Topic: my latest acquisition

[gregwaits]

Just picked up the '78 CB550 today. The Iowa title is messed up (a previous buyer signed the wrong line and used white out trying to make it right), but there are plenty of useable parts and it does run (rough). Compression seems to be good. I think it just needs a good tune up and clean carbs. The windscreen is missing on the fairing.

Although it isn't shown in these pics, both side covers come with the bike as does the primary chain cover.

The chrome 4-1 exhaust is really pretty clean. No corrosion has eaten through.

I am looking to take this engine and use it in my CB500K frame.

Paid $200, and I think I'll get my money's worth out of it.

[mrbreeze]

Looks to be a good $200 investment.Does the motor spin over? Even if not...you have over $200 worth of parts easy!!!! Good score!!!

[gregwaits]

The PO had it running when I went to see it last week, but he had to tinker with it big time. He had to shoot gas directly into the carbs and dick with the choke a lot. That said, it did eventually idle (although rough).

I read where the throttles on CB500 and CB550 models are notoriously stiff. Is this something I will have to learn to live with, or can it be improved at all?

[mrbreeze]

Well......I guess that answered my question of if the motor spins over. Good score dude!!!!