Topic: Here is my laundry list. Any suggestions

[robdrobd]

I bought a 1975 cb550f last week. The bike ran and the guy I bought it from was a mechanic who said he would send me a list of things it needed to be road worthy. Here is the list he sent me (yes, he used #6 twice.)

1. Rear brakes replaced
2. Front brake piston disassembled and cleaned and reassembled
3. Headlight bulb
4. Side cover for battery
5. reinstall airbox
6. front and possibly rear tire
6. Check wiring connections for turn signals
7. Tighten handle bars
8. I changed the oil last fall, but you probably should change oil, plugs and check points and condenser  
9. I already put carb cleaner in the tank, however I think you should fill the tank with hi-test and add additional carb cleaner several times  



I have never restored a bike, or even fixed one for that matter. Is this stuff going to cost me an arm and a leg? Also, how many of these parts are specifically made for the 75 550f, and how many can I find that are just "common" to all cb's from that era. Thanks folks. I really love this forum. I am a total addict already. Pics to come, building a motorcycle shed to keep it in first!

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Side covers are made of unobtainium these days, but you could try FeeBay or a local bone yard.  Tires are going to be $200+ mounted.  The rest of the list is labor only or labor + chump change.

Get or download a repair manual.  Nothing listed there is beyond level 2 (out of 10) in difficulty.

[bender01]

#2 is a pain if its siezed but not expensive. Cover the whole bike with something so that brake fluid doesnt damage your paint. It will jump out when you dont want it too.
#4 and 5 are specific to the 550f. Everything else seems minor except #9
 Dont do that!! Try seafoam or better yet search carb cleaning  and just get it over with. Also search tuneup and do it all. Youll be happier faster. Is it still original paint?  Good luck. Lets see the pics.

[robdrobd]

Still original tank, but faded on top pretty badly. Flake Orange. How the hell can motorcycle tires cost more than car tires for half the rubber?

[OldSchool_IsCool]

Car tires are produced on a massive scale.  Motorcycle tires, not so much, thus the higher unit cost.  Add in the tube, rim band, mounting and balancing and ur at a sawbuck in a hurry!