Author Topic: 1976 CB550F (Read 17798 times)

cmoses · « **on:** June 25, 2017, 06:26:58 PM »

I recently came across this old CB while I was talking to an old timer that lives by my fathers. Hehad just purchased the bike and didnt know much about it. I passed on what little knowledge I gained during my 750 rebuild, wished him luck, and went about my business. Just last week I was approached by the same man who seemed flustered. He had tried to buy a set of carb to fit his bike and got "ripped off". With that, he asked if I wanted to buy the bike, and of course I said yes.

As far as I know this thing is all original, and I am the 2nd owner. (Title had not been switched over yet, and the title was from an old honda dealership in 1976. The mileage reads 40,xxx, and I am pretty sure it has been rebuilt once at least (yellow paint on bolts)

SO, IM BACK! After selling my 750 K0 I took a break from knuckle busting and feel like I have been missing a bit of myself.

First things first, does anyone have a set of carbs for this thing? The old ones had some broken float posts in 3/4 of the carbs. Only one looks like it can be salvaged. I am looking for a full set, that is preferably ready to be put on. I think that and a master cylinder rebuild should do the trick to get this thing going. Then the fun begins. Im also pretty sure the previous owner installed a different air filter. I would like to replace that with a stock airbox as I am hoping to restore this thing all the way.

Thanks in advance for the help, I am glad to be back!

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Stev-o · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2017, 06:49:35 PM »

Welcome back, looks like a nice bike, I have one just like it.

FYI - that bike came with 069 carbs

Tews19 · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:11:50 PM »

For sure that's a great shape bike!

cmoses · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:13:46 PM »

Thanks guys, i was pretty blown away with the condition. Now if could just find some carbs!

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Tews19 · « **Reply #4 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:32:37 PM »

I may have a stock airbox. I can look tomorrow.

cmoses · « **Reply #5 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:43:33 PM »

That would be great! That (i think) is the inly aftermarket part in this bike. I may be wrong (probably wrong, honestly).

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Tews19 · « **Reply #6 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:45:31 PM »

Pic of what you have for an airbox now?

cmoses · « **Reply #7 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:50:27 PM »

Im not real sure how it all goes together yet.

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Tews19 · « **Reply #8 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:52:05 PM »

Oh that's the K&N air filter. You can take it out. Clean it and reoil. It's almost like stock. I'd say keep it and run it if in good shape

cmoses · « **Reply #9 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:55:36 PM »

It seems to be in good shape. I will check it out better soon and take some good pictures. This bike was well taken care of. Came with a bunch of accessories I took off (Side bags, highway bars, etc.) including a bunch of parts.

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cmoses · « **Reply #10 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:57:43 PM »

Few close ups

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Tews19 · « **Reply #11 on:** June 25, 2017, 07:59:32 PM »

Very nice bike! Great condition. Can't complain! How is the inside of the tank?

evinrude7 · « **Reply #12 on:** June 25, 2017, 08:00:23 PM »

beauty

cmoses · « **Reply #13 on:** June 25, 2017, 08:08:23 PM »

The inside of the tank could use refinishing. The guy who I got it from cleaned it with some kind of acid and filled it part ways with gas. I wiped the top with my finger and it was brown (not BROWN, but there was some discoloration) so it may need a little work.

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Tews19 · « **Reply #14 on:** June 25, 2017, 08:11:06 PM »

Hmm. Snap a pic. Maybe it needs a good rinsing with a pressure washer. Or you can go with vinegar . Let soak for a few days. Then drain and rinse several times with pressure washer. Then pour in baking soda to neutralize the vinegar. Then rinse again until all clear water comes out. Then air dry and fill right away with gas.

BomberMann650 · « **Reply #15 on:** June 25, 2017, 09:43:22 PM »

Love that blue!

Hard to be mad about the carbs when you got pipes like that!

Seems someone gave up on a really nice old bike.
The good news is you have an entire set of internals.
They fit neatly in a stanley storage box!

cmoses · « **Reply #16 on:** June 26, 2017, 08:46:27 AM »

I will post pics of the tank today.

The Blue def is a eye catcher! And so were the pipes. Original 4 to 1 and I havent seen any rust yet (havent gave the thing a good once over). They are probably worth as much as I paid for the bike.

I am planning on giving the old carbs a good look today. I will post pics when I get to them. The bike did come with a rebuild kit but I dont think its worth it. They would be a good donor set for someone who can fix them.

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Bankerdanny · « **Reply #17 on:** June 26, 2017, 09:38:33 AM »

I will happily trade you a stock airbox setup for that adapter and filter.

cmoses · « **Reply #18 on:** June 26, 2017, 09:42:40 AM »

I think im going to see how it runs with the current setup. I will keep you updated!

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firebane · « **Reply #19 on:** June 26, 2017, 09:46:51 AM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on June 26, 2017, 09:38:33 AM

I will happily trade you a stock airbox setup for that adapter and filter.

LOL I was looking at that and would like to see some better pictures as that looks like a damn good setup alternative.

Bankerdanny · « **Reply #20 on:** June 26, 2017, 09:50:57 AM »

There was a guy at Motoblot this weekend in Chicago with a beautiful orange 550F that he bought new in '75. He has the same exact setup in his bike. He said that you used to be able to buy it directly from K&N.

firebane · « **Reply #21 on:** June 26, 2017, 10:21:47 AM »

Quote from: Bankerdanny on June 26, 2017, 09:50:57 AM

There was a guy at Motoblot this weekend in Chicago with a beautiful orange 550F that he bought new in '75. He has the same exact setup in his bike. He said that you used to be able to buy it directly from K&N.

For those interested

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-CB550K-CB550F-K-N-R-0830-Air-Filter-17210-374-P00/292035168838

cmoses · « **Reply #22 on:** June 26, 2017, 10:26:04 AM »

I am going to my barn today and will take all the pictures you can handle! Anyone know where a good place to look for carbs would be? Ive just been online shopping but dont always trust the ebays and amazons of the world.

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Can550 · « **Reply #23 on:** June 26, 2017, 11:05:42 AM »

Beautiful bike
Love the colour
Congratulations

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TwoTired · « **Reply #24 on:** June 26, 2017, 11:09:16 AM »

If your carbs have broken castings, and you have the broken pieces, PM Jim F. He can weld them back together. http://www.jmfmicroweld.com/

You are far better off using original carbs and their internals for this bike. I prefer the stock air filter box, too. Then you don't have a tuning project, and the bike will get very near 50 MPG, as well as a nice reliable fun bike to ride just about anywhere you want.

Otherwise, PM harisuluv, to see if he has parts or a carb set you can purchase.

Cheers,

Edit: I have a 76 CB550F in orange. But, I also have tank and side covers in the same blue color you have that are like new. If I had the proper fuel tap for the blue tank, I could swap them out at will. ...But, I like the Orange, too, and I have other blue bikes. Oh the agony...

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Author Topic: 1976 CB550F (Read 17798 times)