I call this 1977 CB550 the MoLester bike for a few reasons, first the obvious one, the wheels, then the "MO" comes from the project taking more time and way more money than it should have. I really feel like I've been molested by the bike, at least my wallet.
The bike came from here, another member had it. "Really nice", needs "finishing", yep needed starting, middling, swearing, hating, then finishing. First day home, started motor and clutch exploded, pressure plate bolts backed out. Fixed clutch, ran engine again to find a Stanley Steam engine smoked less, disassembled to find all exhaust valves bent over and all guides broken. Then it got a hone, new rings and rebuilt head. Carbs, yep, all redone, except they weren't. They got new press in jets and bowl gaskets with a good cleaning. It had pods, well, I replaced all the missing stock air box pieces all because I read too much from TwoTired
, the bike does run well! The engine leaked out of every seal, of course, all new seals including oil pump and sending unit. Forks puked out in back of truck but they were just done over,not. Rebuilt. Tapered bearings, new roller bearing kit for swing arm. Charging system did not function. All cables were frayed. Raask sets from here on the classifieds. Lester wheels stripped and repainted/polished. New tubes, tires. New side covers, Benjie seat pan, stock tank, all painted black. Mini turn sigs. Everything went out to powder coat. I don't do alot of pictures because I'm a slob and I'd have to clean up first. I work like a Tazmanian Devil stuff flying everywhere, so no real build thread. I was also building my big bore motor for my 76 550 and a complete new build on a CB450 and put my street car back together. There is alot I did to this bike, more than I thought I would have to, but heck thats the story of my life.
I'd like to thank the members here who sold me the parts I needed ; Smack, MrOzz, DKB and to Traveler for keeping me inspired to finish this Lester wheeled machine.
