Topic: New in NorCal

[Wingman2003]

Hello Everyone,
Excited to finally get into forum! Had some issues getting set up,  but even so found much helpful info and links already. Picked up this barn find about 6 weeks back. Owner had replaced the gas tank and had carbs rebuilt. Besides cleaning til my knuckles bled, I've replaced the seat cover (cushion was like new) and am currently rebuilding tach.

My first bike was a Trail 90, way back in the 4th grade. Been looking for a 550SS or 750SS for several years now, with no luck w/o a big $ check, or complete restoration and bigger $. Recently retired so when I saw this sitting in front of a local shop, well, it was a no brainer.

Please check out my gallery; I'd like some feedback on the replacement tank? I like the fit but pretty sure it's not the same model year.

Again, excited to be here! 

[rocket johnny]

happy holidays and welcome from western colorado.      i'm not a expert on the ss models but your bike looks good to me

[Stev-o]

Hey Wingman....welcome to SOHC4!

That bike must have been cared for, you dont always see them with original muffler.

The tank, from what I can see, appears to be from a '77-78 K model, not an F model.   The F model tank is very desirable and one in very good cond can be tough to find.

How does it run?

[grcamna2]

subscribed
Welcome to the forum 'Wingman2003'/Larry.

[newday777]

Welcome aboard Wingman2003 from NH.
Yes that tank is a 77/78 K(or A model w/gas gauge float) model tank.

[Wingman2003]

Thanks for info tank SteveO; Newday! I'd like to do some decals on it so finding the year was important.I feel very fortunate as it seems to run well, if a little rich. Only other glitch is getting neutral with bike running.

Guy I bought it from believes it was all original. Tank was rotted (which was clear from the amount of varnish I'm still trying to clean off the heads) and replaced/painted.

Looks like I'm the 3rd owner. He had it four years and didn't put many miles on it as he injured a knee. Judging by the clean up I've done, I don't think he got much past getting it running.

The pipe, which is has a small dent and two rust perforations on the bottom, and the gas tank look like at least $400 each for relatively clean originals. Not sure I want to go that deep but you never know! Mechanicals first! Been a long time since I had a project like this! I'm grateful for this forum already!

Thanks!

[CB750R]

Looks like you’ve cleaned it up quite nicely!

I’ve owned a 77F for many years, and my friend had same year F as yours, I’ve really enjoyed riding, repairing, modifying my 750 it’s a bike I’ll likely never sell, welcome to the nut house!

[Stev-o]

Thanks for info tank SteveO; Newday! I'd like to do some decals on it so finding the year was important.I feel very fortunate as it seems to run well, if a little rich. Only other glitch is getting neutral with bike running.

Do you know when it had it's last oil change?  If no, consider doing it, it may help with shifting.  [dont use synthetic oil]  My '67 CB450 does not like to shift to neutral when hot, I just shut the motor off and it will go in no problem. Dont force it.

You should start a thread in the Project Shop area so we can follow along and answer any questions you may have.

[grcamna2]

Thanks for info tank SteveO; Newday! I'd like to do some decals on it so finding the year was important.I feel very fortunate as it seems to run well, if a little rich. Only other glitch is getting neutral with bike running.

Do you know when it had it's last oil change?  If no, consider doing it, it may help with shifting.  [dont use synthetic oil]  My '67 CB450 does not like to shift to neutral when hot, I just shut the motor off and it will go in no problem. Dont force it.

You should start a thread in the Project Shop area so we can follow along and answer any questions you may have.

+1 on oil changes.
The shift drum is at the bottom of the crankcase and that's where sludge,etc. collects around it.

Stev-o,that CB450 of yours may have warped steel clutch plates which causes the clutch to drag and not like shifting when fully warmed up and sitting at a stop.

[tool14]

welcome aboard

[MD]

Welcome from NE Minnesota,

-MD

[Wingman2003]

Hey all, thanks so much for warm welcomes and feedbacks!

Ordered tank decals for a 77K bike today, as well as a set of solo gold SS decals, to badge up that tank from a UK site today. Also got up to speed on drive chains (realized I haven't had chain drive since '86!!), and ordered a bunch of basic maintenance parts, so oil change coming. Rubber parts and crimp ring for the tach coming from a link shared here, thanks again. Checked out the Project Shop and will definitely post up on tach, tank decals and shift results when the tune up is done!

Lastly, re; the nut house, so happy to be here!