Hello everyone. I just rode my new (to me) '74 CB550 yesterday. Gas tank not installed yet, so I filled up the carb float bowls with gas from a funnel, fired it up, and rode 1/4 mile uphill on my private road. It died as the gas ran out, so I coasted back home. Oh to have the wind in my face again!
I rode Hondas since I was 18. First a 150 Dream, then a 305 Superhawk, then a CB450. My last 2 bikes were stolen. Last rode when I was 32 years old. I am now 70. And just like swimming, it all came back to me.
I picked up this bike at a yard sale for $450. Had been stored in a garage on a rental property for 5 years. The tenant had used the house for a marijuana grow, and abandoned the site 3 years ago, leaving furniture, plants, greenhouse, and vehicles behind. Property owner just wanted to unload it all.
Found prior owner (before marijuana grower) on Facebook in San Diego. He signed off title to me, saved having to go through a lien sale. Then it was $750 for back registration fees to get it into my name.
Motor started, but needed lots of work. Brakes were seized up. Front needed new piston and new brake lines.
New tires and new battery. Managed to puncture the tube when installing rear tire, before I discovered how much easier it is with SOAP. Headlight shell cracked. Turn signals broken. Front axle retainers held on by 4 bolts, of THREE different wrench sizes: 12mm, 13mm, and 14mm. Whoever had it before was not very compulsive about it.
I am so thrilled to have this as a project. I have such fond memories of riding and fixing my old Honda 150 when I was young. This is like a second childhood!
