Topic: cb550 known issues?

[super pasty white guy]

Hey all,

I just found a CB550F on craig's and am trying to schedule to go out and check it out. 

Are there any known issues that I should check out?  I seem to remember that I need to remove the cam covers and check for wear, but anything else??

Thanks,
spwg

[TwoTired]

See:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=20408.msg212239#msg212239

Other than that, just the things a 30 year old bike can have problems with.
The brake master can leak into the switch control and screw up the starter switch (with the headlight interrupter).
Check out the fuse holder for overheating, corrosion, or other buggering.
Look at the wiring under the cover to the rectifier, to see if it's ever had charging/battery issues melting the green and red wires.

Cheers,

[turboguzzi]

primary chain

gone = open the motor

TG

[Dave-and-his-550]

Im gonna keep track of this thread. I got a 76 550F that has seen better days, and could really use some attention to detail...My fuse box is ALL dirty and corroded, also my horn doesn't work, and thats just the start 

[ieism]

The steering stem bearings wear out, as do the wheelbearings (after 70.000 miles or more), . Have a look at the swingarm pivot too, and see if it's clean and greased. Most have never been, and are hard to replace.
Make sure the headers and pipe are in good shape, as these are expensive to replace. The same goes for most of the chrome parts.
The rearshocks can sometimes be worn out too, check if it still has some damping at least.
The engines on these bikes are pretty strong, they almost never leak or use oil. The elctrics are not bad either considering it's a 30 year old bike.
Testride it to see how it runs. It should pull strong throughout the entire rev range.

[super pasty white guy]

Thanks all.  (Knew I'd seen that cam thread before, but damned if I could find it)

The bike was in philly, so we hit the road at 1:00 knowing that it might be gone by the time we arrived (he wanted $850, which seemed like a screamin' deal).  Called at 3 to find he'd just taken the deposit from another buyer.  Next time.  At least now I know what to look for.

spwg