Topic: My first bike, '74 550! - A few questions....

[MikeBusch2]

Finally got everything working properly, and fixed the oil leaks.  I fell for the I-think-it's-the-shifter-seal-but-it's-really-the-pressure-switch leak, and replaced the mechanical blinker with an electronic one, so now those work properly.  It runs really well, has ~24K miles, side-covers intact, and has pod filters.  Now, for my questions.  Keep in mind, this is my first motorcycle.

1.  How does the reserve tank work?  Is there an individual compartment within the tank that only fills up when you fill up the main tank to a certain level?  I ask, because I ran it bone dry, and there was no gas in the reserve.  After I bought it, there was only enough gas put in to mess around with it a while and take it for a test drive.  If my theory (compartment within a tank) is correct, then there wasn't enough fuel put in to fill the reserve.  I'd like to find this out before chancing it and running out somewhere far from home.

2.  Are the rear signals supposed to function as running lights when the headlight is turned on?  The front signals function as both, the rears, only when signaling.

3.  Does anyone know where I can send the HONDA tank emblems to be re-anodized?  My emblems were in pretty bad shape, and some of the gold-ish anodizing has been rubbed off the faces of the letters.  I know replacements are available, I just wonder what the cost for two emblems would be.  I'd, of course, have them cleaned up with the old anodizing removed.

Thanks guys!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Mike,

Welcome to the Forum!  A lot of great people here that will be more then eager to help you with any questions yoj may have.  congrats on getting your bike running with relatively little effort!

Here is a link to a list I've been building.  The list is "what every 550 owner should know"

http://www.sohc4.us/forums/index.php?topic=19582.msg204500#msg204500

To answer some of your immediate questions:

No, the reserve tank is NOT a separate compartment within your gas tank.  It is in essence the lower quarter of your single compartment tank.  The petcock (fuel valve) is the secret to the magic of the reserve tank.  The petcock is built with a tube that reaches up into the tank a few inches.  When the gas has fallen below that tube, the petcock will no longer draw fuel unless you switch to "reserve" which draws from the bare bottom of the tank.  The "reserve" mode of the petcock is really there to warn you that you are about to run completely out of gas.

Rear signals:  If you have a US model, the your rear signals shoud be OFF unless signaling for a turn.  If and when you replace the bulbs back there, notice that they have a single filament.  the bulbs in the front have two.


Again, welcome to the madness!

[fergie]

The reserve works like this: there is a tube/screen that sticks up inside your tank,the tube only draws fuel from a certain level in the tank depending on where you petcock is set at. if it is set in the on position then it draws fuel from a higher level in the tank,if set on the reserve position it draws fuel from the lower level of the tank. after fill up, set your odometer to zero, after you have ridden 120 miles or 200km you need to fuel up again and repeat process.  as for not having any fuel on reserve either some previous owner has removed this tube or the reserve curcuit in your petcock is plugged.either way you need to remove it to fix it. as for the turn signals, the rear are not suppossed to be on while the lights are on .they should only be on while signaling .the front are however supposed to act as running lights.  as far as anodizing goes ,I have no idea check with your local chrome shop. good luck, Fergie.

[MikeBusch2]

Thanks for the quick reply guys.  I've been lurking for a couple of weeks since I bought the bike, and learned quite a bit in that time period.

I assume inspecting the petcock would require the tank to be drained.  Considering I just filled up, that's going to have to wait a couple days.

Unfortunately, where I live, there is no local chrome shop.  I might be able to contact a guy who does anodizing of r/c car parts on his own.  A new set of emblems on ebay runs about $60.

[clarkjh]

Not to state the obvious, but lever pointing back (long part of the handle) toward seat is "Off", pointing down is "On" and pointing toward the front is "Reserve"

Mines running a little rich at the moment and only get 77 miles before I have to change to reserve.  I also have a barn door and bags on the bike.

James

[eldar]

A little rich clark? I bet gas drips from your exaust!

[clarkjh]

A little rich clark? I bet gas drips from your exaust!

Got to drop the needle one more then see what happens.  If that doesn't fix it then I've got to start ordering some jets.  Idles like a dream, and run perfect up top, but doesn't like the transition from idle circuit to needle very well.

James