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Author Topic: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.  (Read 1477 times)

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550cafe

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1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« on: January 28, 2008, 05:54:02 PM »
Alright, so i just bought my first bike. Love it to death, except for one problem. The front rotor is screetching really badly and only gets worse when i apply the brake lever. I have looked at shifting the caliper so that the pads dont push up against it while not engauged, but they are touching already pretty hard on both sides. What can i do about this....should i just redo the previous owner's brake job and try to make it better?

Next question. i need new air filters (i would preferably like to find a nice set of velocity stacks if anyone knows who makes a nice kit.)i need a new breather filter for the valve cover since mine is soaked in oil. and I am looking at buying a tank and seat combination for a cafe set up. I pretty much have the last tank and seat picked out, but im running a little dry on the other items. if anyone could point me in that direction, i would really appreciate it.


Also i was wondering what it would take to drop in the 750 motor. I have been offered one for free, and i was wondering what exactly was needed for the swap. it comes as a donor bike.
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Offline cafe750

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #1 on: January 28, 2008, 08:29:51 PM »
Quote from: 550cafe on January 28, 2008, 05:54:02 PM
Alright, so i just bought my first bike. Love it to death, except for one problem. The front rotor is screetching really badly and only gets worse when i apply the brake lever. I have looked at shifting the caliper so that the pads dont push up against it while not engauged, but they are touching already pretty hard on both sides. What can i do about this....should i just redo the previous owner's brake job and try to make it better?

Next question. i need new air filters (i would preferably like to find a nice set of velocity stacks if anyone knows who makes a nice kit.)i need a new breather filter for the valve cover since mine is soaked in oil. and I am looking at buying a tank and seat combination for a cafe set up. I pretty much have the last tank and seat picked out, but im running a little dry on the other items. if anyone could point me in that direction, i would really appreciate it.


Also i was wondering what it would take to drop in the 750 motor. I have been offered one for free, and i was wondering what exactly was needed for the swap. it comes as a donor bike.

For your brake problem, make sure that the surfaces where the pads and the caliper contact are clean, so that the pads don't bind up in the caliper. There should be a wee bit of clearance between the fixed pad on the  back side  of the caliper and the rotor, and you can adjust the clearance with that little screw thats on the caliper bracket.

Do you have pod filters, or your stock airbox?

Hmm, to drop in the 750 motor....would require a 750 frame. Or a large hammer and a welder.... ;D .... The 750 motor wont fit in the 550 frame, its just too big.
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"It's an old motorcycle, the wind is supposed to blow your head around, it's supposed to leak oil, the brakes should suck, and every now and then, it should scare you so bad you piss your pants."



Roy, Washington

Offline cafe750

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #2 on: January 28, 2008, 09:03:04 PM »
Quote from: 550cafe on January 28, 2008, 08:46:51 PM

Yea, i currently have pod filters, but cylinders 1 and 4 filters are mashed up against the frame rail. Thats why i was looking at getting new ones.

That sucks to hear about the 750 motor, i was quite excited to year i could pick up the motor and trans for free.

as for the caliper and rotor issue.....i looked to adjust it that way, but the pad is pressed up against the rotor on both sides. I really just dont know what to do with that issue. The pads are brand new, or at least they look like they have a lot of meat left on them.

For your pods, check this out... http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=2943

If you take your caliper apart, and make sure everything is clean,
you can push the piston and pad back into the caliper body. When you bolt it all together, you'll be able to adjust the clearance... if your brakes still wind up screeching, I'd suggest rebuilding your caliper, to clean out the crap that builds up in there, and helps cause a sticky piston.....good luck!
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"It's an old motorcycle, the wind is supposed to blow your head around, it's supposed to leak oil, the brakes should suck, and every now and then, it should scare you so bad you piss your pants."



Roy, Washington

Offline bender01

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #3 on: January 28, 2008, 09:17:11 PM »
Still pick up the 750 for free, so as soon as this one is up and about, you can look forward to next project. I find when looking for parts theres always a good deal on something for the other bike...
Insurance. Do they actually inspect bikes in PA. Here in SC they dont inspect anything any more. Insurance??
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75 550 K1
74 750 K4
1968 450 K1 Super Sport
74 750k 836 project
http://www.bikepics.com/members/bender01/
So, the strategy is to lie to people you are asking for help?

I think I'll be busy going for a ride.

Good luck!
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jesus freek

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #4 on: January 28, 2008, 09:18:22 PM »
I agree with cafe 750 on your pads,as of insurance I have progressive.The policy I have is the least amount that legally allows me to ride here in Mich.As for your tags, I roll with an original plate from 1974 with a 1975 Mich reg.tag.As for the law, they look and roll on by.No probs yet.Here in Mich that plate is only legal I believe on Sundays and to and from parades.Good luck with your 550.Add another one to the list. ;D
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Offline bender01

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #5 on: January 28, 2008, 10:07:25 PM »
Ive got Progressive too(just left geico) but are you trying to get an antique tag or something. I could see the Motor vehicle folks wanting to see the bike but Ins. Co. just wants the  vin # . Each their own but i ride bare minimum coverage. Not sure if that covers a passenger but I think it does. Its LIABILITY insurance. A financed ride would  need more insurance. Hope that helps. Still get the spare free engine.Youll want it as soon as you figure the DMV out.Oh Yeah here we pay a property tax each year on our stuff. Thats like our Inspection fee. 13$ or so after @ 20 years.
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75 550 K1
74 750 K4
1968 450 K1 Super Sport
74 750k 836 project
http://www.bikepics.com/members/bender01/
So, the strategy is to lie to people you are asking for help?

I think I'll be busy going for a ride.

Good luck!
Two Tired Quote !

Offline Gordon

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #6 on: January 28, 2008, 10:20:47 PM »
Welcome, and those are all great questions, but you would do yourself a huge favor by searching the archives, as most of these have been covered in detail, and then more detail. 

As far as getting tags for the bike, it sounds like you're trying to go for the "Classic" plates?  Many states have usage restrictions for those plates, but you shouldn't have a problem with a regular registration. 

Good luck with your project!
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Offline Gordon

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #7 on: January 28, 2008, 10:24:58 PM »
I have to say I agree with Bender on the insurance.  No need for anything more than liability unless you absolutely can't afford to lose it. 
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Offline cafe750

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #8 on: January 29, 2008, 04:46:38 AM »
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=29437.0
Thats the link I was trying to send you, I must have not copied the whole thing....sorry.  :)
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"It's an old motorcycle, the wind is supposed to blow your head around, it's supposed to leak oil, the brakes should suck, and every now and then, it should scare you so bad you piss your pants."



Roy, Washington

Offline crazypj

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #9 on: January 29, 2008, 11:09:33 AM »
Sounds like you have at least two problems.
 Pivot is seized and adjustment is out.
 May also have stuck piston/pads.
 All the information to fix it is here though
PJ
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Offline cafe750

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Re: 1976 cb550f....some questions and one problem.
« Reply #10 on: January 29, 2008, 03:56:27 PM »
Assuming the wiring harness is stock, that "rats nest" is factory installed. Its nowhere near as scary as it looks, as all the connectors, and wires are color coded. Get yourself a wiring diagram, so that you  know what all the colors mean, and where they go. Make sure all of your connectors are shiny and clean, and you can put a little dielectric grease on the connectors when you put them together. Oh, and dont forget to check the fuse, and make sure that those fuse holders are clean too.... :)
Good Luck!
« Last Edit: January 29, 2008, 04:01:46 PM by cafe750 »
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"It's an old motorcycle, the wind is supposed to blow your head around, it's supposed to leak oil, the brakes should suck, and every now and then, it should scare you so bad you piss your pants."



Roy, Washington
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