Topic: Hi all...

[Astra]

I'm Aaron from St. Louis.  I am now the proud owner of a 1976 CB550F and thought I would start searching the interwebs for resources when I came across your site.  Looks great and appears to have a ton of info that will come in handy as I get my 550 on the road.  Not much to say about the bike.  It's basically stock but needs a headlight assembly and the front brake replaced.  It won't stay running due to the fact that it sat for almost a year without being run much.  Probably needs some carb work done.  Can't wait to get it road worthy and enjoy the approaching fall riding season.

Look forward to getting to know you all.

[JBMorse]

Hey welcome Asra,
Just wanted to suggest that you download the shop manual for your bike if you haven't already.  There's a stickied post under the tech forum with links to those.  There are also articles from magazines that are really helpful there.
Also, I know carbs can gum up pretty easily after sitting for a year, but make sure you've got a good strong battery too.  These bikes won't run without that.  I would give the carbs a cleaning and then go through all the 3000 mile tuneup stuff in the manual when you get a chance. 
How come the front brake needs to be replaced?  Do you mean the master cylinder or the caliper?  Both of those can be rebuilt pretty easily. 
Don't know your riding history, but if you've never ridden a 500/550 four, you're going to fall in love!
Have fun!

[Stev-o]

Welcome from Texas!   I also have a '76 550F, bought it about a year ago and am doing a restoration.
I suggest you doing a full "3000 mile tune-up", do a search for details.

Would like to see some pics.

[Astra]

Thank you for the welcomes.

My riding history is pretty short.  I've had my endorsement for 16 years but this is the first time I've actually owned my own bike.  I haven't ridden in several years due to the fact that it was a point of contention with my wife.  Now that we are getting divorced, I figured there's no time like the present to get reacquainted with bikes.

Thanks for the tips on the manual and 3000 mile tuneup.  I will definitely get those items done first.  The battery is supposedly only a year old so I have it sitting on the charger.  As for the brakes, the mc needs rebuilt.  Everything from the brake line under the tree to the caliper has all been removed.  I have all of the parts it's just a matter of getting the rebuilds done.

I've snapped a few pics that I'll get posted soon.

[Stev-o]

When doing a brake job, it is highly recomended to change the brake line to a stainless braided cover. It will increase stopping power.

[Astra]

That makes sense.  Any recommendations for a vendor that sells stainless braided lines?

Here are a few pics.  They aren't very good but I was in a hurry when I snapped them.

[JBMorse]

I got my stainless lines here: http://www.slingshot-cycles.com/
This is a member's site, pampadori, and he's sold quite a few sets on this site too.  Go to the for sale section and look for his post. 
Your bike looks really nice!  Hopefully you won't need much to get going at all.  They often don't.
Good luck!

[HedNut]

Your bike looks great!! And I'm sure you'll be on the road in no time!  Just to let you know.... this site is the BEST EVER for us owners, tinkerers, builders, enthusiasts and jokers all alike.  You've got a slick bike there!  Welcome!  and Cheers!

[mystic_1]

Agreed, your bike looks to be in very nice shape.

BTW one year is plenty enough time to roach a battery if it wasn't maintained well.  If you have any doubts as to it's condition, consider replacing it.  Charge it up on a decent trickle charger, and see if it holds a charge, check the specific gravity of the electrolyte, etc.

mystic_1

[Stev-o]

nice.   There are a couple of 550's being parted on this site now if you need headlight parts.

[Astra]

Thanks all.

There are a couple of 550's being parted on this site now if you need headlight parts.

As a matter of fact, I've emailed another member already about the headlight parts.  Hopefully it will work out.  As of last night he still had the parts I need.