I recently received a 550 Four for free and am now in the process of rebuilding it. Im planning on updating this topic as the build progresses. Just as a warning Im a full time student and I work full time, so it might take a while, but by gosh it will be done!
Here's what I have in the beginning:
Two tubs are full of parts, including all the nuts and bolts, in their own little tin can. Unmarked.
The frame was stripped down and then primed with several coats, sanded between each, shot with matte black at least 12 times, sanding in between each coat after the 7th, and then sealed twice and wet sanded for a nice finish. Im considering chopping the FT500 gas tank I have so it fits the frame since Im going to be turning it into a cafe racer/streetfighter style so it looks low, mean, and fast.
Seeing as I have no engine for it right now (didn't come with one) Im planning on craigslist and ebay hunting until I can get my hands on a 650 engine, and then Im thinking about overboring the engine for fun so it has more power, and building a charger in my metal shop for that little bit extra oomph. This isnt the first bike Ive rebuilt, so Im comfortable with going for a heavily customized style. It is the first time I've worked on one with the bar running to the rear brake though, something that threw me as evidenced here:
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=73595.0All in all, I think it will turn out well, and I look forward to your thoughts, comments, and ideas. This whole thing isnt set in stone yet since I haven't really gotten too far into it, so if you think of something that would work better, please, I'd love to hear your ideas.
Sam
