Topic: Another project-1976 Honda CB550K

[denward17]

So I had been looking for a 550 for a while and located one on FB marketplace, it was only about 2 hours away so had to inquire and go look at it.

Borrowed my neighbor's motorcycle trailer and ended up bringing it home.

1976 Honda CB550K K2 I think.

It needs a lot of work, and will start to assess in a few weeks(I'm tied up until the first part of December).

Plans are to get this one running as cheap as I can and ride it next summer.  I really don't know what it will take to get back on the road yet, except easily identifiable stuff like front brakes, carbs, front forks are leaking and tires.

Will determine engine condition by doing a leak down down test.  I think it has been about 6 years since it ran.

Will continue this thread when I have more time to work on it.

[Gurp]

Congratulations on the super clean project bike!

Sent from my LE2127 using Tapatalk

[Mark1976]

   Congrats on the purchase, looks like a great bike....
   One thing a a time...

[newday777]

Cool beans Denny.

[BenelliSEI]

Nice find, you will have a hoot! Look forward to following along.

[RAFster122s]

Very nice and congratulations!

[Deltarider]

I presume you're well aware of that battery cable improvisation but why that peculiar rear shock positioning?
This parts list also covers your model, the K2 (aka K76), and is very handy because it offers the differences between the three models at one glance. https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB550/CB550-K0-K1-K2-Parts-List.pdf

[denward17]

I presume you're well aware of that battery cable improvisation but why that peculiar rear shock positioning?
This parts list also covers your model, the K2 (aka K76), and is very handy because it offers the differences between the three models at one glance. https://www.honda4fun.com/dwnload/Part-List/CB550/CB550-K0-K1-K2-Parts-List.pdf

Thanks for the info Delta....but don't presume anything with me    I don't know anything yet about these bikes.

The shock position was setup for a female rider, who failed the motorcycle driving test, so decided to get rid of it.

[BenelliSEI]

I see you plan to do a leak down test. In my experience both leak down and compression tests can be a bit depressing on machines that have sat for that length of time. I usually do the carbs and soak the bores for a few weeks. Pull the plugs, build oil pressure, check valve clearances, points, etc., and get it running. After a few heat cycles and an oil change, your base readings will improve dramatically and be more indicative of real status.

[denward17]

^Good pointers, I will take that approach before tearing into the engine.  I first want to address the rear end, then the front end, then move to the engine.

[denward17]

Been away for a couple of weeks, wifey and I had a trip to Europe and just returned.

Before I left I ordered a rear grab bar from CMS, knew it wouldn't get here until I got back, but showed up the day before I returned.  Luckily, it was still tucked away from street traffic on the porch.

Today I ordered a Delkevic exhaust.  Will keep my eye out for stock exhaust, I need both right side pipes, left side look ok.

Will start assessing things next week and start tear down and clean procedures, saving engine tests/clean up for last.

[BenelliSEI]

Welcome home! Enjoy your project.

[denward17]

It begins......

Took the back wheel off, tire off, bearings out.  Need to place an order today for parts.

The tire would not come off with conventional tire tools, so ended cutting it off, it was a bear.

The bike is somewhat low mileage (12K), so was planning to just clean bearings and re-grease, but one of them felt notchy.  I guess I will just replace them while there.  Leaning towards new spokes as well.  I think the rim will clean up ok, it has a few scratches, but that gives it character.

Having a hard time finding 2 oring seals, 91261-323-000(79x2.6) and 91262-323-000(92x2) at a Honda supplier.  Might try the oringstore, they have a 92x2 (N2.00X092) and 79x2.5 (N2.50X079).

[grcamna2]

Good to see you with a 550 !
I like what John is saying about soaking the bores;it will help free-up the rings so you have the most compression. I see the rear shock sitting in a better position.

[Stev-o]

Nice project...

[BenelliSEI]

Take a crack at respoking that wheel. The results are worth it! I just use a cheap set from vintagecb750.com. The truing stand is less than $100 and you can use it to balance your own assemblies. Pay back is quick and the improvement is dramatic!

[denward17]

^I agree, I did the front/back of the 750 and was very pleased.

[BenelliSEI]

^I agree, I did the front/back of the 750 and was very pleased.

Sorry…. I forgot you’ve already taken the plunge!

[denward17]

Getting started....finally. 

Ordered some parts and most of them have shown up, now I need to get off my a$$ and go to work.

Rear hub apart for new bearings, spokes, rim and new tire.  Swing arm off to check bushing clearance, clean and paint.

Cleaning and repairing as I go.

[BenelliSEI]

Nice pile of stuff! I’ve always thought the tubular cb550 swing arm is so much more attractive than the pressed steel unit on a cb750.

[grcamna2]

Looking good Dennis 

[Mark1976]

One thing at a time, I think you'll find that the 550 comes together easier and quicker than a 750. Ya got all winter...

[Little_Phil]

I see you mentioned 91261-323-000 above. You probably know it should be a D ring. Flat side goes against the rim. Someone had some made in Europe.

[denward17]

I see you mentioned 91261-323-000 above. You probably know it should be a D ring. Flat side goes against the rim. Someone had some made in Europe.

Thanks Phil, the current one seems to be in decent shape, so will re-use it for now.

[denward17]

Swing arm cleaned and painted.....

General cleaning on back end continues...........