Topic: Painting my CB550K2

[Randyb]

Hello all,

Been restoring a bike I bought a couple weeks ago.  So far I have cleaned and rebuilt the carbs, replaced the original exhaust (rusted out) with replacement used but great shape exhausts (picked up off this sight), took off the vetter fairing and tail bag, installed a halogen headlight, lots of cleaning and polishing of the engine and other parts to make her shinny.  Somebody really took care of this bike for a lot of years.  I suspect the last owner or two were not as kind.  I still have to replace the seat cover and install the new sprockets and chain as well as new tires and a fresh paint job.  I rode her the the other day after I had the carbs back on and the new exhaust and she is quiet, and smooth.    Since this bike was all there in original form I decided to restore her as close to stock as makes sense.

As you know the 76 models were all Candy Garnett Brown...  Nice but I'm thinking a different color is in order even if that violates my close to stock rule.  I am considering the Candy Bucchus Green from the 73 CB550K model along with the same teardrop decal.  I've always liked that decal pattern the best.  I'm not sure if I am asking for advice or just looking for comments or suggestions.  I don't plan to sell the bike so I'm not too worried about any value trade-offs. 

I'll post a pic soon

Thanks


Randy

[wardenerd]

the 77 antares red is my favorite.  As my wife says Hondas are RED.

[Randyb]

Ah good suggestion, however my problem is that I ride a VERY red Ducati so I feel like the Honda needs to be a different color.  Red and green are my two favorite colors however.

[rb550four]

I think that if you're not  going to restore her "to the letter" , paint it any color that you like. This is your machine, and with every piece that you customize, you'll  notice that there is more and more of you in it . I believe that it actually strengthens the bond between man and  machine. But you must be careful, first it's the paint, then maybe some clubman bars, pretty soon you are figuring rear set pegs and controls,shorten the seat ,then ya can't ride with yer honey. But don't worry, she can get one too. And soon enough the question will come around again, " what color should I paint it"? But I digress, What I mean to say is, the appearance of the machine reflects directly on it's owner.  Paint it stock, but they'll be others that will ask you what's with the off year decal. Can't please  everyone,so please yourself I hope that helped,happy painting!

[wardenerd]

the 77 also came in a really pretty blue color that has kits available to replicate.

[Randyb]

Thanks to both of you.  RB your absolutely right, I need to do what I feel comfortable with on the bike.  Great advice!

BTW took the bike out for a 30 mile ride last night.  My 18 year old daughter rode the CB550K2 and I led the way on my bike.  After out ride she was all smiles!!  I then took the CB550 out for a short spin and was very happy with how smooth, stable, predictable she was and how easily she is to handle.  That little bike could sure use a 6th gear however for highway speed. 

Randy