year and color, not nearly as pretty though. I think I have to ditch the original pipes on mine :(

What did you find to replace the rear blinker? Is it from another bike or are there reproductions you can buy?


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1978 CB550K

Offline Johnie

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Re: 1978 CB550K - new project - COMPLETED
« Reply #148 on: March 22, 2018, 07:32:07 PM »
Mine are the Originals.
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1970 CB750K0 - Candy Ruby Red
1973 CB750K3 - Candy Bacchus Olive or Sunflake Orange
1970 Chevy Chevelle SS396 - Cortez Silver
1976 GL1000 Sulphur Yellow

Oshkosh, WI  USA
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