Topic: Crate motors

[Jordan3469]

Sorry if this has already been talked about, but I just bought a 75 cb550f super sport. It’s been sitting in the northern Nevada elements uncovered for years with the carbs missing and spark plugs removed, I’ve been looking at options for rebuilding the motor but the price is becoming excessive. I’ve seen motors on eBay but I don’t really trust people on there not to just take my money and run, do you guys know of an actual guy in his garage or company that’s reputable to buy a crate or refurbished 550 motor from? Or are the eBay guys trustworthy?

Any help would be appreciated thanks

As to why I picked the POS that I did it was 500$ from a friends parents and I’ve always wanted to build a cafe racer

[jamracing]

I would start by dropping pent rating oil into the spark plug holes, let it sit for a day or two, and see if the motor even turns over manually. You might be able to get away with a top end job...



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[seanbarney41]

try Hondaman (his forum name here), also google Cycle Exchange...although I don't know for sure how much service they offer for 550's

[Stev-o]

I have nno t seen 550 "crate" motors nor would I trust an eBay motor to be in good running cond unless warranteed to be. 

Rebuilding a motor is not cheap if done correctly, you may be better off trying to find a motor in in good condition from a member here.  But shipping a motor is not easy or cheap either.   

We have a saying here "the cheapest bikes are the most expensive bikes". 

Is your motor "stuck"?

Good luck. 

[PeWe]

You'll learn while doing it. Today so much information on Internet how to do and mistakes to avoid. Cruzinimage might have cheap pistons if needed.

An old engine usually need head - valve job that is something for a shop with tools cutting seats. Replace guides and valves.

You need a complete set of tools with mm wrenches, sockets JIS screw driver, good torque wrenches etc etc

If you have repaired a bicycle or made a moped to go faster that we all guys did here in the mid 70's, no problem.

I should contact Hondaman. He might have possibility to offer this.

I have seen a friend working with CB500 engine. CB750 seems to be much easier, especially the head with valves etc..

[centerpunch]

Here’s one, kinda expensive tho lol.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-Honda-CB550-F2-Crate-Motor-W-0-Miles/323929036278?hash=item4b6bacd5f6:g:i3IAAOSwOb9djOyN
.

[Stev-o]

Here’s one...
.

I stand corrected!   What a deal...

[desertrefugee]

Here’s one, kinda expensive tho lol.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-Honda-CB550-F2-Crate-Motor-W-0-Miles/323929036278?hash=item4b6bacd5f6:g:i3IAAOSwOb9djOyN
.

 

[Kelly E]

Here’s one, kinda expensive tho lol.....

https://www.ebay.com/itm/1971-1972-Honda-CB550-F2-Crate-Motor-W-0-Miles/323929036278?hash=item4b6bacd5f6:g:i3IAAOSwOb9djOyN
.

Nice except they didn't make 550's until 74'.

[jakec]

I have seen engines like the one linked above that come with a warranty on ebay when I was looking for a donor engine. that said why buy an engine you can drop straight in, when the idea is to build the bike. Either build the engine yourself or get a bike that doens't need the engine opened. You could but a whole nother 550 for less than an engine rebuild cost.