Topic: should I get this CB550

[motorad]

found this CB550 the guy said it needs a new ignition switch and front Brake caliper.  he said that it does run and has a title.  I am looking for a fairly easy Cafe project and new to this any in put would be awsome.  Also The Guy said he would take $300
the link
http://denver.craigslist.org/mcy/416422123.html

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Damn! and I was just in Denver for the Beer Fest!!

Looks to be a '77 or '78 judging by the tank.  Replacing the ignition switch is simple, new headlight no problem.  Rebuilding the front caliper is also not much of a challenge for even the most modest wrencher.  I'd say get it, then send me those original pipes and side covers! 

And welcome to the forum!

[splittie]

I am a newbie myself, but after getting my first bike up and running this past weekend with very little work I am hooked.
I myself would say buy (Although wy wife would say otherwise)
My bike-'73 cb500-only cost me $150 and I am the 2nd owner(have registration cards all the way back to '73).
I had the BIGGEST grin on my face once it fired up and I went around the block!
Just my .02

[Irishguy]

I would say get it.  I am having a pretty good learning experience with my 1973 CB500 I just bought for $400.  It was a little more money, but it was more complete.

I do think it's kind of funny when the seller says...  "Everything works..."  and then you look at the pictures and the bike is missing bunches of stuff.     Just when you go looking at it use the calculator in your head and as you do the walk around and inspection add up all of the stuff that you are going to have to buy.  Stuff like that can start to add up pretty quick.

[motorad]

Well I went and checked it out, yeah it was to good to be true, a bit more of a project than I wanted, when he said everything works, it really didn't.  It took us about 45 min. to get running and then when we did it was 2 cylnderrs were blowing cold air out of the exhaust.   Anyway I passed up. I will keep looking.
Thanks everyone for you help.

[Short Round]

do a compression test and if the results are good then point out everything the bike needs to be road worthy and tell him you will give him half what he wants for it.....Chris

[vames]

For $300 you expect a bike that starts up and runs perfectly? It happens, but it's not the norm. If you're really interested in a project, $300 isn't a bad starting point. If you're really interested in a complete turnkey bike, you'll probably have to spend quite a bit more.

[Einyodeler]

$300 and it`s got the original pipes!!!!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

DIBBS!! DIBBS!!

Oh damn! I'm in Michigan! 

Well, if anyone does pick it up and wants to shed those pipes and side covers, gime a shout!!

[amemoryoncelost]

 My kind of thinking is this. Go look at the bike with the mindset that you're getting a lil project bike. Do the walk around, add up how much it's going to cost to get it running, then do another walk around and add up how much you can part it out for. If you can part it out for as much as you spend, can't be a bad deal. That way when you finally decide to give up, there are people here who will buy up all the parts, the rest can go to ebay.