Topic: Looking for advice

[Jetsurly]

There is a 1975 Cb550f with a cut frame and new seat and new spoke wheels on it that I am looking to purchase. 35k miles I think and the tank has a few dents and rust marks on it. The handle bars need to be replaced and the throttle needs to be adjusted too. When you release it the motor dies. So I assume it’s the throttle cable just needs to be tightened? Also the rear brake doesn’t work. You press the pedal down and nothing. Also the rubber seals on the front forks are cracked. The best thing on it is that it starts with one kick and looks great. I’m either going to buy this or wait for something else to come along. Just not sure if these minor issues could turn into costly issues

Anyways, im looking for advice on the following:
- cost to replace handle bars?
- is it easy to adjust the throttle cable on these bikes?
- what could be wrong with the rear brake?
- is it possible to replace those rubber seal things on the front suspension without much work?
- what would you pay?

(Not my pics, but this is the bike)

[Jetsurly]

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/38901204_10160641624725371_4021589187340795904_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=9f1f13d7f9efd0bf31d15875ed65a768&oe=5C0ABAB1

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t1.0-9/39027431_10160641622385371_6057630541522403328_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=e165e81dff831ad67df1483301169747&oe=5BFFD961

https://scontent.ffcm1-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/l/t1.0-9/38984996_10160641622480371_375175379104563200_n.jpg?_nc_cat=0&oh=0c217fd402a6df6799eada882a33e6cc&oe=5BC68604

[tlbranth]

The rear brake is a drum. Everything's mechanical so start with the pedal and see if it pulls the lever in back. If it does, adjust the nut on the pull rod. If that doesn't fix it you'll need to pull the wheel and see if the cam's buggered up or something's up with the shoes. Easy to debug
If you're looking to put regular handlebars on, bear in mind you'll also need all new (longer) cables and brake hose.
The carb thing sounds like a set screw needs upping on the carbs but my bike is a K0 and I've never worked on one with the mechanism you have.

You sound a tad green. These old bikes take some fiddling with. They're not hard to work on but you need to gird your loins & prepare to do some work if you buy it.

[Gurp]

Thats a sharp bike! If its got a good price pull the trigger.

[Jetsurly]

You sound a tad green. These old bikes take some fiddling with. They're not hard to work on but you need to gird your loins & prepare to do some work if you buy it.

Thanks! I am greener than a tree when it comes to these old bikes. I’m going to keep the handle bars as is but the grips and throttle “tube” need to be replaced. Is that hard to do?

[Jetsurly]

Thats a sharp bike! If its got a good price pull the trigger.

Any ideas that a good price would be?

[Gurp]

Market value varies greatly from area to area. Looks pretty good whats that bike priced at?

[Jetsurly]

Between 1500 and 1800 USD

[Jetsurly]

I can’t decide between this cb550F or looking for an older BMW and starting from scratch. Leaning toward this to “train” my mechanic skills on

[Bankerdanny]

There is an adjuster screw on the threaded rod that runs through the brake arm at the hub, turn it clockwise to adjust the rear brake when it doesn't seem to respond to the pedal.

There is an idle screw adjuster on the right side of the carb rack. It probably just needs adjusting, but the bike should be fully warmed up and off choke before you do that. It is easy to do when sitting on the bike.

Bars are generally not expensive, $20-$30 or so.

Value varies by place, but I sold my mostly stock '75 550F with a Kerker exhaust, new cables and braided steel front brake line for $1,800 a couple weeks ago.

[Accolay]

The problems you list don't sound like major issues.

Handlebars and Fork Seals are fairly easy to replace. https://www.z1enterprises.com/fork-seals-35x48x11.html
I wonder why they wern't done when the rest of the bike was being assembled?

It started on the first kick, but had it already been started and warmed up before you got there? Does it have a title? Any oil leaks from the engine? There are good and bad things to be said about the mileage. Airbox or Pods? Have they fiddled with the jetting with that exhaust? Dent on the tank or is that supposed to be there?

If you like the bike buy it but as stated it's gonna take some elbow grease. No better way to learn then to dive it headfirst.

Would I buy it? Probably not-I'm more of a stock type of guy with these, although I do like the look of it. The current set up is an expression of the prior owner. It's also often harder to resell something customized compared to stock. Also, I'm kinda cheap- non running CB550 around here would be more like 800-1200 probably for that. A fairly perfect CB550 in my area would be around $2500 but again, you're going to have to know the prices in your area. Bikes are fairly plentiful i.e. don't rush into a deal if you're not 100% sure, Another will come along.

[dave500]

all those troubles sound like standard fare for any half baked café racer,all easy to fix.

[Jetsurly]

Well, I bought the bike. Got a helluva deal on it so I could not pass it up. Its just too good looking. Looking forward to start tinkering and searching these forums for advice and tricks! Thank you everyone for the information!

[Stev-o]

Congrats.  It is a nice looking bike, $1200 would have been a decent deal.  Agree with the other guys that most of the issues are an easy fix.

Start a thread in project shop - we will come along for the ride and help when necessary.

[Jetsurly]

Congrats.  It is a nice looking bike, $1200 would have been a decent deal.  Agree with the other guys that most of the issues are an easy fix.

Start a thread in project shop - we will come along for the ride and help when necessary.

Thanks! I definitely will. Been out of town and the bike got delivered. Petcock valve wasn’t shut to off so fuel dripped from it causing a big spill at my condo. Association is pissed. Catching the early flight home and going to get this thing fixed up ASAP. Just need to pop in a new fuse and adjust the carbs (seller was awesome and gave me the gauge tool) I’ll move on over to a new thread. Might have to document my journey as I am a noob with these older and carborated bikes!