Author Topic: Starting a rusty '77 CB550K (Read 41278 times)

TwoTired · « **Reply #400 on:** May 07, 2008, 11:24:10 AM »

Quote from: fastbroshi on May 07, 2008, 04:19:15 AM

While we're on the relay topic, my '77 F has a round relay. My bike has the female leads that seem to snake towards the relay, yet the relay only has 2 blades. I just made a guess and it works, turn signal buzzer and everything. What is the third wire for? Colors are Green, Grey, and Black. I believe the grey is the one not connected.

Black is the power +12V from the Key switch.
Gray is the pulsed power from the flasher unit to the turn selector switch.
Green is the 12V return that terminates (eventually) at the battery NEG terminal. U.S. bikes didn't use a three terminal flasher unit, so it was left unconnected by Honda.

These color codes are in the FAQ, btw.

Cheers,

Tvag · « **Reply #401 on:** May 07, 2008, 03:52:05 PM »

Horn fixed. I had bought a spare horn a while back with a bunch of other misc stuff. Good thing I did. It turned out to be the horn that was broke. Hooked up the new horn and tried it out. Worked great. So fully installed and now another thing off the list.

Projects seem to be flying now. I put a request in on the "Wanted" forum for a speedo cable and KottkeHead was nice enough to send me a spare he had. Cheers KottkeHead!! Thanks to KottkeHead I'll be able to know how fast I'm going... though I have to say there is an advantage to not knowing!!

One more shout out to Doug_id as well. He sent me a pair of shocks for shipping also, that was a gigantic help. And thanks to all of you again. I don't remember the last thing that gave me so much joy.

Next project is tires probably. I just don't have it in my budget for new tires and a balance etc... I know which ones I want. Dunlop K70 3.25 19 / 4.00 18. Where the F is Santa Clause when you need him.

I forgot to tell you this... as I'm walking out of the library I see a car parked next to my bike. I parked my bike way in the back so I thought this fairly odd. As I walk up I notice there's someone in the car. As soon as I get there he starts asking all about it. What year? How long has it been on the road? What have I worked on? He was really digging the vintage Honda. At the end he asks, "You wouldn't be interested in selling it would you? Name a price?" I told him I couldn't even fathom parting with it when it was so close to completion.

I love this bike.... Need those tires!!

OldSchool_IsCool · « **Reply #402 on:** May 07, 2008, 06:56:12 PM »

You have every right to be proud of your work. You posted a picture in one of your first posts and I about lost my lunch! Just what lake did he fish that POS out of??

He doesn't REALLY think he can get that running again, does he??

But looking at it now... well... WOW!

Well done T!

Tvag · « **Reply #403 on:** May 08, 2008, 07:03:09 AM »

Quote from: OldSchool_IsCool on May 07, 2008, 06:56:12 PM

You have every right to be proud of your work. You posted a picture in one of your first posts and I about lost my lunch! Just what lake did he fish that POS out of?? He doesn't REALLY think he can get that running again, does he??

But looking at it now... well... WOW!

Well done T!

Old_School do you mean, THIS!!!

Or THIS!!

I just lost my lunch. I have to go back into the thread and re-link many pics. I have them in the forum's gallery and I think at one time we moved the URL so all the links in previous posts are broken. Seems like so long ago I started this project I can't believe it's winding down.

Could I possibly get board just.... just.... riding? It doesn't seem right to just ride around on her. So this thing is actually a mode of transportation, you say? Go figure.

dagersh · « **Reply #404 on:** May 08, 2008, 08:23:10 AM »

TVAG,

You da' man! I am amazed at your progress. If you make it toward the Great Barrington area, we gotta ride!

Gersh

Tvag · « **Reply #405 on:** May 08, 2008, 09:26:48 AM »

Quote from: dagersh on May 08, 2008, 08:23:10 AM

TVAG,

You da' man! I am amazed at your progress. If you make it toward the Great Barrington area, we gotta ride!

Gersh

When I get some tires and feel a bit more confident in her (and myself), we should meet up for a burn. Then you could look her over and give me a second opinion. I'd love one from a fellow forum member.

OldSchool_IsCool · « **Reply #406 on:** May 08, 2008, 02:46:20 PM »

Dangit!! I was eating again when I opened this thread!!

Just amazing T!

Tvag · « **Reply #407 on:** May 11, 2008, 04:29:16 PM »

Failure. Well it isn't the speedo cable that's the problem. The Speedometer gauge is frozen solid. I installed the new cable I got from KottkeHead, and after a quick test spin, i discovered the cable completely destroyed. For some reason the guage is frozen. I pulled it off and pried it apart to see if I could find a way to break it loose but haven't had any luck. Anyone ever come across something like this before? I guess I need a new Speedometer? Did I do something wrong? Just hook up the cable right?

Tvag · « **Reply #408 on:** May 14, 2008, 01:46:28 PM »

Thought I'd provide you folks with a quick video tour of my bike in current condition. There are 3 clips (my camera only takes videos for 30 seconds). Enjoy.

[youtube=425,350]8PfqyQy1JbY[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]uMVJuZrbJqQ[/youtube]
[youtube=425,350]-vnt84VWEXE[/youtube]

As you can see I have no speedometer. The one that was in the bike is frozen so I have to find a way to fix it or buy a new one. Again, this is a budget project so that could be a while. Tires first, then brake line, then gauge.

jensk · « **Reply #409 on:** May 15, 2008, 01:22:36 PM »

Hi Tvag.
This is amazing. How had you gotten so far!?!

As i remenber it i have the internal parts of a CB550 speedo in my shop. I will go looking for it this weekend if you are interested in it? Don't know the costs of shipping it to the US cause I don't know how heavy it is. If it is there I will weight it and tell you what it will cost.

Again it is impressing how far you have come.
/jensk

Tvag · « **Reply #410 on:** May 21, 2008, 01:22:27 PM »

Quote from: Tvag on May 11, 2008, 04:29:16 PM

Failure. Well it isn't the speedo cable that's the problem. The Speedometer gauge is frozen solid. I installed the new cable I got from KottkeHead, and after a quick test spin, i discovered the cable completely destroyed. For some reason the guage is frozen. I pulled it off and pried it apart to see if I could find a way to break it loose but haven't had any luck. Anyone ever come across something like this before? I guess I need a new Speedometer? Did I do something wrong? Just hook up the cable right?

Ok, thanks again to KottkeHead I now have new internals for my speedo. So... how do I remove the speedo pointer (pin) that is on the face of the dial? Does it just pull off or is there a trick to it?

mystic_1 · « **Reply #411 on:** May 21, 2008, 01:30:01 PM »

Quote from: Tvag on May 21, 2008, 01:22:27 PM

Ok, thanks again to KottkeHead I now have new internals for my speedo. So... how do I remove the speedo pointer (pin) that is on the face of the dial? Does it just pull off or is there a trick to it?

Both! It just pulls off, but the trick I've heard (but never tried) is to use two spoons to pry it off gently, so as to not mar the instrument face with fingerprints etc.

Only time I rebuilt instruments, I just pulled the needle straight off, gently but firmly as it's wedged on there pretty good. When re-installing, make sure to press firmly so that it doesn't pop off from vibration in the future.

cheers
mystic_1

dagersh · « **Reply #412 on:** May 21, 2008, 01:34:46 PM »

TVAG,

I can;t remember where, but there was definitely pics showing the spoon method. Basically you take 2 spoons with the rounded bowls on the speedo face kind of pinching the shaft the needle rotates on. Slowly push don on the spoon handles and forward edge of the spoon will lift the needle out of its hole.

Sorry i can't be clearer!

Gersh

mystic_1 · « **Reply #413 on:** May 21, 2008, 01:42:03 PM »

Searching a bit on this topic and came across the tip that you should use the face mounting screws as your pry points, so you don't damage the face.

mystic_1

dagersh · « **Reply #414 on:** May 21, 2008, 01:58:37 PM »

Good catch mystic! I wish I could find that article....

Tvag · « **Reply #415 on:** May 21, 2008, 02:49:57 PM »

I just found this thread on it from your suggestions.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=29752.msg306678#msg306678

I'm going to give it a shot... here we go. Thanks guys.

Tvag · « **Reply #416 on:** May 22, 2008, 01:08:35 PM »

Well that was a bit trickier than I expected! As it turned out the internals that I got were not from my model bike... yeah, they were a bit different. Before I start... the spoon trick worked perfect to get the pointer up off the face of the speedo. Perfect that is unless you judge the dismount and landing. It took me 10 minutes to find the damn thing!!

So, I did some 'modifications.' Two things were obvious from the start. Firstly, the screws for mounting the face were inward more than with my model. Secondly, the pointer I had used a smaller diameter than the pin I had to mount it on with the new internals. Bottom line, the Dremel is my best friend. I modified the hole for the screws on the face and I shaved off some metal from the pin which mounts the needle. Not exactly all original but It will work for my purposes until I can afford to purchase a new speedo. The inards don't quite fit correctly within the casing but I think it will hold.

Now to get it all back into the casing. I'm kind of lost on that one.

Tvag · « **Reply #417 on:** May 23, 2008, 05:55:19 AM »

Well, not quite success on the speedo. After the arduous task of putting the casing back together with the internals inside (not of the proper shape and size mind you). I hooked it up to my 'damaged' new speedo cable and took a spin. What I found was that no matter how fast I was going according to the bike I was going 20 miles per hour

. But I also noticed that my miles were recording. So the cable is working but the speedo pointer seems to get stuck at 20 miles an hour. Could be anyone's guess why but will all the modifications I had to do to fit these internals into the casing it could be as simple as the pointer getting stuck on the glass. It could be right up to it for all I know.

Tvag · « **Reply #418 on:** May 28, 2008, 10:20:56 AM »

Took apart the speedo again. Filed down the pin for the pointer to see if that fixes the problem. Had to bend the pointer a bit to clear the mounting screws for the face of the speedo. A lot of work for possibly nothing.

I'll never complain about pulling carbs again. Pulling apart a speedo twice is a #$%*. What a budget production!

Tvag · « **Reply #419 on:** May 29, 2008, 06:30:17 AM »

Success!! Speedo is working! Looks like garbage, but functions. Tested it up to 55 mph and the pointer was working fine. Wont test it any higher on my old tires.

It's amazing though, how fast 55 feels when your not in a cage. I thought I was going way faster before I got the speedo to work!

Projects:
1. tires
2. brake line

Tvag · « **Reply #420 on:** November 20, 2008, 06:03:10 PM »

Holy CRAP!! I haven't posted on this thread for almost 6 full months? Doesn't look like anyone missed me. Sorry I've been absolutely absent but you have to cut me some slack I've been riding my bike as much as humanly possible. No accidents although my lack of communication on the board may have suggested some such nonsense. The bike runs great! I never did fully get my front brakes to retract all the way and I've tried everything aside from purchasing new lines. Nor did I ever replace the tires that were on there. I never pushed the bike past 50 since I didn't want to kill myself my first season out and the tires held up but I'm not going out without new tires next season.During this winter if I can scrounge the money I should be able to finish the tires and brake lines.

I also have a new kid, my first, and he's been taking up my time as well. Enjoy his company more than the bike. I managed to get in a full month of riding before he showed up and afterward the riding tailed off a bit. Wow, how things have changed.

So, just letting you guys know I'm alive, well and happy. Love my bike!

-tvag

edbikerii · « **Reply #421 on:** November 20, 2008, 06:49:32 PM »

Good to hear from you again. And, I've always admired your taste in motorcycles

. I enjoyed your story quite a bit, and appreciate that you posted so many details.

I admire your restraint in staying below 50mph. I wish I had that kind of self-control when it comes to speed. I can barely make it out of my driveway without hitting 50mph!

But get some new tires, dammit! Even a set of cheap-ass Cheng Shins are better than old, cracked, hardened junk. I'm gonna try some Avons on my bike next. I've heard really good things about how they totally transform the ride!

Quote from: Tvag on November 20, 2008, 06:03:10 PM

Holy CRAP!! I haven't posted on this thread for almost 6 full months? Doesn't look like anyone missed me. Sorry I've been absolutely absent but you have to cut me some slack I've been riding my bike as much as humanly possible. No accidents although my lack of communication on the board may have suggested some such nonsense. The bike runs great! I never did fully get my front brakes to retract all the way and I've tried everything aside from purchasing new lines. Nor did I ever replace the tires that were on there. I never pushed the bike past 50 since I didn't want to kill myself my first season out and the tires held up but I'm not going out without new tires next season.During this winter if I can scrounge the money I should be able to finish the tires and brake lines.

I also have a new kid, my first, and he's been taking up my time as well. Enjoy his company more than the bike. I managed to get in a full month of riding before he showed up and afterward the riding tailed off a bit. Wow, how things have changed.

So, just letting you guys know I'm alive, well and happy. Love my bike!

-tvag

OldSchool_IsCool · « **Reply #422 on:** November 21, 2008, 02:18:23 PM »

Congrats Daddy T! and glad you are enjoying the fruits of your labors! It's been a long road getting here and hopefully a long road ahead too! And the advice below (in my sig) may be of benifit to your son some day...

News:

Author Topic: Starting a rusty '77 CB550K (Read 41278 times)