Topic: Should I buy this bike?

[Dos]

I am very interested in this... a little expensive but here it is (there's a vid of it running to hear it):

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/1436681141003283/?referralSurface=messenger_lightspeed_banner&referralCode=messenger_banner

CB550. Owner had a shop said this is one they got and put back into running shape. I am concerned about the electric and battery setup. A lot of mods and things I'm not familiar with.
Here is the full description.

This CB550 is in impeccable condition and is still mostly original with period additions.

Period Features:
• K&N Air Filter Upgrade Kit
• Lockhart Oil Cooler
• Ignition Key Relocation Kit
• Maxi-Dwell Ignition

The original 4into4 exhaust system is possibly the cleanest you will see. (it had been removed from the bike back in 70s and stored until now).

The jade green tank and side covers are NOS for a 75 (much better color that year), the original brown tank and side covers come with purchase.

Replaced items:
• New Dunlop K70s front and rear
• Throttle Switch Upgraded to 1975 type with headlight on/off
• Front Brakes. Master, caliper, SS lines
• Correct front fender brace
• Carb Insulators and clamps
• Brake levers
• Regulator/rectifier
• Plugs, plug wires, and Magna Coils
• Sidecover rubber grommets


Am I being a wuss or should I jump on this while it's available? I am unfamiliar with the 550's in general. Are there specific questions I should ask to make sure it's O.K?
I would go cross country with it.

Curious what you think, thank you so much!

[denward17]

It is a little pricey....but.....low miles, sounds good and clean.

Any history with the bike, ever any engine work?


If you bought a barn find and cleaned it up as nice as this one, replaced a lot of items, you will have about this much in it.

Speaking from experience, I bought a '76 550 and it was a rag, and I ended up putting about ~6500 in it.  But I did rebuild the top end with new over std. pistons/rings, which meant machine work, I did the head valve lapping myself.  Did have the head/cylinders decked a little.

Depends on if you want one already done or near done to just get on and ride, or if you want to go through the process/time of rebuilding one like you want it.

Only you can decide.......before and after pics below...

See my build thread below in signature..

[Dos]

Just wanna get on and go. Don’t have much time these days for upkeep unfortunately.
I’ll take your blue one! Haha

[Don R]

 The answer is always yes but only if you have the money.

[kyle750]

Bike looks to be in beautiful condition. I absolutely love that green.  All the work looks to be completed and the bike looks ready to ride.

I am currently restoring 2 older Honda CBs and it is very slow going.  I bought them as non-running projects and I'm enjoying seeing the transformation from forgotten rotting in the jungle rust buckets to shiny ridable bikes. The restoration is expensive, parts are getting harder to find, and it is extremely time consuming.  Very enjoyable as a long term project if you have lots of spare time and are retired.

But having a bike that can be enjoyed and ridden safely right away is a huge plus and IMO worth paying extra for. Pay now and Enjoy now!

[Dos]

Seller said.

no overhaul
new clutch plates and springs, oil change, carbs rebuilt, new drive chain
front disc brake set up was rebuilt some items replaced new lines

I'm thinking I ask when the last time the tappets were set, points, if the original carb jets are in there?

[BallAquatics]

Just wanna get on and go. Don’t have much time these days for upkeep unfortunately.

Maybe a vintage motorbike won't be a good fit for your lifestyle.....

[Deltarider]

Dos, I'd love to have a look at it, but like many I've chosen not to be on Facebook.

[BenelliSEI]

My advice is go for it. You obviously don’t want a project so you should buy the best bike you can find!

But first checkout the CVMG website (CVMG.ca) in the motorcycles for sale section.  There are a few very nice cb550’s (and cb750) for sale for much less and may even be closer to you. Don’t be afraid to buy in Canada, it will only cost you 2% duty when you go home.

[Stev-o]

Looks beautiful but price does seem high.   Make an offer!

[jonda500]

Here it is copied from facebook - I would love the chance to own such a bike with the NOS tank and side covers!
John

[drodg33]

I am in Indiana and a neighbor has a 75 that is pretty nice and it has just been serviced, it also is green.  He is 70 and feels like the 550 is too heavy for him.  He wants 4500 for it.  If you would be interested in contacting him let me know and I will get you guys connected.   

[Dos]

Did the 550 cam chain tensioner get locked up like the 350’s? Or didn’t auto tension correctly?
There’s a vid with the post idk if you took a listen. How does it sound to you?

[bryanj]

Nope but can be damaged if adjusted wrong

[Dos]

Nope but can be damaged if adjusted wrong

Yeah my 350f got busted and I have to manually set the tension... Definitely don't want to go through that again.
Take a look of the vid on the post does it sound alright to you? I am not familiar with the "cb550 sound"

Cam chain sounds a little loud but maybe I'm just trying to talk myself out of it lol

[Deltarider]

Where can I listen?
On the 'period additions', some were questionable imo. For instance: what's that oil cooler doing there? They often do more harm than good on bikes that are healthy temperature wise and are even cold blooded.
Looks very, very nice, although the CB550(K0) is still my favourite.
Wonder what rear shocks those are.

[bryanj]

Cant do vids

[chiefum]

Looks good, but I'd say that price is crazy.

[kyle750]

Crazy . . .  meanwhile back in Thailand

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580429761749368

[MauiK3]

Nice 550, about $9009 US, I guess they are in demand there.

[Deltarider]

Hey guys, what's this facebook thing? Please realise that millions in Europe have dumped Facebook as well as  Whatsapp.

[Stev-o]

Crazy . . .  meanwhile back in Thailand

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580429761749368

Beautiful but US$9,000?!

[Dos]

Crazy . . .  meanwhile back in Thailand

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580429761749368

That blue color isn’t original right?

[denward17]

Crazy . . .  meanwhile back in Thailand

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace/item/580429761749368

That blue color isn’t original right?

Not in the US, don't know about rest of world.

[scottly]

Wonder what rear shocks those are.

The shocks are S&W; I have them on my Seeley.