Topic: New to your Forum and a question or two

[jcslocum]

Hello all!

I have pulled the 550 out of the barn after 6 years in hibernation to use it to teach my daughter how to ride. Like a dependable dog, fresh fuel and a new battery and vrooom, she started right up. I ran it and then pulled the carbs for a good cleaning. It's running good but she has a few complaints that I would like to address.

1)  The clutch is a bit heavy. I have lubed the crap out of it, but I'm thinking of changing the cable to see if that helps. Any hints as to help this besides replacing the cable?

2)  The throttle spring seems quite stiff. I have cleaned and lubed the cables as well as the throttle tube. Is there a lighter spring avaialable or should I just head off to the hardware store and find one that fits?

3)  The front brakes seem very weak as compared to my modern bikes (Ducati) and I want to make sure they are 100%. I have installed new pads and have scuffed the rotor a bit with scotchbrite to break the glaze. I will order ne stainless steel brake lines and install them instead of the old rubber. Any hints as to how to improve the front braking power??

Here's a few pics of our '74 550.





Thanks for any help,

Jon

[luckydevil]

Hello all!

I have pulled the 550 out of the barn after 6 years in hibernation to use it to teach my daughter how to ride. Like a dependable dog, fresh fuel and a new battery and vrooom, she started right up. I ran it and then pulled the carbs for a good cleaning. It's running good but she has a few complaints that I would like to address.

1)  The clutch is a bit heavy. I have lubed the crap out of it, but I'm thinking of changing the cable to see if that helps. Any hints as to help this besides replacing the cable?

2)  The throttle spring seems quite stiff. I have cleaned and lubed the cables as well as the throttle tube. Is there a lighter spring avaialable or should I just head off to the hardware store and find one that fits?

3)  The front brakes seem very weak as compared to my modern bikes (Ducati) and I want to make sure they are 100%. I have installed new pads and have scuffed the rotor a bit with scotchbrite to break the glaze. I will order ne stainless steel brake lines and install them instead of the old rubber. Any hints as to how to improve the front braking power??

Here's a few pics of our '74 550.





Thanks for any help,

Jon

All of these are just the nature of the beast.  Clean and lube or replace as needed, but not going to be a modern bike with 35+ year tecnology.

[Mdub]

I picked up a cable lube tool from the local m/c shop. It clamps over the end of the cable and has a little hole to stick the little plastic tube from a spray can of cable lube.
I sprayed PJ chain cleaner first to clean out all the old goo and dirt and then shot the lube.
Nice and smoooth!
Stainless lines will be a big improvement.
Nice looking bike.
Mike

[Johnny5]

Great looking ride. ...that's all I have to offer.

[Mdub]

Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[mystic_1]

Check to make sure your cables have smooth routing with no kinks or sharp turns.  Also make sure none of the bands securing the cables to the frame are pinching too tight.  All of this will interfere with smooth operation.

mystic_1