Topic: New User / Rider - CB550 Build

[MacMann]

I've been reading the forums here for a little bit now and they have been tremendously helpful and pretty funny.  Such a great amount of knowledge and inspiration for these machines.  So inspiring I decided to throw my hat into the arena.

I'm a first time rider and have always loved the older japanese style bikes.  Today I have taken delivery of 1976 CB550, she is rough and needs some work, but does kick over and run!  Plans are to just learn slowly to turn the wrenches and get her up and running dependably (as much as we can hope) and then work on the aesthetics.  I have a 2001 Ducati Monster 750 arriving shortly to be the bike I really cut my chops with for daily riding so this is to learn and have something that I have built.

Cons:
3rd Gear does not engage and essentially feels like its not there.
After running the bike for about 1 minute the Rectifier begins to smoke.

I have already ordered a replacement rectifier along with a host of other parts to start piecing her together.  Not quite sure what to do about the 3rd gear issue, I suppose the easiest thing is to source a complete transmission to swap out...can't be too hard right??  (famous last words).

I will keep searching first, asking questions second.  If there are any helpful locals in the San Jose / Bay Area I'm more than happy to supply food and beer/drinks for assistance at any time!

http://gallery.me.com/nicky.mann#100084&view=null&bgcolor=black&sel=1

Thanks,

Nick

[unitedguitar]

That's a pretty sweet ride. I remember the day that I got my 750. It was in no where near that good of shape. It didn't run and it was covered in huge clumps of mud. After some cleaning and some researching I managed to get it running and looking decent. I'm sure you'll be able to build a cool bike out of it. There are tons of people on here that have a great plethora of knowledge on these things so I'm sure any questions you have will be answered. Good luck with your build and remember, take lots of pics.

[MacMann]

Started to tear into her today and removed the seat, removed cleaned and replaced air box assembly.  Replaced the smoking rectifier (still don't know if this is the main problem). 

http://gallery.me.com/nicky.mann#100084

Added some pictures of the work today - also took off the rear fender knowing I have no intention of putting it back on. 

[Nortstudio]

Hey Mac.  Looking forward to following your progress.  Your '76 is looking a lot better than the one that arrives to me tom'w.

Hopefully I can pick up some tips from watching your post, I'm really green to all this. 

You can see the photos of my new baby in it's current state.
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=78307.msg873725#msg873725