Topic: Opinion on a '76 CB550F

[drones76]

Still looking for that project SOHC-4.

I looked at this one last night.  It started on the third kick.  Too late to drive it around.

According to the owner:
It is titled
Less than 10k miles.
Carbs rebuilt over the winter.  (He has the original bits and gaskets)
He does not know how to sync it so that will need to be done.
Front caliper and lines rebuilt and/or replaced.  (Brakes seemed to grab ok with a small push in the garage)
In his opinion the back wheel including installation will cost $200 and the carb sync will cost $200.  I plan to do the work myself.  He may have given me some negotiating room.


From my standpoint.
Both tires need replacing.  He agrees on the back.  The front is over 5 years old.
Chrome on overall bike looks good except on tailpipe.  Some pitting but pipes seem solid.
There is an oil leak running horizontally across the back of the engine where the cases meet. 
It has a King/Queen seat that is in good shape and I kinda dig it.

He gave me a price.  I would like to see what you guys that are familiar with the model thinks it is worth based on the info above.

What are the pitfalls of these bikes?

Thanks for any help you can provide.

[bender01]

As a positive I think its a 550k for starters. Im guessing 8-1200. We dont have alot of choices in the South East.

[johnrdupree]

I think Bender is right.  A lot of stuff down this way goes to rot pretty quickly so pickings are kinda slim.  I looked at scads of ads for 550's in the SE and the runners seemed to start around $800.  If you could get that for under a grand you may be onto something.  Just my 2¢.

[HawaiiMike]

It appears to be  K model rather than an F (Supersport).

[flybox1]

I'd see it in the daylight before you make an offer, take cash, and start at $500.

[Duanob]

Yeah if you're restoring it you're looking at the expensive stuff that is missing. OEM seat and exhaust for starters. That is not a supersport tank or paint scheme. I agree with Flybox on the price. Even here on the west coast we try not to pay too much for bastardized stuff.

[IndyFour]

I agree with the others that this is a 550K, not an F bike....the rear peg mounts (ears) say so as well as the tank.  If it started cold on the third kick, that's probably a good sign.  That said, it doesn't mean that regular maintenance has been performed over the years.  I would ask him if he has adjusted the cam chain and, if so, did it adjust.  In my experience, the 550's tend to have tensioner issues, especially if that service was not performed at recommended intervals or if it sat for a long time.

Just general stuff to check...How does it shift?  Is there rust in the tank?  Has the wiring been messed with?  Condition of chain/sprockets?  Steering head bearings (does it "catch" in the center when turning the bars?)?  Wheel bearings?  These are all things that can add up $$ quickly if they need replaced.  I wouldn't necessarily worry about a minor oil leak as many bikes this age develop leaks....unless it just bothers you or leaks alot.

My '74 550K was in fairly comparable condition when I got it a couple of years ago and I think I paid $600 for it....but had to drive across state lines to get it.  I rarely see any CB listed for under $1000 unless it doesn't run or needs major work.  I agree with Flybox1.... maybe offer somewhere around $500 to start, but my comfort zone would be to pay up to maybe $900?  That's just me, though and I'm in Indiana (not familiar with your market).  This bike does seem to have low mileage going for it, though....that's a plus.

Good luck!

[drones76]

Thanks for the opinions so far.  He had it listed as an F.  Now that I compare it, it does, as you all seem to agree, appear to be a K.  That really does not matter much to me. 

He is asking $750/BO for it.  You know there is some wiggle room there.

I will make arrangements to go see it in the daylight when I can ride it also.


Thanks again.

[flybox1]

try to get him lower, but dont feel bad if he doesnt.
around here, at $750, that bike would have been picked up already with people still inquiring if it is available.

[steam-powered man]

i like 550's.  quick enough, nimble, easy to work on.  you can take the valve cover off to fix pesky top end leaks or do the "full monty" right down to the cases, with the engine in the frame.  nice.

for me, only one downside: to repair the starter clutch, you gotta split the cases (not for the faint of heart).  i'd make sure the starter works, even if it meant bringing a battery.  i'd drop the offer quite a bit if the tank is dented or has any corrosion inside.  pricing is sometimes dependant on location, but 600-800 is about right.  count on tires, maybe a battery, maybe chain/sprockets, maybe head bearings, maybe swingarm bushings.  all fun stuff, to be sure.  oh, yeah.  pods, gotta have pods.      

[drones76]

The starter does need to be replaced.  He has one that he bought, just never installed.  To install the starter, the cases need to be split? 

Does need tires, chain and starter replace.

[Stev-o]

Offer him $650 and take it home. That is a good deal, you'll regret it if you miss buying it.
A set of tires is $130 or so.

Good luck......

[dave500]

the starter motor can be done easy without splitting the cases,the starter clutches last forever,the starter might be ok,it might be the solenoid thats dodgy?

[steam-powered man]

replacing the starter is easy, starter clutches not so much.

cb550 i looked at (and bought) was said to need a starter.  yanked the starter, it looked/tested fine on the bench but cleaned it anyway.  reinstalled w/same results.  found another starter, checked/cleaned/tested fine and installed w/same results.  only worked when warm.  did a search here and found faulty starter clutches on 550's aren't uncommon.

not a huge problem, did a full tune and bike always started with one-kick.  10 minutes into the ride, starter would work fine.

you can tell if it's the starter clutch by the noise when attempting to start.  sounds like it's not engaging sometimes, spinning/rattling other times.  good luck,
bobp