Topic: 1974 CB550 Southern Cali Project (moved from New member Introductions)

[wolf550]

Hey guys. decided to build my first bike. Bought 74' cb550 frame, 78' cb550engine, 79' cb650 front and rear and tank.
Began the journey to assemble, register, and most importantly figure out since I do not know anything about motorcycles.

in the last post on new member intro I was just finishing the top end rebuild due to leaks causing a trail of smoke behind me. got her bolted back up and moving on to sourcing parts to change out the miscellaneous parts that are not good and are missing.

In the last replies Scottly replied that the engine has a big bore kit installed is this a power adder? is it not 544cc now? is there anything that I should check as per adjustments with carbs, timing, points and so on?

This is a fun bike and will keep on searching the forum for the next thing on my to do list along with your much needed answers.

[calj737]

A big bore kit would add some ponies.
From the looks of the pistons, and using a stock cam, you should not have any valve-piston clearance issues. So install the head gasket, let it sit overnight and then re-torque it.

Then set your timing, install the cam, install the rocker cover, adjust the valves, and get it back on the road!

[wolf550]

Great advice for steps. When I checked my carbs, I looked up the ID number (627B) and on the Carb chart it shows that these are for the CB500 71-73. is there any reason for this change of carbs? is this due to the big bore kit? I have not had any issues that I can recall but it is all new to me.

[calj737]

Those carbs are essentially the same, slightly different jets is all. You just want to know the model if you ever need to replace parts.

Sounds like yours is a bit of "put 'er together" bike from different years/models. Who cares, just ride it and enjoy it!