Topic: Just got my first bike

[toomanytoys]

Picked up a 76 CB550 this weekend, this is a new adventure for me as I have never owned or even ridden a bike before! Plan is to get the bike running, its been sitting for 2 years with a broken ignition switch, and then store it for a teardown next winter. Chrome is pitted and rusty, tank is dinged up.

I have been rebuilding cars for years, and the parts prices amaze me! All the stock replacement parts are super cheap. I'm hoping this will be a fun experience.







I bought it from a guy a couple towns over who had a 40ft container full of rare old bikes and parts. He was gonna build a cafe racer out of this bike but didn't have the time to do so since he has too many bikes, and didn't want to part out the bike since the 550's are fairly rare.

Story is the guy he bought the bike off had paid a shop 2k to fix the bike up, put new tires on it, etc. Apparently it was running great except for an electrical problem that would cause it to shut off randomly while riding, jiggling some wires got it running again. Not surprising since the ignition switch is broken, and there are hacked wires and random switches on the bike. Guy got fed up with this problem after a while and let the bike sit for 2 years.

[mjstone]

Welcome to the Forum, toomanytoys!  Looks like you got a great bike to start with.  My 500 is my first bike and I also had never ridden a motorcycle before.  I'd suggest taking a motorcycle riding course through MSF.  I don't know what state you live in , but in Michigan the state waives the motorcycle skills test if you have a MSF certificate.  The course cost me $25 at Mott Community College, you pay at least that to take the skills test.

MJ

[toomanytoys]

I wish the Motorcycle safety training course was that cheap here, the beginners course is $110 and that counts for the skills test portion of the license test. Still need to pass the written to obtain the endorsement.

However the training course unfortunately does not fit into my work schedule, so looks like I'll be teaching myself. I have plenty of land to play on before I venture onto the road with a 30-day permit.

[KCbarsos]

toomany, the course i took locally (san jose, ca) was about $250 i think. then still had to deal with the DMV for the written... worth it tho

[KCbarsos]

sorry, toomany, welcome! these guys (and gals) have a #$%* load of great info for us. be proud (i am) to be part of such a great site