Topic: '78 CB550K in NoVA -

[shameless 550]

I'm a new rider with an old bike and couldn't be happier. I scooped this runner off CL and didn't have to do a thing to get her to run, now I just need to get her the way I want her.

That's where I need your expertise. I've never been a motorhead, but I can read a technical manual, follow directions and pick up heavy stuff.

This is my first bike, and I'm brand new to the world of motorcycling, but I'm eager to learn and excited to bring this bike back to great shape. This forum seems to be the best out there for these bikes and I'm looking forward to learning a lot.

[hoodellyhoo]

Welcome from wisconsin

[avery_motorsports]

I'm in DC and currently looking for a CB. You're lucky I didn't spot that one on CL...
How much did you get the bike for?

Frank

[shameless 550]

$1500 with 28K miles, but she runs great, and has been in the same family since it was new.

Too much, but shouldn't need much more than a deep clean and some minor detail work.....until I decide to take it all apart and bring it back.

[SHORTROUND]

greetings from sunny FL, but i used to live in Richmond,VA

[dusterdude]

james,give this guy a holler.

[333]

Welcome from McLean.  What model K(1,2...)?

[super pasty white guy]

welcome from DC

spwg

[avery_motorsports]

I'm surprised how many Washington, DC area folks are on here, maybe we can organize a ride.
I suggest that, but I don't even have a CB yet...thats how excited I am.

frank
w,dc

[Klark Kent]

1- pics
2- welcome from baltimore
3- are you all MSFed up?  if not find a course near you and while you are waiting clean the hell out of that bike, set the timing, the tappets, tear down and rebuild the carbs, synch the carbs, check the spokes for tight, bleed the front brake, change the fork oil, and give it new sprockets and a fresh chain.  because once you are licensed you will not have the time- you'll be riding.

i am up for a mid-atlantic meet (and i have a bike ) if there really is critical mass here.  but we should start a thread devoted to that and spare shameless a first thread hijack.

[super pasty white guy]

started a thread here: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=33173.0

[shameless 550]

Thanks for the welcome everyone. Now to business.

1. Here are the pics of the bike. http://picasaweb.google.com/beatwhitey/1975CB550
2. I completed the Basic MSF course and looking forward to the next intermediate course. I just got my license but I'm still waiting on all of my gear to show up before I take her out on the road proper.
3. Bike is not a '78 550K but is a 1975 550F instead. I don't know how I missed this. Not as smart as I look I guess.
Bike is titled as a '78, and I'm not sure how that happened. PO.

I noticed a few more things today. Looks like a blown engine seal of some sort, exhaust collars look rough, possibly some rust at the bottom of the tank.

This bike will need more work than I initially thought.
That being said, I'm still excited about the chance to learn and build something up.
I'm guessing that it makes sense to start working from the top down?

Tank
Carbs
Valves & Internals
Pistons
Block
Headers
Exhaust

All electrics and liquid systems seem fine, and body work is minimal. Best place to start?

Cheers,
Brian

[Klark Kent]

that appears to be a 75 550K1- the Fs had 4 into one exhaust different side covers and emblems- decal on the tank that says supersport. I happen to love the K1 as it is my bike.  One thing you should look at right away- rocker wear under the cam covers.  the cam covers are the little end caps on the top of the engine that cover where the rocker arm ends fit into the head- one philips head bolt fixes them to either side of the rocker cover.  in the 75 models the rocker arms were not properly fixed and would get loose and wear down the two pucklike inserts on the cam end covers and oil would start to liberate itself.  a preventative measure is to shove o-rings in the two rocker arm bores on each side to resist the movement of the rocker arms in their bores against the end cover pucks.   

download the shop manual here in stages or find it here in its entirety.  One of the best things i ever did for my K1 was to print that puppy out and put it in those plastic binder pages in a big old binder that i can keep with my tools- tedious and anal, yes, worthwhile, you bet.  My keyboard would have tons more grease on it if I hadn't. 

[steven400/4]

welcome

[78CB750CAFE]

Welcome from Centreville Va!

Drew

[333]

In addition to Klark's comments, the F never came in Flake Sunrise Orange.  And the factory manual is the ONLY way to go.

Nice bike.  My first 4 was a 550K1 same color, not anywhere near as nice as yours.

[TwoTired]

the F never came in Flake Sunrise Orange.

Not true.  The 1975 CB550 F (F0) was offered in Flake Sunrise Orange (according to the Honda Motorcycle Identification Guide).  I have a tank and side covers in my garage in that color, albeit in rather poor condition.

Cheers,

[333]

I don't remember it that way, but it has been a few years since I went through that book.  Shoulda bought one when I had the chance.  I wonder if Honda has updated it and re-released it?  I will ask when I visit my dealer.

[TwoTired]

Honda did update and re-release the Guide.  However, my copy is the old one (1988).

My 75 F was originally Orange.

Cheers,