Topic: New member looking at a '74 550 four

[jworth94]

Hello all.

I'm a new member and have been reading some posts trying to find the answers to my questions.  First, let me tell you about my situation...

I was asked about a week ago if I wanted to purchase a 'good' 1974 550 four by it's current owner.  He's let me take the bike under my roof while I decide if it's a project I'd like to undertake.  During the past week I've tried to identify all the issues with the bike.  I was wondering if some of the more patient members could help me decide what I'm getting into if I go ahead with the purchase.

About the bike...

It was last registered in 2004 and has a clear title.  The current owner bought it from the original owner about 2 years ago.  The bike hasn't been ridden much since 2004 and has about 8100 miles since new.  I've ridden it about 15-20 miles.

The gas tank  --  well no surprise here after reading all the posts about rust.  The tank has what appears to me to be about 20% surface rust on the inside.  The outside top and bottom are very nice.

The fuel shutoff valve  -- it will only work when it's switched to reserve.  Is there rust in there preventing the 'on' position from working?

Sediment bowl  --  I've cleaned this out a couple of times.  Rust gathers at the bottom

Fuel lines  --  they have filters on them (see through type) and the line leading the the left side of the bike appears to be nearly crimped due to a nearly 90 degree turn it makes back to the carbs.  Is it fairly easy to replace those fuel lines?  The ones on there now are black and are some sort of poly material... I'm not quite sure.

Airbox  --  it's completely removed and sitting in a box.  The current owner told me the bike wouldn't run with it on.  Does this tell the story on the carbs?

Carbs  and Engine --  I'm almost positive they need adjustment of some sort.  The bike is very sluggish taking off in 1st gear.  Once at a higher rpm, it's much better.  2nd and 3rd gears are fine if running a higher rpm before I shift.  Once in 4th and 5th gears, the engine is still running but doesn't have any power.  It sounds really bogged down.

I can start the bike, but it's definately not very easy.  The bike doesn't like to idle.  I've it idling for several minutes, but it will eventually loose rpm and quit.

Care to provide any words of advice or encouragement?

The bike is being offered for $700.  I wouldn't buy the bike because of the low cost and realize it's going to take a bit of money to get it running right.  This bike would be a project for me... I just don't want it to turn into a nightmare.

Thanks,

Jon

[Johnie]

These Honda'a are relatively indestructable if the PO (previous owner) did the routine maintenance such as oil, filter, and did not abuse the bike.  Figure my 1970 CB750KO sat for 17 years before I got it.  Took 3 weeks of carb cleaning, plugs, new battery, valve adjustment and the usual oil, filter and stuff before I got it running nice.  Your was run in 2004 which is a plus.  For sure start with the carb cleaning and I bet that will make a huge difference.  You will want to be sure that once the carbs are done none of that tank crap gets to the carbs or you will be starting the carbs over again.  Might consider taking the tank off and have it cleaned and sealed.  I had a radiator shop do mine for $100 as I did not want to mess with the acid and stuff.  You will then have to consider if this bike will be a candidate for complete restoration or if you just want to make it a daily rider and not worry about the chrome and how it looks.  Good luck and send us some pics.  Oh, and be sure to put on new fuel lines and get that crimped line out of there.  Some of the 550 guys here will give you more specific info, I just wanted to ge this going for you.  The $700 does not sound out of line, but we need some pics to help with that for you.

[TwoTired]

You'll have to clean, rebuild, and restore any part of the bike that touches raw fuel. Tank, petcock, lines and carbs.

By the time you address tires, chain, carbs, tank, battery, brake lines, fork seals, and electrical restoration, figure you'll add another $1000 after the initial purchase.

$1700 isn't bad for this bike after it has been restored to reliability.  But, if there's anything you wish to change on the bike you haven't told us about, be sure to add that to the finished usable bike.

Wheel bearings? Steering head bearings? Seat cover?

Cheers,

[jworth94]

Johnie,

What process did the radiator shop use to clean and seal your tank?  Did they cause any damage to your paint?  The paint on this bike is original and looks really good. (flake orange and black)  I'd hate for a shop to damage the paint job.



TwoTired,

Funny you should mention the wheel bearings.  When sitting in neutral and trying to move the bike around without the engine, it moves freely in a straight line.  When you move the wheel hard one way or the other something is rubbing and making noise on the front end.  Could this be the front wheel bearings?  There is much more resistance when the wheel is hard over and it takes more effort to move the bike around.

I'll have to do a search on the steering head bearings.  I don't think I'd know it when one was going bad... or maybe I would.

The seat cover is actually in very good shape, no rips or tears.  The seat still has plenty of cushion, so no problems there.

The tires need to be replaced. 

I've checked the electrical system several times and everything works well.  No problems in that department... yet. 




Thanks for posting guys!

Jon

[Johnie]

Johnie,

What process did the radiator shop use to clean and seal your tank?  Did they cause any damage to your paint?  The paint on this bike is original and looks really good. (flake orange and black)  I'd hate for a shop to damage the paint job.



TwoTired,

Funny you should mention the wheel bearings.  When sitting in neutral and trying to move the bike around without the engine, it moves freely in a straight line.  When you move the wheel hard one way or the other something is rubbing and making noise on the front end.  Could this be the front wheel bearings?  There is much more resistance when the wheel is hard over and it takes more effort to move the bike around.

I'll have to do a search on the steering head bearings.  I don't think I'd know it when one was going bad... or maybe I would.

The seat cover is actually in very good shape, no rips or tears.  The seat still has plenty of cushion, so no problems there.

The tires need to be replaced. 

I've checked the electrical system several times and everything works well.  No problems in that department... yet. 




Thanks for posting guys!

Jon

Jon...the radiator used a muratic acid to clean the tank.  Then sealed it with some ruby looking coating.  These guys are known in this area for doing a good job for the bikers which is why I took it there.  I was not worried about the paint since I had it repainted anyway.  You should ask around to your biker friends to see who does it in the area.  They can answer your question about the tank paint.  Good luck with it...

[TwoTired]

TwoTired,

Funny you should mention the wheel bearings.  When sitting in neutral and trying to move the bike around without the engine, it moves freely in a straight line.  When you move the wheel hard one way or the other something is rubbing and making noise on the front end.  Could this be the front wheel bearings?   

Yes.  Or, the front axle might be assembled wrong.

I've checked the electrical system several times and everything works well.  No problems in that department... yet. 

Well, that's good.  ...so far.

It's rare to find a bike this old without needing every connector in deed of cleaning.

Cheers,