Author Topic: Will it run by the end of today? Place your bets!! (Read 3984 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!

eldar · « **Reply #25 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:18:10 AM »

It is good you had some trouble! After all, if we had no troubless with these bikes, we could not work on them at all. I sometimes think that is half the fun...............OK may 20% of the fun............or 5% if it is the carbs!

Jim Shea · « **Reply #26 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:25:10 AM »

Personally I want everything to go smoothly, I hate it when it goes wrong; then out comes the big hammer and things get smashed!

Gordon · « **Reply #27 on:** January 19, 2006, 08:42:36 AM »

Quote from: Jim Shea on January 19, 2006, 08:25:10 AM

Personally I want everything to go smoothly, I hate it when it goes wrong; then out comes the big hammer and things get smashed!

Forgot to mention I did employ the use of a large rubber mallet to get the air box in it's place. That always helps, both mechanically and mentally.

Jim Shea · « **Reply #28 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:32:30 AM »

I must get a rubber hammer, then I can vent my anger and not do so much damage.

Gordon · « **Reply #29 on:** January 19, 2006, 09:45:32 AM »

Quote from: Jim Shea on January 19, 2006, 09:32:30 AM

I must get a rubber hammer, then I can vent my anger and not do so much damage.

That's my whole idea behind getting this bike in the first place. I kept having all these ideas for the 750, but never ended up going through with any of them because I really like the stock look and don't want to screw it up, besides, it's my main transportation. The 550, on the other hand, is going to be my mad scientist experiment lab. I can do all sorts of crap to it because I don't really care what it looks like, and I don't have to worry about making sure it can get me to work the next day.

Now all I need is a white lab coat and one of those Jacob's Ladder things going in the background while I'm in the garage!

It's sort of like a Jeckyl and Hyde thing between the 750 and 550.

ElCheapo · « **Reply #30 on:** January 19, 2006, 12:46:17 PM »

I will have to see if I can beat that time with my motor swap, forks seals, etc. Man, I think I will need something a little bit oposite of beer to get her done. I will post the goods as well as the long awaited (what killed her) photos.

Gordon · « **Reply #31 on:** January 19, 2006, 12:58:47 PM »

Quote from: ElCheapo on January 19, 2006, 12:46:17 PM

I will have to see if I can beat that time with my motor swap, forks seals, etc. Man, I think I will need something a little bit oposite of beer to get her done. I will post the goods as well as the long awaited (what killed her) photos.

Be careful what you employ when it comes to "performance enhancers". Just look at the Apologies in advance if this is your machine thread.

Also, my all-day marathon rebuild did come at a price. My wife came out at the worst possible moment (in the middle of trying to get the carbs back on the engine), and stated that she wanted to go out to dinner. I politely informed her that I was a little busy and would be in the garage until this damn thing was running. She's really great about that kind of thing, though. Her only retaliation was to make just enough dinner to feed herself. She knows I'll make it up to her!

ElCheapo · « **Reply #32 on:** January 19, 2006, 01:07:54 PM »

Quote from: gordon on January 19, 2006, 12:58:47 PM

Quote from: ElCheapo on January 19, 2006, 12:46:17 PM
I will have to see if I can beat that time with my motor swap, forks seals, etc. Man, I think I will need something a little bit oposite of beer to get her done. I will post the goods as well as the long awaited (what killed her) photos.

Be careful what you employ when it comes to "performance enhancers". Just look at the Apologies in advance if this is your machine thread.

Also, my all-day marathon rebuild did come at a price. My wife came out at the worst possible moment (in the middle of trying to get the carbs back on the engine), and stated that she wanted to go out to dinner. I politely informed her that I was a little busy and would be in the garage until this damn thing was running. She's really great about that kind of thing, though. Her only retaliation was to make just enough dinner to feed herself. She knows I'll make it up to her!

ROTFLMAO BIG TIME

This will be the fact. I have a tendency to get "over-focused"

grumburg · « **Reply #33 on:** January 20, 2006, 08:58:05 AM »

Gordon: Only someone who has "felt the burn" of bringing one back to life in a few kicks after all the hard work can appreciate it! Mine was June 19, 2005. I have to stop now, very hrad to tye thuogh misty eeys.

heffay · « **Reply #34 on:** January 20, 2006, 03:41:49 PM »

godon... it may be several months coming but, when the 400f is running...

well, we ride. until then, congratulations, and let's go ride some other bikes. if it is warm enuf, i might break out the 350f for one final run to the p.s lounge this coming 1st thursday. after that, it is to the chopping block for some long awaited overhauls.

unless, she purrs like a kitten (and complains like grandma) that always makes me say...

i'll do it next time.

Gordon · « **Reply #35 on:** January 21, 2006, 04:54:27 AM »

Quote from: heffay on January 20, 2006, 03:41:49 PM

godon... it may be several months coming but, when the 400f is running...

well, we ride. until then, congratulations, and let's go ride some other bikes. if it is warm enuf, i might break out the 350f for one final run to the p.s lounge this coming 1st thursday. after that, it is to the chopping block for some long awaited overhauls.

unless, she purrs like a kitten (and complains like grandma) that always makes me say...

i'll do it next time.

Keep your ears peeled, we may be moving the 1st Thursday to Club 404 on Broadway. Just have to convince Mike that it's the right decision. The Rusted Nuts will most likely be meeting there on the 3rd Friday of each month from now on. We can hang out and plan some rides for the following Saturdays. We haven't even had much of a Winter yet, but DAMN I'm ready for Spring!!

74cb750 · « **Reply #36 on:** January 21, 2006, 05:36:00 AM »

What a project! Hope I get one of mine running before the snow/ice melts.

Terry, ignore this as I know you get no snow/ice. It's usually white, hard and cold.

peace

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Author Topic: Will it run by the end of today? Place your bets!! (Read 3984 times)

eldar

prsman23@hotmail.c

Teach

Jim Shea

eldar

Jim Shea

Jim Shea

ElCheapo

ElCheapo