Topic: 1975 cb550f worth buying?

[jyates2491]

Hello all,

New to this forum, not sure if this is the right place to post this, I apologize if it isn't. I am considering looking at a 1975 CB550F and was wondering if I should be put off by the problems it has and look for a different bike?

1. The owner says he has cleaned the carbs multiple times, but one of them is not pulling gas to the cylinder. Also says it starts fine, and that if you feed gas to that cylinder that it will run.

2. The other problem is that the bike does not charge, prior owner cut the wiring harness up and he ended up rebuilding it, not sure to what extent. The regulator and rectifier were also replaced on the bike.

Thanks,

Justin

[BomberMann650]

If the pricr was right and the bike was in rreeally fair<good condition.  Sure.

The F model carbs are simple to work on. 
The wiring can be replaced with oem or diy.
Charging issues can be solved with a multimeter.  There are only three things to inspect for function.  Otherwise the wiring has faults.

I like the 75f in Sapphire Blue 😁

[flybox1]

If the pricr was right and the bike was in rreeally fair<good condition.  Sure.

The F model carbs are simple to work on. 
The wiring can be replaced with oem or diy.
Charging issues can be solved with a multimeter.  There are only three things to inspect for function.  Otherwise the wiring has faults.

I like the 75f in Sapphire Blue 😁

Moo-man speaks the truth.
Carbs are easy to work on and there are parts available here and from HONDA.
Sorting out wiring just takes time, and beer.

Is the bike titled?

[jyates2491]

Thanks for the input guys!
Same, and it is sapphire blue!

The owner says that he has the title but it's not in his name and will put it in his name if it bothers me, but will be less flexible on the price. Link to the bike below.

https://detroit.craigslist.org/wyn/mcy/6049590299.html

[jaguar]

$850 is the CL way of saying $500......

Seller is flipping the bike, not a huge deal....at least in NY.

The question really isnt if THAT bike is a good deal or worth buying.
The question is that if THAT bike is a fit for YOU and YOUR goals.

Are you looking to spend the bulk of your time wrenching, or riding?
What do you want to do with the end product?
How mechanically inclined are you?
Do you have a place to work, and tools?


ANY old bike will give you chances to wrench.
Things like carb cleans and troubleshooting electrical should NOT scare you, if you want to be successful with the project.

[flybox1]

$850 is the CL way of saying $500......

Heck Yes!   
Seat cover.  Sand and VHT that header.  Elbow grease.  Airbox, and a few other things.
Maybe another $500 into it and youve got yourself a rider.

[jaguar]

Normally I recommend to budget $1000-1500 for getting any "barn find" or project back on the road.
And when I say on the road I mean legal and passing a state inspection.

Stuff adds up quick.
Fuel system
-Carb kits $100
-Carb Rubbers $50
-Petcock $50
-Tank clean $10
-Fuel line $10
-Filter (NOT PODS) $30

Electrical
-Tune up $100
-Harness $100
-Stator $100

Brakes
-lines $50
-Shoes $30
-Pads $30
*assuming the piston doesnt need to be changed
-Master rebuild $50

Tires $200

Shocks $50 (at least)
Fork rebuild $50

Obviously these are just numbers, but the point is that stuff adds up $30-50 at a time.

[jyates2491]

Looking for a project most wrenching would be done weekdays, no rush as my daily is a 13' sfv650. Goal would be to get it rideable for the summer, then clean and refurb more as winter rolls around.

I used to build products for an aerospace company, but now I'm an engineer there and sit behind a desk, don't get to wrench enough. I have or can get my hands on most tools.

 I appreciate the insight!

[Jimray23]

It looks like a good project

Jimmy
1979 kz1000 ltd mkii
     dyna s ignition, dyna 3 ohm coils, solid copper core plugs, full rewire.

[Smudgemo]

Note that the tank and dash appear to be from a K bike, no t an F.  Sidestand location says F frame, though.  Not that it's a big deal if you don't care.  The rear peg hoops look like they've been chopped off, so you're solo unless you fix that.  I can't say whether that's a good deal in your area, but here in the NorCal market I'd pay his ask if the engine had decent compression.  The carb rebuild is really not difficult.  I did mine last fall w/o trouble and it's the first time I touched a carb since I rejetted a Mikuni on a jet ski in the '90's. 

[BomberMann650]

Smudgemo is right - thats a k tank and indicator setup.

Finding original blue f tanks is tough.  I've looked