Author Topic: Will it run by the end of today? Place your bets!! (Read 3496 times)

Gordon · « **on:** January 18, 2006, 07:07:16 AM »

Okay! It's 8 am as I type this, and the 550 is in the last stages (mechanically at least) of the project. My goal is to be able to ride it before the end of the day. The engine is completely reassembled and ready to go back in the frame, the carbs are in pieces but fully cleaned and ready for assembly, the front brake is sticking so needs to be taken apart and cleaned out (hopefully just the caliper and not the MC).

I have all the parts needed for reassembly but will need to leave the house to get a new battery, oil, and beer of course, and I'll have to re-attach one of the rear shocks on my car that came loose somewhere in Kansas yesterday before I can drive it anywhere else. Barring any major oversights or stupid mistakes on my part, I'm hoping to post a picture of me riding this thing (illegally) down the street before the day is over. Can it be done??? $:-\$ $:-\$

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #1 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:16:08 AM »

If you pull it off you are a better and faster mechanic than I am (most are by the way).

eldar · « **Reply #2 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:36:58 AM »

Well if you fail, you could pull the windshield off the other bike and ride it and say you made your goal. Like we would know any better!

DCopp · « **Reply #3 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:59:41 AM »

Please don't drink and ride...

Gordon · « **Reply #4 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:12:31 AM »

Quote from: DCopp on January 18, 2006, 07:59:41 AM

Please don't drink and ride...

The illegal part is in reference to lack of insurance/registration, not being drunk, but I appreciate your concern.

Paul · « **Reply #5 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:23:58 AM »

And, Free wheeling doesn't count.

We must see the Rev counter, the haze between the spokes,...or a still from a police camera will do, the one with the data in the corner.

I'd say yes.

grumburg · « **Reply #6 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:35:32 AM »

God's Speed, Gordon

prsman23@hotmail.c · « **Reply #7 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:37:23 AM »

GO MAN GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TwoTired · « **Reply #8 on:** January 18, 2006, 10:33:39 AM »

That's quite a punch list!
Is it possible? Yes.
But is it likely? Not for me.
But then, my estimated 30 minute wrench tasks take a minimum 4 hours with part in hand. Wrong parts, damaged/missing screws, assembly order violations/redo, really must paint this, wire & connector issues, etc.

Sometimes it's a matter of do it today, do it again correctly tommorrow.

However, I do recognize that pessimism is a learned trait.

Best of luck!

Teach · « **Reply #9 on:** January 18, 2006, 10:43:06 AM »

Quote from: gordon on January 18, 2006, 07:07:16 AM

Quote from: gordon on January 18, 2006, 08:12:31 AM

It'll never get done if you keep looking at the forums every hour!

Gordon · « **Reply #10 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:22:48 AM »

Quote from: Teach on January 18, 2006, 10:43:06 AM

It'll never get done if you keep looking at the forums every hour!

Now, Now!!

Had to come back in to get the new tach cable seal that I left on the desk, so I figured I'd check in.

Update: Engine is back in the frame and bolted in, and ignition and electrics are all hooked up.

Minus the battery, that is.

cbjunkie · « **Reply #11 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:37:18 AM »

burn, baby. burn...

Japbikemike · « **Reply #12 on:** January 18, 2006, 11:50:33 AM »

Nothing under heaven and earth is not possible with an unlimited supply of beer and internet porn.

my78k · « **Reply #13 on:** January 18, 2006, 01:38:51 PM »

It took me that long just to get my GD carbs back on last time I had them off for a cleaning...

8 Track · « **Reply #14 on:** January 18, 2006, 05:38:45 PM »

The more I drink in the garage, the more slow pokey (or putzier) I get. If you bought a six pack, my guess is by 10 pm, you'll be sitting on a five gallon bucket, smiling at a 3/4 finished bike.

Good luck, I think you can do it. Don't forget to fill the oil!

cbjunkie · « **Reply #15 on:** January 18, 2006, 05:42:38 PM »

report! report!

8 Track · « **Reply #16 on:** January 18, 2006, 06:56:14 PM »

Quote from: cbjunkie on January 18, 2006, 05:42:38 PM

report! report!

seaweb11 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 18, 2006, 07:43:52 PM »

I replaced a set of fork seals on the CL today................almost.....
I work at a much slower pace

Does anyone have his phone number? Perhaps a 911 call for help!!!!

Gordon · « **Reply #18 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:38:49 PM »

Ladies and Gentlemen (and the members of this group, too), I give you a running CB550!!!!!!

At 7:55pm, I poured some fresh gas into the tank and with only five kicks (no cheating with the elecric starter), it came to life! Shut it off and set to work on all the finishing touches like headlight, seat, etc..., and sorted out the front brake. At 9:15pm I took it out for the first ride. That thing pulls surprisingly well!

, But I may still end up going with a larger rear sprocket since this will be my in-town bike.

Now that it's FINALLY running, I can start working on the cosmetics. I just needed to hear that motor roar to get the inspiration! Unfortunately my wife is already in bed, so I couldn't get a good action shot, it's dark anyway, but here's an "after" shot and a shot I took of the clocks on the first ride. Sorry I wasn't going faster for the pic, but riding one-handed while taking pictures is best done at slow speeds, if at all.

Gordon · « **Reply #19 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:43:32 PM »

And now it's time to finally go get that beer!

cbjunkie · « **Reply #20 on:** January 18, 2006, 08:48:56 PM »

hey, thanks man - i needed a reason for a beer!

Paul · « **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2006, 01:28:00 AM »

Clap, Clap, Clap... Oh, I Mean applaud

Bob Wessner · « **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2006, 02:17:56 AM »

Oh, sure, you're in Denver so you had two extra hours.

Congrats, nice job for sure.

Jim Shea · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2006, 02:21:26 AM »

Gordon,
Congrats, that must be a great feeling to have it running?
Jim.

Gordon · « **Reply #24 on:** January 19, 2006, 04:48:09 AM »

Thanks! Pay no attention to that K/Q monstrosity currently attached to the bike, a new seat is on its way. Bob, I ended up spending two frustrating hours searching for a new battery, so does that even things out?

Surprisingly, the only part I screwed up on was puting the carbs on before getting the air box and filter in place!

Out of sheer stubbornness I still managed to get it all in without pulling the carbs back off, but it required removing the top rear engine mounting bolt and plate, and the electrical panel. Still easier than yanking the carbs and getting them back on, though!

News:

Author Topic: Will it run by the end of today? Place your bets!! (Read 3496 times)

eldar

prsman23@hotmail.c

Teach

Jim Shea