Author Topic: cb550 choke  (Read 492 times)

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Offline robbie-box

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cb550 choke
« on: June 30, 2019, 06:43:19 AM »
Hi Guys well I've got the CB550 home and as usual it doesn't come without faults, someone has been messing with the wiring in the headlight so the parking light comes on as soon as the ignition is turned on, sometimes the lights work sometimes they don't, hopefully an easy fix.

Now I notice the bike doesn't have the pull lever on the handlebars for the choke, it has a lever on the side of the carb, is this usual with a 1979 model?

The carbs are definitely going to need some TLC as the bike has been standing for some time.

Also noticed the headstock bearings have some play in them so hopefully they will have been changed for taper rollers and will just need a bit of nipping up.

Cheers Guys.

Offline bryanj

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #1 on: June 30, 2019, 06:55:37 AM »
Which model 550 is it K or F as the carbs are different.
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

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Offline Scott S

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #2 on: June 30, 2019, 07:37:47 AM »
1979 model? Is it a SOHC?
'71 CB500 K0
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Offline TwoTired

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #3 on: June 30, 2019, 10:36:16 AM »
What country was the bike first sold?

F models will have choke on side of carbs.

If you have PD carbs on a K model, there will a choke knob at the bars.

Cheers,
Lloyd... (SOHC4 #11 Original Mail List)
72 500, 74 550, 75 550K, 75 550F, 76 550F, 77 550F X2, 78 550K, 77 750F X2, 78 750F, 79CX500, 85 700SC, GL1100

Those that learn from history are doomed to repeat it by those that don't learn from history.

Offline robbie-box

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #4 on: June 30, 2019, 03:23:09 PM »
Thanks guys yes it's an F2 model first registered in the Uk in May 1979 and yes it is a SOHC.

Offline bryanj

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #5 on: June 30, 2019, 11:51:21 PM »
In that case what you have is correct and it was "old stock" Here in UK we dont work off build year but year first on road
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #6 on: July 01, 2019, 06:00:46 AM »
The F models used the same carbs as the original K models rather than the pull knob used with the PD type carbs on the last 2 model years of the K.  The choke is a lever on the left side. Up is "on" and down is off
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Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline robbie-box

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #7 on: July 01, 2019, 11:51:40 AM »
Once again thanks guys, all duly noted.

Offline bryanj

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Re: cb550 choke
« Reply #8 on: July 01, 2019, 02:55:50 PM »
Also a damn sight easier to clean and way less finiky!
Semi Geriatric ex-Honda mechanic and MOT tester (UK version of annual inspection). Garage full of "projects" mostly 500/4 from pre 73 (no road tax in UK).

Remember "Its always in the last place you look" COURSE IT IS YOU STOP LOOKIN THEN!