Topic: Opinion on this CB 550

[Jerv]

I'm thinking of buying a CB 550 as a café project, but I'm new to this game so maye you guys can tell me what you think of this bike.


http://www.youshare.com/view.php?file=IM000248.JPG

I think it's a 1980 model, it might have been an amf chopper once...?

[CBGhia]

Ok,  I like the paint. 
It isn't an 80 if it is a 500.  they made the 550 from 74-78. 
There are a lot of things I see missing, but if you do some research you should be able to find whats missing.

Just from the pic I didn't see hand controls for the right side, the tach cable is missing or not hooked up.  I saw no exhaust collars, brake lines or speedo cable.
I like the tappet covers and the ignition cover. 

All in all it could be a fun project.  What are they asking for it?

[FunJimmy]

Depending on the price I think that is a great starting point. The model year is likely a ’77 or ’78 judging on the passenger foot peg loops. It also has a CB550F exhaust header on it too. Other than the missing items already mentioned, you’ll need a front caliper, fender (it desired) mirrors and a good going over. On the plus side, it looks like it’s been well cared for, has a custom headlight and the making of an excellent café seat.

Don’t forget to start a project forum and kep a photo diary of your progress.

Good luck and welcome to the group.

FJ

[Jerv]

I might have misunderstood what the dealer said. It's first time registered in 80 and it is supposed to be a 550.

The bike has its flaws, but it doesn't really matter as I'm lookin to rebuild it anyway. The asking price is 8000,- Norwegian kroner, which should amount to approx $1600 with today's currency.

Here are some more pictures

[bryanj]

Those carbs are pre-77, that price seems dear at UK level with all those parts missing unless it runs really well

[Jerv]

Those carbs are pre-77, that price seems dear at UK level with all those parts missing unless it runs really well

Well this is Norway, nothing is cheap    (but my tax return this year is just over $2000 so I've got some easy spending money coming my way soon now:)

These bikes are for sale in Norway



It's a '75 with 30.000km on it. Asking price $8400



'76 with 89.000km. $6400

[Gordon]

That looks like a 400F header on the first bike.  I know the 550F's have the 4-1, too, but the collectors on them are square shaped with two pipes on top of the other two.  The header pictured has a flat collector with the pipes all lined up side by side like the 400F. 

[heffay]

the gauges look big and goofy 

[Gordon]

the gauges look big and goofy 

Compared to that tiny headlight, I'd have to agree.  I like the paint job on that tank, though.  Very early 80's.

[magnus72]

gauges look big cause the stock HL is much bigger

As far as the overall bike is concerned, i'm seeing a lot of things that isnt stock; at least compared to my 78. This isnt a bad thing if you plan on reworking the bike. I'd be more concerned on how well it ran. A mechanically good running bike can be worth it if you're not that mechanically inclined.

I have no idea what your local market is like so I cant really comment on the price.

btw- I love those crowned tappet covers.

[heffay]

gauges look big cause the stock HL is much bigger

guages look big and goofy cuz THEY ARE.   

350f and 400f = much more stylish guages   

[Jerv]

gauges look big cause the stock HL is much bigger

As far as the overall bike is concerned, i'm seeing a lot of things that isnt stock; at least compared to my 78. This isnt a bad thing if you plan on reworking the bike. I'd be more concerned on how well it ran. A mechanically good running bike can be worth it if you're not that mechanically inclined.

I have no idea what your local market is like so I cant really comment on the price.

btw- I love those crowned tappet covers.

According to the dealer it ran very well the last time he fired it up. I wouldn't consider it if the motor wasn't any good, because sadly I'm not very mechanically inclined...

Thanks for the feeback guys, really appreciate it

[TwoTired]

I don't know how to value a bike in Norway.

The first bike pictured would have started life as a 77 CB550F model.  (Comparing to US offerings.)  The tank, side covers, exhaust headers, rear brake arm, rear shocks, and frame features, all shout that origin.  The side stand has been changed, no front brake, or fork brace, chain guard, bar controls?  How expensive are parts to obtain?

Cheers,

[Jerv]

I have no idea... The garage that are selling the bike will probably have heaps of used parts though, I'll have to check with them to make a list of what I'll be needing I suppose.

[ieism]

I don't think the rims are stock either, or maybe they're just painted.

I like the ribbed side- and tappetcovers a lot. I would check how well it runs though, as it doesn't have a stock airbox anymore and you can't be sure they've rejetted the carbs or not. ...

[Jerv]

Ok, I've been in some more talk with the seller and he's going to make sure it runs fine when I get it (it's been in storage for a few years).

He's also agreed to throw in a new handlebar, front fender, some switches(?) for the electronical stuff, nicer foot pegs and a head light. I'll check if I can get a hold of some sweet looking levers as well as he carries tons of parts in his garage.

I reckon I'll have the bike picked up later this week. Oh, and I just picked up a used copy (supposed to be in good condition) of the Clymer Honda 350-550cc Fours 72-78 manual on Amazon for the headspinning amount of £2.65.

Wish me luck

[scadaman29325]

... sadly I'm not very mechanically inclined...

[/quote]

Don't fret about that, you'll be a mechanic before your first ride!
To miss-quote an old phrase 'OLD bikes, making mechanics out of riders everyday!'

At least in my case IT IS TRUE!

Good Luck, Phil

[Jerv]

Thanks, Phil.

I'm reading up on all sorts of hints and tips and how-to's online at the moment, trying to get an understanding on how things work. Hopefully I'll figure stuff out when I get my bike and start poking at things.

Pretty sure I'll be very afraid to f#&k things up and constantly be checking the manual for every little detail, guess that's better than rushing it and start banging the pistons with a hammer...

[FunJimmy]

Oh, and I just picked up a used copy (supposed to be in good condition) of the Clymer Honda 350-550cc Fours 72-78 manual on Amazon for the headspinning amount of £2.65.

You can also find a copy of all the service manuals and parts list on this site at: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0
or here: http://hondatech.info/

Have fun!
FJ

[scadaman29325]

Pretty sure I'll be very afraid to f#&k things up and constantly be checking the manual for every little detail, guess that's better than rushing it and start banging the pistons with a hammer...

Don't fret over that either! There is NUMEROUS ways to screw up and still recover. I just did my Goldwing's throttle cables 3 times in one night (didn't like the way they were routed)... took the air filter housing out 4 times (I thought I could squeeze the gaskit in after...). All that because I broke the throttle cables installing the Vista Cruise Control and trying to twist/slide the grip to get a little room at the switch housing.

SH!T, if I don't do it at least twice (trying to get it right), I don't feel like I've done anything. BUT, I learned a lot in the process!

I almost had tears in my eyes (and did have blood on my knuckles) from re-installing the carbs on my '77 CB550F. I used to think, 'to be sure there is an easier way than this," NOPE, sometimes it takes brute force to squeeze it in!

But I find it more rewarding (and a Helleva Lot Cheaper) than the dealer/stealer!

I've replaced the cables and hoses (brake and radiator), pads F&R, timing belts, thermostat, getting ready to do some points and timing, and the valves... I saw a guy that had a GW similar to mine, he's had it 5 months and had the dealer do some of this for him, $900 plus parts!

At this time I'm getting ready to go back into the timing belts on the GW. I think I got them too tight, they're 'singing and whining'. For those that don't know, that means removing the radiator AGAIN for the second time this month! I may have learned how to do this w/o removing the Rad since only an adjustment is needed. We'll see.

MOTORCYCLE GOD, PLEASE HELP US!

Later, Phil

[magnus72]

i wouldnt worry about not having much mechanical knowledge. Like an earlier poster said, the knowledge will come from owning an older bike.

Is this your first bike? It always helps to have a running 2nd bike. It keeps the riding jones at bay. Take heart in the fact that these bikes are relatively easy to work on and finding parts for compared to other bikes. My first suggestion is to break down your restoration/rebuild into sizable chunks and not get too far at once. Get plastic bags and label any part that comes off so the rebuild goes easier.

[TwoTired]

I almost had tears in my eyes (and did have blood on my knuckles) from re-installing the carbs on my '77 CB550F. I used to think, 'to be sure there is an easier way than this," NOPE, sometimes it takes brute force to squeeze it in!

Um, some force, yes, but brute force will usually net you torn carb boots.  They don't drop in for sure.  But, brute force over methodical prodding, I gotta disagree with.

Cheers,

[Jerv]

i wouldnt worry about not having much mechanical knowledge. Like an earlier poster said, the knowledge will come from owning an older bike.

Is this your first bike? It always helps to have a running 2nd bike. It keeps the riding jones at bay. Take heart in the fact that these bikes are relatively easy to work on and finding parts for compared to other bikes. My first suggestion is to break down your restoration/rebuild into sizable chunks and not get too far at once. Get plastic bags and label any part that comes off so the rebuild goes easier.

I used to have a Honda CBR600F3 '99, rode it for two summers then sold it. Changed chain and sprockets myself once.
Right before I was selling it, it wouldn't start, so I removed the gas tank and checked the plugs (not knowing what to look for when I finally got to them...), but there ends my mechanical history with bikes.

My plan for this bike is to get to know my way around these kinds of motors, being able to tune it myself and basically just to see if I'm any handy when it comes down to it. Not really looking for getting it ready for the road until next summer, but that might very well change depending on how fast I progress.

Thanks for the advice, btw!

[hapsh]

I don't think the rims are stock either, or maybe they're just painted.

The rims definitely look painted.  Just look at the back tire, it appears to have silver paint all over the edges.  That sends up a red flag to me.  Anyone that quickly paints over rust and such is in a hurry to unload it.

[mikedialect]

velkommen! Du skal lærer mye om motorsykler her! Vi er veldig hyggelig gruppen av folk. Jeg ønsker du det beste av lykke med det kjøpet. ha det bra.

[Jerv]

Oh, and I just picked up a used copy (supposed to be in good condition) of the Clymer Honda 350-550cc Fours 72-78 manual on Amazon for the headspinning amount of £2.65.

You can also find a copy of all the service manuals and parts list on this site at: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=17788.0
or here: http://hondatech.info/

Have fun!
FJ

Great, thanks Jimmy 

I don't think the rims are stock either, or maybe they're just painted.

The rims definitely look painted.  Just look at the back tire, it appears to have silver paint all over the edges.  That sends up a red flag to me.  Anyone that quickly paints over rust and such is in a hurry to unload it.

Well how do I find out? Might just be the previous owner's attempt to make it nice...

velkommen! Du skal lærer mye om motorsykler her! Vi er veldig hyggelig gruppen av folk. Jeg ønsker du det beste av lykke med det kjøpet. ha det bra.

Nice Takk skal du ha! Jeg er fått et veldig bra inntrykk av alle folkene her allerede, men jeg visste jo fra før at MC-eiere er bra folk Mye inspirasjon å hente her!

[scadaman29325]

velkommen! Du skal lærer mye om motorsykler her! Vi er veldig hyggelig gruppen av folk. Jeg ønsker du det beste av lykke med det kjøpet. ha det bra.


Nice Takk skal du ha! Jeg er fått et veldig bra inntrykk av alle folkene her allerede, men jeg visste jo fra før at MC-eiere er bra folk Mye inspirasjon å hente her!

Oh crap, here they go talking about us again, right in front of our faces, and we can't tell what they are saying, so what if my turnsignals are to big and my crank (shaft) is too short...
 

[.RJ]

I used to think, 'to be sure there is an easier way than this,"

Two words: heat gun

[mikedialect]

velkommen! Du skal lærer mye om motorsykler her! Vi er veldig hyggelig gruppen av folk. Jeg ønsker du det beste av lykke med det kjøpet. ha det bra.

Nice Takk skal du ha! Jeg er fått et veldig bra inntrykk av alle folkene her allerede, men jeg visste jo fra før at MC-eiere er bra folk Mye inspirasjon å hente her!
[/quote]

fastastisk! Hvis du behov hlepe sende meg epost gang time

[Jerv]

velkommen! Du skal lærer mye om motorsykler her! Vi er veldig hyggelig gruppen av folk. Jeg ønsker du det beste av lykke med det kjøpet. ha det bra.

Nice Takk skal du ha! Jeg er fått et veldig bra inntrykk av alle folkene her allerede, men jeg visste jo fra før at MC-eiere er bra folk Mye inspirasjon å hente her!

fastastisk! Hvis du behov hlepe sende meg epost gang time
[/quote]

Det er greit!

[Gordon]

I just tried an online Norwegian to English translator, and it didn't help at all!  

[Jerv]

Ok, change of plans... The bike was sold Wednesday, some kind of mix-up that I won't bother going into details with. #$%* happens, what comes around goes around and I'm not the kind of person that easily gets angry and mopes for ages.

Might have been a blessing in disguise as well, who knows, but I was offered a '76 CB550F instead that initially costed $400 more. He'll throw in a TT handlebar, K/N filter, mini blinkers, some sort of depot kick stand and some other stuff that can help me café it.

I think this bike is more complete than the other one but it needs some good TLC.



I'll fill in some more pics tomorrow.

[Jerv]

It's got a dent in the tank, I'll try to fix it with help from the tips and tricks section. The rear shocks are supposed to be Marcoci piggybacks(?), never heard of them.

Picking up the bike later on today.

[DarkRider]

The Black bike looks like it may be the better one of the two...so as you said..it may be a blessing in disguise.

[dave400]

Good starting point for a project, the Marzocchi’s  will double the value of it when done..

[Jerv]

...I chickened out 

Up close, the bike looked like 1,000,000 working hours and I decided I'll wait with getting a bike until I get my own place where I can work on it, my apartment just isn't big enough for a Honda.... Right now the alternative would have been keeping it at a friend's garage, thus making it a bit inconvenient working on it.

Aaaanywhooo, I still got my Clymer Honda manual heading my way in the mail. I'll start reading it when I get it and maybe I'll get some more perspective on how much work restoring a bike really is. As of now I'm pretty clueless.

I'll still browse this website though, even without a bike, whether you like it or not

[slabbedask]

Hi there! Judging from the pics taken at Nyhavna I assume you're from my hometown Trondheim! I see a lot of old SOHC's driving around town, so there's quite few of us that love these bikes. Mine (76 CB750F1) is sadly off the road right now to get a valve job, but hopefully it'll hit the streets again in a week or two. Typically, the weather finally improved a lot these past days too, and all I can do is drive around in the old Benz looking envious at the other riders......

See you on the streets eventually...!

[Jerv]

I'm actually from Levanger but I lived in Trondheim for a few years when I went to uni. The pictures are from Krangnes Motor, as you might have guessed. Met the guy on Friday and he seemed like a decent bloke.

See you around 

[scadaman29325]

Up close, the bike looked like 1,000,000 working hours and I decided I'll wait with getting a bike until I get my own place where I can work on it, my apartment just isn't big enough for a Honda.... Right now the alternative would have been keeping it at a friend's garage, thus making it a bit inconvenient working on it.

I think someone already said this, but it is worth repeating... Get something you can ride now, agree on a price BEFORE you give it a test ride at his place, that way if you wreck it on the first trip you know how much you owe the guy, and if it doesn't run the way you like it, then you can move on to something else.

And you RIGHT! You will need a place to work on the bike (and store it, it won't last very long out in the weather). When I decided to get back into riding, I made plans to add a carport (no side walls). I had the bikes under a tent canopy for 2 months before getting the carport.

I had one of those metal carports built, when the guys showed up to construct it, I asked how much to enclose 1/4 of it for a tool shed, only $100 extra (they did it 'on the side' which is what I was hoping for).

It worked out really nice, I have some tarps that I put up on three sides, it helps protect the bike more, and it adds a little (very little) security cause you can't see inside, AND in the summer you can drop the sides for a breeze.

Later, Phil