I have been watching out for an older bike to have as a project to work on with my sons, 17 and 15. Well the 17 year old left for University this fall........
So I found a 1975 Honda CB550K for sale locally here in Whitehorse and picked it up last week.
I bought it not running but with the hope that it would run again.
The owner had bought it in the spring of 2014 and rode it that summer. Then parked it under his deck for the last 2 years. He is moving and wanted/needed to get rid of it.
Battery was dead. Front shocks need rebuilding. Gas tank looked real clean inside. Oil was not clean, but not muck either. Engine turned over. Looks like the previous owner to the seller did some work on the bike. New Dunlop 404 tires, seat has a new cover, 4 into 1 pipe, different bars, mirrors. The owner had the registration for the bike!
Overall a fairly clean looking bike that needs to be cleaned up and get running.
So we (15 year old son and I) drained the tank and all 4 carbs. Tried charging the battery, which was only 4 years old according to the date, but I think it probably froze. Bought a new battery. Checked the points and they looked great, probably replaced recently. Checked all four plugs and again they looked decent, gave them a quick once over with a wire brush and set the gap. We then put in a few litres of fresh premium and it fired right up. I did not run it long but it did not idle without some throttle. Then we changed the oil.
I have ordered new fork seals, and fork boots and then we can rebuild the forks.
Next is to go over the bike and check it over, brakes, tires, clutch and then hopefully take it for a spin before sledding season arrives.
It needs a good cleaning and polishing from sitting under a deck the last 2 winters as some surface rusts has started.
Gas tank has a dent that we need to figure out how to straighten.
We then need to come up with a plan for bike. My son is talking about shortening or removing fenders and he wants to paint out a bunch of the chrome.
Just thought I would share.
I ride an F800GS, and my sons are on a KLR650 and a DR650. All good bikes up here in Whitehorse. My wife rides a Honda Sh150i scooter. This CB550 is a bit of departure for us, but it should be a fun journey.
Thanks to everyone here for the great forum. I have already learned lots by reading here.
