Author Topic: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build! (Read 23911 times)

DanielB · « **Reply #25 on:** December 16, 2010, 05:24:39 AM »

Thanks for the encouragement guys!

I will have to spend some time reading over the How-Tos on taking the gauges apart.

I also need to read up on replacing the gasket on the shifter side of the bike. It's starting to leak oil pretty bad.

DanielB · « **Reply #26 on:** December 22, 2010, 06:28:00 AM »

I finally had a little time to do some small things to the bike the other night. I put in new NGK spark plugs, adjusted my rear springs, and tightened my chain. The tach seems to be operating better also, not sure why but I'll take it!

Next, I need to check the timing and the points on the bike, although it runs better with new plugs, I think it still needs some tweaking. Any advice on doing the points/timing? I've never tackled these two tasks before!

Tintop · « **Reply #27 on:** December 22, 2010, 06:36:58 AM »

If you haven't down loaded the manual from this site, do it, its free. It will walk you through the whole process. It's not difficult, just have to take your time. I just print out the section I need, as needed. Of course eventually that will be the whole thing. LOL

Stev-o · « **Reply #28 on:** December 22, 2010, 06:24:07 PM »

Since you just bought it, I'd suggest the full "3000 mile tune up". This would include new points and condensors [or electronic ignition] valve adjustment and carb sync.

Good Luck.

Tintop · « **Reply #29 on:** December 22, 2010, 06:33:08 PM »

Quote from: Industrious Stev-o on December 22, 2010, 06:24:07 PM

Since you just bought it, I'd suggest the full "3000 mile tune up". This would include new points and condensors [or electronic ignition] valve adjustment and carb sync.

Good Luck.

+1 on giving it the full deal, if you haven't already done all the things suggested above. You can't get a good sync if the timing isn't right, and for that to be right it needs to have the mechanicals adjusted properly 1st. Otherwise you will just end up going in circles.

DanielB · « **Reply #30 on:** January 04, 2011, 12:27:11 PM »

Its been a while since I updated about my bike. I have just been riding it and enjoying it!

I am going to order new points from old bike barn. While doing so I need to get the gasket that goes behind the cover. Mine is all jacked up.

It is also time for some new tires! I had seem some tires on "RustyOlives" 550 and asked him about his, here is the response:

"I am/was running Metzeler Lasertec tires.
130/80/18 rear. of the top of my head. the front is 100/30/19.. might be wrong.. I'll check when I'm out in the garage again."

Any input on these and the size? I have a few friends running Metzelers on their newer sport bikes and they seem to be pleased with them.

Any input would be great! Thanks

Tintop · « **Reply #31 on:** January 04, 2011, 02:21:29 PM »

One thing to keep in mine is that wire wheels are better with bias ply. Radials can / will cause rim flex, which is not good for handling. Both the Bridgestone BT45's, and Dunlop GT501's are bias ply, with modern tread patterns. Both were recommended by production vintage racers.

Have had Metzelers, and liked them. However, they were mounted on an 80 DOHC.

Stev-o · « **Reply #32 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:35:11 PM »

I bought Bridgestones for my 550:

100/90/19 F
120/90/18 R

Motorcycle Superstore is a good place to order them:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/987/MNGR/Metzeler-Motorcycle-Tires.aspx

Tintop · « **Reply #33 on:** January 04, 2011, 06:56:47 PM »

Quote from: Industrious Stev-o on January 04, 2011, 06:35:11 PM

I bought Brigestones for my 550:

100/90/19 F
120/90/18 R

Motorcycle Superstore is a good place to order them:
http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/987/MNGR/Metzeler-Motorcycle-Tires.aspx

Should have added - GT501's, 100/90/18 front & 120/90/18 rear

DanielB · « **Reply #34 on:** January 04, 2011, 07:17:51 PM »

Quote from: Tintop on January 04, 2011, 02:21:29 PM

One thing to keep in mine is that wire wheels are better with bias ply. Radials can / will cause rim flex, which is not good for handling. Both the Bridgestone BT45's, and Dunlop GT501's are bias ply, with modern tread patterns. Both were recommended by production vintage racers.

Have had Metzelers, and liked them. However, they were mounted on an 80 DOHC.

Hmm, that is an interesting thought. I do like the "newer" look of the Bridgestone BT45. However, I do not see the BT45 in 120/90/18 R but only in 120/80/18.

DanielB · « **Reply #35 on:** January 04, 2011, 07:22:57 PM »

If the smaller sidewall of the Bridgestone is ok at 80 instead of 90 I will get these. 166 bucks shipped for new tires sounds real good to me! I couldn't even buy 1 tire at that price for my Trans Am or Cobra!

Stev-o · « **Reply #36 on:** January 04, 2011, 08:13:17 PM »

The 80 will sit .25" lower, you'll have no issue. Remember, these bikes came with "inch" tires, before metric was the norm.
Don't forget to get new tubes and rim strips too [both very inexpensive too].

Where do you ride in H town?

DanielB · « **Reply #37 on:** January 05, 2011, 05:25:06 AM »

Quote from: Industrious Stev-o on January 04, 2011, 08:13:17 PM

The 80 will sit .25" lower, you'll have no issue. Remember, these bikes came with "inch" tires, before metric was the norm.
Don't forget to get new tubes and rim strips too [both very inexpensive too].

Where do you ride in H town?

Usually out in Cypress or Tomball. I technically don't live in Houston but its just easier to say that.

I live in Tomball.

DanielB · « **Reply #38 on:** April 27, 2011, 01:19:55 PM »

I recently got married and moved so the bike has taken a back seat to life. But, still am excited about getting to work on it. It just seems like I have too many projects sometimes.

How much are you guys paying to have your tires mounted with new rim strips and tubes? I still need to order the tires. I will probably take the wheels off (I think) and take them somewhere to get the new tires put on.

I was also thinking a new chain and sprockets might be in order also. Thoughts?

Tintop · « **Reply #39 on:** April 27, 2011, 02:46:13 PM »

Congrats on getting married.

If there are any tight spots, or kinks in the chain, or the sprocket(s) look worn replace them. Be a real pain if you have to do it later, and pull the wheel again.

Really? · « **Reply #40 on:** April 27, 2011, 02:58:54 PM »

Just read you were going through OBB for your parts. Look somewhere else.

DanielB · « **Reply #41 on:** April 28, 2011, 05:45:44 AM »

Quote from: TipperT on April 27, 2011, 02:58:54 PM

Just read you were going through OBB for your parts. Look somewhere else.

Any suggestions?

DanielB · « **Reply #42 on:** April 28, 2011, 05:47:37 AM »

Quote from: Tintop on April 27, 2011, 02:46:13 PM

Congrats on getting married.

Be a real pain if you have to do it later, and pull the wheel again.

Thanks!

That is what I was thinking. If it's apart, I might as well put new stuff in and save myself the hassle. No kinks in the chain or tight spots. Maybe I just need to take it off and give it a good cleaning. Ill take a pic of it and post it up.

Really? · « **Reply #43 on:** April 28, 2011, 08:06:57 AM »

Quote from: DanielB on April 28, 2011, 05:45:44 AM

Quote from: TipperT on April 27, 2011, 02:58:54 PM
Just read you were going through OBB for your parts. Look somewhere else.

Any suggestions?

Since you were referring to points and from what I have read on this forum, the dealer would be the best bet. Just make sure the points are TEC. It will be stamped on them.

OBB has had bad reviews for years on many forums. I have had an issue with them years back.

http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=51926.0

I do not know if below is TEC but this has been a good place to order parts for me.

www.cb750supply.com

TMHackCB500 · « **Reply #44 on:** April 28, 2011, 08:41:46 AM »

If your sprockets are in decent shape measure the stretch on the chain. Sprockets will last a long time when the chain is maintained, they wear out when the chain stretches and puts uneven pressure on the teeth. Should be able to get the wear limit from the manual on the site.

Stev-o · « **Reply #45 on:** May 02, 2011, 06:01:55 PM »

I paid around $50 to have tires, tubes and strips put on both wheels recently. And the wheels were on the bike, worth it in my opinion.

I bought the Bridgestone's online at motorcyclesuperstore.com

Quick, free shipping and no sales tax.

DanielB · « **Reply #46 on:** May 02, 2011, 08:11:32 PM »

Quote from: Stev-o on May 02, 2011, 06:01:55 PM

I paid around $50 to have tires, tubes and strips put on both wheels recently. And the wheels were on the bike, worth it in my opinion.

I bought the Bridgestone's online at motorcyclesuperstore.com

Quick, free shipping and no sales tax.

dang thats a good deal! All the people Ive talked to so far want 45 bucks per wheel.

the architect · « **Reply #47 on:** May 04, 2011, 01:30:45 PM »

Hey, Daniel -- call the contact I gave you for the shop. He'll beat that price for sure! I told him you might be calling one day, too.

Cheers!

Quote from: DanielB on May 02, 2011, 08:11:32 PM

Quote from: Stev-o on May 02, 2011, 06:01:55 PM
I paid around $50 to have tires, tubes and strips put on both wheels recently. And the wheels were on the bike, worth it in my opinion.

I bought the Bridgestone's online at motorcyclesuperstore.com

Quick, free shipping and no sales tax.

dang thats a good deal! All the people Ive talked to so far want 45 bucks per wheel.

DanielB · « **Reply #48 on:** May 05, 2011, 09:03:55 AM »

Quote from: the architect on May 04, 2011, 01:30:45 PM

Hey, Daniel -- call the contact I gave you for the shop. He'll beat that price for sure! I told him you might be calling one day, too.

Cheers!

Will do Chris. As soon as I get the tires I'll be giving him a call. Then it's on to tackle my steering head bearing!

DanielB · « **Reply #49 on:** May 06, 2011, 11:38:45 AM »

Just ordered my front/rear Bridgestone Battlax BT45V tires, rim strips, and new tubes. Shipping confirmation says they will be here next Wed.

Also got a new oil filter and new points in yesterday.

I can't wait to get everything on!

News:

Author Topic: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build! (Read 23911 times)