Topic: Help! Any Sohc4 experts near manhattan? Take my 550 for a spin.

[crowned]

Hi guys- I picked up a '74 CB550 last year and have been going through it.  I put new forks on it (the old ones were bent), fixed some electrical gremlins, adjusted the valves and cam chain, changed the oil, rebuilt the MC and the front caliper, electrolysised the tank, cleaned the carbs and just generally got it back on its feet.

But now I want to compare it to something that is RIGHT for sure.  The front brake seems really weak, even though it is freshly rebuilt and has new pads.  The idle is a little lumpy, and the drive chain makes sounds like popcorn.

i guess what I would LOVE is if someone was willing to take it for a spin and then come back to me and say "well you need to sync the carbs, get a new drive chain, and do this and that and you'll be set"

I just don't know what this should ride like, it feels much more agricultural than my 84 interceptor.

Anyway, be my guest and take it for a ride, I'll come to you!

[ken736cc]

Hi,
 I am 60 miles away on Long Island. If you are headed this way, send me a PM.
Ken

[vames]

What neighborhood you in? I'm in the East Village -- might have some time next weekend if you'd like to swing by. I've had a 750F and now have a 400F -- but I've spent a lot of time on a 550 and know what it should feel like.

[Geeto67]

I am in brooklyn and work in midtown.

I don't need to take it for a ride, I can go over some things with you and the bike in person if that would help you get started.

Nobody is going to be able to tell you everything wrong with your bike from just one ride (and a short one at that). The best you can hope for is that you get a list of readily apparent things you take care of (I can even show you a few things) and once those things are taken care of you can start on the problems that were hiding behind other problems.

If you want, pm me and I'll shoot you my phone number.

Your VFR, even for an 84 is going to feel like the space shuttle compared to a cb550 - which is more akin to an open cockpit biplane should we stick with the airplane similie.

[WFO]

I see a playdate in the making guys 

[Geeto67]

I see a playdate in the making guys 

you know, there is always monday nights at bar matchless for bike night, or tuesdays at the ear Inn in manhattan, or fridays at the bellmore train station........

....just saying

[WFO]

Heck i wish i had 1 person to hook up with that has a honda just to go on a simple putt.

[crowned]

Hi,
 I am 60 miles away on Long Island. If you are headed this way, send me a PM.
Ken

I was all excited for a long ride and now have found out that a bunch of sohcers are right next door

[crowned]

What neighborhood you in? I'm in the East Village -- might have some time next weekend if you'd like to swing by. I've had a 750F and now have a 400F -- but I've spent a lot of time on a 550 and know what it should feel like.

I'm in the east village too-  I'm sure i've seen your bike around, I can link up whenever is convenient.

-Nick