Topic: help and advice for cb550 f2

[danielp1996]

i am only 13 but have worked on motorbikes and have a big interest in them. I have just inherited a Honda CB550 f2 from my great uncle. It has not run for at least 20 years and will not start. The engine does turn (i took off a cover and turned a nut and the engine turned). But will not start by electric because the battery charge has run out (Has a a crack in it as well but don't want to buy new one yet in-case the bike never works) and doesn't start by kick start either.

Has anyone got any tips?

Has anyone got some good places to buy parts from?

Thanks Dan

[TwoTired]

That nut under the points cover on the crank will twist off if there is any resistance to crank movement...beware.

The bike must have a power source to fire the spark coils and get the alternator working. With no battery the bike can't make juice to fire the coils.  With no battery, it just becomes an excercycle, using the kick start lever.

Check the FAQ for parts sources.

You can download the shop manual elsewhere on this site.

[danielp1996]

cheers for that i will get a new battery for it

[Ecosse]

just popping in to give encouragement. tt's words are some of the best, this forum is a sohc godsend, and may i also welcome you to an exquisite addiction. 

it's cool ya got hold of a family hand me down. that's good stuff.

[TwoTired]

I don't know you or your tendencies.  But, when you get it running, know that there is more than enough power with that bike to end your life.  Yes, modern bikes have more power, and the old 550 is considered weak by many.  But, it's a relative thing.  You must respect what it is. 

It's not the speed that kills.  But, the sudden and immediate stops will. 

My beginner bikes were 1/10 the engine size of the 550, and I was just lucky that I survived the foolishness I did with those early bikes.  I can't imagine I'd have lived (intact) if I had started with the 550.  Anyway, you don't have to find out it's maximum performance in the first hour, day, week, or month of having it running.  Please have the patience to build your skills over time.

I know, preachy.  But, I just had to say it.

Cheers,

[danielp1996]

i understand what you are saying and thats not going to be my first bike on the road im going to start with a smaller engine size and plus i have got a motocross bike so i know some basics.

i would never start with and engine size that big i'm just doing it now for a bit of fun and then using it when i have learnt how to ride on the road properly even then i would not go straight on it i would start with a 125cc or something.

thanks for all your comments so far and i understand totaly what you are saying

[danielp1996]

^^i hope that didn't sound rude it wasn't meant to^^

thanks for your advice.

[bzr]

I wish I was cool enough to work on a motorcycle when I was 13. Enjoy it, you'll learn a lot.

[danielp1996]

i will keep in touch throughout the rebuild

and ask for any more advise thanks