Topic: Help me decide what part to buy next

[Bluto]

76 CB 550 bought new....put 8000 miles on it back in the day...properly stored for about 25 years...and now have it back on the road running good. I have put almost 2000 miles on it since doing the things listed below. I really want to do the right things to this bike so I can take long rides and be reasonably sure of making it home.  So far I have:

Carbs re-built and cleaned.  No gas leaks !!
New battery
New oil filter and oil
New right hand switch
new throttle cables
Re-built front brake fluid system
Two new tires
New clutch cable


At this point she runs good and very smooth.  I am sure there are other parts I should be looking at.  In order of "not getting stranded" what should I do next?  My gut says a drive chain might be it.  What do you gents reccomend?

Thanks for the help.

Bill

[mlinder]

New sprockets and chain are always a nice thing to have.

[Bluto]

New sprockets and chain are always a nice thing to have.

  Thought so....can you reccomend a chain type.  I think there are some unique aspects to the CB550 chain / sprocket.  Am I right or did I dream that?

Thx
Bill

[Laminar]

Take care of other periodic maintenance things - adjust valve clearance, check timing/points, adjust cam chain tensioner.

[bikebitzofvt]

If you replace the chain & sprockets (as a set, right?) DO NOT install a 530 o-ring chain - it will chew a oil leaking hole in your cases.

Oddly, I just posted a question about 520 conversion sprockets - 520 o-ring should fit perfectly if I can find the gearwheels I need, and comes in 10,000 lb. tensile strength from some manufacturers - it will literally last a lifetime.

An alternative to the points ignition would be my next step.  There are more heated discussions on this forum regarding selection than what oil to use!!!  Hondaman's, Dyna, Cycle X, a quick search will turn up plenty of food for thought!

[Inigo Montoya]

I Might do the chain, it is old after all. Otherwise, I would not worry too much except for checking the rubber bits. Metal does not fatigue too badly but rubber dries and cracks with age. Also, check gaskets and seals.

[Bluto]

I Might do the chain, it is old after all. Otherwise, I would not worry too much except for checking the rubber bits. Metal does not fatigue too badly but rubber dries and cracks with age. Also, check gaskets and seals.

  Regarding gaskets and seals I am taking the "if it aint leaking...I'ts good to go" approach.  Is this short sighted on my part?

I really do want to be ready for some road trips next summer.

Thx again for all the input.

Bill

[Inigo Montoya]

Hard to say. Do a couple of quick oil changes and see if leaks develop.

[Really?]

check the spokes to see if none are loose.

[HavocTurbo]

For chains and sprockets I'd be happy to help.

When changing your oil be sure to check for silver-y dust, any obvious things like chunks, gas-y smell, or any discoloration that might suggest water.

Seals and gaskets usually collect dirt from both outside and inside the engine and will show any large leaks after a few oil changes.

Check every electrical connection and clean/replace. Check the amount of volts at your battery while the bike is at idle... and then again at around 2-3k rpm. should be above 12 almost all the time.

Then the obligatory timing, valve, cam checks as well as drive chain tension.

And then of course tire air pressure and brake pads/shoes.

Oh don't forget plugs!!!