Topic: First Start Checklist...

[Barossi]

Bike: 1974 CB550K

Ok, so I spent the winter pulling everything off of the bike, cleaning, polishing, greasing, rebuilding.  Didn't pull the engine or do any work to the internals etc.  I've got my plugs gapped, points done, tappets adjusted and compression checked.  (The bike ran last July when I bought it like a dream, just needed some aesthetic work).

I'm currently working on getting the wiring back together...can you guys give me a quick run down of what I need to make sure is together before I kick this thing over for the first time this spring?

Any hints?  Search didn't help much

Thanks!
Jim

[Eydugstr]

Sounds like you got a lot of stuff out of the way!

One thing you might do before you fire it up, is this...double check the oil level, then, with the engine cut-off switch in the "off" position, kick the starter over a few times to prime the oil pump.  Then spin the motor a few times with the starter (ignition switch still in "off") until the oil light goes off. 

What this does is makes sure that plenty of oil is circulating throughout the motor before you start running it.

[Barossi]

Ok cool, I'll be sure to do that.  I guess I'm also looking for like a bare minimum checklist in terms of connections etc.

I figure for it to run i just needs spark fuel and air, of which, spark is my biggest concern, just based on the fact that my electrics aren't fully reassembled. 

[VRodPete]

Off the top of my head:

Visually inspect battery, check charge and electrolyte levels (if not AGM)
Inspect airbox...  Air filter in good condition, airbox not full of mouse dander, etc.)
Check tires -- pressure, checking and cracks. 
Inspect chain and sprockets - wear, adjustment, lubrication.
Verify Brakes are stopping (and retracting - not dragging) properly.
Verify clutch operation
Check lights, signals.
After first start, check kill switch operation.
Go ride!