Topic: Opportunities do happen in batches of three

[Ozzybud]

I was doing some tuning on my 1975 550K1, # one was running lean but was running amazing. The pipe was turning slightly amber and the plug was too white. I raised the needle up one click and synchronized the carbs
Took it for a 15 mile spin. Up this hill near me and hit 80+ it was running strong.
1)When i got home and went to take the plug out I noticed my original paint side cover was gone.   I felt a little sick to my stomach hopped on the bike and went back to my route. Heading up the hill i was following about 8 cars
Near the top of the hill out from under the car was the shiney orange cover! Right in the middle sliding around from the wind of the car. Retrieved it only to see a few tiny scratches.poppped it back on and headed home
2) When I got home and parked it i heard a hissing and found a nail in the rear tire.
3) I had a stash of honda side cover grommets that  I never put on. After the 550 I checked the 750f for worn grommets. When re- installing the LH side cover i cracked it.
I guess that's why I ride my bikes so these opportunities pop up I have more work to do

[kyle750]

Very sorry to hear about the crack on the side cover.  Always stressful when taking them off.  I thought the covers had a tendency to break when taking them off (pullling) but am not aware of covers breaking when re-installing (pushing)?

[Ozzybud]

The original was cracked already when I bought the bike 30 years ago. Its a reproduction cover that I installed a few years ago.
It cracked very easily. So the reproductions may be whimpy.

[kyle750]

I was planning on buying these covers for my CB750 as spares but forgot to bid and missed the auction end    They went cheap and sold for $100 for the pair.  No cracks or damage.  Very sorry I missed out.

[Ozzybud]

Those looked nice.

I'll keep my eyes open for an uncracked original.Thw reproductions are $75.00.  Not excited about going that way

[kyle750]

Decent CB550 side covers currently for sale on Ebay:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/187556441469

[Ozzybud]

Thanks but this is for my 76 CB750F1
  My 3rd opportunity after the Nail

There is a ton of RH  but just a few LH.
The one for $89 looks like it might have a hairline crack. I sent a message asking for a close up.

[seanbarney41]

If you got to paint them, get the Frankenstuff repros.  He is a member here, and they are virtually unbreakable.  For real!

[kyle750]

If you got to paint them, get the Frankenstuff repros.  He is a member here, and they are virtually unbreakable.  For real!

Many thanks for the repro recommendation.  They do look like very good quality   50 year old plastic is going to become brittle and fragile and eventually break.  New plastic will be much more flexible. 

https://www.fb-stuff.com/fb-stuff-store.html

[seanbarney41]

Yup those the ones...wayyy stronger than even a brand new original.  Maybe a little extra paint prep but they come out indistinguishable.  I have had them on one of my bikes for over 10 years.