Topic: Help Finishing My Project Bike!

[Ricisan]

I was mesmerized by the "Gentleman's Express in Cycle! I have hung on to a 78 550K project for 40 yrs. Time to finish it before I die. Most of the parts that I have acquired over the years. I need a shop that specialises in Honda 4s, some small bits will be needed. I have some nice parts that required fabrication to fit. I need a shop that will not rob me or cheat me. Sacramento would be great, the bay area is doable. Any suggestions?
I really appreciate any help.

Rick

[newday777]

Hey Rick
Is this the article you mention? From 1975

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20601.0

Or the article of a supercharged CB500/4? (July '77)

I don't know anyone up in NorCal, just Kurt Jordan(Jordan Engineering) down in Oceanside, known for building many racers from 550s and more(formally with Action Fours back in the 70s & 80s). I haven't seen him in a couple years since I moved east to NH.

[MauiK3]

I would think with the former air bases there that there would be some old timers left around, maybe some with a small shop. Plus, there is a good bit of vintage car folks in the area, look for a car club.

[Ricisan]

I'm looking for an old recluse with a shed full of parts!  lol

[MauiK3]

They are there, maybe Fair Oaks or further into the foothills.

[Ricisan]

Not too many eccentrics left, meth did them in!
Where are the gearheads?  lol
Is everyone playing with their phones?

[HondaMan]

Be aware about that [in]famous article: the version of the bike they built with modified CB750 pistons burned oil, badly. It was barely mentioned in the article, but later was talked about much more. It was impossible for the oil rings to seat in the engine, given the way they were modified.

Not all is lost, however: today you can get big-bore pistons from places like CruisinImage that will do the same build, but will actually work pretty well. Since yours is the CB550 you can use the 605cc big-bore kit, although I [strongly] recommend doing their 590cc big-bore versions first (which is the big-bore for the CB500 version), in case something either goes wrong in the rebuild, or if you'd like to have en engine with a "future" ahead of it, which would then be their 605cc kit.

Use piston clearance of 0.0010" with these big-bore kits, and all should go quite well!

[MisterKnife]

Dynoman has also some nice piston sets for the 550: https://www.dynoman.net/engine/pistons/dp-CB550.html

[Ricisan]

Thanks for the info. Before a big bore kit, I think I should get it running first. lol
I have some really good parts already on, took time and money.
Now it needs to be finished and running, or at least running!

[Ricisan]

After 402 views, nobody knows a Honda freak that needs the work?
I'm surprised to say the least!

Rick

[newday777]

After 402 views, nobody knows a Honda freak that needs the work?
I'm surprised to say the least!

Rick

Probably no one from that area is viewing this. And, Your title should have had the location desired to get the attention.

[MauiK3]

Maybe try further south toward San Luis Obispo, lots of motorcycle gear heads in that area.

[Ricisan]

Good advice all. I would like to keep it in Northern / central Ca.
I have some very nice parts, I would like to keep some control.

[HondaMan]

I can get the cylinders bored here, if it is sent before mid-March. Then it WILL be done right.

[Stev-o]

After 402 views, nobody knows a Honda freak that needs the work?

This is not a good forum to find a mechanic in your specific area.   
You may be better odds searching Craigslist or fakebook...

[BenelliSEI]

After 402 views, nobody knows a Honda freak that needs the work?
I'm surprised to say the least!

Rick

Rick….. Part of the problem is that it’s so easy to spend three or four times what your bike might be worth. I’ve helped a few friends with their restorations and truthfully I now steer clear of getting too involved in anything that isn’t my own project. Most of the motorcycle shops around me (Ontario, Canada) won’t even work on bike that is more than 20 years old.
 
When I first retired I restored a KZ1000 for a busy, successful business owner that had it from new. It had been sitting “dormant” for +25 years, but always kept indoors. Even at $25/hr I spent half a year getting it done and was embarrassed whenever I had to admit how much time I’d been spending on his project. Fortunately it turned out really well and he didn’t care in the least. He still rides it today.

[PeWe]

Let a shop restore or repair has never been a question for me. Too many hours. $$$$$
It is already too much on parts only.
Do machine jobs on engine parts (bore, head work and similar) or change tires on wheels I have removed another thing.
Assembling it, a must DIYO.

I have done the tire changes the last years.