Topic: 550F snotter

[Gingerkid]

Hey all,

Leakey gaskets, bad starter, smokes more than a tobacco spokesman, and rust rust and more rust. If rust was a rare commodity I would be a very rich man. Where should I start, I bought this for $600 US, but am very overwhelmed. I was planning on riding it in the summer and working on it during the winter, and so goes the plans of mice and men.

[Stev-o]

I'd say get it in good running shape: fix the leaks and starter, get it to idle and go through the gears.
Then work on the cosmetics.
You can drive a rustbucket...

[JZEROE]

Don't take my advice—seems every bike I get, the first thing I do is take the whole thing apart and clean it. I just like a clean bike. Steel wool, WD40, brake clean, and a case of beer. Should come with every vintage Honda.

[campbmic]

I only kick start my bike so PM me how much you want to spend on a starter and I might give it up for some parts money! Or parts if you have any.

[Gingerkid]

Thanks for the replies,

  Good advice, mechanics before body work. Driving something that looks like it was pulled from a pond is fun. It shifts fine, idles a bit rough at first, then calms down.
Will a CB500 gas tank fit on my 550 frame?
I really want to bypass the starter any advice on that?

[RAFster122s]

I believe a CB500 tank will fit on the CB550. I have both so let me take some measurements and get back to you.
They have the same mounting style and other than filler cap opening (CB550 is center, whereas CB500 is right side) I think they are nearly identical.

David