Hi gang,
My name's Marc Randolph and I've had a '78 55oK since I found it in a garage 15 years ago. I was riding a basket case KZ650 at the time and still learning when I saw it on its center stand under a blanket in the air conditioned garage. Perfect condition with 2000 miles and clogged carbs but no title. $400 and the start of the NJ riding season! After spending 9 months fighting the NJ courts and going through the process, Warren County trying to remember how, it was legal and it was a cold December in NJ.
Cylinder #2 never started right - popping for the first 5 minutes. It's a mystery I've never solved. Carbs perfect. Exhaust like new.
She now sits in the basement with 8000 miles and the head removed - classic oil weeping at the corner. I'm riding my '99 Bandit. The engine paint is peeling a bit below the carbs so I'll remove it completely and clean and paint. These are beautiful bikes and people come and talk about the "old days" and their 750 whenever I ride. I haven't met a 550 lover yet but expect when I get the engine together and start riding it again that things will change.
I'm looking forward to reading with y'all and contributing. Sorry for the picture. No picture archive. Bandit pic when she was newer, and before the track crash.