Author Topic: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!  (Read 24072 times)

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Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #50 on: May 10, 2011, 06:36:32 PM »
Tires should be here tomorrow so I tackled the job of pulling the wheels off tonight.

I know everyone likes pictures:

_MG_8603 by DanielB1016

_MG_8604 by DanielB1016

How do my rear pads look?

_MG_8606 by DanielB1016

Time for a new chain. Mine was pretty rusty so I figured might as well.

_MG_8605 by DanielB1016

What about new sprockets? I've read whenever getting a new chain I should probably get new sprockets. Thoughts? Should I get both or just the rear?

_MG_8608 by DanielB1016

1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #51 on: May 10, 2011, 08:06:51 PM »
I would change both sprockets, a worn sprocket could make your chain wear out prematurely.
Brake shoes look ok, you could scuff 'em to get rid of the glaze.

WOW -  you're shop looks nice!
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline fergie

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #52 on: May 10, 2011, 08:36:46 PM »
I believe your bike is a 78 rather than a 77. 77's had different emblems on the side covers
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Offline MoMo

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #53 on: May 11, 2011, 03:58:49 AM »
If your sprockets are not cupped the should be useable.  Admire that floor-is it a two part epoxy kit?  How has it held up if that is what  it is?  ...Larry

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #54 on: May 11, 2011, 05:45:28 AM »
I believe your bike is a 78 rather than a 77. 77's had different emblems on the side covers

It's a 77 with 78 side covers. They were on my bike when I got it.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #55 on: May 11, 2011, 05:47:16 AM »
I would change both sprockets, a worn sprocket could make your chain wear out prematurely.
Brake shoes look ok, you could scuff 'em to get rid of the glaze.

WOW -  you're shop looks nice!

I will be ordering new sprockets and chain today. Probably from Chris' friend Reagan.

Thanks!
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #56 on: May 11, 2011, 05:50:25 AM »
If your sprockets are not cupped the should be useable.  Admire that floor-is it a two part epoxy kit?  How has it held up if that is what  it is?  ...Larry

Thank you.  I'm not sure about the floor. I went on my honeymoon and came back to my garage looking like this. My group of friends got together and did that for our wedding present!

So far, held up well. My bike drips some oil and it whipes right up off the floor.

BEFORE (best picture I could find on my phone)

AFTER

1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #57 on: May 12, 2011, 09:00:31 AM »
booyah! new tires/tubes/strips got in yesterday.

QUESTION: Do I have to have the rim trued everytime I get new tires? I'm new to spokes  :-[

1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Bankerdanny

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #58 on: May 12, 2011, 09:35:10 AM »
I wouldn't think you would need to true the rim. I actually had two spokes break on my Enfield and the rim didn't go out of true. I don't think MC rims are as sensitive as much thinner and lighter bicycle rims.

On a non-MC note, you have a Mustang Cobra AND a Ram Air Firebird? How does the GM-Ford conflict not cause you to burst into flames? LOL
"The problem with quotes on the Internet is that you never know if they're true" - Abraham Lincoln

Current: '76 CB750F. Previous:  '75 CB550F, 2007 Yamaha Vino 125 Scooter, '75 Harley FXE Superglide, '77 GL1000, '77 CB550k, '68 Suzuki K10 80, '68 Yamaha YR2, '69 BMW R69S, '71 Honda SL175, '02 Royal Enfield Bullet 500, '89 Yamaha FJ1200

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #59 on: May 12, 2011, 10:10:28 AM »
I wouldn't think you would need to true the rim. I actually had two spokes break on my Enfield and the rim didn't go out of true. I don't think MC rims are as sensitive as much thinner and lighter bicycle rims.

On a non-MC note, you have a Mustang Cobra AND a Ram Air Firebird? How does the GM-Ford conflict not cause you to burst into flames? LOL

Thanks!

Yes I do. I'm a GM guy through and through, but the 2003-2004 Cobras are in a league of their own IMO.  With just a few bolt ons these cars can be making 500+ HP. But overall, I love horsepower and anything with a motor on it!  The Cobra is my "racecar" and the WS6 is my daily driver.  :)
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline kap384@telus.net

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #60 on: May 13, 2011, 08:41:08 PM »
I wouldn't think you would need to true the rim. I actually had two spokes break on my Enfield and the rim didn't go out of true. I don't think MC rims are as sensitive as much thinner and lighter bicycle rims.

On a non-MC note, you have a Mustang Cobra AND a Ram Air Firebird? How does the GM-Ford conflict not cause you to burst into flames? LOL

Thanks!

Yes I do. I'm a GM guy through and through, but the 2003-2004 Cobras are in a league of their own IMO.  With just a few bolt ons these cars can be making 500+ HP. But overall, I love horsepower and anything with a motor on it!  The Cobra is my "racecar" and the WS6 is my daily driver.  :)

Buddy had an '03 Cobra that he put a Whipple on.  Crazy power.  Have to say, doesn't look nearly as mean as our WS6's though!  Also, too bad Ford didn't step up to the plate until after our Bird's were killed off. >:(   Looks like your making progress.  Keep it up!
1965 Honda CB450K0
1972 Honda CT70K1
1975 Honda MR50
1975 Honda CB400F Supersport
1977 Honda CB750F2 Supersport
1978 Honda XL100
1979 Honda CBX Supersport
1982 Honda VF750S Sabre - Adventure Bike modified
1983 Honda CX650T
1995 Honda VFR750
2016 Honda CRF1000L Africa Twin
2015 KTM 200 XC-W
1963 Suzuki T10
My 1977 CB750F restoration - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=66779.0
My 1975 CB400F restoration -
http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=145196.msg1651779#msg1651779
'More Stock Than Not' thread - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=90807.500
My CT70 Resurrection - http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=145221.0
Best Motorcycle Tool Ever - https://www.engduro.com

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #61 on: May 14, 2011, 03:21:24 PM »
Buddy had an '03 Cobra that he put a Whipple on.  Crazy power.  Have to say, doesn't look nearly as mean as our WS6's though!  Also, too bad Ford didn't step up to the plate until after our Bird's were killed off. >:(   Looks like your making progress.  Keep it up!

I love the Cobra with the Whipple, the power is instant.

I agree on the WS6s. The front end is so intimidating. I love the old Pontiac commercials where the black WS6 pulls up at the stop light and revs, so awesome.

Thanks for the words!
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #62 on: May 14, 2011, 03:23:13 PM »
What a coincidence . . .

This garage looks like mine. My roommate's mustang sits where the cobra is, my f-body sits in the driveway and the bikes go on the side of the garage where yours is.


Usually the WS6 is in next to the Cobra with the bike up against the wall, but when I need to get some work done on the bike I have to leave the WS6 outside. Crazy coincidence with your parking situation! My wife parks her Camry outside, I have a very understanding wife. :)

Got my new tires mounted today and the front wheel back on the bike.  Just waiting on my chain and new sprockets now.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #63 on: May 15, 2011, 07:00:51 AM »
You shouldn't need to true the rims if they have not been damaged. You could check runout if you have a dial indictor gauge (or a makeshift gauge). Spin 'em and at least give it a visual inspection..
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #64 on: May 15, 2011, 02:10:46 PM »
You shouldn't need to true the rims if they have not been damaged. You could check runout if you have a dial indictor gauge (or a makeshift gauge). Spin 'em and at least give it a visual inspection..


They seem to be fine. The guy that put my new tires on said he was surprised that they looked so straight.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #65 on: May 15, 2011, 05:22:37 PM »
Well I took my shifter cover off so that I could get to my front sprocket. The sprocket came off fine but there is a lot of crap in there.

This is the inside of the cover"

_MG_8610 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

_MG_8609 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

This is what was behind the cover:

_MG_8611 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

_MG_8612 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

_MG_8613 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

_MG_8612 by DanielB1016, on Flickr

Is that engine sludge? Is there a gasket that fits behind the cover? It looks like oil is leaking from the bottom.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Tintop

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #66 on: May 15, 2011, 07:21:21 PM »
There is an oil seal on the shifter shaft.  Your going to have too anyway, so I would clean everything up.  Then start the engine.  Let it idle for a minute, and then check the area for fresh leaks.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline Free Booter

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #67 on: May 15, 2011, 09:25:06 PM »
WooHoo! another TexAN!  HEY TERE... The Architect (another forum member) is also in Houston. Kind of curious how many guys are in my area (San Antonio. ) I know Stevo, TiperT and Anti Jonny are all in Texas too, but don't know where exactly. We should all get together when the bikes are done. Though mine might be a while...

Good luck on the build...don't get discouraged by the garbage you find in the tear downs...its worth the pain for the finished product.

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #68 on: May 15, 2011, 11:47:06 PM »
DB - your front sprocket area does not look that bad, I've seen much worse. Most likely, most of it is lube that came off your chain mixed with road grime. Use Simple Green or another engine cleaner.

Booter - I'm just NW of Austin, Anti Johnny is in San Marcos and Tipper is in the Dallas area. You should have joined us for the Rally last month, we had a great time.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #69 on: May 16, 2011, 05:44:27 AM »
There is an oil seal on the shifter shaft.  Your going to have too anyway, so I would clean everything up.  Then start the engine.  Let it idle for a minute, and then check the area for fresh leaks.

I can start the bike with the shifter cover off?  When I started undoing the screws holding the shifter cover in oil seemed to come out more rapidly from the bottom of the cover.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Tintop

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #70 on: May 16, 2011, 02:36:27 PM »
There is an oil seal on the shifter shaft.  Your going to have too anyway, so I would clean everything up.  Then start the engine.  Let it idle for a minute, and then check the area for fresh leaks.

I can start the bike with the shifter cover off?  When I started undoing the screws holding the shifter cover in oil seemed to come out more rapidly from the bottom of the cover.

The cover only supports the shifter shaft, and keeps your foot out of the sprocket.  So yes, you can start the bike without in on, just make sure it is in neutral.  It does sound like a leaking shfter shaft seal though.  Give the area a good cleaning, get in dry, and see if it weeps around the seal.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #71 on: May 25, 2011, 05:27:03 PM »
Got the tires mounted on the wheels and back on the bike. Got my sprockets and chain in and now I'm just waiting on the oil seals I ordered. I got 2 just in case I messed one up.

On my rear brake, does anyone know how this should go back together? I couldn't remember if the rubber washer went up against the drum or against the arm:


rearbrake by DanielB1016, on Flickr
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Tintop

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #72 on: May 25, 2011, 06:00:27 PM »
Looking at the pictures I have, the rubber washer/cushion goes between the backing plate and brake stay.  Steel washer and nut on outside.
1977 CB550/4 Cafe - Speed Warrior / BOTM 03/11
1980 CB750F (project)
Whittaker GBF Vintage Racing Sidecar (XS750 power) - ITG / 151's / CMR Racing Products (SOLD)
1976 CB400 SS - stock / BOTM 04/11 (SOLD)
1973 CB750 K - basket case (SOLD)
77 CB550 Cafe build
550/750 Filter Thread
Sidecar Rebuild Thread

Offline DanielB

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #73 on: May 25, 2011, 07:09:34 PM »
So mine is correct? I believe that's how I have it.

Tintop thanks for being so prompt and answering my questions, you're the man!

Also, on a sidenote, what does a solid set of stock 4 into 4s go for? I feel someone trying to restore a bike would appreciate these more than I would.
1977 CB550K - Project Thread: http://forums.sohc4.net/index.php?topic=80164.0

Other toys: 2003 Cobra | 2002 WS6

Offline Stev-o

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Re: 1977 CB550K3 - Not first bike, but most def. first build!
« Reply #74 on: May 29, 2011, 10:02:04 AM »
You can refer to the parts fiche for proper reassembly:

http://www.westernhillshondayamaha.com/fiche_section_detail.asp

I've seen good exhaust systems sell for $100 - 150.
'74 "Big Bang" Honda 750K [836].....'76 Honda 550F.....K3 Park Racer!......and a Bomber!............plus plus plus.........