Topic: Hello from the Northeast USA

[newbiecb550]

Hi all!

Done some browsing this week and grabbed a 1976 CB550F today, first Honda but not my first motorcycle It has just been a while since I've had an older one. I plan on doing a brat/cafe look but going to try to avoid chopping the frame. So excited to start riding again! Here's a list of things I want to do within the next few months before riding season really kicks into high gear. Maintenance first then I'll make it look good. Would love some opinions as I have so many questions....

Bike was in good shape but needs work. Runs rich as he said since he didn't sync the carbs as it runs well. Fork seals leak, clutch engages so far out, front brakes need adjusting. For how good it ran (no hesitations) being out of sync and he never adjusted the valves, I can't wait to dig in and see how great it'll run with some work done.

First question, pods back to stock airbox? Sending the carbs out for a full redo (previous owner said he rebuilt them but never synced, rather just get them looked over) and while they’re gone, I’d like to get rid of the pods the previous owner installed and go back to the stock airbox (which in pretty sure he tossed). Anyone have any good leads on them? I’m not seeing much online. US based.

List of things to do, anything I'm missing?-

Adjust clutch (where do you guys have it engage? Right now its at the very very end)
Adjust brake lever
Fork seals (leaking) & fork oil change
Change Spark plugs NGK D7EA
Valve adjustment
Cam chain tensioner adjustment
Buy/Install regulator rectifier
Buy/Install dynatek electronic ignition
Carb rebuild from Romax Cycles
Bleed brakes DOT 3
Check chain slack
Oil & filter was changed last month

[Alan F.]

Welcome, that's a good place to start from.
What northeast state are you in? Local time in your profile looks like west coast.

[denward17]

Welcome from NC!

Nice looking bike you have there.  You can start a thread in the Project builds section and get some help.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/board,103.0.html

For the airbox, you can start a wanted thread in the Wanted section:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/board,182.0.html

or check ebay on a regular basis.

All of your maintenance items look good.  Too early to know about carbs running rich, could be a number of things, probably wait until you get them back from being rebuilt to address.

Good luck with the build.

[newbiecb550]

Welcome from NC!

Nice looking bike you have there.  You can start a thread in the Project builds section and get some help.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/board,103.0.html

For the airbox, you can start a wanted thread in the Wanted section:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php/board,182.0.html

or check ebay on a regular basis.

All of your maintenance items look good.  Too early to know about carbs running rich, could be a number of things, probably wait until you get them back from being rebuilt to address.

Good luck with the build.

Thanks! You reminded me I was going to start a project build thread to track progress and dates. Hopefully lots of activity next month! I’ll post a WTB and keep checking that. I saw one that was an exact match but it was pretty beat up. The previous owner said it ran rich and had a small amount of black smoke when he revved it. Figured the carb guy will lmk. Also trying to figure out an exhaust. I’d love to replace the ugly slip on muffler with something a bit better looking.

[Mark1976]

   Welcome, always good to see another member from the northeastern part of the country. Look forward to watching your progress... congrats and good luck.

[MD]

Welcome from NE Minnesota,

550 is a good all round ride.

-MD