Topic: 77 CB550F first start up in 38 years, plus some questions

[GardenGnome]

The bike was last registered in California in 1979. I’m unsure of if this truly was the last time it was started, though I have to believe it’s not it’s still cool that I finally got to hear it after a little over a year of working on it (non heated garage and Montana winters make for a nice 7 month hiatus ) But it turned over really easy, I think I need to add more oil, it took two quarts easy. I didn’t ride it due to needing to button a few odds and ends up, so it ran for about 10 seconds.

I do have a few questions...obviously. The first is the fuel line that I purchased from 4into1 is 5.5mm. I’ve read reports on here about people having issues with it leaking with no clamps and the same line leaking with clamps. I myself bought the correct clamps that should go with the line, but they ended up leaking so I fixed this problem with the screw style clamps, it’s a good temp fix. I’d like to know what size fuel line will work with a clamp and not leak? I’m not opposed to the screw style clamp, just it doesn’t fit with my build in particular IMO.

My second question is regarding the Motion Pro throttle cables. Again I’ve read mixed reports on here about their products. I for one am not happy. I had to “modify” the cable end to fit through the hole so I could screw the end into the housing. After doing that I ran the cable to the pull side on the carburetor and noticed it didn’t fit, like at all. I didn’t bother with modifications on this end and made it work temporarily. I’m wondering if it’s possible to make your own throttle cable,as my application is mostly not stock, although I believe a stock OEM cable would work, I’m just not sure I need all the extra slack, I’m trying to go for a more discreet look. Thoughts?

Lastly how necessary is it to have both a push and pull style throttle? Excuse my lack of knowing but I haven’t rode a motorcycle in....oh boy 20+ years. It seemed like I could get away with just having a pull only. What is the purpose and benefits of the push pull system? It seemed that once I stopped pulling on the throttle it just went back to “zero” or whatever you want to call it.

As always thank you for reading and I look forward to your replies.

[American Locomotive]

It is possible to make your own cables, but you need special tools to put the ends on the cable. Generally you need a solder/lead melting pot, some low melting temp alloy material, and the correct sized molds. By the time you get everything you need, you'd just be better off buying a premade cable.

On a single carb application, you can generally get away with a single cable. I would not use a single cable on a 4-carb rack setup though. Too much risk of the throttle levers binding on something. Then your throttle would be stuck open and you'd have no way to close it. The dual cable allows you to force the throttle shut if necessary.

[GardenGnome]

Wow I had no idea there was that much involved with making your own cables. I think I’ll just stick with buying pre-made ones. Is OEM the way to go? I’m sure I can make it work with my needs.

[calj737]

I think I need to add more oil, it took two quarts easy.
Surely you did a full oil and filter change, right? If so, then you need to add more than 2 qts of oil.

I do have a few questions...obviously. The first is the fuel line that I purchased from 4into1 is 5.5mm. I’ve read reports on here about people having issues with it leaking with no clamps and the same line leaking with clamps. I myself bought the correct clamps that should go with the line, but they ended up leaking so I fixed this problem with the screw style clamps
5.5mm is the correct size, but perhaps the product you bought was too thin a wall thickness to cause the pinch clamps to squeeze it tightly enough? The outlet shuold have a small ball shaped swage on it to help prevent seepage.

My second question is regarding the Motion Pro throttle cables. Again I’ve read mixed reports on here about their products. I for one am not happy. I had to “modify” the cable end to fit through the hole so I could screw the end into the housing. After doing that I ran the cable to the pull side on the carburetor and noticed it didn’t fit, like at all. I didn’t bother with modifications on this end and made it work temporarily. I’m wondering if it’s possible to make your own throttle cable,as my application is mostly not stock, although I believe a stock OEM cable would work, I’m just not sure I need all the extra slack, I’m trying to go for a more discreet look. Thoughts?
Just buy stock cables. They fit exactly right. Don’t bother with trying to make your own unless your bar configuration is really custom.

Lastly how necessary is it to have both a push and pull style throttle?
Very from a safety perspective.

100 links, X ring chain. DID brand works great. Stock sprockets. No need to be adventurous.

[GardenGnome]

‘Preciate the answers Cal, also yes I did do a full filter change with oil. Just ordered all necessary parts plus some. Gonna be a be a nice 5 days off next week!