Topic: Cb 550 started on fire need opinions

[Angtd21]

Hey guys new to the cb world. Picked this thing up not running. Went and rebuilt the carb. Installed it. Started the bike, it had a huge back fire and a fuel leak which ignited. Melted the harness and fuse panel. My question is. Is it worth it to put another harness in or cut my losses and part out what’s left.

[bryanj]

If thats a 550k3 it is the most unloved and parts shy model of the range so worth more as parts.

[Angtd21]

Yes it is. I found harnesses on eBay and a fuse panel for under 100$. Just not sure what route to go

[bryanj]

The PD carbs are a nightmare to clean right and get running properly and you simply wont do it without the original airbox complete(a rare part) exhausts are a unique part as is tank and seat.
Even a really nice, correctly running one is worth less than an earlyer 550K or 500K.

If you just want a rat bike that runs and drives(but not nicely) do it and run it but as a complete, running, non standard bike i would put it in low to mid 100's only

[Angtd21]

I was looking to make it a brat bike and strip it to bare minimum.

[low-side]

If you love that bike, I would get some earlier carbs and manifolds as the earlier carbs are easier to tune and accept pod filters more readily.  These bikes are pretty simple in terms of wiring harnesses, so I would likely get a regulator / rectifier from Sparx Moto and roll my own harness.  Do the rest of the bike exactly how you want and keep it forever.  If you don't love it, break it and sell the parts.  All bikes are worth more in parts than they are complete, especially a mid-run 550 that's been on fire.  Not knocking your bike, just being factual.

[Angtd21]

I really had a vision for this bike. I have a guy interested in the whole thing for 400$. Just don’t know if I should at least try to do a new harness or what. Do the earlier carbs bolt right on to these things??

[web]

What happened to your vision that a $100 wiring harness setback makes you reconsider?

If that vision wasn't that strong to begin with, take the $400 offer!

Otherwise see if you can accept that projects have setbacks and cost money and just make it happen...

[Scott S]

 To fit the early carbs you will need the matching manifolds and throttle cables.

[Angtd21]

Ended up parting with the bike tonight. My neighbor gave me 350$ for it.  He was up for the project. I was not. Hoping to find another cb.