Topic: CDP- 1977 Cb550 K3, 1982 Cb650

[Gublonge]

Greeting Friends, acquaintances, and colleagues through the arts of petroleum, aluminum and steel!
So. It would seem I am posting about two, (2), TWO, projects here. Perhaps because it is a Continuous Double Project (CDP), perhaps because I live by the moto:

"If it isn't broken, how about some preventative maintenance.. and we might as well do some modifications while we are at it, but if we are going to do it, we might as well do it right... and if you want it done right you gotta do it yourself!"
--Not always, but I do tend to keep a variety of distractions ongoing and accessible.

I will introduce the Oldest (or youngest) model for effect, and consider mentioning something about the big brother along the way- most of my narrative will remain objective and incorporative of all inquiries or comments. With the primary focus, apart for the first few posts, on quantitative or tangible information associated with the builds. AND LOTS OF PICTURES IF I CAN FIGURE IT OUT



I came across one of those advertisements that you hear about from 'so-and-so', "found this great barn find, only 200$" etc.. Well I found a great basement deal, or perhaps a bucket of scrap. You shall see!
1977 Cb 550 K3, asking some couple. was completely disassembled: parts were in various containers and the engine was floating in the frame.
Got everything lugged up and out and sitting on the workbench now. Turns out VINs were mismatched, all "clean" so to speak, but the Engine and Frame VIN#s were different by 7 digits. very curious.

Ran the Endoscope through the cylinders and verified compression (yes it turned over and had some 'nice' dark oil still in the case). Not much to report on the visual inspection. The stock carbs were rusted solid, with a little love and the fractured twin to the space-continuum: they magically rebuilt themselves and got shiny.

Next Time: "What exactly do we have here.. and... What do we know about the 650?"

[754]

 Welcome aboard.
 If you are not using the red tail section, I may be interested in it.

[Gublonge]

Thank you much! Im not sure my intentions with the red seat pan. It is dated "built by Robert Liberty for Robin Liberty 1996" and is fairly fractured. I am hoping to incorporate the unit, but am not certain which type of fuel tank would compliment. I will keep you in mind if we cannot establish a quality solution:

The frame appears to need to be chopped right at the lobes aft of the rear shock mount to accommodate the seat pan. Im holding on this modification until I can determine the impact on the rigidity and necessary bracing. Not to mention the applicability of my fuel tank in this setup- the Harbor Vintage Seat Pan is a little long on the bow.

Despite the marvelous 70 degree weather (first of the season) both bikes are out of commission. I have the 650 top end split currently- about 3 months behind schedule. But the goal is to have everything rebuilt proper so that I can swap frames down the road.

Primary items included setting up the proper rig for the cylinder bolts, I had several that were stripped at some point in time but have had them properly drilled and utilized engineered threaded inserts for the application (all). Having had the top end apart, I had some valve work done, and new valves, springs, and incidentals installed as the previous ones were out of spec.

Decided to calibrate the flow bench and do some light cleaning of the cylinder head since I had the soda blaster hooked up. I had only completed work on the exhaust runners and combustion chambers with a light grind and mirror polish but I probably should have finished everything before the valve work.
To be fair I hadn't planned to touch the intake runners due to satisfactorily balanced ratios, and figured I was in the clear, but as I wait for some backordered piston rings it seems like polishing the bejeezus out of everything else has only gotten me so far..

-Perhaps I will leave it until the next rebuild-

Incoming Parts:

Cb650-
Piston Rings
Brake Shoe
Gasket- (Im rocking a MLS, but note the post soda- head image. lettering is still visible so I should probably have this faced to my cylinder, no? (it meets tolerances though))

Cb550-
Wheel Bearings
Brake Caliper and Bracket (second)
Discs
Brake Pads
Brake Shoe

I really just want one of the bikes ridable.. then I can take the bike to work and still get things done on the other one. Who's great idea was it to have multiple unfinished projects....

Extra Stuff that is Floating:
Extra Cam
Extra Fuel Tank
Extra Handle Bars
Extra Starter
Extra Harness
Extra Exhaust
Extra Discs
Extra Calipers