Topic: Another Newbie Intro

[Hawkster318]

Hello,

New to the forum, obviously. On my way in an hour to pick up a 76 CB550 Four in need of some TLC. My first project bike here.

I'm from Wisconsin by way of Michigan, I work for Flambeau Plastics as a tooling designer.

Other interests include Swiss military rifles.

I googled and found this site and have been reading up on things.

The add pictures are below:

[mystic_1]

Welcome.  Looks like a nice solid bike.  Hope the pics do it justice.  Let us know!

mystic_1

[Hawkster318]

Got it home last night around 9PM in the middle of a thunderstorm, so it is still loaded up in the truck.

I do have one quick question. It's been sitting parked for around 12 years (96 on plate). The previous owner couldn't find the keys.

What would be my best route for getting a replacement key(s) for this?

Thank you all in advance,

Alan

[mystic_1]

Two possibilities:

1. Get the numbers off the lock cylinder and search those numbers on eBay, OEM keys sometimes come up for sale.

2. Buy a replacement lock with keys from JC Whitney or equivalent.

Don't remember if the 550's had a separate fork lock and keyed seat latch, but if they do than #1 is the better option as the key will fit those too.

cheers
mystic_1

[Bob Wessner]

Check out Hondakeys.com with your numbers. Very good chance you can get new ones and the cost is quite reasonable.. or it was 3 yrs ago anyway.

[Hush]

She looks in pretty good nick for all that storage time, happy tinkering..........Hush.

[upperlake04]

What would be my best route for getting a replacement key(s) for this?

  Another option is to cut your own a la Super White Pasty Guy, thanks Pasty      http://www.sohc4.net/files/Cutting_your_own_keys.pdf

[troppo]

Check out Hondakeys.com with your numbers. Very good chance you can get new ones and the cost is quite reasonable.. or it was 3 yrs ago anyway.

+1 on them, had two brand new honda keys in my letter box 10 days after i ordered, and i`m on the other side of the planet

[Hawkster318]

waiting to hear back from Hondakeys.com today. Thank you all.

Yeah, I think she isn't too bad. I'm not looking to do a full on restro, just get it running safely again. (low dollar )

[Hawkster318]

OK, keys are ordered.

Tearing things apart (need to take some pictures) and generally getting used to whats what.

Reading a lot of great info on this site, thanks to all.

Posting shamelessly where shamelessly is allowed.

Got a gallery going (same three pics right now)

Got an email set up.

Bought beer and brats for everyone last Friday night, sorry if you couldn't make it out.

Anything else a newbie should be doing/have done by now?

Wife works at Sears and gets a discount, and any excuse to buy more tools, yes?

Should be draining any fluids left and cleaning up a bit this weekend, Carbs should be done in about 2 weeks and we'll see from there.

[Hawkster318]

Ok, for the newbies questions:

Where would I post a question like the one below?

While waiting for my keys, what pins should be jumpered to allow me to attempt to start the bike? I am correct in that even if kick starting I will need the key in the on position and a decent battery?

Thank you,

Alan

[mystic_1]

Well, your bike is an SOHC 4 cylinder, so go right ahead and post in "SOHC/4 Bikes"

Now, to answer your questions, look up the wiring diagram for your bike and there will be a chart showing which pins are connected to each other when the ignition switch is ON.

Yes, you need the key on, or simulated as on, before you can start the bike.  The bike won't start without a battery or with a dead battery.

cheers
mystic_1

[Hawkster318]

Mystic,

Thank you. That'll be one of my little projects this weekend.

SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed) is going camping with our oldest daughter.

[Pawsoff]

..... "SWMBO (She Who Must Be Obeyed)".... 

I hope you know I am going to use that one now lol

[Hawkster318]

You are welcomed to, I couldn't tell you how long ago or from who I borrowed it.