Topic: Should I buy or Shouldn't I -CB550

[hapsh]

I found a CB550 that seems to be in decent shape, runs good, tank and side panels are not scratched or dented- $375.  It is in the midst of a Cafe conversion so it already has new clubman bars.  The only issue is that the frame is a 71 Cb500 and the engine and side covers are CB550.  It also has front drum brakes with twin leading shoes.  Should I go for it?

[Geeto67]

A running engine is probably worth about $375. How skilled are you at putting together bikes?

No mention of a title and you seem to not want to fill out your location in your bio, so no idea if the earlier frame is a benefit to you or not. Here in NY I don't need a title to register anything pre 1972, but your state may be different.

Personally I would take it. I would also ditch those clubmans and drum brake which have no business being on a big cb four.

[dustyc]

First, do you want it?  Is it the right size for you?  If you weigh 300 lbs, then a 500 may be a little small to pull your butt up a hill.  $375 isn't too much money to blow if it turns out to be a loser, but it sounds like a Frankenstein bike.  -As far as I know 500s and 550s have always had disc brakes up front.  I wouldn't pay more than $500 for a Frankenstein bike if that, more like $100.  It might be miserable trying to figure out what's been changed for what when it comes time to fix something. 

[neil young]

i have a 77 cb550 engine in a 71 cb 500 frame (no problems there)but i have a disk (soon to be a duel disk) up front.
as stated before who knows what the PO's have done to it though.

[hapsh]

It has a clear title that matches the frame and runs good enough to ride around as it is.  It needs a bit of carb adjusting because it takes a few seconds for the idle to settle when revved hard.  I have rebuilt a few 70's hondas before and enjoyed the experience.  I used to have a 72 CB450 that I got rid of, but wish I never did.  I 200lbs but like the smaller 550s, the CB750s were always to bulky feeling for me.  I have been looking for a Honda 350-400-500 four for a few years and this is the first I have gotten a good chance of getting.

[dustyc]

So what's your hesitation?

[Klark Kent]

if its still there buy it!

unless you dont want a motorcycle- that is the only reason not to get a running cb550 for less than $400

or tell me where it is 
-KK

[hapsh]

So what's your hesitation?

Gotta figure out an explanation for the wife as to why I am bringing home another bike. 

[ekim98]

So what's your hesitation?

Gotta figure out an explanation for the wife as to why I am bringing home another bike. 

Just get on your hands and knees and say "please"  then offer her the moon or what ever it takes.

[dustyc]

How about $400 worth of whatever she enjoys -day at the spa?

[FunJimmy]

Just buy it and tell her it's better than spending your time at the peeler bar.
Bet she tells you to buy two.

[dustyc]

Go with FunJimmy's response first, then fall back on the bribe/trade if it fails.

[SEBNN]

Just send it my way, could always use a running spare, now I would just have to find 400.00 and a trailer. 

[hapsh]

I got it.  Talked him down to $350.  Can't wait to work on it.  I forgot how amazing these SOHC bikes sounded.  I am sure I will be posting lots of questions in the near future.  Thanks for all the help.

[dustyc]

Well done and welcome to the forum. 

[hymodyne]

Welcome and enjoy. the 550 is a more reliable engine than the 500, parts are a little easier to come by as well.

hym

[Geeto67]

good for you. Sounds like you have a great foundation there for a 500/550 hot rod. I wouldn't sweat a nut and bolt restoration but rather finish the cafe job right (forget the drum brake though) or build a Q-ship out of it. I have always loved the look of the 500s but thought one with a 550 or a 650 motor would make it a better motorcycle.

[hapsh]

The front drum brake at first made me hesitate, because I knew they came with disk front ends.  But, I actually like the way the drum brake looks on there.  I just need to get a proper CB350 brake control lever so that it will actuate the tail light.  Right now there is no brake light switch for the front brake.  I plan on riding it around and slowly fix it up, not a total teardown at this point (Already have a 79 RD400 I am doing that on  ),  I am just going to use the bike for around town commuting at this point.  The things I need right now are;

• New seat cover -nothing too fancy at this point, just somthing like the old JCwhitney seat kits. Just something that does not soak up rain water

• Possibly Brake shoes -Are there any available still? I read about having the shoes re-bonded at Diesel truck shops.
  

• Tires

• Mirrors

One last thing, the spokes are kinda rusted on the rear wheel, is that of a concern for strength?  In my younger years I just used Naval Jelly and didn't worry about it.

I'll keep you all posted and upload a current pic as soon as i can.  Thanks for the warm welcome!