Topic: help me, its a sickness and I can't stop

[BruceA cb550]

heres the deal.  Bought a 74 550 that had sat for 20+ years last winter.  Did everything to make it rideable last year and rode it all summer and fall.  Now I've started to get it cleaned up for spring.  Took chrome off to polish and then couldnt bring myself to put it back on the frame that needed attention.  I now have a nearly bare frame and parts all over the basement.  I think I've committed to a total rebuild at this point.  My wife thinks I'm crazy and she might be right.  Should look sweet when I'm done

[Magpie]

There's no help now-you've been bitten. Your wife might as well get used to you having a "mistress". There's no going back, your life has changed forver. Welcome aboard!
What's the next SOHC4 when you've done that one?
Cheers and good luck,
Cliff.

[BruceA cb550]

I'm thinking a 750.  The 550 is fine around town and short trips but doesnt pull my 245# well on the highway.  And I know it will be much easier building a new bike than loosing the weight.

[mcpuffett]

Much the same happened to me Bruce  , i started with 1 and then found parts were getting scarce and expensive , then i happened on another 750 and bought that to use as a parts bike , but i could not bring myself to strip it  , so it sits there waiting its turn to be "done up", & then i went and bought another earlier model 750 , so now i have 3  , once you have the bug you have it    ,    mick.

[tramp]

sounds like a rebuild is on the way
pics when your done

[Tim.]

The best part is rebuilding one bike when you've got another already on the road.  No pressure, no deadlines, no wasted sunny afternoons when you should have been riding.

After 10 years I'm finally in the position of owning a perfectly running bike and am just starting on a new project.  Glorious.

[Stevearino]

My 76 550 was the second, after an 81 GL 1100.  Next up: (Gasp!) 75 R75/6 with an 840 Reg Pridmore Racing Kit.  Variety is the spice..

[BruceA cb550]

I'm hoping this wont take long.  Bike is already mechanically sound, tank and side covers have already been painted, new seat cover on the way.  Basically just need to strip down so I clean and freshen up the frame.  Also found that swing arm bushing are in need of replacement so I'll get that done as well.  It hit 70 degrees in K.C. on monday, so time is short.  If anyone needs me I'll be in the basement scrubbing, cleaning, and painting.  I'll post pics when all is done

[6pkrunner]

Its when you buy a complete bike for "a few nuts and bolts" and then get two more to fix the number one parts bike, and then 3 more to fix the second group of parts bikes. By then the neighbourhood knows your the place to got to first to sell what they have.

Oh yes - sickness in its worst form.

[Uncle Ernie]

I remember when the dew was still fresh on the petal. the crisp morning air held the little birds aloft, and every morning sun brought new rays of hope among the mists of promise...
Back when I would (was still able to) gambol down to the garage, rosy cheeked and giggling like a young school girl in anticipation of grabbing a wrench-

You poor sap.  You're doomed.  Too bad, another one bites the anti-seize brush. 
Actually tastes kind of good, doesn't it...




- smell?!  What smell ?       
Yeah Hon- just 5 more minutes- I've almost got it...     
No dessert thanks, that stuff should be dry by now!     
I'm sorry.  I was up a little late last night...