Topic: 73 cb550?

[digger350]

bought this years ago was told it was a 73 cb550 it says cb550 on the engine but somebody put a newer front end on it ...it has kick start and electric start i,ve had the carbs off so long i need to know how long the fuel lines should be ,,,also it starts up and runs good but will die if you dont keep the throttle revved a little ,also never got a title for it would there be anyway to get a title i live in ky

[Gordon]

Welcome!

The first CB550 was in '74.  If you post the VIN we can tell you what you have, or you can check on the main website in the model guide.  By "newer front end" do you mean they welded on a different steering head?  For length of fuel lines, just mock up the carbs and measure how much you'll need.  It's possible someone may know exactly how long they should be, but I don't think that info is listed anywhere. 

Get the carbs back on and get the bike started up before trying to diagnose a possible running problem.  If you're going by how it ran way back before you pulled the carbs, there's no telling what it could be.  It could even be as simple as not having the idle stop screw turned in far enough. 

I can't help you on the title as I'm in a different state.  Maybe someone else in KY who's gone through the same process will chime in.  You could also call the DMV to see what they have to say. 

[digger350]

the vin plate says mfd 9/73 and the vin is cb550-1007252 everywhere i try to look up the vin says its not enough numbers but thats all that there is,years ago i took the vin to the courthouse and it came up something newer with a lein on it from 78 or something,i ran it last summer just had the gastank laying on top because it seemed to be getting the fuel lines in a bind with the tank on right thats why i wondered if i had them too long its been sitting in my building over 12 years

[Gordon]

That's the correct number of digits for the VIN.  You have an early '74 CB550. 

[campbmic]

Mock up the carbs and get some string and run it like the fuel line. Then measure the string and add 5 inches. Take the length of lines you need and your petcock to autozone and buy some fuel lines and clamps. Put them on the carb and trim off the excess. Its best to leave a bit of excess on the fuel lines in my experience.

[digger350]

ok cool i,ll try that seems to be in pretty good shape to be sitting forever  only wish i could get a title on it

[cb550fcafe]

Try these guys for the title. They claim $90.00 & 7 days. http://www.broadwaytitle.com/

[Elkie]

A lot of states will allow for an antique title, w/o going through a titling company. The best way to find out how to get a title is to visit your states department of transportation website or try calling them. Although I find the people you call are generally useless.

[fmctm1sw]

Try these guys for the title. They claim $90.00 & 7 days. http://www.broadwaytitle.com/

It says $350 on the site now.  All these guys really spiked up the prices in the last year or so.  ITS too..

[cb550fcafe]

Wow, it is $350. Very disappointing, I was quoting price from the links page on ohiocaferacer page. I always kept this price and company in my favorites in case I bought a cheap bike with missing papers, now its not cheap anymore. Looks like a bike with papers is worth alot more these days.

[bender01]

It would be a paperwork hassle. And a little shifty but some states dont require titles for old bikes/cars. For example have a friend in one of those states take A bill of sale to his town clerk and register it for little $. Then you have a current registration. Then your friend sells you the bike with a bill of sale and the registration paperwork. Your state should recognize the state the paper work came from doesnt require titles after 15 years and Voila 2wks later you have a KY title in the mail. Unless your friend shows up with the Police to claim his(new) bike! My state is a title state and ive gotten a title from a bill of sale only from NH and VT. Just trying to help others think of some creative methods. I havent done what Im suggesting but Im certain it could work. Unless the bike was stolen in the last decade and even then Im not sure it wouldnt work. Have any friends in NH VT or GA?  This should stir up some ideas!

[campbmic]

http://scoot.net/faq/Register_a_barn_find