Topic: My new '74 550 Four I bought last week...

[jworth94]

Well, here she is.  She wasn't exactly pristine when I bought her, but I'm slowly getting her there.  She's got 8200 miles with after market mufflers and everything else stock, as far as I can tell.  The paint and side covers are in great shape.  The bike also came with a touring pack that was installed on the bike when I bought it.  Apparently, the equipment was installed by the dealer when originally purchased.

Since I bought it I've rebuilt the carbs (#1 wasn't getting fuel), changed the oil, oil filter, cleaned the sump, cleaned the oil screen, rebuilt the front brake piston (mainly just cleaned), changed the fork oil, reattached the airbox, manifold, etc., replaced the fuel lines and inline fuel filters, adjusted the cam chain tightener,  and have cleaned it a few times.

I've got to address the tank rust issue, timing, tappet clearence, tires, and eventually exhaust.

It's been a hoot so far.  I've really enjoyed working on the bike. 

I almost forgot to mention... she rides great.  It's a great size and very fun.

Thanks again to the forum for all the help.

Talk to you soon.

Jon

[Johnie]

Now that is a great find.  Looks beautiful on the pics.  Are you the second owner?  Appears it was taken pretty good care of by the PO.  Thanks for the pics.  Like the colors too.

[fastbroshi]

Wow that red is b-a-youtiful.  Hope you got a screaming deal, cuz I thought I did until I started working on it.  In retrospect, if I'd just cleaned the carbs and went back to the stock airbox I might've saved myself about $1000.

[jworth94]

Johnie,

I'm the 3rd owner.  It was well maintained, but the pictures don't show you all the detail they should.  It's definately not a museum piece, but it's in good shape.



fastbroshi,

It's actually the original sunrise flake orange color.  The picture quality isn't great.  I wouldn't say that I got a screaming deal on it.  I paid $700 and bought from a friend who was down on his luck.  I paid his asking price and thought is was fair.




Jon 

[mj_honda]

I think you got a great deal. Since you put a little work into it I will give you $800 and I will come and pick it up

[bggann]

Way cool!  Only one question - does it fit in the airplane....