Topic: newbie in Syracuse

[B(r)S]

 I just picked up a kinda beaten '74 cb550(f, ss?) a couple of months ago. I put her on the road a couple of weeks ago and have been loving every noisy minute. I hope to restore, or perhaps custom her up to the amazing level many of y'all have done with yours. She's got a ways to go, though. I've also got a '68 Bridgestone 100tmx that's slowly coming back to life.

[kghost]

welcome

Check out the FAQ and learn to love the szearch function.

Heaps of good info on this site.

[burmashave]

Welcome from outside of Binghamton. My 750 is in the midst of a wiring harness replacement, but we should hook up for a ride sometime after I get it running again.

[mystic_1]

Welcome.  What sorts of mods appeal to you so far?

mystic_1

[B(r)S]

 Thanks y'all. Appreciate it. Burma, you just let me know when you're up and running again! I can't say that I prefer the looks of the cafe's to the streched out amen choppers. I love all the completely non-stock appearances(.)! Due to my aging back, my cb's likely destiny is as a 70's-esque raked out chopper, albiet with a full sized tank. And despite TwoTired's understandable points to trust the original engineers, I still want to do what I can to hop this motor up. First I gotta iron out the little wrinkles- sticky f.brake, slightly bent valve, and slipping clutch. I may just restore her, and pick up a 750 for that complete custom, though.

[mystic_1]

Heh, someone's been doing their homework. 

Re: 550 vs 750, there's points on both directions.  I've seen some VERY nice 550 projects, and I like them because there's a lot of wild 750s out there but not so many 550's.  I think the 550 has a nicer frame, too.  OTOH there's way more parts out there for a 750 and they've been chopped to hell and back over the years, so the processes are well-understood.

Let's see some pics of the bike

mystic_1