Topic: I'm New - New CB550

[Iamchris]

Hi all,

I am new here, and a new owner. I'll preface by telling you who I am, then maybe someone can help me with some basics.

I am new to bikes, but I have been a fan for a while. Specifically, I have loved Cafe bikes for a while. I started as a big Triumph fan, but eventually branched back to older Cafe rebuilds; and after some time, have learned about how great CB's are as Cafe bikes.
I do not currently ride (yah, I am a bench fan, sidewalk biker), I'll be getting my bike license soon on my brother's intruder; and I'll be working on the CB.

I plan to do a full build up on the CB. I have never worked on bikes, but I do work on cars (I have a 550hp 03 Cobra), and I also have sheet metal and composites experience (I have been an aircraft structural mechanic in the Air Force for 12 years). So this bike is a huge undertaking for me. While a simple machine, I am as green as they come with bikes, but I have the motivation.

That all said. My 550 is a 1976 resurrection; it hasn't run in over 30 years. The original owner apparently went to prison in 79', and the bike was wrapped in plastic and stored. It was recently sold at an estate sale, then resold to myself... at least that is my understanding. I plan to get the bike started back up, and maybe make a few rides on it before the tear down... so that is where I am!

Now the questions:

What all should I be looking at now before I get this thing started? All fluids were recently drained, and the key was lost...
From the basics, obviously it needs oil, brake fluid, gas, oil and air filters, plugs... what else should I do?

Also... the guy who sold it to me removed the ignition. I guess I should just pick something new up and wire that on in... any advice or common sense words that might help me?


Thanks in advance!

[bender01]

Welcome!
   Before you cut that bike up can we see some pics or a link to them? You might be able to trade that for a more suitable project and a lil $$$. What color is it? Mileage? Where are you? Youll love this site!
 

[Accolay]

Welcome aboard!

My CB550F is my first bike. If it were me talking to myself about two years ago when I bought my bike, I'd tell myself to get the thing running great before doing anything else: learn how to do the maintenance, how to ride it and how it all works before doing something like making it pretty.

Of course we all have our own talents and experience, so yours might put you at a different level than I was. And who wants to ride an ugly beater bike anyway? Well, ok, some people don't mind, but I hate rust.

+1 to bender01 though- If the bike is in really good stock condition, maybe find something that's a better option to cafe? But then again, to each their own.

Buy a Honda ignition if you can find one and get keys, or just go with a cheapy EMGO for right now.

[Gaither]

Hey Chris

FWIW

First, if you are a new rider, please consider taking the Motorcycle Safety Course. Look it up on the Net. You'll enjoy it, meet some nice bikers and learn a LOT about safer riding.

I gotta agree with Bender. You're lucky! That's got to be a low-mile original 550 and way too nice to start cutting up. Clean the fuel tank, if needed, and clean and sync the carbs - after sitting so long. Do the few things you know it needs. Get some new tires, tubes and liners. Likely needs a bit of "clean & polish". Then ride that sucker. Too few low-mile 4 cylinder bikes left to cut it up.

If you like "Cafe", find one you like and preserve that original bike. You'll be glad you did later. Nothing at all wrong with Cafe. There's a bunch of really nice Cafe bikes out there. But please don't sacrifice a clean original 550 to have a Cafe.

Just another FWIW.

You've come to the right place. There's a great bunch of guys here. They are all willling to help. I've enjoyed it and have learned a lot - and still learning. I say "welcome" even I'm still new here too.

[flybox1]

hmmm.  prison eh?
some shady past that bike may have.
please post pics of the "Folsom Bike Build"