Topic: Finally took a ride on it

[jimbo]

Well, after about a year of work on resurecting my 74 550, I finally got to take it for a ride this afternoon and it was great!!!  Smooth accelleration and shifting (only made it through 3rd.  It really made all of the work worth it.  As I was riding it around the block, I happened to think of all of the things still wrong with it and me without a helmet on.  Needless to say, I headed back to the house.  Starting tomorrow, I begin putting the wiring harness back in.  For today's ride, I just wired the coils direct to the battery (I know, but it worked).

Major problem left to overcome is with the front brakes.  I can't get the roll pin out of the piston side to get the pad out.  I need to rebuild the caliper but can't get to where I can.  Any tips on this one appreciated.

Everything else is pretty much bolting on parts that I already have.  Saddest part is, I almost sold this project off during the past winter for 200.00.  I would have but the guy backed out on me.  He was worried that the bike was shot.  I called him today to let him know I was taking it for a ride. 

[Chris Liston]

Jimbo,

If you have an air compressor, take a air blower adapter thing and place it in the bleeder screw hole.  let the air in, it will pop the piston out really quick.  Be sure to have it so the piston falls onto a folded towel or something.  Works for me all the time.

[jimbo]

I forgot to add, I tried compressed air.  Piston didn't budge.  I didn't know if I had to get the roll pin out before I could use the compressed air.  I saw another method where you can use a grease gun on the bleader valve.  I think I'm going to try that one tomorrow.

Anybody know where I can pick up some upper and lower brake hoses?

[fergie]

You need to have a air nozzle with a rubber cone shaped tip on the end to get a good seal against the caliper.also try to use as much psi as possible I couldn't figure out why my piston would not budge either, then I cranked up the psi and it came right out. good luck, Fergie.

[fergie]

you do not need to take the roll pine out.

[fergie]

pin

[joeb]

if they are the sames as the 78 750 super sport hoses I could part witha set of used ones for a small fee.  

[rucorey]

I had the same prob w/ my front caliper and it laughed at compressed air! I did have the rear put back together, though and just connected the front caliper to the rear and pumped it up till it shot out. It was a lot messier, but that thing was practilly seized up.

[jimbo]

if they are the sames as the 78 750 super sport hoses I could part witha set of used ones for a small fee.  

Should be the same (I think).  The MC is off of a 750.  I may take you up on them.  How much do you want?  PM me if you'd like.  There is a place in town that supposidly makes hoses from the originals.

Also, the grease gun trick worked in getting out the piston.  I used a C clamp to push in the piston some just to free it then, pumped it full of grease.  Messy but effective.  Bore looks decent but the piston has some pitting.

[Kevin D]

Jimbo - I have seen replacement hoses at http://www.siriusconinc.com/default.asp for $32. I have ordered there once - not these hoses - and got good service.