Last night I found a great deal on a 550. The bike has 5,500 miles on the odometer, and is very clean (aside from the customization). It even has the Honda toolkit under the seat. The bike was covered in so much dust that when I got home I had to take a shower. I was sniffing and daydreaming about washing my hands/face the whole 2 hour drive home.
So far this is the third bike like this I've seen. Brown 550's or 500's with very similar details. So I am sure this was part of some kinda kit that you could buy, with different option parts. Earlier this year I was watching one on ebay with only two headlights, different seat, and lowered rear. If anyone knows anything about the history these brown bikes I'd like to hear about it.
I got it home and tested all of the electrical except for electric start. Everything is working well so far. Both brakes were a bit tight and I had to loosen them to be able to roll it around. It is very awkward to move around with the bars. I like the idea of slimmer rabbit ear bars. If anyone has a suggestion for (drilled) bars that would look good and be a little more practical, let me know.
Right now my action plan is to de rust the tank, change oil and then try and start it. If it needs it I'll pull the carbs and clean/rebuild. Then I'd like to doall new front and rear brakes. Finally, I need tires. I think I am just going to get avons because I have them on my 400 and I really like them. I could get a vintage pattern, I suppose. I guess I won't be riding this bike very hard.
One thing that I really do need help with - how to get the wheels off without a center stand? My friend suggested laying the bike over.